Masters of Clinical Psychology in Canada is offered by a handful of universities, some of which are ranked among the best in the world. Many students choose Canada because it has a well-known 2-year master’s program in clinical psychology that teaches about the brain and human behavior. Studying in Canada is also affordable because average tuition fees range from 8,000 to 35,000 Canadian dollars per year, depending on where you go to study.
Canadian universities offer a diverse range of highly regarded programs in psychology at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Bachelor of Psychology programs typically provides a broad overview of the field, covering topics such as abnormal psychology, social psychology, and developmental psychology. Master’s programs in psychology offer students the opportunity to specialize in specific areas, such as clinical psychology, counseling psychology, or neuropsychology. Canadian universities are known for their rigorous academic standards, world-class research facilities, and highly qualified faculty members, making them a top choice for students seeking quality education in psychology.
According to Talent.com, the average pay for a clinical psychologist in Canada is $101,527 per year or $52.07 per hour. Experienced workers can earn up to $124,389 per year, while entry-level roles typically start at $90,717.
Canada is a popular destination for international students due to its good education system, affordable tuition rates, and high standard of living. More than 600,000 international students are currently studying in Canadian universities, and degrees earned in Canada are recognized around the world. Additionally, many of the best student cities are located in Canada, making it an attractive location for students looking to study abroad.
Canada also offers students many opportunities for work during their studies. This, coupled with relatively low living costs, make it an appealing option for those seeking to live and work in Canada. Furthermore, the country’s immigration policies make it possible for students to stay in Canada after graduation if they choose to do so, providing them with even more job opportunities and the chance to build a new life in this beautiful and welcoming country.
What is the Difference between Psychology and Clinical Psychology
General psychology, also called counseling psychology, helps people who are struggling with emotional, social, and physical problems. It is used to treat mild mental illnesses. On the other hand, clinical psychology deals with people who have more severe mental health issues. It is based on the study of neuropsychology and psychopathology, which is the study of mental disorders.
Why Study Masters of Clinical Psychology in Canada?
Prestigious Universities
Many prominent universities in Canada offer a Master of Clinical Psychology. Seven Canadian colleges are listed among the top 200 psychology schools worldwide in the Times Education Ranking 2023. Studying at these top psychology universities will boost the students’ career prospects significantly.
Career Opportunities
Although there has been a balanced market for this occupational group in recent years, anticipated job vacancies are expected to be significantly higher for job searchers, leading to a scarcity of workers between 2019 and 2028. For psychologists, new job vacancies (resulting from expansion demand and replacement demand) are anticipated to total 15,700 between 2019 and 2028.
High Demand
Canada is one of the countries with the fastest-growing communities. The demand for clinical psychologists in the area is rising as a result of Canada’s rapidly growing health industry. As a result, there is a substantial need for clinical psychologists, and obtaining a psychology degree in Canada improves your employment prospects.
Broad Scope
Clinical psychology master’s degree programs in Canada actively encourage innovation in contrast to other fields nowadays. You’re free to pursue your interests in clinical psychology as you like. The field of psychology also offers additional employment options, and a clinical psychologist in Canada earns an average yearly salary of $101,527.
Overview: Master of Clinical Psychology in Canada
| Program Level | Postgraduate (MSc, MA) |
| Duration of Program | 1-2 years |
| Annual Fee | 8000- 30,000 CAD |
| Test Scores | IELTS/TOEFL,
GRE (optional) |
Top Universities Offering Master of Clinical Psychology in Canada
Although there are not many Canadian universities that offer master’s degrees in clinical psychology, those that do are quite cutting-edge and progressive in their methods. These universities’ curricula are meant to shape their pupils for the field. Below is a list of some of the best Canadian universities that offer master’s degrees in clinical psychology.
University of Waterloo
The University of Waterloo is a public university. Ontario’s Waterloo is home to the institution’s main campus. Waterloo is referred to as Canada’s “Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)” and is situated within the well-known technology triangle of Canada. According to the QS World University Rankings 2023 and the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023, Waterloo is one of the top 175 universities in the world.
The University of Waterloo has a top-notch psychology program. The laboratories in the Department of Psychology are equipped with cutting-edge technology. The Psychology Department at the University of Waterloo consistently ranks among the top five in Canada. The University of Waterloo is ranked number one for graduate employability in Canada according to QS World Rankings. Moreover, UWaterloo is ranked 2 for employer connectivity in Canada.
| Name of the Program | Master of Arts in Psychology – Clinical Psychology |
| Duration | 2 years |
| Tuition Fee/ year (in CAD) | 25,788 |
| Application Deadline | December 1 (for admission in September of the following year) |
Admission Requirements
- A psychology-related honors bachelor’s degree, or its equivalent, with the last two years’ cumulative grade point average at least 80%, or its equal.
- Application for the Department of Psychology must be finished.
