Civil engineering in Canada includes the study of designing, constructing, and maintaining various structures. Students in this programme learn about the processes behind creating infrastructure elements like dams, highways, and bridges.
Canadian civil engineering universities offer diverse specialisations, including Geotechnical Engineering Technology, Engineering Mechanics, International Development, Project Management, Transportation Engineering, Structural Engineering, and Water Resources Engineering.
To pursue civil engineering in Canada, students typically undergo a four-year undergraduate programme. This curriculum covers a range of subjects, including environmental science, soil mechanics, material properties, drawing skills, construction management, mapping, and surveying.
Upon completing their undergraduate degree at a Canadian university, international students can embark on their engineering journey as an Engineer in Training (EIT) for a few years. Subsequently, they can attain their P. Eng, a professional engineering designation in Canada, and pursue civil engineering roles to gain practical experience or opt to further their studies.
In this article, we will delve into comprehensive insights regarding civil engineering courses in Canada, the admission procedures, and eligibility criteria for aspiring civil engineers in Canadian universities.
1. Why Study Civil Engineering in Canada?
Here are compelling reasons to pursue a Master’s in Civil Engineering in Canada:
- Top-Ranked Universities: Canada boasts leading institutions for Civil Engineering, such as the University of Toronto, the University of British Columbia, and McGill University, all ranking in the top 100 according to the 2023 QS World University Rankings.
- High ROI: International students can achieve a significant return on investment (ROI) with varying tuition fees, typically ranging from CAD 10,000 to CAD 30,000 per year. Graduates can potentially earn up to CAD 71,385 annually, around INR 44.08 lakhs.
- Abundant Job Opportunities: Canada expects about 26,100 new civil engineering job openings between 2022 and 2031 due to growth and retirements. During this period, approximately 32,300 individuals, including recent graduates, immigrants, and career changers, will compete for these positions.
- Low Unemployment: Canada maintains a modest 5.7% unemployment rate. Due to a shortage of eligible Canadian citizens or permanent residents for available roles, Canada actively seeks immigrants to meet the demand.
These factors make Canada an attractive destination for pursuing a Master’s in Civil Engineering.
2. Top Civil Engineering Universities in Canada
Canada boasts some of the world’s best civil engineering universities. They offer various courses, have excellent facilities, and feature highly skilled professors. Now, let’s dive into the details with the table below.
| Name of the University | World QS Rankings 2023 as per Subject |
| University of Toronto | 19 |
| University of British Columbia | 21 |
| McGill University | 51-100 |
| University of Waterloo | 51-100 |
| Queen’s University at Kingston | 101-150 |
| University of Alberta | 101-150 |
| Universite De Montreal | 101-150 |
| Western University | 101-150 |
| McMaster University | 151-200 |
| University of Calgary | 151-200 |
3. Course Duration
In the table below you can explore the durations and civil engineering courses in Canada fees, from undergraduate to doctoral levels, in the table below.
| Degree | Course Name | University | Duration | Tuition Fees (CAD) |
| UG | Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng) | University of British Columbia | 4 years | 43,000 – 48,000 |
| UG | Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.Sc) | University of Toronto | 4 years | 45,690 – 53,000 |
| UG | Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) | British Columbia Institute of Technology | 4 years | 20,000 – 25,000 |
| PG | Master of Engineering (M.Eng) | University of Alberta | 2 years | 10,000 – 15,000 |
| PG | Master of Applied Science (M.A.Sc) | University of Waterloo | 2 years | 14,000 – 16,000 |
| PG | Master of Technology (M.Tech) | University of British Columbia | 2 years | 30,000 – 35,000 |
| PhD | Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) | University of Toronto | 4-5 years | Free for domestic students; ~$20,000 for international students |
4. Eligibility
Civil engineering is a high-demand profession in Canada, with many opportunities for both local and international students. To be eligible students must meet certain requirements, including having a valid IELTS Score For Canada.
| Requirement | Minimum Score |
| Class 12th grade | 70% in a minimum of 4 subjects, including English |
| IELTS | 7/9 |
| TOEFL | 90/120 |
| PTE | 61/90 |
5. Admission Requirement
To apply for a civil engineering programme in Canada, you’ll need to provide these essential documents:
- High school diploma or equivalent certification.
- Official academic transcripts.
- Official test results (such as SAT, ACT, or IELTS).
- Statement of intent.
- Letters of recommendation.
- Curriculum vitae (CV) or resume.
- Portfolio (if applicable).
