Masters in Computer Science in Canada

Canada offers top-tier computer science programs, attracting many Indian students. As of August 2024, over 427,000 Indian students were enrolled in Canadian institutions, making up 41% of all international students in the country.

Pursuing a Master's in Computer Science can significantly enhance your career prospects, leading to advanced roles and higher earning potential.

This blog aims to guide you through the benefits of studying computer science in Canada and how a master's degree can propel your career forward.

Masters in Computer Science in Canada: Overview

A Master’s in Computer Science (MCS or MSc CS) focuses on advanced computing, software development, and problem-solving. It covers AI, cybersecurity, data science, and programming with practical applications.

Over 40 universities in Canada offer this program, though some may award an MSc or MEng in Computer Science instead.

Here’s a complete overview of pursuing a Master’s in Computer Science in Canada, covering admissions, costs, scholarships, and career opportunities

Criteria	Details
Duration	1.5 to 2 years
Intakes	Fall (September) Winter (January) Summer (May)
Course Level	MSc in Computer Science MEng in Computer Science Applied Computer Science (MACS) Master’s in Professional Computer Science (MPCS)
Top Universities	University of Toronto University of British Columbia McGill University
Average Tuition Fee	CAD 20,000 - CAD 55,000 (INR 12.1L - INR 33.4L) per year
Entrance Exams	TOEFL: 575 (PBT) or 86 (iBT) (Varies by university) IELTS: 6.5 – 7.0 (Varies by university) PTE: 61 – 66 (Varies by university) MATLAB: 85% or higher (Varies by university) Other Accepted Tests: Some universities accept CPE/CAE or CAEL/CanTest scores GRE (required by some universities)
Eligibility Criteria	A GPA of 3.25 or higher on a 4.0 scale CGPA of 7-8 on a 10-point scale Equivalent to 80-85% marks. English proficiency score
Popular Specializations	Artificial Intelligence Data Science Cybersecurity Cloud Computing Machine Learning
Scholarship Opportunities	Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships Ontario Graduate Scholarship UBC Graduate Support Initiative
Career Opportunities	Software Developer Data Scientist AI Engineer IT Consultant Cybersecurity Analyst
Post-Study Work Permit (PSWP)	Eligible for up to 3 years in Canada after graduation
Average Salary After Graduation	CAD 70,000 - CAD 120,000 (INR 42.6L - INR 73L) per year (varies by role & experience)
Top Hiring Companies	Google, Amazon, Microsoft, IBM, Shopify, Deloitte
Popular Industries Hiring	Technology & Software Engineering Finance & Banking Healthcare & Bioinformatics E-commerce & Retail Automotive & Robotics Gaming & Digital Media

Now that you’ve explored the overview of MS in Computer Science in Canada, let’s look at the best universities offering these programs.

Top Universities to Study Masters in Computer Science in Canada

Top universities like the University of Toronto, University of British Columbia, and McGill University are well-regarded for their research-driven curriculum and industry collaborations in computer science.

Here are some of the leading universities offering a Master’s in Computer Science in Canada.

