Study Journalism in Canada
Find your program
Use this search box and filters to browse Erudera's study program database.
Erudera's Complete Guide to Studying Journalism in Canada
If you choose to study journalism in Canada, you will be doing yourself a great favor! Canada stands at the forefront of education, innovation, and technology. Canadian universities have an exceptional reputation for commitment, efficiency, and excellence. This country welcomes talented international students with open arms—meaning it provides the right opportunities for each student to grow, learn, advance, and feel safe.
Here’s everything you need to know about studying journalism in Canada:
Reasons to Study Journalism in Canada
Practical Experience
Journalism students earn a lot of practical experience during their studies in Canada. Many Canadian universities integrate a wide array of workshops into their curriculum, including internship opportunities and work placements (where students can network). Hands-on experience is essential in journalism, regardless of the career you wish to pursue. Students graduate with an already rich resume, transferable skills, and enough confidence to enter the job market.
Top Journalism Schools
Some of the top universities in the world for journalism degrees are located in Canada, including the University of Toronto, McGill University, or the University of British Columbia. Getting a degree in journalism from a country like Canada, where the system of education is globally valued and renowned, is an outstanding achievement. This degree will provide you with a wide range of career options in the global job market, where your skills will be valued and put to use.
Exciting Employment Prospects
Whether you want to work as a reporter, researcher, commentator, editor, or photojournalist—a journalism degree from Canadian universities will give you the chance to explore each (and more). Canada is an economically developed country where media thrives! If you do well in university, engage in workshops and other activities, undertake internships, or simply show that you’re skilled and committed to what you do—you will succeed. Canada loves talent!
Financially-Rewarding
A career in journalism can be quite rewarding financially, especially in Canada. If you practice your professional skills in Canada on a full-time basis, you can expect to earn somewhere around CAD 45,000 (~USD 35,600) to CAD 65,000 (~USD 51,500) per year. Of course, your salary will depend on the location, company size, professional experience, as well as education. On the bright side, it is comforting to know that your contribution will be rewarded.
Top Universities to Study Journalism in Canada
Here are some of the best schools to study journalism in Canada:
- University of Toronto
- McGill University
- University of British Columbia
- Concordia University
- Simon Fraser University
- University of Montreal
- University of Alberta
- York University
Requirements
Studying journalism in Canada can be competitive, which is why you must make sure you note the admission requirements as early as possible and strive to meet each and every one of them. For bachelor’s programs in journalism, universities usually ask students to submit their high school transcripts (GPA), standardized test scores (such as SAT/ACT), and proof of language proficiency (depending on the program’s language of instruction). Universities will also ask that you have taken specific subjects, such as English, during your high school years.
Some of the main requirements to study journalism in Canada are:
- High school academic transcripts.
- University academic transcripts. For admission to master’s programs.
- SAT/ACT scores. If applicable.
- Proof of English proficiency. Either TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE, depending on the university, or
- Proof of French proficiency. Either TEF, DALF, or DELF, depending on the university.
- Statement of purpose. Depending on the university.
- Letters of recommendation. Depending on the university.
Application Process
The application process to study journalism in Canada includes the following steps:
- Have at least three university options.
- Check the admission criteria of the university/program of your choice. Admission criteria are university-specific and usually include language requirements, credit scores, personal statements, etc.
- Submit the required documents:
- A filled-out application form.
- Certified copies of diplomas/certificates.
- Test scores proving language proficiency.
- Statement of intent.
- Proof of financial stability.
- Other university-specific documents.
- Receive acceptance letter.
- Apply for your study permit.
Make sure you translate your documents into English or French (depending on the university requirement) before submitting your application.
Degree Duration: How Long Does It Take to Study Journalism in Canada?
It takes three to four years to complete your bachelor’s degree in journalism in Canada. On the other hand, a master’s degree in journalism can take one to two years to complete. You will learn everything regarding the evolution and history of media during your journalism education, from the printing press to social and mobile media.
Not only will you learn how to be a skilled journalist and professional (regardless of the career path), but you will also gain a wide array of transferable skills. Your creativity, storytelling abilities, communication, and analytical skills will help you in each step of your career. You will see that you will feel fully prepared to enter a challenging job market by the end of your degree.
Tuition Fees: How Much Does It Cost to Study Journalism in Canada?
Tuition fees for undergraduate journalism programs in Canada average around CAD 6,800 (~USD 5,400) to CAD 7,500 (~USD 6,000) for Canadian students. International students in Canada are required to pay higher tuition fees compared to domestic students. Tuition fees at the undergraduate level range somewhere around CAD 29,700 (~USD 23,700) per year; meanwhile, at the graduate level, tuition fees average around CAD 17,000 (~USD 13,500) per year.
You can expect to pay higher/lower tuition fees depending on the institution. Highly competitive universities usually have higher tuition fees in Canada. Of course, you must always consider the cost of living and accommodation, which add a good deal to the total cost of studying journalism in Canada as an international student. According to estimates, a single student needs approximately CAD 1,100 (~USD 880) per month to cover living expenses (excluding rent).
Journalism Career Prospects in Canada
Career prospects for journalism graduates in Canada are adequate, especially considering the amount of practical experience students earn during their studies. Apart from the evident job titles for journalism graduates—such as reporters, photojournalists, commentators, researchers, and editors—journalism students may also opt for careers as teachers, lawyers, writers, PR officers, foreign affairs officers, or advertising executives, to name a few.
Journalism occupations in Canada usually pay around CAD 45,000 (~USD 35,600) to CAD 65,000 (~USD 51,500) per year. The average salary for an advertising executive in Canada is approximately CAD 70,500 (~USD 56,200) per year. Moreover, a public relations officer earns an average of CAD 67,400 (~USD 53,700) annually. To conclude, the salary you may earn as a journalism graduate can be rather satisfactory in Canada. Still, it depends on several factors like the job title, company, location, and professional experience.
