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Top 10 In demand courses to study in Canada

Last updated: Oct 24, 2025

Canada is a popular study abroad destination that welcomes students from over 140 countries. But do you know that according to a study by the ICTC (Information and Communications Technology Council), skills/job roles in areas like data analysis, programming, and cybersecurity are projected to grow significantly? This, in turn, has made these courses in demand in Canada, and a large number of national and international students are opting for these job oriented courses in Canada more and more. Want to know what these are? Read below!

Discover the Top 10 In demand courses to study in Canada with Gradding.com

Table of Contents

Why International Students Prefer Canada

Yes, Canada is a popular choice among international students, but why? A few reasons why students prefer to study in Canada include:

  • Academic Excellence: The first reason behind students choosing to study in demand courses in Canada is its academic excellence. In Canada, you can choose from over 16,000 courses/programs and 8,000 top-ranked universities.
  • Safety: As an international student, studying in a new country can be a little scary, especially when it comes to safety. And Canada is considered one of the safest countries in the world and was ranked at #3 in a list of 85 countries with the best quality of life.
  • Work Opportunities: Canada offers several work opportunities that allow international students to work during their studies. Colleges in Canada also offer around 3,000 plus co-op programs.
  • Immigration Opportunities: Once they have completed popular courses in Canada, international students also get many post-work opportunities that can work as a pathway to live in Canada permanently.

Top Courses in Demand in Canada

Now, let’s take a look at a list of courses in demand in Canada that international students can choose from:

Engineering

The first of the best courses in Canada is Engineering. As per recent data on international student numbers and labour outcomes, Engineering is the most popular field among international students. Moreover, almost half of the international graduates who found employment after their courses were from an Engineering background. Lastly, Engineering is an evolving course and students can choose from several different specialisations like data science, civil, and electrical at top Canadian universities.

CategoryDetails
Top Colleges / Universities
  • University of Toronto
  • University of British Columbia
  • University of Waterloo
  • McGill University
Annual Tuition Fees
  • $20,000 - 60,000 CAD per year for undergraduate programs.
  • $15,000 - 50,000 CAD per year for postgraduate (master’s)
Course Duration
  • Bachelor’s: 4 years
  • Master’s: 1-2 years
Eligibility
  • Bachelor’s: High school qualification with Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, plus English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL).
  • Master’s: Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field, transcripts, English proficiency, and sometimes GRE.
Top EmployersSNC, Lavalin, Siemens, Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Apple, IBM, Cisco Systems, Intel, and NVIDIA.

Computer Science & Information Technology

CS and IT are not just the most in demand courses in Canada, but also in the world. There has been an increasing demand for CS and IT professionals in Canada as the tech industry is expected to grow, and there has been substantial investment by the government in the tech sector. Plus, several top-ranking universities provide Job oriented courses in Canada, which focus on co-operative education systems.

CategoryDetails
Top Colleges
  • University of Toronto
  • University of Waterloo
  • Université de Montréal
  • McGill University
Annual Tuition Fees
  • $20,000 - 60,000 CAD per year for undergraduate programs
  • $8,000 - 50,000 CAD per year for master’s programs
Course Duration
  • Bachelor’s: 3–4 years
  • Master’s: 1–2 years
Eligibility
  • Undergraduate: High school diploma with a math background, English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL).
  • Master’s: Bachelor’s in Computer Science or related field, GPA of around 3.0/4.0, transcripts, GRE (some universities), and English proficiency.
Top EmployersGoogle, Microsoft, IBM, Amazon, Deloitte, PwC, Accenture, CGI, Shopify, Capgemini, BAE Systems

Nursing and Healthcare

Nursing and healthcare are also the best courses to study in Canada due to an increasing demand for nurse practitioners and registered nurses. Canada has a doctor-to-population ratio of 2.7:1000, and there is a shortage of doctors, specialists, and nurses, which makes studying medicine and health-related courses a great choice in Canada. Canada also offers multiple immigration routes for international healthcare graduates.

CategoryDetails
Top Colleges
  • University of Toronto
  • McMaster University
  • McGill University
  • University of Calgary
Annual Tuition Fees
  • $10,000 - 20,000 CAD per year for diploma programs
  • $20,000 - 55,000 CAD per year for bachelor’s
  • $20,000 - 45,000 CAD per year for master’s programs
Course Duration
  • Diploma: 2 years
  • Bachelor’s: 3–4 years
  • Master’s: 1–2 years
Eligibility
  • Diploma/Bachelor’s: High school diploma, science background, and English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL).
  • Master’s: Bachelor’s in Nursing/related field, clinical experience, transcripts, English proficiency.
Top EmployersAlberta Health Services, University Health Network, Vancouver Coastal Health, Ontario Health

Business & Finance

Business & Finance are the best courses in Canada that offer great career prospects and better global recognition to international students. Most of the Canadian colleges provide a range of programs in business and finance fields like marketing, management, financial analytics and risk management. All of which are highly in demand in the world and provide competitive salaries.

