Last Updated: July 05, 2024
Petroleum Engineering from Canada
Petroleum Engineering is the sector that deals with the study of natural gas and crude oil, the development of the many oil reservoirs around the globe, and its depletion. Courses in Petroleum Engineering include education in various fields of petroleum geology, economics, thermo-hydraulics, and intelligent systems, i.e., all the information required for a full-filling career. Canada is an ideal destination for such a course because of its rich oil reserves which provide ample opportunities to the Ambitious, besides, Canadian universities foster excellent ties with the industry, allowing their graduate students essential connections that will enable easy recruitment after the completion of the course.
Why Choose Canada for Petroleum Engineering?
- Petroleum Engineering is one of the most highly paid professions worldwide, ensuring a high quality of living.
- Petroleum Engineers are responsible for a safer tomorrow through their new technologies and hence can create a better environment.
- As the requirement for crude oil and natural gas increases, so does the knowledge on improving existing techniques, resulting in technological breakthroughs.
- It is an ever-changing, immortal field (at least for the next 100 years) ensuring a safe career.
- Travelling to various places is a part of Petroleum Engineering-related careers and enhances knowledge throughout life.
General Facts about Petroleum Engineering from Canada
- Master of Engineering, Master of Science, and Ph.D. degrees are offered in Petroleum Engineering by most Canadian universities. The top universities include the University of Calgary, the University of Alberta, Dalhousie University, and the University of Regina.
- The minimum requirements include English language proficiency tests such as TOEFL or IELTS, GRE (as per university requirements), a strong academic background of a four-year undergraduate degree (in case of a master's degree) with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on 4.0.
- In general, universities will ask for additional documents, which include a resume, a statement of purpose, a research proposal, letters of recommendation, and financial proof that supports the education and accommodation costs of the student throughout his entire study period.
- A Master of Engineering degree in this field involves a lot of coursework with lesser research. In contrast, a Master of Science degree requires more research-based work, and both have a period of 2 years, respectively.
- Doctorate degrees span five years, with the first two dedicated to coursework followed by examinations and the rest dedicated to research work followed by an oral defense of the thesis.
- Funding is available for all degree types through assistantships, scholarships, and awards.
Top Universities/Colleges for Petroleum Engineering in Canada
University | Location | Programs Offered |
University of Calgary | Alberta | MSc., MEng. and Ph.D. in Petroleum Engineering |
University of Alberta | Edmonton | BSc., MSc., MEng. and Ph.D. in Petroleum Engineering |
University of Regina | Regina | MASc., MEng., and Ph.D. in Petroleum Systems Engineering |
Dalhousie University | Halifax | BEng. in Environmental Engineering, MASc., MEng. and Ph.D. in Mineral Resources Engineering, MASc. and MEng. in Environmental Engineering |
Memorial University of Newfoundland | Labrador | MASc., MEng. and Ph.D. i Oil and Gas Engineering |
To know about the tuition fees and entry requirements, click
here.
Scholarships & Grants
Financial aid is tricky to get in Canadian universities - especially for international students. However, financial aid is not the only way to get an affordable education in Canada. Plenty of schools might offer scholarships to students by academic merit, specifically for foreign applicants/students, and they are primarily available for either undergraduate or postgraduate students. Students who perform exceptionally well (also known as outstanding academic performance) may be awarded a part or full waiver of their tuition fees. In these cases, the student has to pay for their living costs only and not worry about their academic fee. However, it is essential to keep in mind that many people apply for such awards, and thus, the scholarships might not cover the whole study cost.
However, some universities may award students outstanding academic performance with tuition fees and waived living costs. This is not so common in Canadian universities but is possible in some top universities. In Canadian universities, students will find plenty of scholarships - whether in an undergraduate or a postgraduate course. Furthermore, the Canadian government has introduced several scholarships to aid international students. Most governmental scholarships do not require over-the-top academic performance. However, hundreds and thousands of students apply for these scholarships. To stand out, it is essential to keep an excellent academic record.
