Top Finance & Accounting Universities in Canada (2026)
Top universities for Finance, Accounting, FinTech and Investment masters in Canada. We rank 63 universities by QS standing, fees, scholarships and post-study work outcomes for international students.
Get a Finance & Accounting shortlist for Canada.
Share your phone or email and get matched Finance & Accounting universities, fee bands, scholarship options, and visa-risk checks before you compare rankings.
Finance & Accounting shortlist
For Canada applicants
Algoma University
📍 Sault Ste. Marie, Canada
Algoma University, Sault Ste. Marie
Algonquin College
📍 Ottawa, Canada
BCIT
📍 BRITISH COLUMBIA, Canada
Bow Valley College
📍 Calgary, Canada
Brock University
📍 St. Catharines, Canada
Camosun College
Canadian College for Higher Studies
Canadian College of Technology and Business (CCTB)
Cegep de Lévis
Cégep de Trois
Cégep Limoilou
📍 Quebec City, Canada
Collège Ahuntsic
📍 Quebec, Canada
Collège Boréal
Collège Mathieu
📍 Gravelbourg, Canada
Concordia University
📍 Montreal, Canada
Conestoga College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning
📍 Kitchener, Canada
Conestoga College, Kitchener–Doon
Desautels Faculty of Management
📍 Quebec, Canada
Douglas College - Coquitlam
📍 Coquitlam, Canada
Durham College
📍 Ontario, Canada
Ecole Polytechnique
📍 Montreal, Canada
Fanshawe College of Applied Arts and Technology
📍 Ontario, Canada
Fanshawe College, St. Thomas
Fanshawe Downtown Campus
More top courses in Canada
A masters in finance in Canada costs from CAD 10,082 a year for UBC's research MSc (₹6.8 lakh) to about CAD 92,960 for Schulich's 12-month Master of Finance (₹63 lakh). Entry needs a 4-year degree, a B-plus and IELTS 7.0, plus a GMAT or GRE at most programmes. A master's of 8 months or more earns a 3-year PGWP, but finance roles are not on Express Entry's STEM list.
What does an MSc in finance in Canada look like, and which route suits an Indian applicant?
Canada has no single "MSc Finance". The degrees are the Master of Finance (MF) at Schulich in Toronto, the Master of Quantitative Finance (MQF) and Master of Accounting (MAcc) at Waterloo, and research degrees such as UBC's Master of Science in Business Administration in Finance. Schulich's MF is 12 months over three terms; the MQF runs 16 months, with a research-paper option that includes an internship; the MAcc is eight courses over eight months, built around the Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) route; UBC's research MSc averages about 1.7 years.
One well-known name needs a warning. Rotman's Master of Finance is a 15-month hybrid programme for working professionals, with mostly online classes and three in-person modules in Toronto, and it strongly recommends two years of finance experience. Rotman states that admission does not secure a PGWP, which needs full-time study in every semester except the last.
UBC's finance MSc is the hardest to enter: 12 offers from 79 applications in 2025. For FinTech, the MQF has machine learning content.
How much does a masters in finance in Canada cost for Indian students? Tuition at five programmes, 2026-27
International tuition for 2026-27 or the Fall 2026 fee framework; totals are estimates.
