Social science programs encompass wide areas such as economics, environmental studies, gender studies, geography and planning, global development studies, health studies, politics, philosophy and economics, political studies, Psychology and Sociology.
The 3 top social science Universities in Canada fall under the top 3 universities to get a social science degree in Canada. These universities are the University of Toronto, the University of British Columbia and McGill University. The tuition fees for a social science degree in Canada range from CAD 8,000 to 60,000.
These universities offer a Bachelor of social science, Master of Social Science and PhD in Social Science. These degrees prepare students for social science-related roles in hospitals, communities etc.
Top Universities for Social Science in Canada
According to QS World Universities Ranking 2023 by subjects, these are the best universities in Canada for social science degrees.
Global Ranking 2023 |
University |
=15 |
University of Toronto |
17 |
University of British Columbia |
=42 |
McGill University |
=139 |
University of Montreal |
=136 |
Western University |
144 |
Queen’s University at Kingston |
=152 |
University of Alberta |
=209 |
York University |
=218 |
University of Waterloo |
=209 |
University of Calgary |
Top Social Science University in the UK
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Top Social Science Universities in Canada: Bachelor of Social Science
Bachelor of Social Science Courses in Canada
University |
Bachelor of Social Science Programs in Canada |
University of British Columbia |
Bachelor of Arts in Gender, Race, Sexuality & Social Justice |
Bachelor of Arts in Religion |
|
Bachelor of Arts in Sociology |
|
York University |
BA in Interdisciplinary Social Science |
BA in Public Administration |
|
BSW in Social Work |
|
BA in Sociology |
|
Memorial University of Newfoundland |
Sociology, BA |
Bachelor of Social Work |
|
Social Cultural Studies, BA |
|
University of Waterloo |
BA in Social Work |
BA in Gender and Social Justice |
|
Bachelor of Arts in Sexuality, Marriage and Family Studies |
|
BA in Development Studies |
|
BA in Sociology |
|
McGill University |
BA in Gender, Sexuality, Feminist and Social Justice Studies |
Bachelor of ARTS/ BSW in Social Work |
|
BA in Sociology |
|
Concordia University |
Community, Public Affairs and Policy Studies (BA) |
Sociology (BA) |
|
Dalhousie University |
BA in Sociology and Social Anthropology |
Bachelor in Social Work |
Eligibility
Application Requirement / Document Checklist
- Academic documents (transcripts, character and provisional certificates) from class and +2 level.
- Valid English test scorecards
- Statement of Purpose
- 1-3 LOR
- SAT/ACT Scores
- Identification documents like passports
- Proof of Scholarships
- Application fees
Academic Requirements
- Applicants must pass 12 years of education with a minimum of 70% in the intermediate level.
- SAT/ACT Scores are not always compulsory. However, they help boost your overall profile, compensate for a lower GPA and also help you get scholarships.
English test scores
As international students from English-non-speaking countries, these are the minimum test score you need to have-
- 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 Social Science Fees in Top Canadian Universities
University |
Approximate Annual tuition fees for Bachelor of Social Science in CAD |
University of Toronto |
58,581 |
University of British Columbia |
40,634 |
University of Alberta |
44,020 |
Memorial University of New Foundland |
12,000 |
University of Waterloo |
42,327 |
University of Windsor |
30,475 |
McGill University |
22,010 |
Concordia University |
28,500 |
McMaster University |
38,094 |
University of Ottawa |
37,000 |
Top Social Science Universities in Canada: Master of Social Science
Master of Social Science Courses in Canada
University |
Master in Social Science Programs in Canada |
University of Toronto |
Master of Global Affairs/Master of Business Administration |
Master of Arts in Sociology |
|
Master of Global Affairs (MGA) |
|
Master of Public Policy (MPP) |
|
Master of Social Work (MSW) |
|
University of British Columbia |
Master of Social Work- Advanced (MSW) |
MA in Sociology |
|
MA in Gender, Race, Sexuality and Social Justice |
|
MA in Social Studies Education |
|
York University |
MSW |
MA in Development Studies |
|
MA in Social & Political Thought |
|
MA in Socio-Legal Studies |
|
University of Waterloo |
Global Governance-MA |
Public Service-MPS |
|
Social and Legal Studies-MA |
|
Sociology-MA |
|
University of Windsor |
Master of Arts (Sociology) |
MSW |
|
McGill University |
MA in Medical Sociology |
MSW Social Work |
|
Master of Arts in Sociology |
|
Concordia University |
Human Systems Intervention (MA) |
Social and Cultural Anthropology (MA) |
|
Sociology (MA) |
|
University of Ottawa |
MA in Public Administration |
MA in Public and International Affairs |
|
MA in Social Work |
|
Queen's University |
MA in Gender Studies |
MA in Global Development Studies |
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 need to pass a Bachelor's degree with a minimum of 70%/ 3.0 GPA in a Bachelor degree in relevant areas like social work, social science, human behaviour etc.
