- Level
- Master Degree
- CIP code
- 40.0601
- Duration
- 2 year master degree
- Field
- Physical Sciences (Physics, Chemistry, Earth Sciences)
- Institution
- Public University
- Offer speed
- Fast Offer Speed5–7 days
Program overview
A two year thesis based master in earth science, covering advanced geology, geochemistry or environmental earth systems alongside sustained field and laboratory research and a thesis.
Master of Science in Earth Science (Thesis) has no 2026 start listed, so September 2027 is the earliest entry, and fieldwork in the Atlantic geology of Nova Scotia is central to the programme rather than an add on. Applicants should be comfortable with extended time outdoors in a demanding maritime climate as well as with laboratory analysis.
Master of Science in Earth Science (Thesis) is taught at St. Francis Xavier University in Antigonish, a designated learning institution, so completing Master of Science in Earth Science (Thesis) supports a Post-Graduation Work Permit application of up to 3 years. Canada requires a Provincial Attestation Letter with the study permit application for Master of Science in Earth Science (Thesis), and the university issues that alongside the letter of acceptance. Every permit decision rests with Canadian immigration authorities, and Apply Study Visa confirms the position for Master of Science in Earth Science (Thesis) in writing before you pay any deposit.
Candidates for Master of Science in Earth Science (Thesis) present a three year bachelor degree with 70 percent. The English requirement is IELTS 6.5 with no band below 6.0, and tuition for Master of Science in Earth Science (Thesis) is recorded at CAD 12,752 a year. No entrance scholarship is recorded against Master of Science in Earth Science (Thesis), so budget the full tuition. September 2027 and September 2028 only. Apply Study Visa manages the Master of Science in Earth Science (Thesis) application, the deposit, the letter of acceptance and the Canadian study permit as one process.
What it costs per year · indicative
Living cost is an estimate; tuition is the institute's published international fee. We confirm exact, current figures before you pay anything.
Do you qualify?
These are the published minimums. Whether your profile fits — with your marks, gap and budget — is exactly what a free counsellor check confirms.
Admission requirements
Who can apply (guide for international students):
- Education: A completed three year bachelor degree from a recognised university, at 70 percent or above.
- English (meet any one): IELTS Academic 6.5 overall with no band below 6.0, PTE Academic 60 overall with no component below 50, or TOEFL iBT 90 with at least 20 in every section. The Duolingo English Test is not accepted.
- Application and deposit: An application fee of CAD 100 applies. An initial tuition deposit of CAD 1,000 is required to confirm the seat and trigger the letter of acceptance.
- Scholarship: No entrance scholarship is recorded for this programme. Budget the full tuition.
- Work permit: Master of Science in Earth Science (Thesis) is delivered by a designated learning institution and supports a Post-Graduation Work Permit of up to 3 years. A Provincial Attestation Letter is required with the study permit application. Because this programme runs 16 months or longer at master level, a spouse may apply for an open work permit. Confirm this in writing, since the rules change.
- Study permit: Apply Study Visa handles the provincial attestation letter, the study permit application and the biometrics appointment with you.
English requirements
Documents you'll need typical · we confirm yours
- Valid passport (6+ months validity)
- Class 10 & 12 marksheets and certificates
- Bachelor's degree marksheets & final certificate
- English test scorecard (IELTS / PTE / TOEFL) or MOI certificate
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Letters of Recommendation (LOR)
- Updated CV / resume
- Financial proof — bank statement / loan sanction + GIC
- Passport-size photographs
- Study-gap affidavit or work-experience letter (if applicable)
Getting documents right is the #1 reason applications succeed or get refused — our team checks every file before submission.
Career opportunities
Typical destinations for graduates:
- Geoscientist: exploration and consulting
- Environmental Geologist: site assessment and remediation
- Hydrogeologist: water resource management
- GIS and Remote Sensing Analyst: survey work
- Resource Analyst: mining and energy sectors
- Doctoral Study: earth science research
Reality check: professional geoscientist registration in Canada is province by province and requires supervised experience after graduation, so map that path before enrolling.
About St. Francis Xavier University
- Type
- University
- Ownership
- Public
- Rating
- ★ 4.8
- World rank
- #4729
- Established
- 1853
- Reference No.
- O19391556899