| Programme | Length | International tuition (CAD) | Approx. INR | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Schulich Master of Finance (MF) | 12 months, 3 terms | CAD 30,987 per term; estimated total CAD 92,960 | ₹21.0 lakh a term · ₹63.0 lakh | Tuition x 3 terms as published by Schulich, rounded; supplementary fees and health cover are extra, see York Student Financial Services |
| Rotman Master of Finance (hybrid, for working professionals) | 15 months | CAD 80,972 estimated programme fee for Fall 2026 entry | ₹54.8 lakh | Study permit needed; a PGWP is not assured |
| Waterloo Master of Quantitative Finance (MQF) | 16 months, full-time | CAD 9,144 per term + CAD 1,014.11 incidental fees per term | ₹6.2 lakh + ₹0.7 lakh per term | About four terms, ≈ CAD 36,600 (₹24.8 lakh) tuition |
| Waterloo Master of Accounting (MAcc) | 8 months, 2 terms | Fall 2026 rate: CAD 25,136 per term + CAD 1,068.01 incidental fees per term | ₹17.0 lakh + ₹0.7 lakh per term | Fall 2026 rate only (two terms ≈ CAD 50,272, ₹34.0 lakh). Waterloo says that as of 2027 tuition is assessed per course, so confirm the 2027 fee on the MAcc FAQ page |
| UBC MSc in Business Administration (Finance) | About 1.7 years | CAD 10,081.65 a year (3 instalments of CAD 3,360.55), plus about CAD 1,203 student fees | ₹6.8 lakh a year | CAD 3,200 (₹2.2 lakh) international tuition award for eligible students |
| Living funds the permit office expects (single applicant) | 1 year | CAD 23,448 | ₹15.9 lakh | Applications on or after 1 Sep 2026; CAD 29,192 (₹19.8 lakh) with a spouse |
Sources: Schulich, Rotman, Waterloo Finance (Fall 2026), UBC and IRCC pages, read 26 Sep 2026. C$1 = ₹67.73. Fees are estimates subject to change.
Masters in finance Canada eligibility for Indian students: degree, marks, GMAT or GRE, IELTS and deadlines
Each school publishes its own rules. Deadlines are for September 2027 entry unless noted.
| Programme | Degree and marks | Tests and English | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Schulich MF | Recognised undergraduate degree with at least a B+ average in the last two full years; strong quantitative background; 3-year degrees may be considered with one year of work experience | GMAT or GRE required, with waivers for CFA Level I or higher, FRM Part I or higher, or a B+ in university calculus, statistics, algebra or probability; IELTS Academic 7.0 with 6.5 per dimension | Rounds: 21 Oct 2026, 20 Jan 2027, 3 Mar 2027, 26 May 2027; international applicants should apply by Round 2 |
| Rotman Master of Finance | Four-year degree with a 3.0 GPA or B average in the final year; business, commerce, economics, mathematics, engineering or actuarial degrees preferred; prerequisite knowledge of finance and accounting (B or higher in university finance and accounting courses, or CFA Level I or higher) | GMAT or GRE, or a B or higher in university-level calculus, linear algebra, statistics or econometrics; IELTS Academic 7.0 with at least 6.5 across all bands; two years of finance experience strongly recommended | Check the page for international dates |
| Waterloo MQF | Overall 80% average from a Canadian university or equivalent; four-year honours degree with strong quantitative methods | IELTS 7.0 with writing 6.5 and speaking 6.5, or TOEFL 90 | 6 Jan for September admission |
| Waterloo MAcc | Four-year honours degree in any area, but CPA Ontario reviews your academic background first (seven designated accounting courses and eight business courses) | Waterloo's graduate calendar lists Accounting and Finance among the programmes with higher English scores: IELTS Academic 7.5 with 7.0 in writing and speaking, or TOEFL iBT 100 (exempt if you studied three or more years at an English-medium university on Waterloo's list) | Spring 2027 and beyond: follow the admissions process on the MAcc page (transcript, statement of interest, two academic references) |
| UBC MSc Business Administration (Finance) | Faculty minimum is usually a B+ average, 76% at UBC; programme may set more | GRE or a comparable test required; IELTS Academic 7.0 | 31 Dec 2026 |
Sources: Schulich, Rotman, Waterloo and UBC admission pages listed below, read 26 Sep 2026. Each university converts Indian percentages with its own tables.
Four-year degree and a test score first; a three-year BCom or BBA needs a work-experience plan
Do CFA and CPA count in Canada? Credentials, waivers and what the schools say
At Schulich, candidates who have completed CFA Level I or higher, or FRM Part I or higher, are exempt from the GMAT or GRE requirement. Rotman is in the CFA Institute University Affiliation Program, which supports exam preparation but does not replace the exams. ACCA exemptions are not confirmed here; ask the school.
