Computer Science in Canada - Admission, Requirement, Course, Cost, Scholarships, and Careers

Highlights of The Computer Science Course in Canada 

Studying computer science allows students to make positive changes in the world while making some good money. Obtaining a degree in computer science from a reputable university is the key to getting a high-paying job, irrespective of where the candidate is located. 

There’s a remarkably high demand for computer science graduates and computer engineers in the job market, and this demand will only increase with time. According to a recent study by the US BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics), the current decade will see the information technology and computer sector grow by more than 13%. This number makes the growth of this sector faster than the growth average for all other occupations combined. 

Why Study Computer Science in Canada?

Canada is the best place to study for international students looking to build a career in computer science. Indian students mostly look to pursue their postgraduate study in computer science in Canada (after completing their bachelor’s degree from a school in India). 

Being a global leader in technology and innovation, Canada is home to educational institutions with access to pioneering career and research opportunities. The volume of such opportunities is exceptionally high for computer science students in the country. 

Students completing a degree in computer science from a Canadian university will get the chance to work with some of the leading IT researchers. Canadian universities are known for having the best computer science teachers. As a result, the CS graduates from these institutions have the knowledge and technical skills required to make it big in information technology. 

Another factor that makes Canada a great place to study computer science is that almost every leading tech firm in the world has its branch there. Students can join these big companies as interns while studying at a Canadian university. Indian students also seek admission to CS courses offered by Canadian institutes because of the low cost of studying and living there. 

Types of Computer Science Courses in Canada

Below is the list of computer science courses that most international students want to study at universities in Canada:

• MSc in Computer Science 
• MSc in Electrical & Computer Engineering 
• MSc in Information Systems 
• MSc in Artificial Intelligence
• MSc in Health Informatics 
• MSc in Computing Science– Multimedia 
• MSc in Computing Science– Statistical Machine Learning 
• MSc in Computing & Data Analytics 

List of Universities Offering Courses in Computer Science

Here are the Canadian universities with the best computer science courses for international students:

• Saint Mary’s University 
• University of British Columbia 
• Queen’s University 
• Simon Fraser University 
• University of Alberta 
• McGill University 
• University of Windsor
• University of Toronto 

Admission Process

Step 1: Students must first pick the courses they can apply for. 

Step 2: Candidates must appear for English language proficiency tests. 

Step 3: The process of applying to Canadian universities varies from one institution to another. Most universities and colleges allow students to submit their applications online. 

Every time a student applies for a course, he or she must pay between CAD100 and CAD250 (or 6000 INR and 15500 INR). 

Step 4: Upon receiving approval of the application, students must do what is necessary to obtain a Canadian study permit. 

Eligibility Criteria

Individuals looking for admission to a postgraduate course in computer science at a Canadian university must meet the following criteria: 

• They must complete a relevant bachelor’s degree from an internationally recognized university. 
• During the final year of study, get at least a mid-B grade. Top institutions require students to have even better results. 
• Their IELTS score must be 6.5 or more. If they are appearing for the TOEFL, they must score 90 or more. 
• A good GRE score may help one get admission to top Canadian institutes; however, it’s not mandatory. 

Documents Required

The following documents must accompany the online application:

• Transcript of education qualifications
• Test result of at least one eligible English language proficiency test
• A detailed and organized CV or resume
• An SOP or Statement of Purpose (it should explain why the applicant is looking to study computer science in Canada)
• References from two to three professionals testifying about the applicant’s academic qualifications 

Proficiency Test

Besides having an excellent academic career, students who desire to study in Canada must also be proficient in English. To prove their proficiency, Indian students must appear for tests like IELTS (International English Language Testing System), Cambridge English: Advanced, or TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language). IELTS should get first preference as almost every top educational institution in Canada accepts it.

Visa Process

Students must submit the following to become eligible for a Canadian study permit:

• An acceptance letter issued by the DLI or Designated Learning Institute
• Documents to prove that they have enough funds to pay for their living expenses, return transportation costs, and tuition fees
• A police certification to prove that they don’t have any past criminal record 
• A medical certificate issued by a doctor recognized by the government of Canada must testify that the candidate was in good health a week before applying for the visa.
• Proof of their English language proficiency
• SOP or statement of purpose

The candidate will also need to appear for a face-to-face interview. If the officer finds that all the documents and information provided by the applicant (before and during the interview) are in order, he or she will grant the student a study permit. 

Cost of Studying Computer Science in Canada

1. Tuition Fees: The average cost of studying for a master’s degree in computer science at a Canadian university is CAD21,227 or INR 12.93 lakhs. However, if it’s a top university, the student may need to pay as high as CAD31,000 or INR 18 lakhs to pursue the course. 

2. Cost of Living: The living expenses for international students in Canada are around CAD18,500 or INR 11.3 lakhs on average. 

Scholarships to Study Computer Science in Canada

Most Canadian universities offering master’s degree courses in computer science or a related subject offer financial aid to eligible international students. The candidates can get these aids as assistantships, fellowships, awards, or scholarships. Here are a few examples of scholarships Indian students can apply for:

• Alberta Innovates Graduate Student Scholarship
• International Peace Scholarship Fund
• Ontario Graduate Scholarship

Job Opportunities for Computer Science in Canada

Individuals studying computer science from a top institution in Canada can work as data scientists, software developers, data analysts, network administrators, systems architects, web developers, and so on at leading multinational companies.  

FAQs  

1. What are some of the most sought-after computer science specializations in Canada?

Some CS specializations that are immensely popular among students in Canada nowadays are data science, artificial intelligence, software maintenance, robotics, and data analytics. 

2. Is having an excellent academic record essential for studying computer science in Canada?

Yes. All top Canadian universities offering computer science programs look to admit students with good grades in the previous examinations. 

3. Is it mandatory to show GRE test results when studying computer science in Canada?

Having a good GRE score is a plus. However, showing it is not mandatory. 

4. What is the language of study in Canada?

International students must be proficient in English or French to study computer science in Canada. However, for Indian students, knowing English is usually enough. 

5. Are international students allowed to do internships in Canada?

Yes, they are allowed to do internships when studying in Canada. They can look for internships through their college/university or various independent organizations.