University	Program Name	Duration and Intake Deadline for International Students	Tuition Fees (INR/year)
McGill University	Computer Science (M.Sc.)	1 Year 6 Months Deadline: Dec 15, 2025	13.6L
University of Toronto	Master of Science in Computer Science	1 Year 6 Months Deadline: Oct 1, 2025	53.5L
University of Alberta	Master of Science in Computer Science	1 Year 6 Months Deadline: Jan 15, 2025	4.3L
Simon Fraser University	Master’s in Professional Computer Science (MPCS)	1 Year 6 Months Deadline: Jan 15, 2025	1.8L per term
McMaster University	Master of Science in Computer Science	1 Year 6 Months Deadline: Mar 14, 2025	15.1L
York University	Master of Science in Computer Science	1 Year 6 Months Deadline: Jan 15, 2025	11.3L
The University of British Columbia	Master of Science in Computer Science	1 Year 8 Months Deadline: Dec 15, 2025	5.96L
University of Montreal	Masters in Computer Science	2 Years Deadline: Feb 1, 2025	11.9L
Queen’s University	Master of Science in Computing	2 Years Deadline: Apr 30, 2025	16.4L
University of Victoria	Master of Science in Computer Science	2 Years Deadline: Jun 14, 2025	7.1L
University of Guelph	MSc in Computer Sciences/Programming	2 Years Deadline: March 1, 2025 Aug 1, 2025 Nov 1, 2025	12.4L (Varies)
Memorial University of Newfoundland	Master of Science in Computer Science	2 Years Deadline: May 1, 2025	5.85L
Toronto Metropolitan University	Computer Science (MSc)	1 Year Deadline: May 1, 2025	24.5L (Varies)
University of Northern British Columbia	Computer Science (MSc Program)	2 Years Deadline: Jun 1, 2025	16.2L
University of Lethbridge	Computer Science (MSc)	2 Years Deadline: Feb 1, 2025 May 1, 2025	9.36L
University of Waterloo	Data Science - Master of Math (MMath)	2 Years Deadline: Dec 15, 2025	13.8L
Dalhousie University	Applied Computer Science (MACSc)	1 Year 4 Months Deadline: Oct 1, 2025	20.2L

Note: Tuition fees and deadlines vary based on the intake period—fall, summer, or winter. Be sure to check your institution's fee schedule for accurate details.

Also Read: Computer Science Courses in Canada

Top Universities to Study Masters in Computer Science in Canada without GRE

Many Canadian universities offer Master’s in Computer Science programs without requiring the GRE, making it easier for international students to apply.

Below is a list of top universities offering MSc in Computer Science without GRE in Canada.

University	Program	Duration	Tuition Fee (INR)
University of Manitoba	Master of Science in Computer Science	2 Years Deadline: May 1, 2025	8.1L
Concordia University	Computer Science (MCompSc)	2 Years Deadline: Apr 1, 2025	13L
University of Windsor	M.Sc in Computer Science	1 Year 6 Months Deadline: Fall: April 15, 2025 Winter: August 15, 2025 Summer: December 15, 2025	15.3L
Fairleigh Dickinson University	MS Computer Science	2 Years Deadline: Fall (August) Semester: July 1 Spring (January) Semester: December 1	82k per Credit Total fee: 13.7 per year
Capilano University	Master’s in Computer Science	2 Years Deadline: Sep 30, 2024	20L (Varies)
Thompson Rivers University	Master’s in Computing Science (Data Science)	2 Years Deadline: Mar 15, 2025	37.3L

Note: Tuition fees and deadlines vary based on the intake period—fall, summer, or winter. Be sure to check your institution's fee schedule for accurate details.

Also Read:

Winter Intake in Canada 2025

September Intake Canada 2024/2025: Application, Courses & Universities

Summer Intake in Canada: Universities, Admissions & Deadlines

After reviewing the top MS programs in Computer Science, let’s examine the eligibility criteria for admission.

Masters in Computer Science in Canada: Eligibility Criteria

To apply for a Master’s in Computer Science in Canada, you must meet specific academic, English language, and visa requirements. Below is a breakdown of the key admission criteria.

Academic Criteria

To qualify, you must have the required educational background, a competitive GPA, and, in some cases, standardized test scores:

Requirement	Details
Educational Qualification	A 16-year education system is required (10+2+4). Proof of completion is mandatory.
Bachelor’s Degree	Must be equivalent to a Bachelor's in Computer Science or related fields.
Minimum GPA/CGPA	A GPA of 3.25 or higher on a 4.0 scale CGPA of 7-8 on a 10-point scale Equivalent to 80-85% marks.
Programming Aptitude	Admissions may depend on the candidate’s programming skills, assessed through academic performance or entrance tests.
University-Specific Requirements	Some universities may have additional eligibility criteria.