CategoryDetails
Top Colleges / Universities
  • University of Toronto
  • Queen's University
  • Western University
  • York University

Annual Tuition Fees
  • $20,000 - 60,000 CAD per year for undergraduate programs
  • $70,000 - 95,000 CAD for total tuition in specialized finance master’s programs
Course Duration
  • Undergraduate: 3–4 years
  • Postgraduate: from 1 year (intensive) up to 2 years depending on format
Eligibility
  • Undergraduate: High school diploma, English-language proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL).
  • Postgraduate: Bachelor’s degree (often in business/finance/related), minimum GPA, and English proficiency, sometimes GMAT/GRE.
Top EmployersDeloitte, PwC, Accenture, large Canadian banks and global finance firms.

Law

Law is among the popular courses in Canada because a lot of Canadian law schools, namely the University of Toronto and McGill University, have been consistently ranking among the best in the world. What’s even better is that Canada has a legal framework which is based on both common law and civil law traditions, which is rare and can act as an asset when it comes to a global legal career.

CategoryDetails
Top Colleges
  • University of Toronto
  • University of British Columbia
  • McGill University
  • Osgoode Hall (York University)
Annual Tuition Fees
  • $60,000 CAD per year for JD (Juris Doctor)
  • $34,000- 45,000 CAD per year for LLM
Course Duration
  • JD: 3 years
  • LLM: typically 1 year full-time
Eligibility
  • JD: Bachelor’s degree, LSAT (or equivalent), strong GPA, English proficiency (IELTS 7.5 or TOEFL 100)
  • LLM: LLB/JD or equivalent law degree, transcripts, and English proficiency
Top EmployersBennett Jones LLP, Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP, Borden Ladner Gervais LLP, Dentons, Fasken, and Gowling WLG

Data Science

The data science courses in Canada combine both high-quality education and great career prospects in the rapidly increasing job market. Most of the data science programs in Canada provide theoretical knowledge and hands-on learning. Moreover, top universities also have industry connections and partners with companies so that their students can get real-world experience.

CategoryDetails
Top Colleges
  • HEC Montréal
  • University of British Columbia
  • University of Waterloo
  • Carleton University
Annual Tuition Fees
  • $20,000-60,000 CAD per year for undergraduate programs
  • $15,000-50,000 CAD per year for master’s programs
Course Duration
  • Bachelor’s: 3-4 years
  • Master’s: 1-2 years
Eligibility
  • Bachelor’s: High school diploma with strong math/statistics background, English proficiency (IELTS 6.5+)
  • Master’s / PG Diploma: Bachelor’s degree, minimum GPA, English proficiency (IELTS 6.5-7.0)
Top EmployersGoogle, Shopify, Element AI, Hootsuite, TD Bank, Microsoft, and NVIDIA

Architecture

International students who are looking for the best courses to study in Canada that offer diverse career paths can go for Architecture. Canadian architecture degrees can help you prepare for a wide range of job roles that go beyond just traditional architect roles, and include jobs as Urban planner, Landscape architect, Architectural technologist, and much more.

CategoryDetails
Top Colleges
  • University of Toronto
  • McGill University
  • University of Waterloo
  • Ryerson University (Toronto Metropolitan University)
Annual Tuition Fees
  • $26,000–71,000 CAD per year for undergraduate programs
  • $8,000–52,000 CAD per year for master’s programs
Course Duration
  • Bachelor’s: 4 years
  • Master’s: 1.5–3 years
Eligibility
  • Bachelor’s: High school diploma with strong academic background, English proficiency (IELTS 6.5+)
  • Master’s: Bachelor’s degree in architecture or related field, portfolio, English proficiency (IELTS 6.5–7.0)
Top EmployersKPMB Architects, Hariri Pontarini Architects, and Moriyama & Teshima Architects

Cybersecurity

If you are wondering what is the best course to study in Canada that offers competitive salaries, then it is Cybersecurity. Due to the high demand for professionals, international students who pursue cybersecurity can get high salaries and work in major Canadian cities like Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, and Ottawa. Many Cybersecurity programs include internships and co-op programs that help students get hands-on and real-world learning experience.

