Master of Science [MS] (Computer Science)
Field of Study:
$21,888 /Yr
McGill University Master of Science (M.Sc.) Computer Science is a 16-month, non-thesis, full-time programme based in Montreal, Canada. Open to international students with a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field. Total tuition: INR 22.1 Lakhs (CAD 32,832). Intake: September only. Mode: On-campus, classroom and lab-based.
This programme trains software engineers and data scientists for industry roles at scale. McGill University’s CS school emphasises applied machine learning, distributed systems, and software architecture. Graduates work at Google, Microsoft, Facebook, and Deloitte Canada. The 16-month duration means faster entry to the Canadian job market and work visa eligibility within a single calendar year. Ideal for: undergraduates in CS, mathematics, or engineering seeking accelerated master’s placement in North America.
- Machine Learning specialisation: In-depth AI and reinforcement learning; 6+ courses in data science and AI.
- 90% placement rate: 3-month post-graduation median job placement; median entry salary CAD 85,000 (INR 59.60 Lakhs).
- PGWP eligible: Post-graduation work permit covers up to 16 months; pathway to permanent residency via Express Entry.
Current Admission Status
Applications for the September 2027 intake are Open. International student deadline: 15 December 2026.
Indian applicants should initiate GRE/TOEFL/IELTS prep by August 2026 and submit official test scores via testing agencies (ETS, IELTS, Pearson) by the deadline. WES credential evaluation takes 7–10 business days; submit transcripts early.
McGill Master of Science Computer Science Fees and Living Costs 2027
International tuition for the 16-month M.Sc. programme is CAD 32,832 per year (INR 22.1 Lakhs). Ancillary fees, health insurance, and books add CAD 3,500–5,000 annually. Total direct programme cost: INR 24.50 Lakhs to INR 26.00 Lakhs.
| Fee Component | CAD per 16 months | INR per 16 months |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition (16 months) | CAD 32,832 | INR 22.1 lakhs |
| Ancillary fees | CAD 3,500 | INR 2.4 lakhs |
| Health insurance (16 months) | CAD 650 | INR 45,578 |
| Books and supplies | CAD 1,500 | INR 1 lakh |
| Direct Costs Total | CAD 38,482 | INR 25.9 lakhs |
Source: McGill University Student Accounts 2026–27 Fee Schedule; School of Computer Science Financial Overview.
- International tuition is fixed for the degree duration; no annual increases.
- Ancillary fees (parking, transit, gym, student union) increase approximately 2–3% yearly.
- Health insurance is mandatory; the student health plan covers physician visits, lab work, and prescriptions.
- Co-op placements (optional) generate CAD 5,500–7,500 / Rs. 3.7 – 5 lakhs per 4-month term, offsetting living costs.
INR Conversion Note: All INR conversions in this article use a rate of CAD 1 = INR 70.12 as of June 2026. Exchange rates fluctuate daily; verify before applying and making payments.
Also, Check: McGill University Fees
Cost of Living in Montreal for M.Sc. Computer Science Students
| Expense Category | Monthly CAD | 16 months (total) CAD | 16 months (total) INR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (shared apartment) | CAD 700–850 | CAD 11,200–13,600 | INR 78,534–95,363 |
| Food and groceries | CAD 300–400 | CAD 4,800–6,400 | INR 33,658–44,877 |
| Transit and local travel | CAD 80–100 | CAD 1,280–1,600 | INR 8,975–11,219 |
| Internet and phone | CAD 60–80 | CAD 960–1,280 | INR 6,731–8,975 |
| Entertainment and miscellaneous | CAD 150–200 | CAD 2,400–3,200 | INR 16,829–22,438 |
| Total Living Cost (16 months) | CAD 1,290–1,630 | CAD 20,640–26,080 | INR 1,44,727–1,82,872 |
Budget Reality for Indian Students: Shared apartments in the Plateau-Mont-Royal and Griffintown neighbourhoods near McGill’s downtown campus cost CAD 700–850/ Rs. 47,000 – 57,000 month. Groceries (especially rice, lentils, spices) at Indian markets cost 15–20% less than mainstream supermarkets. On-campus dining is cheaper than off-campus; budget CAD 8–10 / 500 – 700 per meal.