- Canada student visa
6. Tuition Fees
When considering the cost of studying civil engineering, it is important to factor in the cost of living in Canada as well. Canada is a relatively expensive country to live in, and the cost varies depending on the city or region in which you choose to study. Below is a list of the top universities and fees for better understanding:
| University | programme | Total Tuition Fees (CAD) | Fee for Indian Students (INR) |
| University of Toronto | MASc | 31,660 | 19.37 lakhs |
| MEng | 69,430 | 42.49 lakhs | |
| University of British Columbia | MASc | 19,000 | 11.63 lakhs |
| MEng | 23,913 | 14.63 lakhs | |
| McGill University | MSc | 9,864 | 6 lakhs |
| MEng | 14,181 | 8.67 lakhs | |
| University of Waterloo | MASc | 44,832 | 27.43 lakhs |
| MEng | 69,480 | 42.52 lakhs | |
| University of Alberta | MSc | 8874 | 5.39 lakhs |
| MEng | 1,901 | 1.15 lakhs | |
| Western University | MESc | 6,583 | 3.99 lakhs |
| MEng | 14,245 | 8.65 lakhs |
7. Career Scope for Civil Engineers in Canada
Civil engineers have a crucial role in Canada’s infrastructure development and upkeep. Their responsibilities encompass designing, building, and overseeing projects like roads, bridges, buildings, and water systems. Canada’s demand for civil engineers is strong, with a positive job outlook.
In terms of compensation, civil engineers in Canada enjoy competitive salaries. In 2022, the median income for these professionals was $96,000, though earnings can differ based on experience, education, and location.
| Job Title | Salary (CAD per year) |
| Construction Project Manager | $100,000 – $150,000 |
| Structural Engineer | $85,000 – $125,000 |
| Transportation Engineer | $80,000 – $120,000 |
| Geotechnical Engineer | $75,000 – $115,000 |
| Water Resources Engineer | $70,000 – $110,000 |
| Environmental Engineer | $65,000 – $105,000 |
7.1. Top Recruiters for Civil Engineers in Canada
Some of the top recruiters for students who have completed civil engineering courses in Canada and their respective average entry-level packages per year are –
| Company | Amount (CAD) |
| Morrison | 51,000 |
| SNC Lavalin | 60,000 |
| Aecon | 50,000 |
| Bird & Bird | 80,000 |
To Sum It Up
Still wondering why study in Canada? Well, with its top-ranked universities, high ROI, abundant job opportunities, and low unemployment rate, Canada is an attractive destination for pursuing civil engineering. Moreover, the country’s high demand for civil engineers ensures that graduates have excellent prospects of securing jobs in the field.
To further enhance your chances of success, you can also get involved in professional organisations for civil engineers in Canada. These offer a variety of resources and support to their members, including access to professional development opportunities, networking events, and job listings.
No matter what your enquiry is, the cost of living in a city or comparisons like civil engineering vs architecture, you can find it all on my blog page. So be sure to check it out and stay informed about the latest trends and developments in Canada!
FAQs
1. Can civil engineers get PR in Canada?
Certainly, civil engineers are eligible for permanent residency (PR) in Canada. Civil engineering is a highly sought-after profession, and civil engineers can apply for PR through various immigration routes, such as the Express Entry programme and Provincial Nominee programmes (PNPs).
2. Which city is best for civil engineers in Canada?
Among the top Canadian cities for civil engineers are:
- Toronto, Ontario
- Vancouver, British Columbia
- Calgary, Alberta
- Edmonton, Alberta
- Ottawa, Ontario
- Montreal, Quebec
These cities have the best civil engineering colleges in Canada for international students. Moreover, they have a strong economies and important infrastructure projects, creating a high demand for civil engineers. This, in turn, leads to competitive pay and benefits for professionals in this field.
3. What is the duration of a typical civil engineering programme in Canada?
A standard civil engineering programme in Canada typically spans four years. However, specific specialisations within the field, such as structural engineering, may extend the programme to five years.
4. Are there scholarships or financial aid options available for civil engineering students in Canada?
Yes, there are various scholarships to study in Canada for Civil engineering students. The top available options are listed below:
- Hira and Kamal Ahuja Award in Engineering
- Faculty of Engineering Awards
- Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship
- Ontario Graduate Scholarship
- Concordia International Tuition Award of Excellence
5. Are there professional organisations for civil engineers in Canada, and how can students get involved?
Yes, Canada has several organisations dedicated to civil engineers. Here are a few prominent ones:
- Canadian Society for Civil Engineering (CSCE)
- Engineering Institute of Canada (EIC)
- Association of Consulting Engineers of Canada (ACEC)
- Canadian Geotechnical Society (CGS)
- Canadian Society for Mechanical Engineering (CSME)
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