Canada remains a popular study destination for international students, with universities offering undergraduate and graduate programs across many fields. In recent years, Canadian institutions have also expanded online and distance-learning options, giving students more flexibility when they cannot immediately relocate to Canada.
A master’s degree is one of the graduate options available through several Canadian universities online or in a primarily online format. These programs are available in fields such as education, business, health, engineering, social work, and sustainability. However, students should always check each program’s official page because delivery formats, admission requirements, tuition, campus requirements, and immigration outcomes can vary.
To help you get started, keep reading to learn more about universities offering online master’s programs in Canada.
Top Schools Offering Online Master’s Degrees in Canada
1. Athabasca University
Athabasca University is Canada’s Open University and one of the strongest options for students looking for online master’s degrees in Canada. The university is a public institution that is fully digital by design, meaning its programs and courses are created specifically for online spaces.
AU was established on June 25, 1970, and introduced its first open, distance course in 1973. Today, it offers online courses as well as undergraduate and graduate degree programs in areas such as business, health, humanities, sciences, and technology.
Because AU is built around online and distance learning, it can be a practical choice for students who need flexibility while pursuing graduate study. Students should review the official graduate program page to confirm the available master’s degrees, graduate diplomas, certificates, admission requirements, and deadlines.
2. Queen’s University
Queen’s University has a long history in distance education. According to Queen’s Encyclopedia, the university became the first university in North America to offer distance education in 1889, when students who could not attend classes were allowed to complete assignments by mail and write final exams.
Today, Queen’s offers several online and flexible graduate options. For example, the Faculty of Education lists online, part-time graduate programs, including the Professional Master of Education, and Smith School of Business also lists graduate programs with online delivery options. Students should check each program page carefully because delivery models can vary by faculty, program, and location.
Students worldwide apply to Queen’s because of its academic reputation, graduate offerings, and student support systems. If you are interested in an online master’s degree, Queen’s is a school worth reviewing, especially if you are looking for a professional education or business-related graduate program.
3. University of Waterloo
The University of Waterloo is well known for research, innovation, and career-focused education. It also offers flexible online and part-time coursework-based graduate programs designed for working professionals.
Waterloo’s current online graduate program list includes options such as the Master of Taxation, Master of Engineering in Electric Power Engineering, Master of Health Informatics, Master of Health Evaluation, Master of Public Health, and Master of Social Work. Some programs are fully online, while others are primarily online but include placements, summer institutes, or short on-campus components.
Before applying, students should review the official program page for the latest delivery mode, admission requirements, deadlines, and any in-person requirements. This is especially important for international students who need to understand how online study may affect study permits or post-graduation work options.
4. Laurentian University
Laurentian University offers online and distance-learning options, and its online learning pages describe support services for students using its learning management system. The university also offers programs in English and French, although the language of instruction depends on the program.
For graduate students, Laurentian’s online offerings include the Master of Business Administration (MBA). The MBA-Online program is designed for working professionals and aspiring business leaders and offers asynchronous learning options. Laurentian also lists a Master of Health Administration (MHA) in which courses are offered online using both synchronous and asynchronous formats, and the program may be taken full-time or part-time.
Students considering Laurentian should check the official program pages for the latest admission requirements, deadlines, delivery format, tuition, and whether a program is available to international applicants.
FAQs: Online Master’s in Canada
Can International Students Take Online Master’s Programs in Canada?
Yes, international students may be able to take online master’s programs offered by Canadian universities, but eligibility depends on the university, program, applicant background, and location of study. Students should apply through each university’s official admissions system and confirm whether the program accepts international applicants.
It is also important to understand immigration rules before enrolling. A Canadian study permit is generally not required for completing a distance-learning program from outside Canada. However, if you plan to study in Canada or want to qualify for a Post-Graduation Work Permit, you should review the latest Government of Canada study permit and PGWP rules. Online study can affect PGWP eligibility, and fully online programs may not lead to a PGWP.
Online master’s programs can be flexible, but they are not all self-paced. Some include live sessions, group work, practicums, short campus visits, or fixed deadlines. Before applying, confirm the program structure, time zone expectations, tuition, scholarships, and technical requirements directly with the university.
If you are considering applying to an online program, these universities offering online master’s programs in Canada can be a useful place to start. Make sure to double-check your application before you submit it. If you want to go there for your higher education, check out our guide on studying in Canada for free.
We hope this article about universities offering online master’s programs in Canada is informative and helpful. Feel free to visit our Canada Page and Available Courses for International Students!