English Language Criteria

International students must demonstrate English proficiency through standardized tests. Minimum score requirements vary by university:

Test Name	Minimum Score Required
TOEFL	575 (PBT) or 86 (iBT) (Varies by university)
IELTS	6.5 – 7.0 (Varies by university)
PTE	61 – 66 (Varies by university)
MATLAB	85% or higher (Varies by university)
Other Accepted Tests	Some universities accept CPE/CAE or CAEL/CanTest scores

Also Read: Exams for Studying Abroad – IELTS, TOEFL, GRE, GMAT & More

Miscellaneous Criteria

Apart from academic qualifications and language proficiency, universities may ask for work experience, recommendation letters, and proof of funds.

Requirement	Details
Academic Transcripts	College and high-school transcripts, along with degrees and mark sheets showing the conferral date.
Work Experience	Some universities prefer applicants with 1-2 years of experience in software development, IT, or related fields.
Statement of Purpose (SOP)	A two-page personal essay outlining career objectives, research interests, and qualifications.
Letters of Recommendation (LORs)	2–3 recommendations from professors or employers. At least two academic references should highlight research abilities.
Standardized Test Scores	GRE score of at least 260 out of 340 (if required by the university).
Proof of Funds	Financial statements demonstrating adequate funds to cover tuition fees and living costs.
Resume/CV	Required for programs that consider professional experience during admission.
Student Visa Checklist	To apply for a study visa, ensure you have the following essential documents: Completed and signed national visa application form Valid national passport Birth certificate Proof of financial support Official bank statements from the past four months Immigration Medical Examination (IME) clearance Statement of Purpose (SOP)

Also Read: Sample SOP for MS in Computer Science in Canada

Now that you’re familiar with the admission requirements for a Master’s in Computer Science in Canada, let’s explore the application process.

Masters in Computer Science in Canada: Application Process

Before applying, research universities based on rankings, tuition fees, and job prospects. Once you’ve finalized your options, follow these steps to complete your application.

Step 1: Check Important Deadlines

Mark key application dates on your calendar to stay organized.

Step 2: Select Your Program

Use the Program Finder tool to explore over 300 undergraduate programs and choose the one that aligns with your goals.

Step 3: Verify Eligibility

Most programs consider grades for admission. Ensure you meet:

Academic requirements
Previous years' admission cutoffs
Specific prerequisites for your chosen program

Step 4: Gather Required Documents

Applications open on October 1. Before applying, make sure to:

Check deadline requirements
Collect academic records
Identify supporting documents needed

Required Documents for International Students:

High school and college transcripts
Degree certificates with the date of conferral
Statement of Purpose (SOP)
Letters of Recommendation (LORs): Two to three letters, with at least two from academic referees validating research potential
GRE Scores: Minimum of 260 out of 340
English Language Proficiency Scores (TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, MATLAB)

Step 5: Submit Your Application

Complete the online application, review guidelines, and pay the necessary fees. You can apply for two programs.

Step 6: Apply for Entrance Scholarships

Explore scholarship opportunities early, as deadlines typically fall within a week of the application submission date. Check available bursaries, grants, and funding options.

Step 7: Track Application Status & Upload Documents

Within 48 hours of submission, you will receive an acknowledgment email containing login credentials for your Minerva account. It is your responsibility to monitor your application and ensure all documents are submitted.
For applicants outside the U.S.: Transcripts must be uploaded directly to Minerva.
Official test scores must be sent using McGill’s institutional codes:
- SAT and AP: 0935-00
- ACT: 5231
Additional supporting documents, such as recommendation letters, may also be required.

Admission results are typically released within 40 days of application submission to Canadian universities for an MS in Computer Science.

Once your application is complete, the next step is to explore available financial aid and scholarship options.

Cost of Studying Masters in Computer Science in Canada

To understand the cost of pursuing an MS in Computer Science in Canada, you need to account for various expenses, including pre-arrival costs, tuition and administrative fees, and living expenses.

