Are you an international student aiming to study in Canada and secure a high-paying job after graduation? Choosing the right degree is crucial—not just for income, but for employability, immigration eligibility, and long-term growth.
Based on current labour market data, verified salary benchmarks, and insider knowledge of admissions processes, we’ve curated this expert-backed list of the top-paying degrees in Canada, along with universities that are known for being accessible to international students without compromising educational quality.
🎓 1. Medicine (MD)
- Average Salary: $200,000–$400,000 CAD/year
- Top Careers: Surgeon, General Physician, Psychiatrist
- Licensing Required: Yes – must pass MCCQE exams and complete residency
🔍 Why it pays well: Canada’s aging population and physician shortage continue to drive up demand—especially in rural provinces.
📍 Top Accessible Medical Schools:
- University of Manitoba – Max Rady College of Medicine
🔗 Apply here - Memorial University of Newfoundland
🔗 International MD admissions
💻 2. Computer Science & Software Engineering
- Average Salary: $80,000–$150,000 CAD/year
- Top Careers: Software Developer, Data Scientist, AI Engineer
- Visa/PR Benefit: In-demand skill under Canadian immigration streams (e.g., Express Entry)
🔍 Expert Insight: The tech sector is one of Canada’s fastest-growing industries, and graduates are frequently recruited by companies like Shopify, IBM Canada, and startups in Toronto and Vancouver.
📍 Best Universities with High International Student Intake:
- University of Windsor
🔗 CS Program Info - Lakehead University
🔗 Software Engineering Admission
🧠 3. Pharmacy
- Average Salary: $90,000–$120,000 CAD/year
- Top Careers: Pharmacist, Clinical Consultant
- Licensing Required: Yes – PEBC certification
🔍 Expert Note: Pharmacists in Canada enjoy high employability due to strict licensing and aging demographics that require chronic care medication.
📍 Recommended Programs:
- University of Saskatchewan – College of Pharmacy
🔗 Admissions Info - University of Waterloo – School of Pharmacy
🔗 International Admissions
🧮 4. Finance / Actuarial Science
- Average Salary: $70,000–$130,000 CAD/year
- Top Careers: Actuary, Financial Analyst
- Certifications: CFA, ASA (optional but highly recommended)
🔍 Why it’s lucrative: Strong demand in financial hubs like Toronto and Montreal. Actuarial science grads are especially sought after in insurance and pension sectors.
📍 Best Accessible Options:
- Brock University – Goodman School of Business
🔗 Finance Programs - University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI)
🔗 Business Studies
🏗️ 5. Engineering (Petroleum, Civil, Electrical)
- Average Salary: $75,000–$150,000 CAD/year
- Top Careers: Petroleum Engineer, Civil Engineer, Electrical Engineer
- Regulatory Body: Engineers Canada (licensing varies by province)
🔍 Expert Insight: Engineers are crucial to infrastructure, clean energy, and resource development. Many provinces include engineering on their PNP (Provincial Nominee Program) lists.
📍 Top Accessible Programs:
- University of Regina – Faculty of Engineering
🔗 International Admissions - Dalhousie University
🔗 Engineering for Foreign Students
📊 6. Business Administration (MBA)
- Average Salary: $85,000–$180,000 CAD/year
- Top Careers: Management Consultant, Business Analyst, Marketing Executive
- Admission Note: Some MBA programs waive the GMAT for experienced professionals.
🔍 Career Boost: An MBA is ideal for leadership roles in Canadian companies and can accelerate PR eligibility via the Global Talent Stream or CEC.
📍 Most International-Friendly MBA Programs:
- Cape Breton University (CBU)
🔗 MBA in Community Economic Development - Thompson Rivers University (TRU)
🔗 MBA Program Info
💉 7. Nursing (BScN)
- Average Salary: $70,000–$110,000 CAD/year
- Top Careers: Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner
- Licensing Required: NCLEX-RN + provincial registration
🔍 Insider Tip: BScN grads are highly employable and often eligible for PR under the Health Care Worker Stream. Bonus: Tuition is lower than many health fields.
📍 International-Friendly Nursing Schools:
- University of New Brunswick
🔗 BScN Admissions - York University – School of Nursing
🔗 Apply Here
🌍 8. Law (JD or LLB)
- Average Salary: $90,000–$200,000 CAD/year
- Top Careers: Immigration Lawyer, Corporate Lawyer
- Bar Admission Required: Yes – NCA + provincial bar exam
🔍 Real Talk: International law grads may face longer routes to licensing, but demand is rising for lawyers with multilingual and cross-border expertise.
📍 Law Schools Welcoming to International Applicants:
- University of Ottawa – Civil Law Section
🔗 International Applicants - University of Windsor – Faculty of Law
🔗 JD Program Info
✅ Final Thoughts: Making the Right Move
Choosing the right degree in Canada is more than just about salary—it’s about long-term career viability, PR pathways, and your fit with the subject. The schools listed above offer proven success rates for international students, alongside robust support systems and scholarship opportunities.
🎯 Pro Tip from the Field: Start your application early—especially for regulated fields like Medicine, Law, or Pharmacy. And always check that your English (IELTS/TOEFL) or French (TEF) scores meet minimum requirements.
📚 Sources & References:
- Government of Canada Job Bank (jobbank.gc.ca)
- Universities Canada
- Engineers Canada, NCA, PEBC, CICIC
- Official university admissions pages (linked above)
