Top Computer Science Colleges in Canada: Rankings, Fees, and Requirements
Shahid Mustaq Murshed's profile photo

Shahid Mustaq Murshed

Study Abroad Content Specialist | Updated 3+ months ago

Highlights:

  • Universities: University of Toronto, University of Waterloo, University of British Columbia, McGill University are among the best colleges in Canada for Computer Science
  • Programs: Best Colleges for Computer Science in Canada offers a wide range of programs including specializations in AI, data science, and cybersecurity
  • Tuition fees: Annual tuition fees of the top universities for MS in CS in Canada starts as low as 17,000 CAD
  • Acceptance Rate: Among the top 10 universities in Canada for Computer Science, Queen’s University at Kingston has the highest acceptance rate of 89%

Top Computer Science colleges in Canada include University of Toronto, University of Waterloo, University of British Columbia, and McGill University among others. More than 100 public universities in Canada offer 15,000 study programs, and most of the universities have Computer Science programs at all levels of study. As per the Employment and Social Development Society of Canada, every year 30-35% of the international candidates studying Computer Science get placement in companies like Amazon, Epam Systems, IBM Canada, and Scotiabank among others. Computer Science graduates in Canada earn an average annual salary of 93,000 CAD. Fees and types of degrees in the best CS colleges in Canada include the following

  • Bachelor’s in Computer Science: 25,000-80,000 CAD per year
  • Master’s in Computer Science: 17,000-60,000 CAD per year
  • PhD in Computer Science: 19,000-68,000 CAD per year

Best Schools for Computer Science in Canada

Canada is home to some of the most highly ranked and top-rated universities in the world. Here, we have given a list of top universities in Canada Computer Science

Top CS Universities in Canada US News, Computer Science Ranking Global Rank Acceptance Rate
University of Toronto #27 #18 in US
#13 in QS
43%
University of Waterloo #51 #191 in US
#21 in QS
53%
University of British Columbia #56 #35 in US
#26 in QS
54%
McGill University #111 #54 in US
#34 in QS
56%
University of Montreal #74 #156 in US
#44 in QS
57%
University of Alberta #100 #136 in US
#110 in QS
58%
Queen’s University at Kingston - #162 in QS 89%
Simon Fraser University #166 #317 in US
#180 in QS
59%
University of Calgary #342 #175 in US
#191 in QS
55%
Concordia University #311 #653 in US
#201-250 in QS
78%
University of Ottawa #298 #215 in US
#201-250 QS
42%
Carleton University #285 #526 in US
#251-300 in QS
21%

Best Universities in Canada for Computer Science Undergraduate Programs

In Canada, approximately 675,000 people are working in the field of IT. Diploma programs like Computer Programmer Diploma program, Computer Engineering Technology, and others have helped the candidates kick-start their career with just 1-2 years of courses. However, a student looking for Bachelors in Computer Science in Canada, can refer to the table below

Name of the Program Name of the College Duration Annual Course Fee (in CAD)
B. Sc. Honors in Applied Computer Science The University of Winnipeg 3-4 years 17,010
Computer Science B. Sc. Lakehead University 3-4 years 24,709
Information Technology (Computer and Communication Networks) (Hons.) Centennial College 4 years 21,040
Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng. Co-op Optional) Software Engineering McMaster University 4 years 40,470
B. Sc in Computer Engineering University of Alberta 4-5 years 39,500

Note: 1 CAD= 60.99 INR as of May 22, 2024

Undergraduate Admission Requirements for Best CS Universities in Canada

To get into a top Computer Science program in Canada for undergraduate studies, you need to have the following

  • Applicants should have a high school diploma with strong academics
  • School mark sheets and other documents as mentioned by the best universities in Canada Computer Science
  • English language proficiency scores

Best Universities for Masters in Computer Science in Canada

Postgraduate courses are for those students who want to rise from assistant-grade workers to independent engineers. Along with that, M.Eng. and MS in Computer Science in Canada can get you placement as Information Systems Analysts and Consultants, Computer Network Technicians, Software developers and lots more. The table below has listed the popular postgraduate programs offered in the best universities in Canada for MS in Computer Science.