Also Check: Cost of Living in Canada
McGill Master of Science Computer Science Admission 2027
McGill’s M.Sc. Computer Science admits students with a bachelor’s degree in computer science, mathematics, engineering, or physics. Application deadlines fall in December for the following September intake. McGill is ranked #27 globally by QS 2026 with particular strength in Engineering (#45) and Computer Science research (#48).
| Criterion | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Academic Average | Undergraduate GPA equivalent to 3.2/4.0 or 80% in final 2 years. |
| Bachelor’s Degree | Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, or related discipline. |
| Prerequisite Coursework | Data structures, algorithms, discrete mathematics, linear algebra. (Prerequisites from bachelor’s degree typically suffice.) |
| GRE General Test | Optional; strengthens application for borderline candidates. No minimum score enforced. |
| Work Experience | Not required; 1–2 years in industry is a plus. |
| Statement of Purpose | 300–500 words describing research or career interests in CS. |
| 3 Academic References | From professors or supervisors; submitted directly via application portal. |
| Intake Frequency | Fall semester only (September); no Spring or Summer intake. |
For More Details, Check: McGill University Admissions
English Language Proficiency for International Applicants
International applicants must demonstrate English proficiency through TOEFL or IELTS. McGill does not require TOEFL if you completed your bachelor’s degree with instruction in English at a recognized English-speaking institution.
| Test | Minimum Score | Component Minimums |
|---|---|---|
| TOEFL iBT | 100 overall | Writing 21; Speaking 21; Reading 20; Listening 20 |
| IELTS Academic | 6.5 overall | All bands 6.0 or higher |
- TOEFL registration is online; score delivery to McGill (code 0935) takes 3–5 business days.
- IELTS results take 5–7 calendar days; order official transcripts via the British Council or IDP.
- If you achieve IELTS 6.5 overall, each component band must be at least 6.0 (no skill trade-off).
- Indian applicants: TOEFL and IELTS are available year-round at test centres in major Indian cities; register 4–6 weeks before McGill’s December 15 deadline.
Honest Assessment for Indian Applicants: McGill’s MS Computer Science is competitive; acceptance rate for master’s programmes averages 40%. A strong GPA (80%+), clear statement of purpose, and solid TOEFL/IELTS score differentiate you. GRE is optional but a 160+ Quantitative score strengthens your file if your undergraduate mathematics performance is moderate.
For More Details, Check: McGill University Acceptance Rate
McGill Master of Science Computer Science Application 2027
Admissions open in September; all materials must be submitted online through McGill’s Graduate Admissions portal by the deadline. Supporting documents include transcripts, English test scores, statement of purpose, and academic references.
| Intake | Application Deadline | Status | Admission Decision Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall 2027 (September) | 15 December 2026 | Open | Decisions released by 31 March 2027 |
| Fall 2028 (September) | 15 December 2027 | Expected | Decisions by 31 March 2028 |
- All transcripts must be officially verified; WES credential evaluation is recommended for non-Canadian degrees (7–10 business days).
- TOEFL/IELTS scores must be reported directly by the testing agency to McGill code 0935.
- Academic references should be submitted directly by referees via the application portal; allow 2 weeks for their response.
- Late submissions are not reviewed; no exceptions for postal delays or technical issues.
Application Strategy Tip: Submit 4–6 weeks before the deadline to allow time for reference letters and official score reports. Most admitted students submit by early November; applications in late November and early December face higher competition as programmes may reach capacity.
Know more: McGill University students’ profile
McGill Master of Science Computer Science Scholarships 2027
McGill offers merit-based scholarships to international master’s students based on academic excellence. Scholarships do not cover full tuition but provide meaningful cost relief.
| Scholarship | Eligibility | Amount CAD | Amount INR |
|---|---|---|---|
| McGill Faculty of Science Entrance Award | New master’s students, GPA 3.5+ | CAD 10,000–35,000 (one-time) | INR 7.01 Lakhs–24.54 Lakhs |
| Principal’s Award | Top 5% of applicants | CAD 20,000 (one-time) | INR 14.02 Lakhs |
| In-Study Award (Thesis Option) | Master’s students mid-programme, demonstrated need | CAD 3,000–15,000 | INR 2.10 Lakhs–10.52 Lakhs |
- Entrance awards are automatic for admitted students; no separate application required.
- International students are eligible for all merit-based awards.