Here’s an overview of the cost of studying MS in Computer Science in Canada:

Pre-Arrival Expenses for MS in Computer Science in Canada

Expense	Cost
Health Insurance	CAD 300 (INR 17k) to CAD 800 (INR 44k) annually
Student Visa Fee for Indian Applicants	CAD 150 (INR 9.1k)
Flight Ticket	INR 1L - INR 2L per trip
University Application Fee	CAD 70 (INR 4.2k) – CAD 135 (INR 8.1k)
Language Proficiency Test Fees	IELTS - INR 14.7k GRE (general/subject) - INR 16.3k/ INR 11.5k TOEFL iBT - INR 14.5k GMAT - INR 21k CAEL - INR 10.8k
GIC Purchase (one-time)	INR 6L
Biometric Fee	INR 5L
Visa Processing Fee	INR 8.8k

Estimated Monthly Living Expenses in Canada for International Students:

Expense Type	Cost in CAD
Accommodation	Toronto: CAD 6,500 – CAD 20,500 (INR 3.93L - INR 12.4L) annually (depending on room & meal plan) Vancouver: CAD 10,700 – CAD 13,850 (INR 6.4L - INR 8.3L) for two terms (room & meal plan) Montreal: CAD 9,700 – CAD 12,700 (INR 5.8L - INR 7.6L)/year (single room, no meal plan) Halifax: CAD 8,130 – CAD 9,450 (INR 4.9L - INR 5.7L) /year (single room, with meal plan) Waterloo: CAD 6,700 – CAD 7,000 (INR 4L - INR 4.2L)/term (traditional dorm, no meal plan)
Transportation	CAD 80 – CAD 110 (INR 4.3k – INR 6k) monthly
Food	CAD 300 – CAD 400 (INR 17k – INR 44k) monthly
Entertainment	CAD 750 (INR 43.7k ) monthly
Mobile Phone Bill	CAD 60 (INR 3.6k)
Books and Supplies	CAD 1,000 – CAD 2,000 (INR 61.3k – INR 12.2L)

Note: Living expenses vary depending on the city, lifestyle, and accommodation preferences.

Also Read: Cost of Studying in Canada – Tuition Fees, Visa Fees, etc.

After reviewing the overall expenses for a Master’s in Computer Science across various Canada, let’s look at the course structure for MS in Computer Science in Canada.

Masters in Computer Science in Canada: Course Structure

As a computer science graduate student, you will study core subjects such as software engineering, data analytics, and machine learning, along with specializations in areas like artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and data science.

Many universities also offer internships and research opportunities in collaboration with industry leaders.

Here are some of the courses offered in a Master’s in Computer Science program:

Category	Subjects Covered
Core Subjects	• Software Engineering • System Development • Data Analytics • Network Architecture • Database Design • Machine Learning • Data Visualization • Natural Language Processing • Numerical Analysis
Electives or Specializations	• Artificial Intelligence • Computer-Human Interaction • Game Design • Networks & Distributed Systems • Computer Graphics • Information Security • Data Science • Programming Languages
Industry Exposure	Internship Duration: 3 to 6 months (paid or unpaid) Internship Locations: Tech startups, AI research labs, IT consultancies, multinational corporations.

Note: The core subjects and elective courses may vary depending on the university and program.

Also Read: International Internships for Indian Students & How to Get One?

Now that you’ve explored the courses covered in a Master’s in Computer Science in Canada, let’s look at the financial aid options available.

Masters in Computer Science in Canada: Financial Aid and Scholarships

If you’re planning to pursue an MS in Computer Science in Canada, several university-funded and government-backed scholarships can help ease your financial burden.

These include merit-based, need-based, and research-specific funding options for international students.