Name of the Program Name of the College Duration Annual Course Fee in CAD
Master of Management in Artificial Intelligence (MMAI) Schulich School of Business 2 years 26,020
Computer Science (MCompSc) Concordia University Montreal 2 years 22,023
M. Sc. in computer science Memorial University 2 years 9,666
Master of Cybersecurity and Threat Intelligence (MCTI) University of Guelph 1 year 42,000
Master of Engineering Science (MESc) in Electrical and Computer Engineering Western University 2 years 12,730

Note: 1 CAD= 60.99 INR as of May 22, 2024

Admission Requirements for the Best Universities in Canada for MS in CS

For the postgraduate computer science courses, a candidate should have:

  • Completed 4 years bachelor degree course in the relevant stream with the specification applying for.
  • Above 75% in the last 4 semesters or the entire bachelor degree course.
  • The university-specific entrance exam for master degree programs.
  • 1 year of work experience in the field chosen for the master degree program
  • Qualifying marks in the exams to study in Canada

Best Computer Science Universities Canada for Doctoral Courses

The doctorate programs of computer science colleges in Canada open multiple gateways to the candidates. A student can opt for Computer Algebra and Symbolic Computation, Computer Graphics, Human-Computer Interaction, Quantum Computing, Scientific Computing and lots of other fields for PhD from best universities offering computer science courses in Canada.

Program College Duration Annual Course Fee (in CAD)
Ph.D. in computer science McGill University 3-4 years 15,637
Computer Science Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Thesis-based University of Calgary 4 years 29, 027
Computer Science – Ph. D. University of Waterloo 4 years 6,972
Electrical & Computer Engineering (PhD) University of Concordia School of Engineering and Computer Science 3-4 years 53,996
Ph. D. in Operations & Information Systems University of Alberta - Alberta School of Business 4 years 7,279

Note: 1 CAD= 60.99 INR as of May 22, 2024

Admission Requirements for Best Colleges for Computer Science in Canada for PhD

AI, data science, and cybersecurity are among top Computer Science programs in Canada. Admission requirements for doctoral programs at top 10 university in Canada for Computer Science are as follows

  • Completed Master's degree in Computer Science with a 78% or another relevant subject (computer science is priority)
  • Qualifying score in Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General test (for those who have not completed a 4-year undergraduate degree in the relevant subject)
  • Qualifying or higher score in English proficiency tests (TOEFL 100, IELTS 7.5 and others)
  • GMAT or GRE scores and GPA from relevant courses
  • Approved working papers

Documents Required for Best Universities for Computer Science Canada

To be eligible for admission to good universities in Canada for Computer Science, you need to submit the following documents with your application. Some universities allow you to submit the documents after the application deadline, while others require it with the application itself. The documents you need to study in Canada are stated below

  • Scanned copy of passport
  • Academic transcripts from your previous institution, that is
  • School-leaving certificate, if applying for a Bachelors course
  • Bachelor's degree certificate, if applying to a Masters course
  • Any other relevant certificates of merit
  • Letter of recommendations (If needed)
  • Resume or CV, if needed
  • Statement of purpose for Canada
  • Proof of English language proficiency. Average scores:
    • IELTS: 6.5 or equivalent TOEFL, PTE scores

Jobs After Studying at the Top Colleges in Canada for Computer Science

The salary difference between bachelors, masters and PhD degree holders of Computer Science in Canada are detailed below

Job Roles Bachelors Masters PhD
Software Developer 69,168 CAD/ year 80,840 CAD/ year 99,436 CAD/ year
Software Engineer 82,521 CAD/ year 89,601 CAD/ year 73,024 CAD/ year
Senior Software Engineer 112,681 CAD/ year 117,638 CAD/ year 120,614 CAD/ year
Full Stack Software Developer 71,711 CAD/ year 70,868 CAD/ year 99,811 CAD/ year
Front End Developer 67,170 CAD/ year 85,040 CAD/ year 125,378 CAD/ year

Note: 1 CAD= 60.99 INR as of May 22, 2024

You can consider the aforementioned details while looking for the best universities in Canada for Computer Science. You can apply to top Computer Science universities in Canada in September/Fall, January/Winter, and May/Spring are the three intakes in Canada.