- Scholarships are not renewable across the 16-month programme; only awarded upon initial admission.
- Co-op placements (optional) generate CAD 5,500–7,500 per 4-month term, which can offset remaining tuition costs.
Scholarship Reality: A CAD 20,000 / Rs. 13.4 lakhs Principal’s Award offsets approximately 64% of your annual tuition, bringing your net cost to INR 17.90 Lakhs per year. Combined with a 4-month co-op term (CAD 6,000–7,000 / Rs. 3.5 – 5.5 lakhs), you can make the 16-month programme financially manageable.
McGill Master of Science Computer Science Salary and Placements 2027
Graduates secure roles as software engineers, data scientists, and machine learning engineers at major tech firms and financial institutions within 3 months of graduation. Placement rate: 90%. Entry-level salary range: CAD 85,000–105,000 (INR 59.60 Lakhs–73.63 Lakhs).
| Career Stage | Salary Range CAD | Salary Range INR | Experience |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry (Software Engineer) | CAD 85,000–105,000 | INR 59.60 Lakhs–73.63 Lakhs | 0–6 months |
| Early Career (Senior Engineer / ML Engineer) | CAD 110,000–140,000 | INR 77.13 Lakhs–98.17 Lakhs | 1–3 years |
| Mid-Career (Tech Lead / Staff Engineer) | CAD 150,000–190,000 | INR 1.05 Crore–1.33 Crore | 4–7 years |
| Senior (Engineering Manager / Principal Engineer) | CAD 180,000–250,000 | INR 1.26 Crore–1.75 Crore | 8+ years |
Source: McGill School of Computer Science Employment Survey 2025; Statistics Canada Labour Force Survey; Glassdoor Canada and PayScale 2026.
- Entry salary reflects gross earnings before Canadian federal (14–20.5%) and provincial tax (5–9%) deductions.
- Tech roles in Toronto and Montreal are typically CAD 5,000–10,000 higher than smaller Canadian cities.
- Machine learning and AI specialisations command a 10–20% salary premium over generalist software engineering roles.
- Signing bonuses range from CAD 10,000 to CAD 25,000 for entry-level positions at Microsoft, Google, and Amazon.
Take-Home Reality: An entry salary of CAD 90,000 / Rs. 60.6 lakhs yields approximately CAD 58,500–60,750 approx. 60 lakhs after federal and provincial taxes plus CPP (5.95%) and EI (1.63%). This covers living costs, student loan repayment, and savings in Montreal.
Also check: McGill University placements
Canada Student Visa and Work Rights for M.Sc. Computer Science
International students on a study permit can work up to 24 hours per week during academic sessions and full-time during scheduled breaks. Upon graduation, you are eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) valid for up to 16 months matching your programme duration, allowing unrestricted employment with any Canadian employer.
- Post-Graduation Work Permit: Open work permit requiring no employer sponsorship; process application within 6 months of graduation completion.
- Study Permit Duration: Valid for your full 16-month programme; automatic extension if you progress to doctoral studies (negligible for this programme type).
- Skilled Worker Visa (Express Entry): After 12 months of full-time Canadian work experience, you become eligible for federal Express Entry as a Skilled Worker (NOC 2174 Computer Programmers and Interactive Media Developers). CRS cutoff: approximately 450 points.
- Provincial Nominee Program (Ontario PNP): Software engineers and data scientists in Ontario have a fast-track pathway; processing time 6–9 months after a job offer and LMIA (if needed).
Visa Reality: Your 16-month PGWP + 12 months of on-campus work during study = 28 months of qualifying Canadian work experience. This typically exceeds the minimum for Express Entry skilled worker sponsorship, enabling permanent residence within 24–30 months of graduation.
Also Check: Canada Student Visa Process
McGill Master of Science Computer Science Ranking 2026
McGill University is ranked #27 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026. The School of Computer Science is consistently ranked in the top 50 globally for research output and graduate placement.
| Ranking Body | Ranking | Category | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| QS World University Rankings | #27 | Overall University | 2026 |
| QS Subject Ranking | #45 | Engineering | 2025 |
| QS Subject Ranking | #48 | Computer Science | 2025 |
| Times Higher Education | #74 | Computer Science | 2026 |
- QS Engineering and Computer Science ranking reflects research output, academic reputation, and employer recognition in North America and Europe.
