When it comes to computer science, Canadian universities are well-known for their flexibility and tailor-made curriculum. A computer science bachelor’s degree in Canada is offered as either an honors, major, or joint program. It usually lasts between 3-4 years, depending on the type. Honors programs are in-depth and lead to the most advanced degrees in computer science. A major in computer science involves an extensive focus on the field in combination with a minor subject. This course comes with a co-op (work-period) program option. A joint program in computer science is combined with other disciplines like mathematics, physics, data science, etc. It also includes a co-op program option.
Students can pursue a computer science program in Canada either as a Bachelor of Science (BSc), Bachelor of Arts (BA), or Bachelor of Applied Science (BASc) degree. They can choose their courses, select a specialization, or a minor. This flexibility in terms of education attracts thousands of international students to Canada every year. Let us discuss in-depth undergraduate computer science programs in Canada.
Overview: Computer Science Bachelor’s Degree in Canada
| Degree type | Undergraduate (BA, BSc, BASc) |
| Duration | 3-4 years |
| Minimum admission criteria | High school diploma |
| Annual tuition fees in CAD | 18,000-61,000 |
University Ranking for Computer Science in Canada
| University Name | THE Ranking 2023, Computer Science | US News Ranking 2023, Computer Science |
| University of Toronto | 22 | 27 |
| University of Waterloo | 43 | 51 |
| University of British Columbia | 47 | 56 |
| McGill University | 53 | 111 |
| University of Alberta | 101-125 | 100 |
| Simon Fraser University | 101-125 | 166 |
| York University | 176-200 | 319 |
| Western University | 301-400 | 401 |
| University of Ottawa | 301-400 | 298 |
| University of Manitoba | – | 514 |
Best Universities to Study Bachelor’s in Computer Science in Canada
| University Name | Program Name and Duration | Annual Tuition Fees (CAD) |
| University of Toronto | Computer Science (Honors of Bachelor of Science), 4 years | 61,350 |
| University of Waterloo | Computer Science, 4 years | 51,000-53,000 |
| University of British Columbia | Computer Science (BA), 4 years
Computer Science (BSc), 4 years |
46,295 |
| McGill University | Computer Science (Faculty of Engineering), 4 years | 55,389 |
| Computer Science (Faculty of Science), 4 years | ||
| Physics and Computer Science, 4 years | ||
| Statistics and Computer Science, 4 years | ||
| Computer Science (Bachelor of Arts and Science), 4 years | ||
| Mathematics and Computer Science (Faculty of Science), 4 years | ||
| Computer Science (Faculty of Arts), 4 years | ||
| Mathematics and Computer Science (Faculty of Arts), 4 years | ||
| Computer Science and Biology, 4 years | ||
| University of Alberta | Computing Science – Software Practice, 4 years | 31,895 |
| Computing Science and Mathematics, 4 years | ||
| Mathematics with Computing Science Minor, 4 years | ||
| Simon Fraser University | Computing Science (BSc or BA), 4 years | 40,094 |
| York University | Computer Science, 4 years | 31,146 |
| Western University | Computer Science, 3-4 years | 53,969 |
| University of Ottawa | Computer Science, 4 years | 37,007-56,396 |
| University of Manitoba | Computer Science (BCSc) (BSc), 4 years | 18,700 |
Note: All of the above programs are accredited by the Computer Science Accreditation Council (CSAC) of Canada.
Cost to Study Computer Science Bachelor’s in Canada
A computer science bachelor’s degree in Canada costs anywhere between 18,700 and 61,350 CAD per year. Highly ranked universities charge higher fees in the range of 50,000 to 60,000 CAD. There are some affordable Canadian universities that offer undergraduate computer science degrees starting from 18,000 to 40,000 CAD per year.
In Canada, universities also charge ancillary/supplementary fees along with tuition, so students have to factor in those along with tuition fees. Since these fees do not cover the living cost, that also has to be considered separately. The average living expenses for a student in Canada are 15,000 to 25,000 CAD. This can vary depending on the city in which you live and your expenditures. Students can also work while studying in Canada to manage their living and tuition expenses.
Academic Requirements
The minimum admission requirement for international students is a high school/higher secondary diploma with a grade of 85% and above. Their high school education must cover the following subjects
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Chemistry
- English
Students must also make sure to check the minimum percentage requirement based on their nationality, as it can differ for students from different countries.
Since English is the language of instruction for the above-mentioned courses, students from non-English speaking countries are required to submit English proficiency scores. They can submit any one of the following test scores
- A score of at least 90 on the TOEFL iBT
- A minimum score of 6.5 on the IELTS Academic
- A score of at least 61 on the PTE Academic
- An overall Cambridge English scale score of at least 180 on the C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency
Some Canadian universities also ask international students to submit reference letters and statement of purpose along with their application. Canadian universities follow merit-based admissions for bachelor’s degrees in computer science and thus hardly require students to take any entrance tests or national/international tests.
Scholarships
Financial aid like scholarships and bursaries are other ways in which international students in Canada can finance their studies either fully or partially. Most of them are awarded based on merit, however, some also consider volunteer work and community service. Very few scholarships are available from the government and other organizations, the majority of undergraduate scholarships in Canada are funded by universities.
| University Name | Scholarship |
| University of Toronto | President’s Scholars of Excellence Program |
| University of Toronto Scholars Program | |
| Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship | |
| University of Waterloo | President’s scholarship of distinction (admission average of 95%+) |
| Merit scholarship (admission average of 85-89.9%+) | |
| Entrance scholarships (3,000-4,000 CAD for one year) | |
| University of British Columbia | International Major Entrance Scholarship |
| Outstanding International Student Award | |
| McGill University | One-year Scholarships (3,000 CAD) |
| Major Scholarships (3,000-12,000 CAD for 3-4 years) | |
| University of Alberta | International Admission Scholarship (up to 5,000 CAD) |
| Gold Standard Scholarship (6,000 CAD awarded to top 5% of students in each faculty) | |
| Simon Fraser University | Undergraduate Scholars Entrance Scholarship |
| Western University | Western Scholarship of Excellence (250 scholarships at 8,000 CAD each) |
| Western Scholarship of Distinction (3,500 CAD (final admission average of 92.0% to 100.0%) | |
| University of Manitoba | International Undergraduate Student Entrance Scholarships (1,000-3,000 CAD) |
| International Undergraduate Student Scholarships | |
| International Student Bursaries |
Career Advice
Computer science is the study of how to utilize computers to process information or solve a problem. A degree in the subject teaches students the theory, development, design, and application of computers. So, what can you do with a computer science degree? A bachelor’s degree in this field will allow you to work in the government, business, or entertainment industries as
- Software Engineer
- Software Developer
- Data Scientist
- Software Developer
- Financial Software Developer
- Game Designer/Animator
- IT Technician
Some big giants that hire computer scientists are Bloomberg, Google, Facebook, IBM, Dropbox, etc. To enhance their careers further in this field, many students opt for a postgraduate degree in computer science. They can also go for a Ph.D. to explore the field in-depth by doing research.
Conclusion
With a rank of #4 in the USN Education Rankings, it is impossible to deny that the quality of education in Canada is unmatched. A computer science bachelor’s degree in Canada typically lasts 3-4 years and costs between 18,000 and 61,000 CAD each year. If you are interested in studying computer science in Canada, contact Gyanberry. Use our user-friendly tool, Gyanberry to get into your dream university. Our experts will handle everything from shortlisting the best computer science universities to submitting the application and arranging your travel and accommodation in Canada.