Waterloo's MAcc leads to the CPA Professional Education Program and then the CPA designation. After the MAcc and the required professional experience (Waterloo's pages say 16 to 24 months), graduates complete the final CPA module through CPA Ontario, which first reviews your academic background. For accounting or audit it is the most specific route, and its eight months is the minimum length for a 3-year PGWP. Waterloo's MAcc FAQ states that as of 2027 tuition will be assessed per course, along with incidental and ancillary fees, so treat the per-term figure in the table (Fall 2026) as a guide for the 2027 plan and confirm the 2027 fee with the school. Its MAcc page also sets out a revised admissions process for Spring 2027 and beyond; follow that one.
How to apply for a masters in finance in Canada from India: timeline for September 2027
Deadlines close between October 2026 and January 2027.
August to October 2026: pick the route
Choose between MF, MQF, MAcc and a research MSc.
September to November 2026: GMAT or GRE and IELTS
Book the GMAT or GRE early for Schulich and UBC; Schulich waives it for CFA Level I or higher, FRM Part I or higher, or a B+ in university quantitative courses. At Rotman, a B or higher in relevant university quantitative courses can replace the test. Book IELTS Academic for 7.0 (6.5 per band at Schulich and Rotman).
October 2026 to January 2027: submit
UBC closes 31 December 2026 and the MQF on 6 January. Schulich's rounds are 21 October, 20 January, 3 March and 26 May; international students should apply by Round 2. Application fees are non-refundable: Rotman CAD 195 (≈ ₹13,200), Schulich CAD 150 (≈ ₹10,200).
January to April 2027: interviews and offers
Schulich may invite selected applicants to a 30-minute interview. Pay fees under the RBI Liberalised Remittance Scheme; ask your bank about current TCS rules.
April to June 2027: study permit
Master's programmes at public universities need no provincial attestation letter. Apply with the offer letter, proof of CAD 23,448 (≈ ₹15.9 lakh) for living costs plus first-year tuition plus return transport, and the CAD 150 permit (≈ ₹10,200) and CAD 85 biometrics (≈ ₹5,800) fees. If you choose a Quebec university, check the Quebec CAQ requirement with the university.
June to August 2027: housing, insurance, spouse
A spouse can get an open work permit only if you study a master's of 16 months or longer: the 12-month MF and 8-month MAcc do not qualify; the 16-month MQF and the research MSc do.
September 2027 to graduation: stay full-time, then apply for the PGWP
You can work up to 24 hours a week off campus during term. Take IELTS General Training (6.0 in every band is CLB 7), CELPIP or PTE Core before your final term and apply for the PGWP within 180 days of completing.
Is a masters in finance in Canada worth it? Official job outlooks for 2025-2027
Job Bank three-year provincial outlooks (updated 10 December 2025). Nationally, supply and demand for both occupations are broadly in balance over 2024-2033.
| Province | Financial and investment analysts (NOC 11101) | Financial auditors and accountants (NOC 11100) |
|---|---|---|
| Ontario | Limited (about 46,000 workers) | Moderate |
| British Columbia | Limited | Moderate |
| Alberta | Moderate | Moderate |
| Quebec | Moderate | Limited |
| Median hourly wage, Canada, 2023-2024 | CAD 43.27 (≈ ₹2,931 an hour) | CAD 40.36 (≈ ₹2,734 an hour) |
Sources: Job Bank outlook and wage reports for NOC 11101 and 11100, read 26 Sep 2026. Wages cover all workers, not graduate starting pay. C$1 = ₹67.73.