Here are some of the top scholarships available:

University	Scholarship/Award	Details
University of Toronto	Connaught International Scholarship	For international students; covers tuition and living expenses.
	Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)	Merit-based; up to $15,000 (INR 12.9L) for two semesters.
	Departmental Awards	Awards for Computer Science students based on academic excellence.
University of British Columbia	Graduate Support Initiative (GSI)	Funding for MSc students, including stipends and tuition coverage.
	Four Year Doctoral Fellowship (4YF)	For MSc students transitioning to PhD; $18,200 (INR 15.7L)/year + tuition.
	Affiliated Fellowships	Merit-based awards for graduate students.
McGill University	McGill Entrance Fellowship	For new MSc students; up to $10,000 (INR 8.6L).
	Quebec Merit Scholarship for Foreign Students (PBEEE)	For international students; covers tuition and stipend.
	Departmental Scholarships	Awards for Computer Science students based on academic performance.
University of Waterloo	David R. Cheriton Graduate Scholarship	For exceptional Computer Science students; up to $10,000 (INR 8.6L).
	Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)	Merit-based; up to $15,000 (INR 12.9L).
	International Master’s Award of Excellence (IMAE)	$2,500 (INR 2.1L)/term for maximum of 5 terms
University of Alberta	Alberta Innovates Graduate Student Scholarship	For technology and innovation fields; up to $31,000 (INR 26.8L).
	Queen Elizabeth II Graduate Scholarship	For academic excellence; $10,800 (INR 26.8L).
	Departmental Funding	Teaching and research assistantships for Computer Science students.
Simon Fraser University (SFU)	Richard A. Freund International Scholarship	For high academic standing; up to $5,000 (INR 4.3L).
	Provost International Fellowship	For new graduate students; up to $5,000 (INR 4.3L).
	Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Program	Provides 50% stipend and tuition coverage and 50% loan
McMaster University	Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)	Merit-based; up to $15,000 (INR 12.9L).
	McMaster Graduate Scholarship	For high academic achievement; $7,500 ((INR 6.4L).
	The Robert John Morris Graduate Studies Bursary	Funding for students up to CAD 2500 (INR 1.5L)
University of Calgary	Alberta Innovates Scholarship	For exceptional academic records; up to $26,000 (INR 22.4L).
	Alberta Graduate Excellence Scholarship (AGES)	For high-achieving students; $11,000 (INR 9.5L).
	Alberta SPOR SUPPORT Unit (AbSPORU) Graduate Studentship	Funding through TA/RA positions.
University of Fraser Valley	International Regional Entrance Scholarship	For new graduate students; up to $5,000 (INR 4.3L) per year
	International Excellence Entrance Awards	For new graduate students; up to $5,000 (INR 4.3L) per year
University of Manitoba	University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowship (UMGF)	For high academic achievement; up to $18,000 (INR 15.5L).
	Research Manitoba Studentship	For technology and health-related fields; $18,000 (INR 15.5L).
	Teaching Assistantships (TA)	Funding through TA positions.
Carleton University	Ontario Remembrance Scholarship	Merit-based; up to $10,000 (INR 6L).
	Marie Odette Gabrielle Clay Memorial Award	For high academic standing up to $1300 (INR 1.1L).
	Richard Van Loon Scholarship	Up to $5000 (INR 4.3L)
General Scholarships	NSERC Scholarships	For STEM fields; $27,000 (INR 23.3L)/year.
	Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships	For exceptional students; $50,000 (INR 43.2L) for 3 years.

Also Read: Fully Funded Scholarships in Canada for International Students (2025 Admissions)

After exploring scholarship opportunities, let’s check out the career opportunities after graduation.

Potential Job Opportunities after Masters in Computer Science in Canada

A Master’s in Computer Science can lead to high-paying roles in top companies like Sterling Turner, Amazon, Scotiabank, and CGI. Salaries vary by location, with Vancouver offering the highest pay and Montreal slightly lower starting salaries.

