Top Geography Universities in Canada are equipped with the latest tools and technologies required for studying biogeography, climatology, sedimentology and the biogeochemistry of environmental change and beyond.
This includes Earth System Science laboratories (GIS and remote-sensing facilities), the latest instrumentation, field equipment, software, and hardware.
Canadian Universities offer Geography programs from Bachelor to PhD levels. While Bachelor's degrees are mostly 4 years long, Masters's degrees are 2 years long, and Doctorate is generally 4 years long.
Education in Geography can help you build your career as-
- Cartographer
- Education program coordinator
- Emergency planner
- Environmental assessment coordinator
- First Nations governance
- Forestry technician
- Geotechnical engineer
- GIS Specialist
- Land-use planner
- Marine conservationist
- Meteorologist
- Mining researcher
- Parks policy analyst
- Real estate appraiser
- Remote sensing analyst
- Surveyor
- Sustainability or environmental consultant
- Urban or regional planner
Top Universities for Geography in Canada
According to QS Ranking, these are the leading universities in Canada for Geography studies.
Global Rankings 2023 |
University |
7 |
The University of British Columbia* |
11 |
University of Toronto |
39 |
McGill University |
101-150 |
Queen's University at Kingston |
101-150 |
Simon Fraser University |
101-150 |
University of Waterloo |
101-150 |
University of Calgary |
151-200 |
Western University |
151-200 |
University of Ottawa |
– |
University of Saskatchewan |
Top Geography University in the UK
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Top Geography Universities in Canada: Bachelor of Geography
Bachelor of Geography Courses in Canada
University |
Bachelor of Geography Programs |
York University |
|
BA in Global Geography |
|
University of Waterloo |
Bachelor in Geography and Aviation |
Bachelor in Geography and Environmental Management |
|
University of Toronto |
BSc Hons in Geography |
BA Hons in Geography |
|
BA Hons in Asian Geographies |
|
BA Hons in Environmental Geography |
|
BA Hons in Physical and Environmental Geography |
|
BA Hons in Forest Conversation |
|
University of British Columbia |
Bachelor of Arts in Geography |
University of Victoria |
BA/BSc in Geography and Computer Science (Geomatics) |
BA/BSc in Geography |
|
BSc in Physical, Geography and Earth and Ocean Sciences |
|
McMaster University |
Honours Geography and Environmental Studies (B.A.) |
Bachelor of Science Honours in Geography and Environmental Sciences |
|
Concordia University |
Environmental Geography (BSc) |
Eligibility
Application Requirement / Document Checklist
- Academic documents (transcripts, character and provisional certificates) from class and +2 level.
- Valid English test scorecards
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- 1-3 LOR if asked
- SAT/ACT Scores
- Identification documents like passports
- Proof of Scholarships
- Application fees
Academic Requirements
- To study for a bachelor's degree in Geography in Canada, you must pass grade 12 with a minimum of 70% in maths, physics, and chemistry.
- SAT/ACT Scores are not always compulsory, but they can help you get scholarships.
English test scores
The minimum English language scores to study Bachelor of Geography in Canadian Universities are-
- IELTS: A minimum of 6.0- 7.0, with no band less than 6.0
- TOEFL: An overall score of 70- 90, with at least 18 in each section
- PTE: A minimum score of 50- 68, with no band score less than 50.