CategoryDetails
Top Universities
  • University of Waterloo
  • Concordia University
  • University of Calgar
  • Toronto Metropolitan University
Annual Tuition Fees
  •  $20,000–60,000 CAD per year for undergraduate programs  
  • $14,000–45,000 CAD per year for postgraduate programs
Course Duration
  • Undergraduate: 4 years
  • Master’s: 1–2 years
Eligibility
  • Undergraduate: High school diploma with strong math background, English proficiency (IELTS 6.5+)
  • Master’s: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field, minimum GPA, English proficiency (IELTS 6.5–7.0)
Top EmployersIBM, Cisco, CrowdStrike, Sophos, 1Password, PwC, EY, and KPMG

Psychology and Counselling

The next courses in demand in Canada are Psychology and Counselling. This is because the demand for both psychologists and counsellors is growing and is expected to open thousands of new jobs over the next decade. Once done with this course, international students can also apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).

CategoryDetails
Top Universities
  • University of Toronto
  • University of British Columbia
  • McGill University
  • University of Ottawa
Annual Tuition Fees
  • $20,000–50,000 CAD per year for undergraduate programs
  • $18,000–35,000 CAD per year for master’s
  • $7,000–18,000 CAD per year for PhD
Course Duration
  • Undergraduate: 3–4 years
  • Master’s: 1.5–2 years
  • PhD: 4–6 years
Eligibility
  • Undergraduate: High school diploma, English proficiency (IELTS 6.5+)
  • Master’s: Bachelor’s degree in Psychology or related field, minimum GPA, English proficiency (IELTS 6.5–7.0)
Top EmployersHealthcare providers, educational institutions, government agencies, private practice, non-profit organizations

Tourism & Hospitality

The last on our list of courses in demand in Canada is Tourism & Hospitality programs, which provide a strong educational foundation and industry experience that help students work in Canada’s strong tourism sector. Since Canada is a multicultural country, studying Tourism & Hospitality courses can give students a chance to learn about diverse cultures and understand how they affect the tourism industry.

CategoryDetails
Top Universities
  • University of Guelph
  • University of Calgary
  • Royal Roads University
  • Vancouver Island University
Annual Tuition Fees
  • $20,000–60,000 CAD per year for undergraduate programs
  • $18,000–35,000 CAD per year for master’s programs
  • $15,000–30,000 CAD per year for diploma/certificate
Course Duration
  • Undergraduate: 3–4 years
  • Master’s: 1–2 years
  • Diploma/Certificate: 1–2 years
Eligibility
  • Undergraduate: High school diploma with strong academic background, English proficiency (IELTS 6.5+)
  • Master’s: Bachelor’s degree in Tourism, Hospitality, or related field, minimum GPA, English proficiency (IELTS 6.5–7.0)
Top EmployersHumber Polytechnic and its partners, ISX, Globus, Expedia Cruises, and Jonview

Conclusion

Summing up, studying these top 10 courses in demand in Canada can offer international students significant advantages when it comes to return on investment, career prospects, and a pathway to permanent residency. Moreover, graduates from these programs are highly sought after by Canadian employers. For example, fields like engineering, IT, and healthcare face consistent talent shortages. If you need guidance when it comes to studying in Canada or understanding your options for graduate, post-graduate, and diploma courses, you can connect with our expert study abroad consultants!

FAQs

1. Which Course is Best in Canada for PR?

As per IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada), students who are pursuing courses in in-demand fields have a great chance of getting PR in Canada. These courses include agriculture and agri-food, education, healthcare, STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), trades, and transport.

2. Which Medical Course is Best in Canada?

In Canada, the Doctor of Medicine (MD) program is considered to be the most prestigious. It is also a widely recognised pathway for becoming a licensed physician. Some other popular medical courses include Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN), Pharmacy (B.Pharm or Pharm.D), and Biomedical Science.

3. After an MBA, Which Course is Best in Canada?

The best MBA courses in Canada are the Master of Information Studies, the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), and the Master of Supply Chain Management (MSCM). These courses cater to sectors that have strong industry growth in Canada.

4. After GNM, Which Course is Best in Canada?

The best course in Canada after GNM is a nurse bridge program or a post-graduate Diploma in Nursing. These courses are designed specifically for internationally educated nurses who want to upgrade their skills and meet the Canadian standards to get professional licensure.

5. Is Studying Data Science or AI in Canada Worth It for Future Careers?

Studying data science or AI in Canada can be highly rewarding as it offers competitive salaries and career prospects. There has been a significant investment in AI research in Canada, and many experts are projecting rapid growth in job roles related to Data Science and AI.

6. Do In-Demand Courses in Canada Help with Permanent Residency (PR) Opportunities?

Pursuing in-demand courses in Canada can significantly improve chances of getting permanent residency (PR) opportunities. However, studying in-demand courses is not a direct path to PR, but it does offer good advantages when it comes to the Canadian immigration system.

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