Public Health in Canada
Canada offers 13 Public Health programmes across 5 universities, with institutions of international standing including the University of Toronto, McGill University, the University of British Columbia, and Brock University, alongside École Polytechnique de Montréal. These universities collectively represent the strongest concentration of public health research capacity in Canada, covering epidemiology, health policy, biostatistics, environmental health, and global health.
Tuition information is not uniformly available for all programmes, so applicants should check each institution directly. Canada is consistently ranked among the best countries in the world for quality of life and healthcare, and its public health programmes benefit from strong ties to government health agencies and international organisations such as the WHO and PAHO. Many programmes are available in both English and French, reflecting the country's bilingual character.
Epidemiology (M.Sc.)
The Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Epidemiology (Thesis) is a research-focused program offered by McGill University's Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Occupational Health. It aims to develop your skills in original thinking, collaboration, and scientific communication, preparing you for further studies or professional careers. The program delves into the foundations and principles of epidemiology and applied biostatistics. You will learn to design, conduct, and analyze various types of health-related research, including clinical, population-based, environmental, policy, and methodological studies. The department has expertise in areas such as clinical epidemiology, pharmacoepidemiology, cancer, cardiovascular, respiratory, perinatal, environmental, and occupational epidemiology, as well as clinical trials and health services research. Emerging areas of focus include social epidemiology, public health, infectious diseases, neuroepidemiology, psychiatric epidemiology, global health, health research informatics, and genetic/molecular epidemiology.
Graduate Micro-Programs in Public Health
Brock University's Graduate Micro-Programs (GMPs) in Public Health are designed to provide graduate-level expertise for professionals looking to advance their careers in specialized areas. These part-time, online programs offer flexibility through asynchronous and synchronous learning modes. The curriculum is focused on practical knowledge, allowing students to complete the program in as little as one year.
Master of Global Health (MGH)
Master of Health Leadership and Policy (MHLP)
The Master of Health Leadership and Policy (MHLP) is a master's degree program designed for clinicians seeking to advance their careers into healthcare leadership and management roles. This interdisciplinary program combines expertise from the UBC School of Nursing and UBC Sauder’s Robert H. Lee Graduate School. It equips students with essential business and leadership skills alongside in-depth healthcare knowledge. The curriculum focuses on best practices in healthcare, administration, public policy, project management, and organizational leadership, providing a holistic understanding for effective transformation within the healthcare system.
Master of Public Health (MPH)
The Master of Public Health (MPH) is a two-year, non-thesis degree program focused on epidemiology, biostatistics, and the social, biological, and environmental factors influencing health. It emphasizes disease prevention, health systems management, and global health, integrating these areas with practical skill-based learning through a practicum experience. The curriculum is designed to prepare graduates for a variety of career paths in public health.
Master of Public Health (MPH) - University of Toronto
The Dalla Lana School of Public Health at the University of Toronto offers a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree designed to equip students for professional and research-oriented careers in public health. The program aims to foster leaders who can drive improvements in population health and health systems at local, national, and global levels. Students can specialize in various fields, contributing to a diverse and internationally recognized academic community focused on creating new knowledge and advancing public health practice.
Master of Science in Population and Public Health (MSc)
The Master of Science (MSc) in Population and Public Health is a research-focused program at the School of Population and Public Health. It is designed for students from diverse academic backgrounds, providing them with foundational knowledge and practical skills in epidemiological and biostatistical methods. Through this program, students will gain valuable research experience by undertaking a thesis project under the guidance of a faculty member, applying these methods to various topics concerning population health and health service delivery.
Master of Science in Public Health (MScPH)
McGill's Master of Science in Public Health (MScPH) program focuses on training researchers, educators, and practitioners in population and public health. The curriculum emphasizes cutting-edge methodology, equipping graduates to excel and lead in their chosen career paths. The program welcomes applicants from diverse academic backgrounds, including basic sciences, health sciences, engineering, sociology, and economics. It is particularly suited for individuals returning to academia after gaining work experience.
Microprogramme de 1er cycle en Gestion de la sécurité civile et d’urgence majeure
This microprogram offers an introduction or advanced training in civil security and major emergency management. It is designed for individuals working in fields related to risk management, emergency response, and business continuity. The program is also suitable for municipal or government employees responsible for civil security within their jurisdictions. While some courses might be offered at locations other than Polytechnique Montréal, this particular microprogram is delivered entirely online. Successful completion of courses within this microprogram may also count towards a corresponding certificate program.
MSc in Health Policy, Management and Evaluation
The Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (IHPME) offers a Master of Science (MSc) program focused on advancing understanding and practice in health policy, management, and evaluation. The program draws on a diverse group of over 400 faculty members from various disciplines, including a significant number of senior health care executives as adjunct faculty. Research themes span Clinical Epidemiology and Health Care Research, Health Systems Research (encompassing Health Informatics, Health Economics, Health Policy, Health Services Organization and Management, Outcomes and Evaluation, Technology Assessment, and Knowledge Translation), Health Administration, Health Systems Leadership and Innovation, and Quality Improvement and Patient Safety.
Ph.D. in Epidemiology
The Ph.D. program in Epidemiology at McGill University trains scientists and health professionals to design and conduct studies, analyze health data, and effectively communicate scientific results. The goal is to gain novel insights into the causes and prevention of diseases at the population level. This doctoral-level work involves integrating biological knowledge of disease, statistical knowledge for quantitative analysis and causal inference, and sociological knowledge to understand dynamic human populations. McGill's strengths in this field include epidemiologic methods, clinical epidemiology, infectious diseases, social epidemiology, pharmacoepidemiology, public and population health, global health, environmental epidemiology, chronic diseases and aging, and perinatal epidemiology.
Public Health and Preventive Medicine Residency Program
The five-year postgraduate Public Health and Preventive Medicine (PHPM) Residency Program at the University of British Columbia equips physicians with the skills to understand population health needs and develop strategies for improving health and well-being. This program trains future public health specialists and leaders, preparing graduates for diverse career paths including medical health officer, physician epidemiologist, researcher, and population-focused clinician. The program's mission is to train collaborative, innovative, and reflective practitioners who can adapt to the diverse needs of populations and career opportunities. It fosters a positive learning environment that supports unique capacities and ensures meaningful contributions to public health.
Public Health and Preventive Medicine Resident Training Program
McGill's Public Health and Preventive Medicine residency program aims to equip physicians with the skills and knowledge for leadership roles in population and public health, as well as academic and research settings. The program focuses on promoting well-being and improving health across populations by examining the influence of social, economic, political, and environmental factors. Graduates will be prepared to address health issues at a community level rather than solely focusing on individual illnesses.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to study Public Health in Canada?
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Tuition varies by programme — check each listing. International students typically pay higher fees than domestic students; however, graduate funding and scholarships are often available.
Which universities offer Public Health programmes in Canada?
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The 13 programmes are at 5 institutions: the University of Toronto, McGill University, the University of British Columbia, Brock University, and École Polytechnique de Montréal.
Can international students apply to Public Health programmes in Canada?
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Yes. Canadian universities welcome international students, and a study permit from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is required for programmes longer than six months.
What are typical entry requirements for Public Health in Canada?
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A bachelor's degree in a health, life science, or social science field is generally required. English (or French for Francophone programmes) language proficiency and relevant professional experience may also be required.
How do I apply to study Public Health in Canada?
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Apply directly to each university's School of Public Health or graduate admissions office. Deadlines vary but many programmes close between January and March for September entry.