FAQs

Ques: What are the top computer science colleges in Canada?

Ans: The leading institutions include the University of Toronto, University of British Columbia, McGill University, University of Waterloo, and Simon Fraser University.

Ques: What are the admission requirements for computer science programs in Canada?

Ans: Requirements typically include a high school diploma with strong grades in mathematics and science courses, English language proficiency, and sometimes standardized test scores like the SAT or ACT.

Ques: How much does it cost to study computer science in Canada?

Ans: Tuition fees vary by university and residency status, ranging from CAD 20,000 to CAD 50,000 per year for international students. Domestic students generally pay lower fees.

Ques: Are scholarships available for computer science students in Canada?

Ans: Yes, many universities offer scholarships based on academic merit, financial need, and specific criteria related to computer science.

Ques: What career opportunities are available for computer science graduates in Canada?

Ans: Graduates can pursue careers in software development, data science, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and IT consulting, among others, with opportunities in both the public and private sectors.

Ques: Which universities in Canada have the best computer science research programs?

Ans: The University of Toronto, University of British Columbia, McGill University, and University of Waterloo are renowned for their research contributions in various computer science fields.

Ques: What is the typical duration of a computer science degree in Canada

Ans: An undergraduate computer science degree usually takes four years to complete, while a master’s degree typically requires one to two years.

Ques: Do Canadian universities offer co-op or internship programs in computer science?

Ans: Many universities, such as the University of Waterloo and Simon Fraser University, offer co-op programs that provide practical work experience in the industry.

Ques: What is the ranking of Canadian universities in global computer science rankings?

Ans: Canadian universities like the University of Toronto, University of British Columbia, and University of Waterloo frequently rank among the top global institutions for computer science.

Ques: What are the language requirements for studying computer science in Canada?

Ans: Most programs require proficiency in English, demonstrated through tests like IELTS or TOEFL. Some universities in Quebec may also require proficiency in French.

Cities
Toronto
Montreal
Kingston
Ottawa
Vancouver
Burnaby
Calgary
Edmonton
Hamilton
Show More
Stream
Show More
Stream
Subject
Course
Colleges By Ranking
Institution Type
College Type
State
City
Entrance / Exam Accepted
Avg Fees Per/yr
Attendance Type
Course Delivery Mode
Language

Found 68 universities

Sort By
RankingCollege InfoTop CoursesFees & Cost of Living
#21/3118 THE Ranking 2026

University of Toronto, Toronto

6.0(Based on 82 User Reviews)Ontario, Canada43%Acceptance Rate
MEng Electrical and Computer Engineering
Course duration:
1 year
Exams Accepted:
TOEFL93
View 2 Other Programs
Tuition:  
(CA$59,385/Yr)$43.4K/Yr
Living
(CA$13,491/Yr)$9.8K/Yr
Check Admission Requirements
#41/3118 THE Ranking 2026

McGill University, Montreal

9.0(Based on 26 User Reviews)Quebec, Canada46%Acceptance Rate
MEng Electrical and Computer Engineering
Course duration:
2 years
Exams Accepted:
IELTS6.5PTE65
View 2 Other Programs
Tuition:  
(CA$42,768/Yr)$31.2K/Yr
Living
(CA$875/Yr)$638.75/Yr
Check Admission Requirements
#45/3118 THE Ranking 2026

The University of British Columbia, Vancouver

7.0(Based on 106 User Reviews)British Columbia, Canada54%Acceptance Rate
MEng Electrical and Computer Engineering
Course duration:
12 months
Exams Accepted:
TOEFL90
View 3 Other Programs
Tuition:  
(CA$31,253/Yr)$22.8K/Yr
Living
(CA$16,536/Yr)$12.1K/Yr
Check Admission Requirements
#116/3118 THE Ranking 2026

