CA · Master's
McGill University
MA History
McGill University
Course Overview
McGill is ranked #30 globally in QS World Rankings and is one of the strongest history departments in North America, with faculty whose work spans South Asian, Atlantic, environmental and global history and appears in journals such as the American Historical Review and Past & Present. The MA History is a two-year research Master's in bilingual Montreal — Canada's lowest-cost major city — and a recognised springboard into doctoral study and the wider research and heritage sector. Sri Lankan history graduates from Colombo, Peradeniya or Kelaniya use it to enter international academic and policy networks.
The programme combines advanced seminars and historiography training with a supervised research thesis, and admitted students are typically supported by funding packages (teaching / research assistantships plus entrance fellowships) that offset most of the tuition. McGill's reciprocity with Oxford, Cambridge and the Ivy League gives graduates an exceptional PhD pipeline. Canada's 3-year Post-Graduation Work Permit and Express Entry PR pathway make Montreal a strong long-term base.
Entry Requirements
Academic
- check_circle Bachelor's degree (CGPA 3.0+ / B+ in the final two years) in history or a related humanities field — Sri Lankan bachelor's degrees from Colombo, Peradeniya and Kelaniya accepted.
- check_circle A historical research / writing sample is required.
- check_circle Statement of purpose linking your interests to McGill faculty and a supervisor.
- check_circle Two to three academic references and certified transcripts.
English Proficiency
- check_circle IELTS Academic: 6.5 Overall (min 6.0 in each band).
- check_circle TOEFL iBT: 90 Overall.
- check_circle French is not required — the programme is taught in English.
- check_circle Waived if your bachelor's degree was taught and assessed entirely in English (most Sri Lankan English-medium graduates qualify with an MOI letter).
Estimated Cost of Study
| Expense Category | Amount (CAD) | Approx. LKR |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition Fee (per year, international graduate) | CAD 19,000 | Rs. 4,465,000 |
| Living Expenses in Montreal (12 months) | CAD 16,000 | Rs. 3,760,000 |
| Study Permit, Biometrics & Quebec Insurance | CAD 1,500 | Rs. 352,500 |
| Books, Materials & Travel | CAD 1,500 | Rs. 352,500 |
| Total Year 1 Investment (before funding) | CAD 38,000 | Rs. 8,930,000 |
*LKR conversion based on current bank rates. Subject to change.
Career Outcomes & PR
McGill MA History graduates are eligible for the 3-year Post-Graduation Work Permit and a clear PR pathway via Express Entry. Funded thesis students receive assistantships and entrance fellowships covering much of the cost. Graduates progress into PhD programmes (Harvard, Yale, Cambridge, Toronto), heritage and museum roles, journalism, publishing, and policy analysis. Sri Lankan returnees route into university teaching, the Department of National Archives, museum and heritage roles, and research / policy work.
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