After a masters in finance in Canada: PGWP, Express Entry and the Ontario change
Graduates of a master's degree of at least 8 months can apply for a 3-year post-graduation work permit (fee CAD 255, about ₹17,300: CAD 155 work permit plus CAD 100 open work permit holder fee) if they studied full time at a PGWP-eligible institution and apply within 180 days of completion. IRCC requires CLB 7 in all four abilities and sets no field-of-study requirement for master's degrees, so a 12-month MF and an 8-month MAcc earn the same permit length as a two-year research degree.
Financial analysts and accountants are on none of IRCC's category-based Express Entry lists (the STEM list has only insurance agents and brokers among finance roles), so graduates compete in the general rounds, where Canadian experience and CLB scores carry the weight. Ontario's nominee programme says the new Ontario Workforce Priority stream has launched and all other streams are closed; check the current OINP and IRCC pages before planning around one.
The labour market is the real constraint. Job Bank rates financial and investment analysts Limited in Ontario and British Columbia for 2025-2027. Accountants are rated Moderate in Ontario and Alberta. That favours programmes with an internship or professional pathway (MQF, MAcc and CPA).
Funding a masters in finance in Canada: awards, assistantships and education loans
- Research funding: UBC's research MSc has the lowest tuition here; Rotman and Schulich list merit awards and loans, so check each programme page for funding.
- Entrance awards: Rotman grants merit-based awards typically between CAD 5,000 and CAD 20,000 (about ₹3.4 lakh to ₹13.5 lakh), with no separate application.
- Education loans: most families use a collateral-backed Indian bank loan; Prodigy and MPOWER are examples of cross-border lenders, not recommendations. IRCC accepts a bank loan letter as proof of funds.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a masters in finance in Canada cost for Indian students?
UBC's research MSc in Business Administration (Finance) is CAD 10,082 a year (about ₹6.8 lakh), Waterloo's MQF is CAD 9,144 a term (about ₹6.2 lakh), and Schulich's 12-month Master of Finance is an estimated CAD 92,960 (about ₹63 lakh). Add CAD 23,448 (₹15.9 lakh) for living costs on the study permit.
Is GMAT or GRE required for a Master of Finance in Canada?
Often, but not everywhere. Schulich and UBC ask for a test, with Schulich waiving it for CFA Level I or higher, FRM Part I or higher, or a B+ in university quantitative courses. Rotman accepts either a GMAT or GRE or a B or higher in relevant university quantitative courses. Waterloo's MQF lists an 80% average and IELTS 7.0 instead.
Can I do an MSc in finance in Canada with a BCom or BBA from India?
A four-year degree is the safe profile. Schulich says 3-year degrees may be considered with one year of full-time work experience, Rotman asks for a four-year degree and strongly recommends two years of finance experience, and Waterloo's MQF wants a four-year honours degree. Email the graduate office first.
Is the Rotman Master of Finance open to international students on a study permit?
Only as a study-permit applicant for the full 15 months, and Rotman says admission does not secure a PGWP. The 15-month hybrid programme assumes you already work in finance, expects a finance and accounting prerequisite, and has three in-person Toronto modules. Confirm your plan with admissions.
Which is the cheapest masters in finance in Canada for Indian students?
UBC's research MSc at CAD 10,081.65 a year (about ₹6.8 lakh) and Waterloo's MQF at CAD 9,144 a term (about ₹6.2 lakh) are the lowest listed here. UBC is highly selective: 12 offers from 79 applications in 2025. Professional programmes cost several times more.
Can a Canadian masters in accounting lead to the CPA designation?
Yes, in Ontario. Waterloo describes its 8-month MAcc as a path to the CPA Professional Education Program, with 16 to 24 months of professional experience and a final CPA Ontario module. CPA Ontario first reviews your academic background; prerequisites include seven accounting and eight business courses.
Is there a quantitative finance or fintech masters in Canada?
Waterloo's 16-month Master of Quantitative Finance combines mathematics, statistics, machine learning, computer science and finance, with a research-paper option that includes an internship. It asks for an 80% average and IELTS 7.0; applications close on 6 January.
Are finance jobs in demand in Canada after a masters?