Here are some key job roles and their average salaries:

Job Role	Average Annual Salary (INR)
Software Engineer	8L
Data Scientist	13L
Machine Learning Engineer	10.3L
Cloud Solutions Architect	26L
IT Project Manager	15L
CAD Designer	4.2L
Network Administrator	5.8L
Senior Web Developer	7L

Source: Glassdoor, Ambitionbox, Talent.com

Also Read: Average Salary in Canada after MS in Computer Science

Top Recruiters for Masters in Computer Science in Canada

Canada is home to some of the biggest tech companies and startups, offering excellent job opportunities for graduates with a master’s in computer science. Here are some of the top recruiters:

Company	Job Role	Average Annual Salary (INR)
Google	Computer Scientist	8.7L
Microsoft	Computer Science Engineer	12.3L
Amazon Web Services (AWS)	Software Engineer	26.7L
IBM	System Engineer	8.9L
Intel	IT Consultant	16.4L

Source: Ambition Box

Popular Industries Recruiting Masters in Computer Science in Canada

Graduates with a master’s in computer science can find opportunities across multiple industries. Here are some of the most popular sectors hiring skilled professionals:

Industry	Potential Job Roles
Technology & Software Development	Software Engineers AI Specialists Developers
Finance & Banking	Data Analysts Cybersecurity Experts Fintech Developers
Healthcare & Biotechnology	AI Specialists Data Scientists Medical Research Techs
E-commerce & Retail	Software Engineers AI Experts Data Analysts
Telecommunications	Network Security Experts IT Specialists AI Engineers
Cybersecurity	Security Analysts Ethical Hackers Cybersecurity Engineers
Automotive & Robotics	AI Engineers Robotics Experts Autonomous Vehicle Developers
Consulting & IT Services	IT Consultants Software Engineers Cloud Computing Experts

Now that you’ve explored the job opportunities after a master’s in computer science, let’s look at the benefits of pursuing this degree in Canada.

Why Pursue a Masters in Computer Science in Canada?

Earning a master’s from a top Canadian university enhances career opportunities, increases salary potential, and provides access to cutting-edge research and global job markets.

Here are the key benefits of studying computer science in Canada:

Global Career Prospects
Graduates can work in top tech companies, research labs, and startups across the world. Canada’s strong tech industry and immigration-friendly policies make it an ideal destination.
Higher Salary Potential
Tech professionals in Canada earn competitive salaries. For instance, software engineers in Canada earn an average of CAD 90,000 (INR 55L) annually, significantly higher than in many other countries.
Post-Study Work & Immigration Benefits
Canada offers a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) for up to three years, allowing graduates to gain work experience and apply for permanent residency.
Access to Cutting-Edge Technology
Canadian universities provide hands-on training in AI, cybersecurity, data science, and cloud computing, ensuring you stay ahead in the evolving tech industry.
Industry Connections & Networking
Universities in Canada have strong industry ties, offering students opportunities to connect with tech leaders and gain mentorship for career growth.
Internship & Research Opportunities
Many programs include internships with top firms like Google, Microsoft, and IBM, along with research opportunities in AI, quantum computing, and blockchain.
Student-friendly City: Budget-friendly, diverse, innovative, and rich in culture, Montreal stands out as one of the top student cities globally.

Now that you know the benefits, let’s go over some key tips to help you choose the right program and university.

How to Select the Best Program and University for You

With numerous universities offering top-tier computer science programs, selecting the right one can be challenging. The right choice depends on factors like specialization, tuition costs, research opportunities, and career prospects.

Here are key factors to consider when choosing a Master’s in Computer Science program in Canada:

Research University Rankings: Look at QS World Rankings, Times Higher Education, and university reputation in computer science.
Check Admission Requirements: Ensure you meet GPA, GRE (if required), and English language proficiency criteria for your target universities.
Compare Tuition Fees and Costs: Consider tuition, living expenses, and available financial aid options before making a decision.
Look for Scholarship Opportunities: Check university-specific scholarships and external funding like Vanier and Ontario Graduate Scholarships.
Assess Faculty and Research Opportunities: Explore faculty expertise, ongoing research projects, and lab facilities in your area of interest.
Consider Industry Connections and Internship Options: Look for universities with strong ties to tech companies and co-op programs for hands-on experience.
Evaluate Post-Graduation Work Opportunities: Choose universities in cities with high demand for tech talent, such as Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal.
Check PGWP Eligibility: Ensure your program qualifies for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) to stay and work in Canada.
Read Student Reviews and Alumni Success Stories: Check forums, LinkedIn, and university websites to see real experiences and career outcomes.