Bachelor of Geography Fees in Top Canadian Universities
University |
Annual tuition fees in CAD |
University of Calgary |
25,529.84 |
Lakehead University |
27,759.67 for 1st year 26,989.79 for the remaining years |
University of Waterloo |
42,000- 43,000 |
University of Victoria |
20,121.00 |
University of British Columbia |
20,000-45,000 |
Ryerson University |
30,363.77 |
Concordia University |
20,000- 31,000 |
University of Lethbridge |
20,000- 30,000 |
McMaster University |
25,000- 40,000 |
Top Geography Universities in Canada: Master of Geography
Master of Geography is 1-2.5 years long in Canada. The major subfields of Geography offered in Canada are-
- Physical Geography and Natural Systems
- Environmental Geography and Resource Management
- Urban/ Economic Geography
- Historical/ Social/ Cultural Geography
- Spatial Information Systems
- Climate change vulnerability and adaptation
- Community-based conservation and citizen science
- Cultural interpretations of places, landscapes and tourist sites
- Geomorphometric analysis
- Natural hazards, environmental change and their human impacts
- Rural and regional development
- Urban development and planning
Master in Geography Courses in Canada
University |
Courses |
University of Toronto |
Master of Arts in Geography |
Master of Science in Geography |
|
Master of Forest Conversation (MFC) |
|
Master of Science in Forestry |
|
University of British Columbia |
MA in Geography |
MSc in Geography |
|
McGill University |
Master of Arts (MA) Geography |
MSc Earth and Planetary Science |
|
MSc Geography |
|
Concordia University |
Geography, Urban and Environmental Studies (MSc) |
University of Ottawa |
MA in Geography |
MSc in Geography |
|
Western University |
MA in Geography |
MSc in Geography |
|
Memorial University of Newfoundland |
MA in Geography |
MSc in Geography |
|
University of Saskatchewan |
MA in Geography |
MSc in Geography |
Eligibility
Document checklist for applying
- Official certificates of bachelor's level including transcript, character and provisional certificate.
- Intermediate-level documents, including character, provisional and transcripts.
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- 2-3 Letters of Recommendation, depending upon the University
- Passport
- Application fees
- Valid English Proficiency test results
- GRE Scores (Not always mandatory)
- Work experience, if asked
- Additional essays and interviews
Academic Requirement
- Applicants must pass a Bachelor's degree in Geography, environmental studies or other relevant courses with a minimum of 3.0 GPA.
- A 4 year Bachelor's degree from Canada or its international equivalent is required.
English Test Scores
The minimum scores as stated below-
- IELTS: A minimum of 6.5-7.5 on the academic examination.
- TOEFL: Minimum 79- 110 on the Internet-based test
- PTE: Overall 58 to 75
Master in Geography Fees in Top Canadian Universities
University |
Tuition fee per year |
University of British Columbia |
9,000 to 10,000 Per year |
Vancouver Island University |
18,000 |
the University of Guelph |
20,513 |
the University of Waterloo |
7,254 per term |
Mc. Gill University |
11,442.13 per year |
University of Toronto |
36,798.65 per year |
the University of Calgary |
8,081 Per year |
University of Saskatchewan |
8,096.13 Per year |
University of Ottawa |
28,018 Per year |
Top Geography Universities in Canada: PhD in Geography
Via a doctorate program in Geography, you will gain expertise and skills through formal coursework, research and teaching assistant positions, and field and laboratory experimentation.
Additionally, you will be able to carry out independent research leading to the completion of your thesis.
PhD in Geography Courses in Canada
University |
PhD in Geography Courses in Canada |
University of Saskatchewan |
PhD in Geography |
University of British Columbia |
Doctor of Philosophy in Geography (PhD) |
University of Manitoba |
Geography (PhD) |
University of Calgary |
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Geography |
University of Waterloo |
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Geography |
University of Ottawa |
Doctor of Philosophy Geography |
Doctorate in Philosophy Specialization n Canadian Studies |
Eligibility
Document Checklist for applying
- Academic documents such as transcripts, character certificates and provisional certificates of the master, bachelor, and intermediate levels
- English Language Scores- Should be valid
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Application fees
- GRE/ GMAT Scores (This is not a mandatory requirement in most universities for Doctoral programs in Geography. However, it does boost your profile and help you get an assistantship as well)
- Experience letter for gap
- 2-3 Letters of Recommendation (LOR)
- CV
- Identification documents like passport
Academic Requirements
- Applicants must complete a master's degree in a relevant course with a minimum cumulative average of 70% in the last 2 years of study.
- For doctorate degrees, candidates need to find and finalise the supervisor.
