Graduate Studies
Master of Engineering - ECE

This document is originally written by Montasir Farhan, M.Eng. (University of Ottawa).

Year of Publication: 2013

©PBSCU Any unauthorized use of this article, including copying or editing is prohibited. If you want to use the article, you need to take permission from us: pbscuadm@gmail.com or from the author and you must mention the author's name and the group's name in all cases.

As most of us are always concerned about requirements and tuition fee for self funded programs, I have provided the websites of few universities where the information can be found. Before proceeding please do go through the following questions

1. What is the tuition fee for MEng program in General and how much is the living cost?

Tuition varies from university to university, province to province, depending on the department and program. However in the province of Ontario you can expect tuition fee to vary from 22000-30000 $ excluding living cost.

The living cost also varies from province to province. But mostly it will cost you between 600-1000 / month.

2. I want to take 1 or 2 semesters tuition fee, Is it possible for me to work and earn the tuition fee?

The answer is NO. You can work on/off campus; however, it’s very difficult to get an on campus job since the competition is fierce. For the 1 year MEng program, you will have to do courses or project during summer. If you are serious about studies, it will be very difficult to work and study at the same time. Hence, your option of earning money is summer vacation is gone.

For the 2 years MEng program, some universities do not offer any courses in summer like University of Ottawa. You may be able to work during that time. Again, that should not be your only source of tuition fee.

3) How many courses do I have to complete in order to obtain MEng degree? Do I need to do research or thesis?

Usually you will have to complete 10 courses or 8 courses and a project. This is just a general idea; it varies from university to university.

NO, there is no research, thesis defense; you will just have to complete your required credits.

Queens University (1 year program, tuition fee~16000)

Department website: http://www.ece.queensu.ca/Future-Students/Graduate/

Tuition fee information: http://www.queensu.ca/registrar/currentstudents/fees/grad.html

Western University: (1 year program, tuition fee~24000)

Department website: http://www.eng.uwo.ca/electrical/education/graduate.html

Tuition fee: http://www.eng.uwo.ca/gradstudies/grad_funding.htm

University of Ottawa: (2 year program, tuition fee~12000/year)

Department website: http://www.grad.uottawa.ca/Default.aspx?tabid=1406&utm_source=grad.uottawa.ca&utm_medium=Redirect&utm_campaign=Fgps

Tuition fee: http://www.registrar.uottawa.ca/default.aspx?tabid=3619

Concordia University: (2 year program, tuition fee ~ 13000/ year)

Department Website: http://www.ece.concordia.ca/prospectivestudents/programs/masterinengineering.php

Tuition fee: http://www.concordia.ca/admissions/tuition-and-fees/graduate/calculator/

Memorial University: (14 months engineering management program, total tuition fee ~24000)

Department Website: http://www.engr.mun.ca/graduate/course/mem.php

Tuition fee: go to course based program brochure in the above website.

Some Useful Tips: This is my own process

Admission Preparation:

• created a spread sheet with university name, dead line, minimum requirement, minimum PR procedure etc.

• based on the information short listed 6-8 universities + UBC and Alberta (No application fee).

• Prepared for GRE (most of the universities do not require this) and IELTS as per the dead line (around 6 month before the university dead line).

• All universities have different application requirement. But in general it’s very simple, they ask a list of 6-7 documents like application, IELTS, transcript, etc. Just make a complete package and sent it to the requested department address. The graduate coordinator is very cooperative. They will always respond to your emails/confusion etc. very quickly

M.Eng. Fund: (Very Important)

• Make an estimate about the cost.

• (Tuition + Living cost) for 2 years.

• Initial cost (winter clothes, furniture, and basic house hold item).

• Air ticket

• Follow the PBSCU guideline on “How to show Funding”.

Remember, MEngg is a completely self-funded program and if you get an offer letter and show sufficient amount of money, VISA is NOT an issue. This is a relevant professional program for engineers.

• Talk to your parents how much financial support they can provide. Based on that select university. DO NOT come with 1 semester or 1st year money. You cannot cover your tuition and living cost working part time during studies. MEng tuition fee can vary from 8k to 12k per year. I have seem students mentally and physically broken due to the financial stress.

• You have the opportunity to work during summer full time , 20 hours during study period, apply for bursary etc , money can be earned during study period .This should be seen as bonus , do not plan your education on this.

• Most MEng courses were very intense; a lot of time needs to be spent if you want to pass/get a good grade. Once again you should have the financial backing. You cannot concentrate on your education if you constantly worry about how you are going to pay for living cost or tuition fee.

Good luck in your admission process.