The best course of action for students interested in working as reporters or editors in media is to consider a degree in journalism. This extensive course introduces students to the fundamental practices of gathering facts, performing interviews, creating news articles, and practising ethical journalism. But why should one pursue journalism in Canada? Canada has long been a hub of journalism and information technology, where students can gain the necessary exposure to learn from the working of international companies, media organisations and training programmes.
To get a deeper understanding of the journalism courses in Canada for international students, read our guide to learn about the course structure, top colleges, admission process, fees and future scope.
Why Study Journalism In Canada?
Before you advance to exploring the finer details of the course, it is crucial to see whether Canada is a good pick. Here are some of the top reasons why international students choose to go to Canada, backed by relevant data.
- Canadian colleges offer a high standard of education and detailed coursework to cover all necessary curricula.
- Students of journalism in Canada get the opportunity to gain exposure and practical experience by working closely with media organisations and companies.
- Universities offer several types of financial aid, like scholarships, grants, and awards, to lighten the burden of finances on young students.
- Furthermore, it is estimated that the Canadian media industry is estimated to touch 64 billion dollars by the end of 2023.
- Graduates can explore job opportunities in job areas like radio, television, magazines, news agencies, etc.
Top Journalism Colleges in Canada
The first step of research to study journalism in Canada is to explore the different colleges and universities. Each institute has varying facilities and opportunities, which have the potential to lead students to their goals. Thus, it is crucial to understand these differences between colleges and choose the one that aligns with your personal and professional goals. Check out the list of best journalism universities in Canada, their most popular courses and the average duration.
| Course | University | Popular Programme | Duration |
| UG | Wilfrid Laurier University | Bachelor of Arts in Journalism | 3 years |
| Ryerson University | Bachelor of Journalism | 4 years | |
| University of Calgary | BA in Communication in Journalism | 4 years | |
| Mount Royal University | Bachelor of Communication (Journalism) | 4 years | |
| PG | University of British Columbia | Master of Journalism | 22 months |
| Dalhousie University | Master of Journalism | 2 years | |
| Centennial College | MS in Journalism | 2 years | |
| Western University | Master’s in Journalism and Communications | 1 year | |
| PhD | University of Ottawa | PhD in Communication | NA |
| York University | PhD in Communication and Culture | NA |
Courses & Specialisations
Aspirants can pursue journalism in Canada on four significant levels – bachelor’s, master’s, diploma and PhD. As the student progresses higher, the depth of study and knowledge increases. Bachelor’s degrees aim to prepare students for this field while creating a solid foundation for journalism practices. Here are some of the popular UG-level courses of media and journalism courses in Canada.
- Bachelor of Arts in Journalism
- Bachelor of Arts in Communication
- Bachelor of Journalism
- Bachelor of Journalism and Humanities
- Bachelor of Communication Studies
Once done with the bachelor’s, students often pursue master’s degrees to gain more profound knowledge and practical training. Following are some of the top master’s level courses that aim to prepare students for real-world journalism practices and corporate jobs.
- Master’s in Journalism
- Master’s in Journalism and Communication
Students looking to cover similar coursework as a master’s degree in less time can consider postgraduate diplomas or certification courses.
- Graduate Certificate in Journalism
- Graduate Certification in Sports Journalism
- Graduate Diploma in Journalism
- Graduate Diploma in Visual Journalism
Lastly, a PhD, usually a four-year programme, helps students understand the fundamentals of journalism at its core. Furthermore, students can comprehend how communication affects our day-to-day lives. Some popular PhD courses are –
- PhD in Journalism
- PhD in Communication and Journalism
- PhD in Journalism and Translational Studies
Besides the college and courses, specialisation is another aspect that affects your career. Each major offers a different skill set that will help you excel in different kinds of jobs. Canadian universities have a plethora of specialisations, allowing students to tailor their degrees according to their interests and goals.
