- Ryerson University was renamed Toronto Metropolitan University in 2022
- International MPH tuition at the University of British Columbia is about CAD 22,413 per year for its two-year program, while the University of Saskatchewan course-based MPH totals about CAD 39,937
- Most Canadian MPH programs ask for a four-year bachelor's degree and an overall IELTS of 7.0, and the GRE is usually not required.
International students can enrol in a Master of Public Health (MPH) programme in Canada, most of which run one-and-a-half to two years. Canadian MPH degrees combine coursework in epidemiology, biostatistics and health policy with an applied practicum, and prepare graduates for public-health roles in government, hospitals, NGOs and research.
This guide walks through why the degree is worth it, the top universities, curriculum, eligibility and admission requirements, real tuition figures from official university pages, scholarships and the careers an MPH can lead to in Canada.
Why Should You Pursue a Masters in Public Health in Canada?
A Masters in Public Health in Canada trains you for high-demand roles in epidemiology, health policy and administration. Canadian universities offer strong research links, smaller cohorts and post-study work options, and public-health graduates typically earn well above the national median wage while addressing real community health needs across the country.
Here are some of the main reasons to pursue a Masters in Public Health in Canada:
- The MPH offers multiple concentrations, including epidemiology, global health, food safety, health promotion and occupational health.
- Programmes are offered by many well-ranked Canadian universities, with strong research and practicum components.
- Public-health roles are in steady demand across government, hospitals, NGOs and research institutes.
- Canada is welcoming to international students and offers post-graduation work permit pathways.
- Smaller cohorts mean closer supervision, group projects and applied learning.
Which Are the Top Universities for an MPH in Canada?
Leading MPH providers include the University of British Columbia, University of Toronto's Dalla Lana School, University of Alberta, University of Saskatchewan, Western University, McMaster University and Toronto Metropolitan University. Programmes differ by concentration, length and fees, so compare each school's official page for the specialisation, tuition and entry requirements that fit your goals.
The table below lists well-known Canadian MPH programmes. Tuition is shown where an official university page confirms it; for the others, check each programme's fees page, as amounts change annually and vary by concentration.
| University (2026) | Example MPH Concentration | International Tuition (CAD) |
|---|---|---|
| University of British Columbia | Public Health (generalist) | About 22,413 per year (two-year programme) |
| University of Saskatchewan | Public Health (course-based) | About 39,937 total programme |
| University of Toronto (Dalla Lana) | Epidemiology; Occupational and Environmental Health | See programme fees page |
| University of Alberta | General and Global Public Health | See programme fees page |
| Western University | Public Health | See programme fees page |
| McMaster University | Public Health | See programme fees page |
| Toronto Metropolitan University | Public Health (formerly Ryerson) | See programme fees page |
What Does the MPH Curriculum Cover in Canada?
A Canadian MPH blends core modules with electives across public-health practice. Core areas usually include epidemiology, biostatistics, health policy, and behavioural science, while electives range from global health and environmental toxicology to food safety and health economics. Most programmes also require a practicum or applied field placement before graduation.
Some of the core modules and electives you may study while pursuing a Masters in Public Health in Canada are listed below.
List of Electives
- Biostatistics and its applications
- Global health
- GIS and public health
- Environmental health and toxicology
- Food safety
- Public health economics
- Research methodologies
Core Modules
- Behavioural science
- Health policy
- Health and risk communication
- Epidemiological methods and research
- Public health practice
- Public policy
What Are the Eligibility and Admission Requirements?
Most Canadian MPH programmes require a four-year bachelor's degree with roughly 70 to 77 percent (a B-plus average) in recent coursework. International applicants generally need an overall IELTS of 7.0 with about 6.5 per band, or a TOEFL near 100. The GRE is usually optional, and public-health work or volunteering strengthens an application.
The typical eligibility criteria for international students applying to a Masters in Public Health in Canada are summarised below.
| Requirement (2026) | Typical Criterion for International Applicants |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate degree | Four-year bachelor's; about 70 to 77 percent (B-plus) in recent study |
| IELTS Academic | Overall 7.0, with about 6.5 in each band |
| TOEFL iBT | Around 100 overall (varies by university) |
| GRE | Usually not required; a few programmes may request it |
| Experience | Public-health work or volunteering preferred; some programmes require it |
Most Canadian universities ask for a similar set of supporting documents with the application:
- Official academic transcripts and degree certificates
- Statement of purpose outlining your public-health goals
- Updated CV or resume with GPA, education and any research or work experience
- Two to three letters of recommendation from academic or professional referees
- English proficiency scores (IELTS or TOEFL) and, if requested, GRE scores
How Much Does an MPH in Canada Cost?
International MPH tuition varies widely by university. At the University of British Columbia the two-year programme is about CAD 22,413 per year, while the University of Saskatchewan course-based MPH totals roughly CAD 39,937. Add around CAD 15,000 to 20,000 a year for living costs, plus books, health insurance and student fees.
A rough annual budget for pursuing an MPH in Canada as an international student is shown below. Tuition anchors are drawn from official university pages; living costs are estimates that vary by city.
| Expense (2026) | Approximate Cost (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Tuition (international MPH) | 22,000 to 40,000 over the programme |
| Living expenses (rent, food, transport) | 15,000 to 20,000 per year |
| Books, supplies and materials | 1,500 to 2,000 per year |
| Health insurance | 600 to 900 per year |
| Student services fees | Varies by university |
What Scholarships Are Available for an MPH in Canada?
Many Canadian universities offer entrance awards, graduate fellowships and need-based bursaries that can offset tuition for MPH students, including international applicants. Amounts commonly range from a few thousand to over CAD 20,000, and some schools also fund research assistantships. Check each programme's graduate-awards page and apply early, as several scholarships have separate deadlines.
Scholarships aim to reduce the financial load on students, and full-time international MPH students are often eligible. Awards may be merit-based, need-based or tied to research; graduate-funding pages on each university site list current amounts and deadlines.
What Salary Can You Earn After an MPH in Canada?
An MPH opens roles such as epidemiologist, health-care administrator, biostatistician, policy analyst and public-health nurse. Salaries vary by role, employer and province, but many public-health occupations pay well above Canada's median wage, and the Government of Canada Job Bank is the authoritative source for current, occupation-specific wage ranges across each region.
The strong earning potential and job security of public-health careers make an MPH a valuable next step. Graduates work across government agencies, hospitals, research institutes and non-profits, and demand for skilled public-health professionals in Canada has remained steady.