Journalism Courses In Canada: Eligibility Criteria, Universities & Specialization

updated on 29 March 2024
Journalism Courses In Canada: Eligibility Criteria, Universities & Specialization
Journalism Courses In Canada: Eligibility Criteria, Universities & Specialization

Here we are discussing the Journalism Courses In Canada: Eligibility Criteria, Universities & specialization.

Canada is one of the best countries to study because they have great institutions that rank among the best schools in the world, and Journalism is one of the fastest-growing careers in Canada, with more than 10% of Canadians employed in this field, which gives you a higher chance of getting a job after graduating. 

Canada has a lively and free press, including a government-assisted TV and radio broadcaster as well as numerous commercial radio stations, TV networks, and newspapers. Studying journalism in Canada is beneficial to international students because they can compare the free pursuit of journalism to the practices in their country. So, one country that particularly stands out to study Journalism is Canada.

Students interested in working in professions like reporters, editors. writers, etc apply to journalism colleges in Canada. The courses taught here provide information on how to gather facts, perform interviews, research, and create news articles while maintaining journalistic ethics. International students get hands-on training for working on multiple platforms namely broadcast, video, audio, etc while studying in Canada.

Keep on reading this article to know more about Journalism Courses in Canada: Eligibility Criteria, Universities & Specialization.

Why to Study Journalism in Canada? - Key Reasons

Listed below are compelling reasons to study Journalism Courses in Canada:

  • High quality of education offered
  • An abundance of scholarship programs
  • Rewarding career opportunities
  • Low cost of living, unlike the US
  • Cultural diversity
  • Practical Experience
  • Exciting Employment Prospects

Journalism Courses in Canada- Key Facts

  • Journalism schools in Canada teach aspiring journalists how to gather information, conduct interviews, research, and produce news pieces while adhering to journalistic standards.
  • According to the Employment Outlook Report of Canada, three provinces in Canada having good job prospects for journalists are Manitoba, Ontario, and Saskatchewan. 
  • Approximately 90% of the journalists in Saskatchewan work on a full-time basis which is higher than any other province of the country. 
  • Upgradation from certificate/diploma to bachelor's from journalism universities in Canada increases your salary by 46%.
  • Journalists in Canada can work as Media Operations Manager, Reporter, Associate Media Director, Associate Producer, etc.
  • The companies hiring Canadian Journalists are Deloitte, Annex Business Media, CBC/Radio-Canada, Toronto Wildlife Centre, Deep-body, etc.
  • The Master of Journalism program provides an advanced professional education in journalism as all major media outlets like newspapers, magazines, television, and new media use it.

Top 8 Universities to Study Journalism In Canada 

Here are some of the best universities 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

Journalism Courses in Canada: Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility For Bachelors in Journalism in Canada

10+2 or equivalent examination

70% or above in 10+2

Proof of English proficiency: 

IELTS – 6.5

TOEFL – 86

PTE – 58

MELAB - 85 

Documents Requirement

10th and 12th mark sheets.

Letter of recommendation (depends upon university).

Statement of purpose to study in Canada (depends upon university).

A student visa.

A valid passport.

Eligibility For Master’s in Journalism In Canada

The eligibility criteria for pursuing a master from journalism universities in Canada are as follows.

Four years bachelor’s degree with 70% aggregate from a recognized university. 

Proof of English proficiency:

IELTS – 7.0

TOEFL – 92

PTE - 65

CAEL - 75

MELAB – 85

GRE may or may not be required.

Documents Requirement

Proof of English Language Proficiency Test Score.

Statement of Purpose for MS in Canada

Resume/CV.

A Bachelor’s Degree Certificate.

A student Visa.

A passport.

Portfolio of Work.

Letter of recommendation.

10th and 12th certificates.

Eligibility for Ph.D. in Journalism Colleges in Canada

80% in a 4 years undergraduate degree

75% in a Master’s degree.

Proof of English proficiency: 

IELTS – 8.0

MELAB - 80

TOEFL – 107

PTE - 59

Documents Requirement

A completed Master’s degree in Communications Studies or a related field.

A statement of research.

A student visa.

A valid passport.

Test scores for English language proficiency.

A detailed curriculum vitae.

Academic Documents

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. The Ph.D. in Journalism in Canada is a four-year degree and further helps to gain knowledge in journalism concepts.