- Digital Innovation in Journalism Studies
- Sports Journalism
- Graphics Journalism
- Global Journalism
- Political Journalism
- News Reporting and Writing
- Data Journalism
- Science and Environmental Journalism
- Enterprise Journalism
- Broadcasting Journalism
Eligibility & Admission Requirements
Once you’ve explored the different colleges and courses, the next course of action is to consider the eligibility criteria. While each institute has varying prerequisites, depending on the curriculum requirements and course structure, we can derive a list of eligibility and necessary documents to keep ourselves prepared. Consider the following list for the same.
- A minimum of 70% in 10+2 or equivalent exams
- A minimum of 70% in a 4-year bachelor’s degree from an accredited or recognised university. (for master’s applicants)
- A minimum of 75% in master’s degree (for PhD applicants)
- All official academic transcripts
- Scores of entrance exams
- Scores of English language proficiency tests
- CV/Resume
- Letter of Recommendation
- Statement of Purpose
- Details of work experience (if applicable)
Scores of entrance exams and English proficiency tests are crucial when applying to any type of journalism course. The following table contains the minimum required marks according to the different programmes.
| Programme | Exam | Minimum Required Scores |
| UG | IELTS | 6.5 |
| TOEFL | 86 | |
| PTE | 58 | |
| MELAB | 85 | |
| PG | IELTS | 7.0 |
| TOEFL | 92 | |
| PTE | 65 | |
| MELAB | 85 | |
| CAEL | 75 | |
| Doctoral Courses | IELTS | 8.0 |
| TOEFL | 107 | |
| PTE | 59 | |
| MELAB | 80 |
Application Process
On analysing the list of requirements, move to the admission process. Similar to eligibility, the application procedure will vary from institute to institute. While it’s best to research the screening process and application of your shortlisted universities and courses, till then, you can refer to the following steps to get an idea.
- Explore the different universities and colleges offering courses in journalism in Canada. Depending on your interests and goals, select a suitable course.
- Verify the eligibility criteria and admission requirements from the institute’s official website.
- Depending on their prerequisites, compile a file of documents with all the original copies.
- Consider the deadlines and intakes, and fill out the application form. Attach all the necessary documents. You may be required to pay an application fee.
- Depending on the institute’s requirements, you may have to undergo additional steps, like interviews or specific exams.
- Once completed, the university may send you an acceptance or a conditional offer letter.
- Fulfil the mentioned steps and confirm your seat at the college.
Cost Of Studying
The cost of studying is usually high for international students for abroad education. To understand the total expenses, consider the tuition fees and the cost of living. If we go by the type of course, a UG degree in journalism in Canada costs an average of CAD 18,000 to CAD 28,000 per year.
A master’s degree, on the other hand, will cost you in a range of CAD 15,000 to CAD 28,000 per year. However, students must note that these are average costs, and the actual tuition fees may vary depending on the course, specialisation, standard of education, facilities offered and the university’s global reputation as well.
To get a better insight, consider the average cost of tuition in some of the most popular educational institutes in Canada.
| Course | University | Average Annual Fee |
| UG | Wilfrid Laurier University | CAD 23,130 to CAD 28,441 |
| Ryerson University | CAD 26,183 to CAD 26,774 | |
| University of Calgary | CAD 14,629 | |
| Mount Royal University | CAD 21,015 | |
| PG | University of British Columbia | CAD 19,592 |
| Dalhousie University | CAD 12,777 | |
| Centennial College | CAD 13,932 | |
| Western University | CAD 29,700 | |
| PhD | University of Ottawa | CAD 25,466 |
| York University | CAD 72,000 |
The second factor to consider is the cost of living. The average annual cost of living in Canada is around CAD 21,684. A detailed breakdown of how factors like housing, commute and utilities contribute to this figure is given in the table below.