McMaster University, Hamilton

8.3(Based on 29 User Reviews)Ontario, Canada59%Acceptance Rate
MEng Electrical and Computer Engineering
Course duration:
16 months
Exams Accepted:
TOEFL88PTE70
View 5 Other Programs
Tuition:  
(CA$37,941/Yr)$27.7K/Yr
Living
(CA$15,470/Yr)$11.3K/Yr
Check Admission Requirements
#119/3118 THE Ranking 2026

University of Alberta, Edmonton

10.0(Based on 21 User Reviews)Alberta, Canada58%Acceptance Rate
MEng Electrical and Computer Engineering
Course duration:
2 years
Exams Accepted:
Duolingo120TOEFL92PTE62
View 5 Other Programs
Tuition:  
(CA$32,969/Yr)$24.1K/Yr
Living
(CA$19,344/Yr)$14.1K/Yr
Check Admission Requirements
#150/3118 THE Ranking 2026

University of Montreal, Montreal

8.2(Based on 15 User Reviews)Quebec, Canada57%Acceptance Rate
M.Eng Computer Engineering
Course duration:
2 years
Exams Accepted:
GMAT630TOEFL85
View 3 Other Programs
Tuition:  
(CA$23,521/Yr)$17.2K/Yr
Living
(CA$12,000/Yr)$8.8K/Yr
Check Admission Requirements
#162/3118 THE Ranking 2026

University of Waterloo, Waterloo

9.7(Based on 58 User Reviews)Ontario, Canada53%Acceptance Rate
MEng Electrical and Computer Engineering
Course duration:
16 months
Exams Accepted:
TOEFL80
View 3 Other Programs
Tuition:  
(CA$42,223/Yr)$30.8K/Yr
Living
(CA$16,020/Yr)$11.7K/Yr
Check Admission Requirements
#187/3118 THE Ranking 2026

University of Ottawa, Ottawa

8.0(Based on 38 User Reviews)Ontario, Canada80%Acceptance Rate
MEng Electrical and Computer Engineering
Course duration:
2 years
Exams Accepted:
Duolingo120IELTS6.5PTE60
View 5 Other Programs
Tuition:  
(CA$24,835/Yr)$18.1K/Yr
Living
(CA$15,758/Yr)$11.5K/Yr
Check Admission Requirements
#200/3118 THE Ranking 2026

University of Calgary, Calgary

6.2(Based on 33 User Reviews)Alberta, Canada55%Acceptance Rate
MEng Electrical and Computer Engineering
Course duration:
2 years
Exams Accepted:
Duolingo125IELTS6.5PTE59
View 1 Other Program
Tuition:  
(CA$18,250/Yr)$13.3K/Yr
Living
(CA$16,119/Yr)$11.8K/Yr
Check Admission Requirements
#201/3118 THE Ranking 2026

Western University, London

8.3(Based on 25 User Reviews)Ontario, Canada58%Acceptance Rate
MEng Electrical and Computer Engineering
Course duration:
1 year
Exams Accepted:
Duolingo115TOEFL92
View 3 Other Programs
Tuition:  
(CA$41,901/Yr)$30.6K/Yr
Living
(CA$18,400/Yr)$13.4K/Yr
Check Admission Requirements
#301/3118 THE Ranking 2026

Queen's University, Kingston

9.3(Based on 24 User Reviews)Ontario, Canada42%Acceptance Rate
MEng Electrical and Computer Engineering
Course duration:
1 year
Exams Accepted:
TOEFL88PTE65
View 5 Other Programs
Tuition:  
(CA$36,178/Yr)$26.4K/Yr
Check Admission Requirements
#301/3118 THE Ranking 2026