English Test Scores
The minimum English scores to pursue a degree in Social Science in Canada are-
- IELTS: A minimum of 6.5-7.0 on the academic examination.
- TOEFL: Minimum 79- 100 on the Internet-based test
- PTE: Overall 58 to 70, minimum 58
Master of Social Science Fees in top Canadian Universities
University |
Approximate Annual Tuition Fees in CAD |
University of Toronto |
23,703-55,026 |
University of British Columbia |
9,000- 21,000 |
Queen’s University |
14,000- 35,555 |
University of Ottawa |
27,089 |
Dalhousie University |
16,000- 28,782 |
McMaster University |
21,000 |
McGill University |
18,624 |
University of Windsor |
23,703 |
University of Waterloo |
22,000- 35,553 |
York University |
21,317 |
|
Top Social Science Universities in Canada: PhD in Social Science
PhD in Social Science Courses in Canada
University |
Doctorate in Social Science in Canada |
McMaster University |
Doctor of Philosophy in Anthropology |
Doctor of Philosophy in Economics |
|
Doctor of Philosophy in Social Gerontology |
|
Doctor of Philosophy in Health & Society |
|
Doctor of Philosophy in Political Science (International Relations) |
|
Doctor of Philosophy in Political Science |
|
University of Regina |
PhD in Sociology and Social Studies |
McGill University |
PhD in Art History-Gender and Women’s Studies |
PhD in Religious Studies |
|
PhD in Educational Studies- Gender and Women’s Studies |
|
PhD in Psychology |
|
University of British Columbia |
PhD in Anthropology |
PhD in Geography-Environment |
|
Royal Roads University |
PhD in Social Sciences |
PhD in Strategic Management and Organisation |
|
University of Lethbridge |
Doctor of Philosophy in Evolution and Behaviour |
Eligibility
Document Checklist for applying
- Academic documents such as transcripts, character certificates and provisional certificates of masters, bachelor, and intermediate levels
- English Language Scores- Should be valid
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Application fees
- GRE/ GMAT Scores, A Good GRE/GMAT Score is an entry requirement for most PhD Programs.
- Experience letter for gap
- 2-3 Letter of Recommendations (LOR)
- CV
- Identification documents like passport
Academic Requirements
- Applicants need to complete a Master degree in Social Science with a minimum of 70%.
- Applicants need a major research component in social science during the master degree.
- For doctorate degrees, candidates need to find and finalise the supervisor.
English test scores
International students can bring These minimum English test scores to get a doctorate degree in social science in Canada.
- 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 Social Science fees in top Canadian Universities
The tuition fees for a social science degree in Canada range from CAD 8,000 to CAD 20,000 per year. PhD in Canada is a research-based degree and is quite affordable.
Additionally, students can also get scholarships and financial aid which can help them with tuition fees and living expenses.
Top Social Science Universities in Canada: Financial aids and Scholarships
University |
Scholarship |
Value |
Sheridan College |
Sheridan Degree Entrance Scholarship |
CAD 2,500 |
University of Alberta |
Regional Excellence Scholarship |
Up to CAD 5,000 based on admission average |
International Excellence Scholarship |
Up to CAD 5,000 based on 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 |
|
Humber College |
Humber Degree Scholarships |
CAD 1,500- CAD 4,000 depending on GPA. |
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 |
Athletic Financial Awards |
CAD 4,500 |
|
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 |
|
University of Toronto International Scholars Award |
CAD 80,000-1,80,000 for 4 years, |
|
Kata Scholars Program |
Varies |
Top Social Science Universities in Canada: Scope and Career Opportunites
These are the areas where you can work in Canada as a social science graduate-
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These are some of the job roles in which you can work in Canada-
Job Profile |
Average Salary (USD) |
Teacher |
52,345 |
Public Policy Social Worker |
54,881 |
Social Science Researcher |
63,561 |
Career Counsellor |
60,320 |
Health Clinical Coordinator |
55,619 |
Counsellor |
46,990 |
Public Health Project Officer |
55,000 |
Political Scientist |
72,500 |