Studying in Canada is a dream for many international students—especially Nigerians and other immigrants—who seek high-paying job opportunities and permanent residency. If you’re planning to study in Canada and eventually earn over $70,000+ CAD per year, choosing the right course is absolutely essential.
In this post, we’ll explore the 9 most lucrative courses in Canada that not only offer high salaries after graduation but also increase your chances of obtaining permanent residency (PR) and long-term career growth.
Why Choose Canada for Higher Education?
Canada is one of the most preferred destinations for international students because of:
- Affordable tuition fees compared to the U.S. and U.K.
- Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) opportunities
- Pathway to Permanent Residency
- High-paying jobs in healthcare, IT, engineering, and finance
- Strong international student support and scholarships
Computer Science and Information Technology
Average Salary: $75,000 – $120,000/year
Best Universities: University of Toronto, UBC, Waterloo
Related Careers: Software Engineer, Data Scientist, Cloud Engineer
With Canada’s booming tech industry, courses in computer science, AI, and cybersecurity are in very high demand. Cities like Toronto and Vancouver are tech hubs, offering thousands of job opportunities.
Nursing and Healthcare-Related Courses
Average Salary: $70,000 – $100,000/year
Top Schools: McMaster University, University of Alberta, UBC
Roles: Registered Nurse (RN), Healthcare Administrator, Nurse Practitioner
With Canada’s aging population, the demand for qualified nurses and healthcare professionals is on the rise. Nursing graduates can earn high wages and easily qualify for Canada’s Express Entry system.
Engineering (Civil, Electrical, Mechanical)
Average Salary: $75,000 – $110,000/year
Best Universities: University of Waterloo, McGill University, University of Calgary
Career Options: Project Engineer, Civil Engineer, Energy Consultant
Canada has a huge demand for engineers, especially in construction, renewable energy, and infrastructure. Graduates from engineering programs often receive multiple job offers upon graduation.
Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
Average Salary: $80,000 – $120,000/year
Top Schools: University of Toronto, University of Alberta
Jobs: Pharmacist, Drug Safety Analyst, Clinical Researcher
Pharmacists in Canada are well-paid and in high demand, particularly in rural and underserved regions. This course is also eligible under many Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).
Finance and Accounting
Average Salary: $70,000 – $110,000/year
Top Schools: York University, UBC Sauder School of Business
Career Options: Financial Analyst, CPA, Investment Advisor
Canada’s financial sector is stable and growing. A degree in finance or accounting, especially with a CPA certification, opens doors to six-figure salaries and rapid career growth.
Law and Legal Studies
Average Salary: $80,000 – $150,000/year
Top Law Schools: Osgoode Hall Law School, University of Ottawa
Jobs: Lawyer, Legal Advisor, Compliance Officer
Becoming a licensed lawyer in Canada can be highly profitable. International students can either study Canadian law directly or transfer their credentials with a NCA exam.
Business Administration and MBA
Average Salary: $85,000 – $140,000/year
Best MBA Schools: Rotman (UofT), Schulich (York), Ivey (Western)
Careers: Management Consultant, Business Analyst, Marketing Director
An MBA in Canada not only boosts your earning potential but also provides access to top companies like Deloitte, RBC, and Amazon. Employers often sponsor work permits and PR.
Dentistry and Dental Hygiene
Average Salary: $100,000 – $180,000/year
Top Dental Schools: University of Toronto, McGill University
Careers: Dentist, Orthodontist, Dental Hygienist
Although dentistry requires licensing exams, once certified, the income potential is extremely high. Canada is in urgent need of dental professionals in both urban and rural areas.
Petroleum and Mining Engineering
Average Salary: $90,000 – $130,000/year
Top Schools: University of Alberta, Memorial University
Jobs: Petroleum Engineer, Mining Analyst, Geologist
If you’re willing to work in Alberta or Saskatchewan, this field is gold—literally. High salaries, relocation bonuses, and PR pathways make it very attractive.
BONUS: Tips to Boost Your Earning Potential After Graduation
✅ Choose a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
✅ Apply for a Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP)
✅ Target courses with co-op programs and internships
✅ Focus on in-demand NOC codes for Express Entry
✅ Improve your IELTS score to maximize PR points
Conclusion
If you’re looking to study in Canada and earn over $70K per year, these 9 courses offer the best chance for success. They align with Canada’s labor market needs, qualify for PR pathways, and offer high return on investment (ROI).
Don’t just pick any course—choose strategically based on your career goals, job market trends, and immigration pathways.
FAQs – Best High Paying Courses in Canada
Q: Which course is best for earning over $100K in Canada?
A: Dentistry, Pharmacy, and MBA programs offer the highest salaries.
Q: Can I get PR after studying in Canada?
A: Yes, many programs qualify for Express Entry and PNP.
Q: Are scholarships available for Nigerians and other international students?
A: Yes, several Canadian universities offer scholarships based on merit and need.
Q: What’s the cheapest course with a high salary in Canada?
A: Nursing and IT offer great salaries with relatively lower tuition costs.
Q: Is it easy to get a job in Canada after graduation?
A: If you study an in-demand course and gain local work experience (via co-op or internships), job placement is much easier.