Seneca Polytechnic launches its first master's degree program

Seneca Polytechnic, one of Canada's largest polytechnic institutions, has introduced its first master's degree program. The new "Master of Artificial Intelligence Design & Development" program is currently awaiting ministry approval and funding confirmation, marking a significant milestone for the institution, which was known as Seneca College until 2023. If approved, the first intake is planned for January 2026.

Why Artificial Intelligence?

The choice of focus is no coincidence. According to the Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) — a government labor market forecasting model developed by Employment and Social Development Canada — the country is expected to face a shortage of workers in over 100 professions in the coming years. The main areas affected are healthcare, construction, engineering, transportation, and IT.

By 2033, about 8 million job openings are expected, with nearly 70% due to workers retiring.

The shortage of IT specialists is particularly acute. By 2026-2027, the shortage will intensify in engineering and information technology fields, including cybersecurity and development specialists. In this context, launching a master's program in artificial intelligence becomes a strategically important step in preparing highly qualified professionals.

What the New Program Offers

The Master of Artificial Intelligence Design & Development program prepares specialists to work in the rapidly evolving field of artificial intelligence, combining rigorous theory with practical business solutions. The program includes in-depth study of machine learning, natural language processing, computer vision, AI ethics, and other areas.

Students will have the opportunity to study Machine Learning Operations (MLOps) and learn to produce and apply AI technologies across various industries. The program includes 840 hours of real practical experience, including case studies, lab work, an independent research project, and an eight-month internship.

This aligns perfectly with Seneca's polytechnic approach, which has always emphasized combining theory and practice. Students will be able to design and refine high-performance machine learning models, evaluate various algorithms for different use cases, and generate practical insights from deep learning models to drive business innovation.

From College to Polytechnic University

In 2023, Seneca College rebranded: the former name Seneca College became Seneca Polytechnic. This change is linked to the development of a new university strategy that focuses primarily on providing students with a polytechnic approach — one that combines the best educational practices applicable in colleges and universities.

Launching a master's program is a logical continuation of this transformation. Polytechnic institutions offer advanced technical education based on practical learning and quick responses to new labor market and industry needs.

Seneca Polytechnic's Resources and Opportunities

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Seneca Polytechnic is a higher education institution where learning is built on a combination of theory and practice. Programs are developed in collaboration with employers and include internships and co-op placements. The institution has unique resources: a Boeing 727 aircraft for aviation students, its own fleet of training cars, 3D printers and laboratories created in partnership with leading companies, medical simulation centers, and much more.

Seneca Polytechnic annually educates over 23,000 international students from more than 150 countries. The institution is located in Toronto — Canada's main metropolis, and offers students programs in 13 areas — from short 1-2 year programs to bachelor's and now master's programs.

Employment Prospects

Healthcare is already experiencing the highest demand — with over 109,000 vacancies for nurses, pharmacists, physiotherapists, and early childhood specialists. By 2026-2027, shortages will intensify in construction, engineering, and IT. This includes electricians, welders, mechanics, engineers of various profiles, and cybersecurity specialists.

Almost 77% of graduates find work within six months of completing their studies. Graduates of the AI master's program will have even more advantages in the job market, given the high demand for specialists in this field.

Cost and Financial Considerations

Along with tuition, as well as accommodation, food, insurance, and other expenses, students need to show funds of at least $30,000 USD for the first year of study. Scholarships for international students are available — ranging from $1,000 CAD to $5,000 CAD, some of which are awarded automatically.

The cost of a year of study in 2025 starts from $14,877 CAD and goes up to $25,000 CAD for most programs. The cost may vary depending on the specifics of the program. For the master's program, the cost is likely to be in the upper range of this spectrum.

Additionally, students can work during their studies up to 24 hours per week. From October 2025, the minimum wage for most workers in Ontario will be $17.60 CAD per hour. Accordingly, working the maximum allowed 24 hours per week, one can earn about $1,690 CAD per month.

Immigration Opportunities

You can master in-demand professions at Seneca Polytechnic — one of Canada's largest polytechnic institutions. Programs last from 1 to 4 years depending on the level, and after graduation, students are eligible for a work visa for up to 3 years and Canadian work experience, which becomes the basis for applying for permanent residency.

For the AI master's program, graduates will also have the opportunity to apply for a post-graduation work permit, allowing them to work legally for any company without restrictions. Given the high demand for artificial intelligence specialists, this opens up excellent prospects for subsequent immigration to Canada.

Opportunities for Couples

An important advantage of studying in a master's program is the opportunity for students to bring their spouse, who can obtain an open work permit and legally work in Canada throughout the study period. This makes the program particularly attractive for couples planning to immigrate, as it allows both spouses to gain Canadian work experience simultaneously.

Requirements for Applicants

To enroll at Seneca Polytechnic, an applicant must provide a high school diploma or a higher education diploma — depending on the program. There are no entrance exams, but proof of English language proficiency is required, with a minimum of 6 points on IELTS or equivalent in other language tests.

For a master's program, the requirements will likely be higher — you'll need a bachelor's degree in a relevant field and a higher level of English proficiency. Additional documents such as a motivation letter and recommendations may also be required.

Alternative AI Programs

While the master's program is awaiting final approval, Seneca Polytechnic already offers an eight-month postgraduate certificate program in Artificial Intelligence, designed for graduates in computer science, programming, and software development.

This program provides practical skills and theoretical knowledge needed to transform data into strategic, fact-based business decisions for companies. Students learn about machine learning algorithms, cloud technologies, data visualization, and advanced AI, including generative AI and prompt engineering.

Conclusion

Choosing Seneca Polytechnic offers an opportunity to gain an in-demand profession, build a career in Canada, and potentially immigrate. The launch of the first master's program in Artificial Intelligence highlights the institution's ambition to become a full-fledged polytechnic university and meet the challenges of the modern job market.

For those interested in pursuing higher education in AI in one of the world's most innovative cities, Seneca Polytechnic's new program could be an excellent launching pad for an international career in the tech industry.

As an official partner of Seneca Polytechnic, we can help you not only enroll in this institution but also prepare documents for obtaining a student visa. Book a consultation today!