Mixed. Job Bank rates financial and investment analysts Limited in Ontario and British Columbia and Moderate in Alberta for 2025-2027, while accountants are Moderate in Ontario. The median analyst wage is CAD 43.27 an hour (about ₹2,931).
Official sources used on this page
- Schulich School of Business — Graduate tuition and costs (Master of Finance programme fees, Fall 2026 framework) — York University · checked 26 September 2026
- Schulich School of Business — Master of Finance (MF) admission requirements and deadlines — York University · checked 26 September 2026
- Schulich School of Business — Master of Finance (MF) programme page — York University · checked 26 September 2026
- Rotman School of Management — Master of Finance: tuition and scholarships (Fall 2026 programme fee) — University of Toronto · checked 26 September 2026
- Rotman School of Management — Master of Finance: admissions criteria — University of Toronto · checked 26 September 2026
- Rotman School of Management — Master of Finance (15-month hybrid programme, CFA Institute University Affiliation Program) — University of Toronto · checked 26 September 2026
- Waterloo — Master's and PhD program tuition, Fall 2026, international students (MAcc, MQF) — University of Waterloo · checked 26 September 2026
- Waterloo — Master of Quantitative Finance (MQF): programme, admission and English requirements — University of Waterloo · checked 26 September 2026
- Waterloo — School of Accounting and Finance: Master of Accounting (MAcc) — University of Waterloo · checked 26 September 2026
- Waterloo — Master of Accounting frequently asked questions (CPA Ontario prerequisite review; per-course tuition from 2027) — University of Waterloo · checked 26 September 2026
- Waterloo — Graduate Studies Academic Calendar 3.10: English language proficiency (required and alternative scores by department) — University of Waterloo · checked 26 September 2026
- UBC — Master of Science in Business Administration in Finance (MSCB): tuition, GRE, IELTS, deadline, statistics — University of British Columbia · checked 26 September 2026
- IRCC — Study permit: Proof of financial support (living funds from 1 Sep 2026) — Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada · checked 26 September 2026
- IRCC — Provincial or territorial attestation letter: master's and doctoral exemption — Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada · checked 26 September 2026
- IRCC — Fee list (study permit, work permit, open work permit holder, biometrics) — Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada · checked 26 September 2026
- IRCC — About the post-graduation work permit (3-year PGWP for master's degrees) — Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada · checked 26 September 2026
- IRCC — PGWP: Who can apply (CLB 7 and field-of-study rules) — Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada · checked 26 September 2026
- IRCC — Help your spouse or common-law partner work in Canada — Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada · checked 26 September 2026
- IRCC — Work off campus as an international student — Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada · checked 26 September 2026
- IRCC — Express Entry: Category-based selection (STEM and other category occupation lists) — Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada · checked 26 September 2026
- Job Bank — Job outlooks for financial and investment analysts (NOC 11101), 2025-2027 — Employment and Social Development Canada · checked 26 September 2026
- Job Bank — Job outlooks for financial auditors and accountants (NOC 11100), 2025-2027 — Employment and Social Development Canada · checked 26 September 2026
- Job Bank — Financial analyst: 2024-2033 labour market conditions — Employment and Social Development Canada · checked 26 September 2026
- Job Bank — Accountants (financial auditors and accountants): 2024-2033 labour market conditions — Employment and Social Development Canada · checked 26 September 2026
- Job Bank — Financial analyst: wages (Labour Force Survey, 2023-2024) — Employment and Social Development Canada · checked 26 September 2026
- Job Bank — Auditor-CA (chartered accountant): wages (Labour Force Survey, 2023-2024) — Employment and Social Development Canada · checked 26 September 2026
- Ontario — Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP): Ontario Workforce Priority stream and closed streams — Government of Ontario · checked 26 September 2026
- Wise — CAD to INR mid-market rate — Wise · checked 26 September 2026
Ready to study in Finance & Accounting in Canada?
Get a free profile evaluation, personalized university shortlist, and expert visa guidance from our counselors.