Master's in Canada from Kenya: Requirements, Costs and Study Permit (2027)
Short answer: most Canadian master's programmes ask for a four-year bachelor's degree with about a B average (roughly a Second Class Upper) and IELTS of about 6.5. Tuition is about CAD 17,000–35,000 a year (≈ KSh 1.6M–3.3M). For the study permit you show CAD 23,448 for living costs plus first-year tuition. From 2026, master's students at public institutions don't need a provincial attestation letter, and graduates can apply for a post-graduation work permit of up to three years.
Last reviewed: October 2026 · Reviewed by the MultiWorld International Admissions Team · How we review our guides
Types of master's programmes
Type | Length | Best for |
Thesis (research) master's | About 2 years | Research careers and PhD plans; often funded through assistantships |
Course-based master's | 1–2 years | Professional careers; usually self-funded |
College postgraduate certificate | 1–2 years | Practical, job-ready skills at lower cost; check the programme qualifies for a post-graduation work permit |
Entry requirements
Requirement | What most Canadian universities ask for |
Degree | A four-year bachelor's degree, usually about a B average (Second Class Upper). |
English | IELTS 6.5 overall (no band below 6.0) or equivalent; some waive it for degrees taught in English. |
Documents | Transcripts, degree certificate, statement of purpose, 2–3 references, CV; a research proposal and supervisor contact for thesis programmes. |
Tests | GRE or GMAT for some business and engineering programmes. |
What it costs in Kenyan shillings
Cost | Amount | ≈ KES |
Tuition per year | CAD 17,000–35,000 | 1.6M–3.3M |
Living funds for the study permit | CAD 23,448 (single student, outside Quebec) | ≈ 2.2M |
Study permit fee | CAD 150 | ≈ 14,000 |
Biometrics | CAD 85 | ≈ 8,000 |
Compare programmes and fees in our course finder.
Steps and timeline for September 2027
September–December: shortlist programmes and contact potential supervisors for thesis master's. Funded programmes often close in December or January.
December–March: apply, take your English test and send references.
February–May: receive offers, accept and pay the deposit.
April–July: apply for the study permit with your letter of acceptance and proof of funds. Master's students at public institutions don't need a provincial attestation letter from 2026.
August–September: travel and enrol.
Working during and after your studies
You can usually work up to 24 hours a week off campus during term and full time in scheduled breaks. After an eligible programme you can apply for a post-graduation work permit of up to three years. Full details are in our Study in Canada guide.
Frequently asked questions
What grades do I need for a master's in Canada?
Most universities ask for a four-year bachelor's degree with about a B average, roughly a Second Class Upper. Course-based programmes and college postgraduate certificates can be more flexible.
Do master's students need a provincial attestation letter in 2026?
No. From 2026, master's and doctoral students at public designated learning institutions are exempt from the provincial or territorial attestation letter requirement.
How much does a master's in Canada cost from Kenya?
Tuition is about CAD 17,000 to 35,000 a year (roughly KSh 1.6M to 3.3M). For the study permit you must also show CAD 23,448 for living costs plus your first-year tuition.
Can I work in Canada after a master's?
Yes. Graduates of eligible programmes can apply for a post-graduation work permit of up to three years. While studying you can usually work up to 24 hours a week off campus during term.
Is a thesis or course-based master's better?
A thesis master's suits research or PhD plans and is more often funded through assistantships. A course-based master's is shorter and more career-focused but usually self-funded.
Sources
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