| Item | Cost of living in Canada (per month) |
| Off-Campus Accommodation | CAD 550 |
| On-Campus Accommodation | CAD 1,611 |
| Transportation | CAD 100 |
| Food | CAD 720 |
| Utilities | CAD 180 |
| Groceries | CAD 64 |
| Clothes | CAD 133 |
| Entertainment | CAD 60 |
| Total Cost Of Living With Off-Campus Accommodation | CAD 1,807 |
| Total Cost Of Living With On-Campus Accommodation | CAD 2,868 |
| Annual Cost Of Living | CAD 21,684 |
Scholarships
As the above section indicates, pursuing journalism in Canada is an expensive affair. The best way to lessen your financial burden is to opt for scholarships. Fortunately, almost all universities offer international students several types of financial aid for the same reason. Check out the most helpful scholarships mentioned below.
| Course | Scholarships | Amount Awarded |
| UG | Humber University Scholarships for International Students | 100% tuition fee waiver |
| York University International Student Scholarship | CAD 57,581 to CAD 95,974 | |
| Carleton University Entrance Scholarships | CAD 3,838 to CAD 15,354 | |
| PG | UMGF Scholarship | CAD 13,437 |
| University of Calgary Graduate Awards | CAD 960 to CAD 38,383 | |
| University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowships | CAD 13,436 | |
| PhD | University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowships | CAD 17,268 |
| Ontario Trillium Scholarship | CAD 38,406 | |
| Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships | CAD 47,977 |
Students must note that maximum scholarships are specific to universities and apply to their students only. Thus, exploring the scholarships available at the university you have applied to is wise.
Future Scope
The research for any course concludes with its future scope. As stated by Canadian immigration, the annual employment rate in the field of journalism is expected to increase by 1.1%. Moreover, around 4,800 new job profiles are supposed to open by 2025.
Hence, the job prospects in Canada are enormous. Graduates are eligible for many different job profiles in the sectors of radio, television, networking, newspapers, magazines, etc. According to the available data, the average annual salary of a journalist in Canada is CAD 1,66,000. Some of the popular job profiles and their average salaries are mentioned in the following table.
| Job Profile | Average Annual Salary |
| Communication Assistant | CAD 54,500 |
| Investigative Reporter | CAD 65,000 |
| Newspaper Editor | CAD 55,000 |
| Multimedia Journalist | CAD 60,000 |
| Data Journalist | CAD 60,000 |
| Broadcast Journalist | CAD 50,351 |
| News Anchor | CAD 53,374 |
| Broadcast News Analyst | CAD 50,355 |
| Communications Manager | CAD 63,252 |
FAQs
Q1. Is Canada a good place to study journalism?
Ans: Canadian universities offer students ample opportunities for career growth and development. Their curriculum is designed to create a strong foundation in journalism, provide practical training, and give real-world exposure to students. Overall, Canada is a great place to pursue a journalism course for international students.
Q2. Does journalism have a future in Canada?
Ans: Graduates of journalism courses can acquire different job profiles, like Communication Assistant, Investigative Reporter, Newspaper Editor, Multimedia Journalist, Data Journalist, and Broadcast Journalist. While the current average salary is around CAD 1,66,000 per year, the Canadian media industry is expected to grow exponentially in the coming years.
Q3. How long is a journalism course in Canada?
Ans: Undergraduate journalism courses are usually three to four years long. Master’s courses could be around 18 to 24 months, whereas a PhD is typically four years long.
Q4. Which universities offer journalism in Canada?
Ans: Wilfrid Laurier University, Ryerson University, University of British Columbia, Dalhousie University, Centennial College, University of Ottawa, and York University are some of the best recommended universities. Not only are these at the top of the list in Canada, but they are also some of the top journalism colleges worldwide.
Q5. What are the key skills needed to succeed in the field of journalism in Canada?
Ans: Expert communication skills, sharp writing abilities, attention to detail, digital literacy, investigative reporting and problem-solving skills are the critical skills needed to succeed in the field of journalism in Canada.
1 thought on “Top PGDM Courses In Canada: Universities, Specialisations & Eligibility”
I have done Bachelor’s in Culinary Arts from India and completed my graduation in the year 2022 .I am 22 years old. After graduation, I have done 1 year paid internship from USA .Now, I would like to take occupational experience and learn culinary skills and also do masters in Culinary arts.How can I find the college n best course / country where I can persue studying further