- Personal statement (Letter)
- Supplementary information form (SIF) (The SIF includes program-specific questions, such as why you want to enroll and your previous experience in that field.)
- Academic Transcript(s)
- References ( 3 references are required)
- Proof of English language proficiency, if applicable (TOEFL 90 (writing 25, speaking 25), IELTS 7.0 (writing 6.5, speaking 6.5).
Scholarships
International students at the University of Waterloo have access to a number of excellent funding opportunities. These are some examples:
| Name of Scholarship | Description | Amount in CAD |
| International Master’s Award of Excellence ( IMAE) | The International Master’s Award of Excellence (IMAE) is given to qualified international master’s students who are enrolled in a research-based graduate program at the University of Waterloo. | 2500/term |
| Ontario Graduate Scholarship ( OGS) | The provincial government funds the OGS program to encourage excellence in graduate studies at the masters and doctoral levels. It is a merit-based scholarship, with awards available to students from all academic disciplines. | Varies |
University of Saskatchewan
On March 19, 1907, the University of Saskatchewan was established as a public research university in Canada. It is situated in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, on the east bank of the South Saskatchewan River. The University of Saskatchewan is listed in the top 441 universities worldwide.
A scientist-practitioner strategy is used in the USak MA Clinical Psychology program to combine academic research with instruction in professional skill sets. This program has received accreditation from the American Psychological Association and the Canadian Psychological Association. This degree prepares graduates to work as clinical psychologists in academic, research, clinical, community, and private practice settings. Before moving to a Ph.D. school, students usually sign up for a master’s program for a year.
| Name of the Program | Master of Arts in Psychology – Clinical Psychology |
| Duration | 2 years |
| Tuition Fee/ year (in CAD) | 9,396 |
| Application Deadline | December 1 (for admission in September of the following year)* |
Admission Requirements
- A four-year honors degree or its equivalent from a recognized college or university in an academic discipline relevant to the proposed field of study.
- In the last two years of study, a cumulative weighted average of at least 70% (USask grade system equivalent) is required (i.e. 60 credit units).
- A statement/letter of intent: a two-to-three-page document outlining your research and academic interests, as well as relevant experience.
- Proof of English language proficiency, if applicable: TOEFL86 (writing 19, speaking 19) or IELTS 6.5 (with no band less than 6)
Scholarships
International students at the University of Saskatchewan have access to a number of amazing funding opportunities. These are some examples:
| Name of Scholarship | Description | Amount in CAD |
| CGPS 75th Recruitment Scholarship | This scholarship, established to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the College of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies, is open to high-achieving graduate students (80% or higher USask grade system equivalent). | 20,000 (may be offered for multiple years |
| Saskatchewan Innovation and Opportunity Scholarship | The Saskatchewan Innovation and Opportunity Scholarship program provides funding from the Saskatchewan government, which is matched by funds raised by USask, with a focus on innovation and excellence at the graduate level. | Decided by the awarding body |
The University of Toronto
The University of Toronto is a public research university located on the grounds of Queen’s Park in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. It was founded as King’s College by royal charter in 1827, making it the first institution of higher education in Upper Canada.
The University of Toronto’s worth is acknowledged worldwide. U of T was ranked 18th globally in the most recent prestigious Times Higher Education ranking of the world’s universities, firmly locating it among the world’s top 20 institutions.
One of the two specializations available in the Counseling and Clinical Psychology program, which leads to the Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy degrees, is Clinical and Counseling Psychology. Students interested in careers in research, teaching, and clinical practice are the target for this program.
| Name of the Program | Master of Arts in Counseling and Clinical Psychology |
| Duration | 2 years |
| Tuition Fee/ year (in CAD) | 30,120 |
| Application Deadline | November 15 (for admission in September of the following year)* |
Admission Requirements
- An appropriate bachelor’s degree, or its equivalent, with a final-year average of at least mid-B from a recognized university.
- At least one year of relevant counseling-related experience.
- Two letters of reference.
- Proof of English language proficiency, if applicable: TOEFL 93 (writing 22, speaking 22), IELTS 7 (with no band less than 6.5)
Candidates must respond to the following questions:
- What areas of study are you interested in? max. 1000 words
- What do you want out of your career? max. 1000 words
- Please include specifics about your research background. max. 1000 words
- Please list the professors you want to collaborate with and explain why you chose them. max. 1000 words
- Could you briefly describe your relevant counseling or clinical experience working with people one-on-one in a volunteer or professional role that would help you finish the program successfully? max. 500 words
- Could you briefly explain how your family, personal, community, volunteerism, or professional experiences have helped you get ready to work with people from different backgrounds? max. 500 words
Scholarships
The University of Toronto offers numerous attractive financial solutions for international students. These are a few instances:
| Name of Scholarship | Description | Amount in CAD |
| Ontario Graduate Scholarship | The provincial government funds the OGS program to encourage excellence in graduate studies at the masters and doctoral levels. It is a merit-based scholarship, with awards available to students from all academic disciplines. | Varies |
| University-Wide Awards | With the University-Wide Award (UWA) competition, the School of Graduate Studies presents between 15 and 20 awards each year. Prizes differ in terms of the particular eligibility requirements (merit, financial need, student citizenship, area of research, etc.) | Varies |
University of Windsor
Ontario’s Windsor is home to the University of Windsor. It is Canada’s most southern university. In the graduate program at the University of Windsor, there are roughly 4,000 students. The University of Windsor is well known for offering students a top-notch education and first-rate student services that enable them to maximize their academic performance and fully experience university life.