Below is a list of all the popular scholarships that are provided by the Canadian universities & government:
- Dalhousie University Scholarships: This scholarship is awarded by the Dalhousie University for domestic as well as international students. The scholarship is available for all degree levels and can be awarded to current or prospective students.
- Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarships: This scholarship is awarded to International students who want to pursue a doctoral program in Canada. It is a 3-year program where the student goes through a rigorous curriculum under the mentorship and guidance of other scholars, mentors, and fellows. The student must also meet specific goals every year and become fluent in English and French during this period. Appropriate guidance and support are provided throughout.
- Quebec Merit Scholarship & Anne Vallee Ecological Fund: Deserving candidates have many opportunities to seek financial support for pursuing their education or research in Canada. The only care is needed to find astutely for a scholarship program in their discipline and university and apply with the complete form before the deadline for the scholarship grant. Full support from the university/educational institution can be expected from international students.
- Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship: The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship is awarded by the University of Toronto to potential students who display outstanding performance in their academics. This scholarship is exclusively available to international undergraduate students and covers accommodation costs, books, incidental fees, and tuition costs for four years. Moreover, the scholarship does not only consider the academic performance but also the creativity and leadership qualities an individual displays.
- Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship Program: This program provides a primary fund to students to meet initial living expenses in Canada for the first few months. The grant may go up to CAD 10,000.
To know about more scholarships and how to apply, click
here
Advantages of Pursuing a Petroleum Engineering Degree from Canada
- Canadian Universities offer quality education with research concentrated in the advanced areas of Petroleum Engineering.
- High standards of living at affordable rates.
- Canada's ample resources aid in technological advancements necessary for this ever-dynamic field.
- Most Universities offer Petroleum Engineering courses taught in English
- Top-notch faculty members specializing in their specific fields serve as mentors to the students perfecting them in this course.
- Well-paid internships and University tie-ups with various industries result in excellent exposure in this field.
- Student exchange programs result in international education.
- Rich cultural experience shapes the students, broadening their thought-frame.
With its flourishing economy, Petroleum Engineering is a popular field, and Canada places aspiring students right in the heart of this field through its capable resources.
Cost of Living
Canada offers a superb way of life to its natives, and the state additionally gives different advantages to its residents. The state offers its residents world-class well-being administrations and is excessively free.
Life and living in Canada
The expense of living in Canada ranges from CAD 500 to CAD 2,000 per month. The cost rises even higher if students choose to live and study in major cities such as Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal. However, the expenses differ for different people as they depend on one's lifestyle. The significant expenses could be divided as follows:
- Groceries: Between CAD 200 and CAD 500 per month
- Books and other Supplies: CAD 1,000 per year
- Transportation: CAD 80 to CAD 150 per month
- Internet: CAD 50 to CAD 100 per month
Job Prospects for Petroleum Engineers in Canada
The career outlook for petroleum engineers in Canada is positive, with a steady demand for professionals in the field. As the oil and gas industry continues to evolve and adapt to changing market conditions, petroleum engineers will play a crucial role in developing innovative solutions to meet the industry's needs. With technological advancements and a growing emphasis on environmental sustainability, petroleum engineers must stay current with industry trends and regulations to remain competitive in the job market. The average salary of petroleum engineers in Canada is about CAD 94,000 annually.
Various employment opportunities available for petroleum engineers in Canada are as follows:
- Oil and Gas Companies
- Engineering Consulting firms
- Government agencies
- Research institutions
- Environmental organizations
- Construction companies
- Equipment manufacturers
- Start-up companies
Major employers are
Suncor Energy, Shell, Schlumberger, Canadian Natural Resources Limited, Cenovus Energy, Husky Energy, Enbridge, Talisman Energy, Encana Corporation.
Detailed look at the job market in the petroleum industry in Canada.