Northeastern University Canada (Vancouver & Toronto): Graduate Programs, Fees & Co-op Guide for International Students

Northeastern University is a private research university headquartered in Boston, in the United States, and it operates two graduate-level campuses in Canada, in Vancouver and in Toronto. Unlike its US campuses, the Canadian campuses do not offer undergraduate degrees: they offer master's degrees and graduate certificates, mainly in computer science, information systems, software engineering, cybersecurity, project management, and regulatory affairs, often with an optional co-op work placement. This guide covers exactly what Northeastern University Canada international students need to know: what the programs are and how they are regulated, the published tuition figures, English requirements, scholarships, co-op, and Canada's study-permit and Post-Graduation Work Permit rules.

Quick facts snapshot

• Institution: Northeastern University's Canadian campuses in Vancouver and Toronto, part of the Boston-based Northeastern University
• Levels: master's degrees and graduate certificates only, with no undergraduate degrees in Canada
• Vancouver example: Master of Science in Computer Science at about CAD 51,700 for international students, versus about CAD 29,800 for domestic students
• Toronto example: Master of Science in Software Engineering Systems at about CAD 48,000 for international students, versus about CAD 27,700 for domestic students
• Program cost range: about CAD 47,155 to CAD 71,179 for professional master's degrees and corporate learning programs (third-party figure)
• Co-op: master's programs offer co-op opportunities with more than 3,300 global partner companies, as the university reports
• English requirement: IELTS 6.5 to 7.0 or TOEFL 92 to 100, depending on the program
• Scholarships: awards are available at both campuses, and domestic students can receive up to 25% or 50% off

Rankings and reputation

Northeastern University's Boston campus is a well-known research university with an international reputation for cooperative education, and its Canadian campuses trade on that name. Rankings measure the Boston university as a whole, not the Canadian graduate campuses individually, so look at the program's own outcomes, co-op placement rates, and the recognition of the degree. Because the Canadian campuses are private and focused on professional master's programs, applicants should be especially careful to check how each program is approved by the relevant provincial authority.

Academics and signature programs

Programs include the Master of Science in Computer Science, including an Align pathway that lets students with a bachelor's degree in any discipline move into computer science, and programs in software engineering systems, cybersecurity, and project management, plus regulatory affairs for drugs, biologics, and medical devices at Toronto. Some programs run in on-ground, hybrid, or online formats. International students on a study permit should confirm that the format of their program is compatible with study-permit and PGWP rules, since online-only study can affect eligibility.

Admissions and international eligibility

Northeastern does not publish an acceptance rate for its Canadian campuses. Applicants need a bachelor's degree, and competitive programs review grades, work experience, and statements. After admission, students apply for a Canadian study permit.

English language requirements

• IELTS 6.5 to 7.0 or TOEFL iBT 92 to 100, depending on the program
• Other recognised tests may be accepted at published equivalents
• Some programs may offer waivers for students who studied in English
• Confirm the requirement for your program before booking a test

Application checklist

A typical application includes certified transcripts, English test results, a résumé, a statement of purpose, and references. Ask about the deposit and the refund terms if your study permit is refused.

Tuition, living costs, and scholarships

The published figures I found show international tuition of about CAD 51,700 for the Master of Science in Computer Science at Vancouver and about CAD 48,000 for the Master of Science in Software Engineering Systems at Toronto, compared with about CAD 29,800 and CAD 27,700 for domestic students. A third-party source gives a broader range of about CAD 47,155 to CAD 71,179 for professional master's programs. Domestic tuition includes a scholarship of up to 25% for students beginning in 2026 and up to 50% for high-GPA Canadian students, but I could not confirm equivalent international awards, so ask which scholarships apply to you.

