Journalism is an ever-evolving industry in many parts of the world including Canada. This is one of the courses that are highly sought-after in Canada. This is because of the importance of this field in Canada. Additionally, Canadian universities have quality resources and facilities that are used to deliver a good standard of education to students. Studying journalism in Canada will allow you to work with media organisations and companies while studying. This will allow you to have hands-on experiences in journalism before graduating.

Canadian universities offer a high standard of education. As a result, their academic and admission processes can be strict and meticulous. Before you gain admission to study journalism in Canada, you must have met the eligibility criteria and have the requirements needed by each university. Therefore, it is advised that you gain information about the requirements that are needed before you go ahead with submitting your application.

This piece will guide you through the academic requirements and list of documents that are required for studying journalism in Canada.

Requirements Needed for Studying Journalism in Canada

1. Complete your Secondary Education

   You must have completed your secondary education before you can study journalism in Canada. Additionally, you should have a strong foundation in subjects such as English and Literature. Therefore, you must have completed 12 years of education or equivalent. However, this can differ across universities in Canada.

2. Meet the Aggregate Score

   The minimum aggregate required for your 12th grade result is 55- 70%. However, this may vary for different universities.

3. English Proficiency Test

   You will be required to write an English Language proficiency test if English is not your first language. Additionally, you must show proof of your English proficiency test. It can be tests such as IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE. This test can vary based on the university you apply to. Additionally, each school will have the minimum score that you should have in the English test. The minimum score for IELTS is between 6.0 – 7.0 while the minimum score for TOEFL is between 97 – 100.

4. Have Academic Transcripts

   You must submit an academic transcript of your previous education. This transcript must contain all your courses and grades that you have studied. Additionally, this transcript must be an official one and it must be written in English.

5. Have Reference Letters

   You must submit at least two reference letters during your application. This reference letter should be from a teacher or an employer. Therefore, reference letters from friends or family will be rejected.

6. Personal Statement

   You will be required to submit a personal statement while submitting your application. This essay should contain areas such as your academic interests, professional and personal goals in journalism as well as any relevant experiences that you have. Additionally, you should verify from the university the minimum amount of words that are required.

Requirements to Obtain a Master’s Degree in Journalism in Canada

1. Obtain a Bachelor’s Degree

   You must have a bachelor’s degree before you can apply for a master’s program in journalism in Canada. This bachelor’s degree must be a 4-year program from a recognised university. Additionally, this bachelor’s degree must be in a field that is related to journalism. Additionally, you must submit your academic transcript showing all the grades and courses you offered.

2. English Proficiency Test

   You will be required to write an English Language proficiency test if English is not your first language. Additionally, you must show proof of your English proficiency test. The minimum score for IELTS is 6.5. However, the test and test scores can vary depending on the country and university.

3. Submit samples of your Journalistic work

   Some universities might require you to submit samples of your previous work. This can be samples such as writing or anything that displays your communication skills. This may not be a compulsory requirement in some universities. However, it can give you a higher advantage during your application.

4. Write a Statement of Purpose

   While making your application, you will be required to submit a statement of purpose. This essay should explain your qualifications, your plans in journalism as well as your reasons for choosing to study journalism in Canada. Additionally, this essay must be 1-2 pages long. However, you need to verify from the school’s website the number of words that are required by the school.

5. Letters of Recommendation

   You must submit at least three recommendation letters while submitting your application. These letters must be obtained from an employer or a previous lecturer. Therefore, recommendation letters from a friend or family will be rejected. Some universities might have a particular format that is required for submitting the recommendation letter.

6. Submit your CV

   Your CV should contain all the relevant work experiences you have in this field. Additionally, you can include your projects and skills in your CV.

How to Apply

You can apply to study journalism in Canada through the university’s website. You can apply for the undergraduate program as well as the postgraduate degree. Additionally, some universities might require you to pay an application fee before submitting your application.

Duration

The duration for studying journalism in Canada can vary based on the program of your choice and the University. The Undergraduate program that will offer a bachelor’s degree lasts for a minimum of 3-4 years. However, a postgraduate program that will offer a master’s degree lasts for a minimum of 2 years.

Tuition Fee

The Tuition fee for studying journalism in Canada varies based on the program as well as the University. Additionally, this can vary based on the curriculum design, the location, and the rank of the university. Generally, the average tuition fee for studying journalism in Canada ranges from CAD 5,000 to CAD 30,000 per year.

Universities in Canada that Offer Journalism

1. University of Toronto, Ontario
2. University of British Columbia, British Columbia
3. Simon Fraser University, British Columbia
4. University of Alberta, Alberta
5. University of Ottawa, Ontario
6. McGill University, Quebec State
7. York University, Ontario
8. University of Calgary, Alberta
9. Western University, Ontario
10. University of Montreal, Quebec State
11. McMaster University, Ontario
12. University of Waterloo, Ontario
13. Ryerson University, Ontario
14. Dalhousie University, Nova Scotia
15. University of Windsor, Ontario
16. Concordia University, Quebec State
17. Queen’s University, Ontario
18. University of Victoria, British Columbia
19. Carleton University, Ontario
20. Wilfrid Laurier University, Ontario
21. Laval University, Quebec State
22. University of Manitoba, Manitoba
23. University of Guelph, Ontario
24. Memorial University of Newfoundland, St John’s
25. University of Saskatchewan, Saskatchewan
26. University of Sherbrooke, Quebec State
27. University of Regina, Saskatchewan
28. Ontario Tech University, Ontario
29. Brock University, Ontario
30. MacEwan University, Alberta
31. Lakehead University, Ontario

In Conclusion, each university can have a specific admission requirement that each applicant must have before gaining admission. Therefore, you must visit the university’s website and know the requirements before submitting your applications. Additionally, you should also be aware of the deadlines and ensure to submit your application early enough. You can reach out for further inquiries and assistance.

Good luck

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