Masters in Cyber Security in Canada for International Students

As per Statista reports the revenue in the Cybersecurity market is projected to reach nearly US$3.34 Billion in the year 2023. With this significant increase of Cyber security as a profession in Canada, many top Canadian universities are also providing masters courses in the same.

Most of the Masters in Cyber Security courses offered in Canada are offered full time or part time, which ranges from 1 to 2 years. These courses are offered in Fall, Winter or Summer intakes of Canada and the best time to apply is in September intake.

Top Universities Offering Masters in Cyber Security in Canada

Students can also check other Post graduate and Diploma courses along with Masters degree courses in Cyber Security in Canada:

Saskatchewan Polytechnic

Saskatchewan Polytechnic is a public institution of applied learning and research located in Saskatchewan, Canada. It was established in 1907 as the Regina Normal School. Over the years, it has evolved into a comprehensive polytechnic offering a wide range of programs in various fields. Talking about its course offering, the institute offers Post Graduate Certificate in Cyber Security. This program is suitable for individuals with a bachelor’s degree in a related field who are seeking to specialize in cyber security.

Program Details

• Course Name – Post Graduate Certificate in Cyber Security
• Duration – 6 to 10 Months
• Application Fees – CAD $150
• Tuition Fees – CAD$ 24529/ Yr
• IELTS Overall – 6.5
• TOEFL Overall – 81

Bow Valley College

The Bow Valley College is a public community college that is located in Calgary, Alberta. The College was established in the year 1965 and offers a wide range of programs which includes diplomas, certificates and degrees in various fields. The university also offers a post diploma Certificate in Cybersecurity program which is suitable for individuals who have already completed a diploma or degree in a related field.

Program Details

• Course Name – Post- Diploma Certificate in Cybersecurity
• Duration – 1 Yr
• Application Fees – CAD $140
• Tuition Fees – CAD$ 26672/ Yr
• IELTS Overall – 6
• TOEFL Overall – 83

George Brown College

George Brown College is a public college located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. It was founded in 1967. In terms of the cybersecurity course, the College also offers a Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity program which is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary for careers in cybersecurity. This program is suitable for individuals who have already completed a degree or diploma in a related field.

Program Details

• Course Name – Post- Graduate Certificate in Cyber Security
• Duration – 1 Yr
• Application Fees – CAD $110
• Tuition Fees – CAD$ 27055/ Yr
• IELTS Overall – 6.5
• TOEFL Overall – 88

Seneca College

Seneca College is a public college located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. It was founded in 1967. The college also offers a Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity & Threat Management program which covers a broad range of topics, which includes network security, cryptography, digital forensics and incident response, etc.

Program Details

• Course Name – Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity & Threat Management
• Duration – 6 to 10 months
• Application Fees – CAD $90
• Tuition Fees – CAD$ 17533 / Yr
• IELTS Overall – 6.5
• TOEFL Overall – 88

Centennial College

Centennial College is a public college located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. It was founded in 1966. Talking about the cybersecurity course, the college also offers a Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity program which is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary for careers in cyber security. The various benefits of pursuing a graduate certificate in a cybersecurity program includes in depth knowledge of cybersecurity concepts and practices.

Program Details

• Course Name – Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity
• Duration – 1 Yr
• Application Fees – CAD $ 125
• Tuition Fees – CAD$17206 / Yr
• IELTS Overall – 6.5
• TOEFL Overall – 88

Cambrian College of Applied Arts and Technology

The Cambrian College of Applied Arts and Technology is a public college located in Sudbury, Ontario, Canada. It was founded in 1967. The College also offers a graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity program which is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary for careers in cyber security. Some of the key features of the program include hands-on experience and industry partnerships, etc.