University of Windsor’s specialized Master of Clinical Psychology program equips students with the skills needed to teach, work, and conduct research in a variety of settings, including academic institutions, educational and community institutions, government agencies, social service agencies, hospitals, enterprises, human resource groups, and management consulting firms. This is carried out through a combination of coursework, research, and practicum/internship experiences.
| Name of the Program | Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology |
| Duration | 2 years |
| Tuition Fee/ year (in CAD) | 15,911 |
| Application Deadline | a minimum of six months before their anticipated enrollment date. |
Admission Requirements
- A four-year honors degree or its equivalent from a recognized college or university in an academic discipline relevant to the proposed field of study.
- A statement/letter of intent: a two-to-three-page document outlining your research and academic interests, as well as relevant experience.
- Proof of English language proficiency, if applicable: IELTS 6.5 (with no band less than 6)
- Graduate Record Examination (GRE): It can be necessary for applicants whose academic records are challenging to evaluate to take the GRE.
- Academic Transcripts
- Reference Letters (minimum 2)
Scholarships
The University of Windsor offers various scholarships to students from abroad. We’ve included a few of them below.
| Name of Scholarship | Description | Amount in CAD |
| Graduate Entrance Scholarship | On the advice of their program, full-time applicants from Canada and abroad who have an admission average of at least 80% (or equivalent) will be considered for entrance scholarships. | 7,500 |
| Ontario Graduate Scholarship | To promote quality in master’s and doctorate graduate studies, the provincial government finances the OGS program. It is a merit-based scholarship, and students from all academic fields are eligible to apply. | varies |
University of Calgary
The University of Calgary is a public research institution located in Calgary, Alberta. One of the top 10 research universities in Canada, the University of Calgary, is home to 73 Canada Research Chairs as well as more than 80 research institutes and centers that are addressing today’s most pressing and novel social issues.
The Clinical Psychology (MSc Thesis) program is a crucial rung in the ladder toward a research, academic, or clinical career in psychology and health care because it equips students with the knowledge they need for admission to a Ph.D. program. The program, which is accredited by the Canadian Psychological Association, is made for students who want to pursue a doctorate in clinical psychology at the University of Calgary.
| Name of the Program | Master of Science Clinical Psychology |
| Duration | 2 years |
| Tuition Fee/ year (in CAD) | 8,242 |
| Application Deadline | November 15th |
Admission Requirements
- A psychology degree with honors or its equivalent from a recognized university.
- GPA: a minimum GPA of 3.6 on a scale of 4.0 for the previous two years of full-time undergraduate studies (equal to at least 10 full courses or 60 units).
- A 500-word maximum statement of research and professional interests that includes the names of potential research supervisors from the present program faculty
- A proposal for research.
- Academic Transcripts
- 2 Reference Letters
- Proof of English language proficiency, if applicable: TOEFL 105, IELTS 7.5 (with no band less than7)
Scholarships
| Name of Scholarship | Description | Amount in CAD |
| Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships | Vanier Scholarships are awarded to students who exhibit scholarly excellence and leadership qualities while pursuing graduate study. | 50,000 up to three years |
| Entrance Awards | The goal of these awards is to promote the University of Calgary’s Eyes High vision of becoming one of the top five research universities in Canada by attracting and retaining the world’s best and brightest future leaders. | Between 12,000 and 35,000 |
Job Opportunities in Canada after Master of Clinical Psychology
A master’s degree in clinical psychology offers training for a range of practical settings, including those in government, business, and industry. These people could be therapists, school counselors or administrators, testing and evaluation psychologists, or child welfare workers. An M.Sc. can also be used to work as a researcher or research associate for the government, in service organizations, institutions, or as a research consultant or administrator.
Conclusion
Masters in Clinical Psychology in Canada is an excellent choice because there are more job prospects in fields relevant to the profession. You have a major edge over most countries studying clinical psychology in Canada because of the concurrent development of technology and the world.
Making the right choice involves taking into account factors including cost, academic standard, on-campus amenities, and international rankings. Our admissions counseling services have helped thousands of students get into the schools of their choice. For further information, please arrange a video consultation with one of our experts.