Perks After Completing Journalism in Canada 

  • 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.
  • As a student in the Department of Journalism, you will develop a critical perspective on how communication and digital shape our lives.

Specializations

Journalism universities in Canada prepare you with the hands-on skills, expertise, and knowledge to enter a field with enormous potential. Furthermore, it gives students a distinguished skill set that provides them an edge in the job market. That's why it is one of the preferred destinations for studying abroad.

Specializations available in journalism courses in Canada are: 

  • Global Journalism
  • Public relations and advertising
  • Journalism design and graphics
  • Political journalism
  • News reporting and writing
  • Sports journalism
  • Digital and interactive-media journalism
  • Photojournalism
  • Science and environmental journalism
  • Broadcast journalism
  • Enterprise journalism

Post Graduate Diploma Courses in Journalism In Canada

A postgraduate diploma (PG Diploma) in Journalism is a short-term course in Canada typically of six months to one year of duration. It can be studied after the completion of a bachelor’s degree. There are numerous benefits to pursuing a post-graduate diploma in journalism.

If you are willing to pursue a higher education degree in journalism then a PG diploma in Journalism is preferable to a master’s degree in journalism. It is not only shorter in duration but is also considered an equivalent qualification to getting a master’s degree

Listed below are the top 5 Universities offering Post Graduate Diploma in Canada

Sheridan College -  Graduate Certificate in Journalism - 1 year

Centennial College - Graduate Certificate in Sports Journalism - 1 year

Concordia University - Graduate Diploma in Journalism - 1 year

Concordia University - Graduate Diploma in Visual Journalism- 1 year

Humber Institute of Technology-Graduate Certificate in Journalism -  1 year 

Cost of Studying Journalism in Canada

The average tuition fees required to pursue a bachelor's in journalism in Canada are 18000 CAD to 28000 CAD per year. (11 lakh- 17lakh INR)

If you want to study at the postgraduate level, the tuition fees are generally lower and vary on the program. The average tuition fees required for a master's from universities for journalism in Canada are 15000 CAD to 28000 CAD per annum. (9 lakh- 17lakh)

The average tuition fees required to pursue a doctoral program in journalism are in the range of 7000 CAD to 18000 CAD (4lakh- 11lakh)

Scholarships offered to Study Journalism in Canada 

Ontario Trillium Scholarship

UMGF Scholarship

Humber University scholarships for international students

York University International Student Scholarship

Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships

The University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowships

Carleton University Entrance Scholarships

University of Calgary Graduate Awards

Conclusion

Journalism is a really powerful tool used for connecting with people. Career prospects for journalism students 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.

So, In this article, we have tried to cover everything related to Journalism Courses in Canada: Eligibility Criteria, Universities & Specialization. We Hope you like this article!

Canada offers a world-class education, stunning landscapes, and multicultural cities. If you're dreaming of studying abroad, this article is your one-stop guide! Explore the factors to consider when choosing a study destination in Canada, discover top universities, and learn about the exciting opportunities awaiting you. Start planning your Canadian study adventure today!

FAQs about Journalism Courses in Canada

1. What are the Eligibility Criteria for Journalism Programs in Canada?

Eligibility requirements vary depending on the program level (undergraduate or graduate) and the specific university. However, some general criteria include:

  • High School Diploma or Equivalent: A completed high school diploma or its equivalent is required for undergraduate programs.
  • Academic Achievement: Universities typically look for strong academic performance in high school, often with a minimum GPA requirement.
  • English Proficiency: As most programs are conducted in English, proof of English language proficiency through tests like TOEFL or IELTS is mandatory for international students.
  • Portfolio or Writing Sample: Some programs might require a portfolio showcasing your writing skills or a writing sample on a specific topic.

2. Which Universities in Canada Offer Journalism Programs?

Many universities across Canada offer journalism programs. Here are a few well-regarded institutions:

3. Are there Specializations Available in Journalism Programs in Canada?

Yes, many journalism programs in Canada allow for specialization in specific areas like:

  • Broadcast Journalism: Focuses on crafting news stories for radio and television.
  • Print Journalism: Geared towards writing for newspapers and magazines.
  • Digital Journalism: Equips students with skills for online content creation and multimedia storytelling.
  • Photojournalism: Teaches the art of telling stories through powerful images.
  • Data Journalism: Combines journalism with data analysis to uncover insights and trends.

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