International Master of Teaching English (IMTE)

Teach the Way Tomorrow's Students Will Learn.

The International Master of Teaching English (IMTE) at Saint Mary’s University is designed to prepare global educators with a dual advantage: an accredited Canadian Master's degree paired with internationally recognized professional certifications. Build the expertise, practical classroom experience, and technological mastery required to lead in the rapidly expanding global language learning market.

 

Degree	Master of Education teaching English as a second/additional language (TESOL, TESL, EAL and ESL)
Program Duration	16 Months / 4 Terms
Delivery Model	On-Campus in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
Work Experience	Canadian or international practicum placements
Post-Grad Pathway	Work Authorization: Eligible for 3-year Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP)

 

Dual Advantage: Master's Degree + Cambridge Credentials

Saint Mary’s is the only university in Canada offering this integrated pathway. You do not simply earn a graduate degree—you systematically build a portfolio of globally respected credentials while you study.

• Cambridge certifications: Complete internationally recognized teaching credentials alongside your core degree coursework. Saint Mary’s University is a Cambridge University Press & Assessment Authorised Teacher Training Centre (CA-355)
• Stackable microcredentials: Complete specialized training during the program to tailor your qualifications to specific regional or professional markets.
• Pathway to Doctoral studies: Graduate with a rigorous academic foundation that serves as a direct springboard for transition into PhD programs across Canada and worldwide.
• Extensive professional development: IMTE includes membership in TESL Nova Scotia, TESL Canada and opportunities for professional development through TESOL International Association and the International Association of Teachers of English as a Foreign Language (IATEFL).

Real Classrooms. Real Experience.

While many programs focus strictly on academic theory, IMTE prioritizes practical, hands-on application from day one.

• Four terms of practicums: Gain authentic teaching experience across all four terms
• Direct student engagement: Work directly with real learners in real classroom environments to refine your pedagogy before graduation.
• Global and multicultural focus: Designed specifically for an international student body, our curriculum, support systems, and peer networks are tailored to help you navigate global educational contexts. Students can also complete an international teaching practicum at partner institutions. Recent graduates completed practicums in China, Colombia, Thailand, Hong Kong, UAE, and Germany.

Future-Focused Pedagogies

Stay ahead of educational trends with a curriculum built for modern, technology-driven learning environments.

• EdTech integration: Master AI-supported language learning tools, Virtual Reality (VR) applications, and hybrid teaching platforms.
• Modern linguistic frameworks: Implement contemporary approaches including plurilingualism, translanguaging, multilingual strategies, and immersive digital simulations.
• Teaching students with diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds: Improve Language Assessment Literacy (LAL) and learn to conduct Needs Assessment.

 

Return on Investment & Global Career Impact

An advanced degree can help you advance from entry-level language instruction to university positions, curriculum design and educational leadership.

 

Career & Market Metric	Industry Data & Impact
Lifetime Earnings	TESOL/TESL Master's degree holders typically see significant increases compared to those with only a bachelor's degree.
Degree Earnings Gap	Professionals holding only a bachelor's degree normally earn less across all experience stages compared to Master's holders.
Employer Standards	High-paying international markets strictly enforce requirements for a post-graduate Master's degree combined with certificates like Cambridge CELTA. (Cambridge University Press)

 

Graduates are prepared for careers in:

• Universities and colleges
• Public and private schools
• English-language institutes
• International schools
• Community language programs
• Corporate English training
• Online and blended learning
• Curriculum and instructional design
• Language assessment
• Educational leadership

Why Saint Mary's University?

• Top-Ranked Canadian institution: Consistently ranked among the top 3–5 Canadian universities in its category annually.
• 200+ years of excellence: Fully accredited with over two centuries of academic history in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
• Global alumni network: Connect with an international community of educators, researchers, and academic leaders. Our 2025 and 2026 cohorts feature students from over twenty-five countries.
• Live, study, and launch your career in Halifax, Nova Scotia, a vibrant Canadian seaside city.

Admission Requirements

Our next available cohort is September 2027. Applications open September 8, 2026

IMTE is designed for international students. Canadian citizens are not eligible for admission into this graduate program. Normally, a bachelor’s degree related to language studies (especially English language), or Education is expected, combined with relevant teaching experience. However, an academic background in other areas may be acceptable. The IMTE admissions committee assesses each application on an individual basis to determine applicants’ suitability.

Students applying for the IMTE program at Saint Mary’s University must submit the following:

• An online application form plus the $125 processing fee (non-refundable)

• Transcripts for all universities and colleges attended

• Please check with IMTE for country specific GPA requirements
• A notarized translation is required for non-English transcripts.
• Unofficial transcripts may be uploaded during the application phase for evaluation.

• Two recommendation forms; at least one should be from an academic referee

• Recommendation Forms MUST be submitted via professional email addresses (i.e. NOT Gmail, Hotmail, Yahoo, 163, qq, etc). 

• Letter of Intent: how IMTE builds upon your previous experiences and will contribute to your career aspirations

• A current CV

• Official proof of English language proficiency (applicants whose first language is not English)

• IELTS (Academic) 6.5 overall with no band below 6.0

• TOEFL: Minimum score of 4.5 on the Listening band, and no other band below 4.0
• Other minimum proficiency test scores accepted

• The IMTE Admissions Committee may seek additional communication with students regarding their academic English skills.

 

The deadline to file your online application and pay the application fee is May 1, 2027. All required documents must be received by the university by May 31, 2027.

We encourage students to apply early as we issue admissions to qualified candidates on a first come, first served basis.

Estimated tuition fees

International Students: $26,000 (approximately $6,500 per term)

Fees are paid in four installments at the beginning of each term. For miscellaneous fees and international health insurance available through the university, please visit Graduate Tuition and Fees.

All applicants are automatically considered for entrance scholarships, valued up to $5,000. These are competitively awarded to top-ranked applicants following a review by our admissions committee. No additional scholarship application is required.

 

Apply Now                                                                    Contact Information

Apply online                                                                  Email IMTE@smu.ca