English test scores
International students from non-native English-speaking countries need to take the English proficiency test and bring minimum scores of:
- IELTS: 6.5- 7.0, with a minimum of 6.0 in each band
- TOEFL: 79-100, with a minimum subscore of 19 in each band
- PTE: 58-70, with a minimum subscore of 58
PhD in Geography Fees in Top Canadian Universities
University |
Annual tuition fees in CAD |
University of Saskatchewan |
8,096.13 |
University of British Columbia |
9,131.31 |
University of Manitoba |
2,770. 52 per term |
In other universities, the tuition fees for PhD in Geography are in the same range as above. Students can also get financial aid like assistantships and an annual stipend of up to CAD 25,000 annually.
|
Top Geography Universities in Canada: Scholarships
University |
Scholarship |
Value |
University of Alberta |
Regional Excellence Scholarship |
Up to CAD 5,000 based on the admission average |
International Excellence Scholarship |
Up to CAD 5,000 based on the admission average |
|
Gold Standard Scholarship |
The top 5% of students in each faculty of the university receive up to CAD 6,000 |
|
President’s International Distinction Scholarship |
Up to CAD 120,000 for 4 years of undergraduate study. |
|
International Leader Scholarship |
Up to CAD 10,000 |
|
University of British Columbia |
International Major Entrance Scholarship |
Students need to demonstrate exceptionally well in academics. |
Outstanding International Student Award |
Students need to demonstrate brilliant academic achievement and strong extracurricular involvement. |
|
University of Montreal |
UseM Exemption Scholarship |
For Undergraduate Programs,
For master programs, the value is CAD 9787.95 per year. For a PhD program, the value is CAD 21,038.13 per year. |
McMaster University |
Provost Entrance Scholarship |
CAD 7.500 |
McMaster Chinese Alumni Peter George International Entrance Scholarship |
CAD 3,000 |
|
Ontario Graduate Scholarships |
CAD 10,000-20,000 |
|
Richard Fuller Memorial Scholarship for Science |
Cad 10,000- 20,000 |
|
University of Toronto |
University of Toronto Scholars Program |
CAD 7,500 |
President’s Scholars of Excellence Program |
CAD 10,000 |
|
The University of Toronto International Scholars Award |
CAD 80,000-1,80,000 for 4 years, |
|
Kata Scholars Program |
Varies |
Top Geography Universities in Canada: Scope and Opportunities
A geography program can lead to career opportunities in teaching (primary education to university-level teaching and from technical training to highly theoretical instruction), in research (theoretical and applied and in science, social science and humanities), in business (from real estate to GIS to international banking), and in government (again at all levels - Provincial and Federal levels and to participation in International governance bodies and non-governmental organisations) etc.
To be further precise, graduates can find jobs in geography-related roles in sectors like-
- municipal, provincial and federal government
- community economic development agencies
- city or regional planning firms
- social and community service organisations
- parks and recreation departments
- international development organisations
- educational institutions
- cultural resource management agencies
- transportation planning departments
- agricultural and environmental consulting firms
- travel and tourism industry
- environmental boards and commissions
- environmental non-governmental
- organisations (ENGO’s)
- scientific foundations and policy institute
Geography jobs and salaries in Canada:
Job Title |
Range |
Average |
Business Analyst, IT |
C$51k - C$91k (Estimated *) |
C$68,346 |
Communications Specialist |
C$42k - C$64k (Estimated *) |
C$52,039 |
Community Outreach Coordinator |
C$39k - C$74k (Estimated *) |
C$53,600 |
Content Marketing Manager |
C$62k - C$99k (Estimated *) |
C$78,475 |
Creative Director |
C$58k - C$117k (Estimated *) |
C$81,932 |
Ecologist |
C$37k - C$57k (Estimated *) |
C$45,946 |
Environmental Consultant |
C$39k - C$65k (Estimated *) |
C$50,508 |
Geologist |
C$50k - C$88k (Estimated *) |
C$69,849 |
Program Coordinator, Non-Profit Organisation |
C$39k - C$60k (Estimated *) |
C$47,571 |
Public Works Director |
C$72k - C$214k (Estimated *) |
C$115,093 |
Scheduling Manager |
C$47k - C$95k (Estimated *) |
C$66,394 |