Simon Fraser University, Burnaby

7.5(Based on 13 User Reviews)British Columbia, Canada59%Acceptance Rate
B.A.Sc Engineering Science - Computer Engineering
Course duration:
4 years
Exams Accepted:
Duolingo125TOEFL88PTE65
View 1 Other Program
Tuition:  
(CA$36,024/Yr)$26.3K/Yr
Living
(CA$16,002/Yr)$11.7K/Yr
Check Admission Requirements
#301/3118 THE Ranking 2026

University of Victoria, Victoria

9.3(Based on 10 User Reviews)British Columbia, Canada63%Acceptance Rate
MEng Electrical and Computer Engineering
Course duration:
2 years
Exams Accepted:
TOEFL90PTE65
View 3 Other Programs
Tuition:  
(CA$14,818/Yr)$10.8K/Yr
Living
(CA$9,653/Yr)$7K/Yr
Check Admission Requirements
#351/3118 THE Ranking 2026

Dalhousie University, Halifax

6.3(Based on 20 User Reviews)Nova Scotia, Canada78%Acceptance Rate
MEng Electrical and Computer Engineering
Course duration:
2 years
Exams Accepted:
TOEFL92PTE65
View 2 Other Programs
Tuition:  
(CA$21,658/Yr)$15.8K/Yr
Living
(CA$16,448/Yr)$12K/Yr
Check Admission Requirements
#351/3118 THE Ranking 2026

University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon

7.0(Based on 12 User Reviews)Saskatchewan, Canada72.3%Acceptance Rate
B.S Computer Engineering
Course duration:
4 years
Exams Accepted:
Duolingo110IELTS6.5PTE63
View 1 Other Program
Tuition:  
(CA$54,954/Yr)$40.1K/Yr
Living
(CA$20,065/Yr)$14.6K/Yr
Check Admission Requirements
#401/3118 THE Ranking 2026

Laval University, Quebec City

Quebec, Canada59%Acceptance Rate
B.Eng Computer Engineering
Course duration:
4 years
Exams Accepted:
TOEIC591
Programs
Tuition:  
(CA$26,627/Yr)$19.4K/Yr
Check Admission Requirements
#401/3118 THE Ranking 2026

University of Guelph, Guelph

4.0(Based on 25 User Reviews)Ontario, Canada66%Acceptance Rate
MEng Computer Engineering
Course duration:
2 years
Exams Accepted:
Duolingo120IELTS6.5PTE60
View 1 Other Program
Tuition:  
(CA$35,224/Yr)$25.7K/Yr
Living
(CA$3,070/Yr)$2.2K/Yr
Check Admission Requirements
#401/3118 THE Ranking 2026

York University, Toronto

6.2(Based on 41 User Reviews)Ontario, Canada48%Acceptance Rate
MASc Electrical and Computer Engineering
Course duration:
20 months
Exams Accepted:
Duolingo130TOEFL90PTE67
View 1 Other Program
Tuition:  
(CA$46,064/Yr)$33.6K/Yr
Living
(CA$16,865/Yr)$12.3K/Yr
Check Admission Requirements
#501/3118 THE Ranking 2026

Carleton University, Ottawa

3.3(Based on 26 User Reviews)Ontario, Canada22%Acceptance Rate
MEng Electrical and Computer Engineering
Course duration:
2 years
Exams Accepted:
Duolingo125TOEFL4.5PTE60
View 4 Other Programs
Tuition:  
(CA$28,735/Yr)$21K/Yr
Living
(CA$12,907/Yr)$9.4K/Yr
Check Admission Requirements
#501/3118 THE Ranking 2026

University of Windsor, Windsor

8.5(Based on 23 User Reviews)Ontario, Canada30%Acceptance Rate
MEng Electrical and Computer Engineering
Course duration:
1 year
Exams Accepted:
Duolingo120TOEFL92PTE65
View 3 Other Programs
Tuition:  
(CA$42,986/Yr)$31.4K/Yr
Living
(CA$8,458/Yr)$6.2K/Yr
Check Admission Requirements