Estimated living costs in Vancouver and Toronto

• Vancouver and Toronto are among Canada's most expensive cities for housing
• Study-permit applicants must show funds for tuition, travel, and living costs, and the required amount is updated periodically
• Public transit is extensive in both cities, with student passes available
• International students can generally work a limited number of hours per week off campus during term under current rules
• Winters in Toronto are cold, while Vancouver's are milder and wetter

Scholarships

Northeastern reports scholarships at both Canadian campuses, with several at Toronto and more at Vancouver. Ask the admissions team which awards apply to international students, how much they are worth, whether they are automatic, and whether they continue for the whole program.

Campus life and student support

The Canadian campuses are small, city-centre graduate campuses, so student life centres on the cohort, career events, and co-op preparation rather than a large residential campus. The university provides career development, academic advising, and international student support, and its network links Canadian students with Northeastern's wider community.

Career outcomes and post-study work rights

Vancouver and Toronto are two of Canada's biggest technology and business job markets, and the co-op model is designed to give graduates local experience and references. Ask for co-op placement rates, typical employers, and how many international students secure placements.

Canada's Post-Graduation Work Permit

Graduates of eligible programs at designated learning institutions can apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit, an open work permit whose length generally depends on the program length, with master's graduates often eligible for up to three years. Canada has tightened rules on language requirements, on programs delivered online or through partnerships, and on the number of new study permits, so confirm with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada that the institution is a designated learning institution and that your specific program qualifies. Also check that the program has the required provincial approval to grant degrees.

Health insurance and pre-arrival preparation

International students need health coverage, which may be through a provincial plan after a waiting period or a university plan, so ask what applies. Budget for the study permit fee, flights, and a housing deposit, and arrange housing early since both cities have tight rental markets.

What to expect in your first months

The first weeks involve orientation, registration, and the co-op preparation courses that many programs require before you can apply for placements. Students who start career preparation early tend to have a better chance of securing a co-op.

A realistic budget

At about CAD 48,000 to CAD 51,700 for a master's, tuition alone is high for a one- to two-year program, and living costs in Vancouver or Toronto add substantially. Co-op earnings can offset some of the cost, but placements are not guaranteed, so plan the full amount and confirm figures in writing.

Questions to ask before you accept an offer

• What is the total tuition and fees for my program in writing?
• What provincial approval does my program hold to grant its degree?
• Is the institution a designated learning institution, and does my program qualify for a PGWP?
• What share of international students secure co-op placements, and how are placements found?
• Which scholarships are open to international students?
• Is my program on campus, hybrid, or online, and how does that affect my study permit?

Who Northeastern Canada suits best

Northeastern's Canadian campuses suit graduates who want a professional master's degree in technology or project management with a co-op option in Vancouver or Toronto, and who can fund a high-cost program. They may suit less well students who want an undergraduate degree, a low-cost route, or a research-focused master's.

Comparing Northeastern with Canadian public universities

Canadian public universities typically charge lower international tuition and are widely recognised, while Northeastern's private model offers focused professional programs, co-op, and its US brand. Compare the tuition, the degree awarding body, the co-op outcomes, and the PGWP eligibility of each option before choosing.

Step-by-step application roadmap

1. Choose your program and campus, and confirm entry requirements.
2. Check the English requirement and book a test if needed.
3. Apply with transcripts, résumé, statement, and references.
4. Accept your offer and pay the deposit.
5. Apply for your study permit and arrange insurance.
6. Book housing and attend orientation.

Preparing your documents early

Gather certified transcripts, English results, references, and proof of funds, and start the study-permit process early because processing times vary. Keep written confirmation of fees, approvals, and scholarships.

Understanding provincial degree approval

In Canada, education is a provincial responsibility, and private institutions that grant degrees usually need specific provincial approval for each program: in British Columbia through its degree quality assessment process, and in Ontario through ministerial consent. Because Northeastern's Canadian campuses are private branches of a US university, it is sensible to ask for the exact approval status of your program, the name of the awarding institution on your certificate, and whether the institution is a designated learning institution for study permit purposes. Put the answers in writing before you pay a deposit.

Frequently asked questions