Program Details

• Course Name – Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity
• Duration – 1 Yr
• Application Fees – CAD$ 110
• Tuition Fees – CAD$ 8316/ Sem
• IELTS Overall – 6.5
• TOEFL Overall – 84

St Clair College

The St. Clair College is a public college of applied arts and technology which is located in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. The university was established in 1967 as part of the Ontario college system which was created to provide more career oriented education options. The college also provides Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity, designed for individuals who have a background in IT or a related field and want to specialize in cybersecurity.

Program Details

• Course Name – Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity – Automobility
• Duration – 2 Yr
• Application Fees – CAD$ 125
• Tuition Fees – Nil
• IELTS Overall – 6
• TOEFL Overall – 83

Durham College

Durham College is a public college located in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada. It was established in 1967 as part of Ontario’s initiative to provide career-oriented education through a network of colleges.The college also provides a range of programs in various fields, including business, technology, health, and more. In terms of the cybersecurity course, the college offers a graduate certificate in Cybersecurity which is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to protect information systems from cyber threats. The program typically includes coursework in areas such as network security, information security management and cybersecurity law and policy.

Program Details

• Course Name – Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity (CYSC)
• Duration – 1 Yr
• Application Fees – CAD$ 100
• Tuition Fees – CAD$ 7442/ Sem
• IELTS Overall – 6.5
• TOEFL Overall – 88

Loyalist College Toronto

The Loyalist College Toronto is a branch of Loyalist College, a public college located in Belleville, Ontario, Canada. Loyalist College itself was established in 1967 as part of Ontario’s network of colleges designed to offer career-oriented education. The Toronto campus of Loyalist College is an extension that offers programs tailored to the needs of international students, focusing on fields like business, technology, and healthcare. In terms of pursuing a cybersecurity course the university provides the graduate certificate in cyber security course for students who want to develop specialized skills in the field of cybersecurity. This course covers key areas like Ethical hacking, digital forensics & information security management, etc.

Program Details

• Course Name – Graduate Certificate in Cyber Security
• Duration – 2 Yr
• Application Fees – CAD$ 110
• Tuition Fees – CAD15000$/ Yr
• IELTS Overall – 6.5
• TOEFL Overall – 84

Popular Cyber Security Courses in Canada

Some of the popular Cyber Security Courses in Canada includes:

1. Cyber Security Fundamentals
2. CCSP (Certified Cloud Security Professional) Certificate 
3. Certified Information Systems Security Professional
4. Cyber Security Nexus Practitioner
5. Systems Security Certified Practitioner
6. CISA (Certified Information Systems Auditor)
7. CompTIA Security+
8. CISM (Certified Information Security Manager)

Eligibility Criteria for Masters in Cyber Security in Canada

The eligibility criteria for Masters in Cyber Security in Canada is based on academic and general requirements. In addition to this the eligibility criteria can differ from one university to another therefore, it is best to check the official university website for true information.

The basic eligibility criteria (Academic Requirements) for Masters in Cyber Security includes:

1. A Bachelors or Undergraduate degree in Cyber Security or a related field of study, such as Computer Science or Information Technology (IT)
2. Previous work experience in a job relevant to the field of study (if applicable)
3. English language proficiency scores (IELTS/TOEFL/PTE) scores.
4. GPA of 3 on a four-point scale of 73-76% on average. (Can also differ for each university requirements)

Other general requirements includes:

1. Statement of Purpose for Canada
2. Updated Resume
3. Official academic transcripts
4. Proof of funds
5. Reference letter from a previous academic institution/employer
6. Scores of GRE/GMAT tests (if required)

Advantages of Masters in Cyber Security in Canada

There are many advantages of masters in Cyber security courses in Canada for international students, some of the key advantages are:

1. High Demand: The increasing frequency of cyber threats have created a high demand for cybersecurity professionals. According to job market data, by job bank there is a significant shortage of skilled cybersecurity experts globally, including in Canada.
2. Lucrative Salaries: The demand-supply gap in cybersecurity talent has resulted in competitive salaries. Data indicates that cybersecurity professionals in Canada earn above-average salaries compared to other IT roles.
3. Diverse Curriculum: Canadian universities typically offer comprehensive and up-to-date cybersecurity programs that cover various aspects of the field, including network security, cryptography, digital forensics, and risk management, CCSP (Certified Cloud Security Professional), Systems Security Certified Practitioner graduate courses and much more.
4. Cybersecurity Ecosystem: Canada has a thriving cybersecurity ecosystem with numerous companies, startups, and government agencies dedicated to cybersecurity. Some of the top Canadian cybersecurity companies include Nuformat, StreamScan, SIPVM and many others. This ecosystem creates opportunities for internships, co-op programs, and job placements for students.
5. Personal Data: Most of the Canadian universities teach courses which are in line with the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada which also provides advice and information for individuals about protecting personal information.
6. Lucrative Salaries: The demand-supply gap in cybersecurity talent has resulted in competitive salaries. Data indicates that cybersecurity professionals in Canada earn above-average salaries compared to other IT role. As per glassdoor, the average salary for IT-Professional can vary near to $78,727 per year.
7. Permanent Residency Pathway: Canada has immigration pathways for international students, including those who complete cybersecurity degrees, to obtain permanent residency. This can provide long-term career stability. Since it’s a skill based job, getting a PR after graduation becomes an easy process.

Challenges to Masters in Cyber Security in Canada

There are many challenges to masters in Cyber Security in Canada. Some of these challenges includes:

1. Skills Shortage and Demand: Canada, like many other countries, faces a shortage of skilled cybersecurity professionals. According to a 2021 report by Cybersecurity Ventures, the global shortage of cybersecurity workers was estimated to be around 3.5 million, and this shortage is also evident in Canada. This high demand for cybersecurity talent can lead to intense competition for admission to Master’s programs and other PG courses in Canada.
2. Cost of Living: The cost of living in Canada varies depending on the city and region. Cities like Toronto and Vancouver have a high cost of living. According to data from Numbeo, the cost of living index in Canada is 60.7 in the year 2023 (Cost of living plus rent), indicating that living expenses can be relatively high.
3. Immigration Regulations: International students in Canada often face immigration challenges, including obtaining study permits and post-graduation work permits. Changes in immigration policies and regulations can impact students’ ability to study and work in Canada.
4. Ethical and Legal Considerations: Cybersecurity professionals need to steer complex ethical and legal issues. Staying compliant with Canadian and international cybersecurity laws and regulations is essential but can be challenging due to the evolving nature of the field.
5. Research Funding: For students pursuing research-focused Master’s programs, securing funding for their projects can be competitive. As there are many students who want to avail funding or scholarships in Canada. However, availability and accessibility to research grants and scholarships may vary.

Conclusion

In conclusion, pursuing a Master’s in Cybersecurity in Canada offers a host of opportunities and challenges. Canada’s strong demand for cybersecurity professionals, attractive post-graduation work permits, and diverse academic offerings make it an appealing destination for international students seeking to specialize in this dynamic field.

Ultimately, a Master’s in Cybersecurity in Canada can be a rewarding educational and career choice for those who are passionate about securing digital environments, safeguarding data, and addressing the growing cybersecurity threats in an increasingly interconnected world. To know more about the universities providing top cybersecurity courses in Canada it is best to reach out to Global Opportunities which are considered a premier study abroad consultants.

FAQs

Is Canada good for Masters in cyber security?

The demand for Cybersecurity courses in Canada is one of the highest in the IT field. Furthermore, students with a passion for searching through the realm of Cybersecurity can anticipate bright career prospects upon successfully earning a Master’s degree from a renowned Canadian institution.

Should I get an MBA or masters in cybersecurity?

An MBA course offers greater flexibility because it is not as specialized as a masters of science course in cybersecurity and can be applied to a broad array of fields.

Can a non-IT person learn cyber security?

Absolutely, a person without an IT background can certainly acquire knowledge in cybersecurity, as certain elements of cybersecurity courses may have limited direct connections to core IT disciplines.