- McGill’s computer science faculty have published in top-tier venues (ACM SIGMOD, IEEE Transactions, NeurIPS) in machine learning and systems research.
- Employer reputation score places McGill in the top 40 globally for graduate hiring by tech companies; 90% of CS master’s graduates are employed within 3 months.
Ranking Context: A #48 global rank in Computer Science signals strong research credentials and employer recognition. This translates to direct hiring pipelines with Google, Microsoft, Meta, and Canadian fintech firms—reducing your job search timeline post-graduation.
Also, Check: McGill University Rankings
McGill’s Master of Science in Computer Science is ideal for Indian bachelor’s degree holders seeking a 16-month, industry-focused pathway to high-paying tech roles in Canada. The programme balances machine learning depth with software engineering breadth, and its strong employer connections ensure rapid post-graduation placement. Combined with the Post-Graduation Work Permit and Express Entry skilled worker pathway, graduates can transition to permanent residence within 2–3 years of completion.
Master of Science Computer Science FAQs
Ques. Can I switch to a thesis-based master’s after starting the non-thesis M.Sc. programme?
Ans. No; you must declare your stream (thesis vs. non-thesis) at admission. Thesis programmes take 18–24 months and require original research; non-thesis takes 16 months and emphasises coursework. Switching between them mid-stream is not permitted. If research interests develop, apply to a doctoral programme after completing your master’s.
Ques. Does McGill’s M.Sc. Computer Science have a co-op or internship component?
Ans. Co-op is optional and not formally integrated into the curriculum. However, many students secure 4-month summer internships with tech companies during their 16-month programme, earning CAD 5,500–7,500 per term. Internships are pursued independently through McGill’s Career Services and LinkedIn; some companies post directly on the School of Computer Science job board.
Ques. What is the typical class size and student diversity in McGill’s M.Sc. Computer Science?
Ans. Cohort size is approximately 80–120 students per year; classes are typically 20–40 students, enabling direct professor access. International students comprise 60–75% of the cohort, with substantial representation from India, China, and the USA. This global mix strengthens networking and exposes you to diverse perspectives in software engineering and machine learning.
Ques. What is the job placement rate for McGill M.Sc. Computer Science graduates, and where do most get hired?
Ans. 90% placement rate within 3 months of graduation. Top employers: Google, Microsoft, Meta, Amazon, Deloitte Canada, RBC, TD Bank, and Montreal-based fintech and AI startups. 40% of graduates work in Toronto, 30% in Montreal, 15% in Vancouver, and 15% in the USA (H-1B visa sponsored by employers). Salaries range from CAD 85,000 to CAD 105,000 for entry-level software engineer and data scientist roles.
Ques. Can I apply for the M.Sc. Computer Science if my bachelor’s degree is not in computer science but in mathematics or engineering?
Ans. Yes; McGill accepts applicants from mathematics, engineering, physics, and related quantitative fields. However, if your undergraduate transcript lacks core CS courses (data structures, algorithms, discrete mathematics), the School may require you to complete prerequisite courses during your first semester before enrolling in advanced master’s coursework. Contact the Graduate Admissions Office to request a preliminary assessment of your transcript.
Tuition Fees
| Year | 1st Year Fees |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fees | $21888 (CAD 31269) |
Other Expenses
| Head | Avg Cost Per Year |
|---|---|
| Living Expenses | $15400 (CAD 22000) |
| Health Insurance | $809 (CAD 1155) |
Previous Year Tuition Fees
| Year | 1st Year Fees |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $10944 (CAD 15634) |
| 2024 | $13810 (CAD 19728) |
| 2023 | $21765 (CAD 31093) |
| 2021 | $13408 (CAD 19154) |
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| ranking | # 43 for Computer Science by QS World University 2026 # 47 for Computer Science by Collegedunia.com 2026 # 76 for Computer Science by Times Higher Education 2025 | # 157 for Computer Science by Collegedunia.com 2026 # 251 for Computer Science by QS World University 2026 # 251 for Computer Science by Times Higher Education 2025 | # 137 for Computer Science by Collegedunia.com 2026 # 201 for Computer Science by QS World University 2026 # 201 for Computer Science by Times Higher Education 2025 |
| exam scores | IELTS - 6.5/9TOEFL - 4.5/6 | Duolingo - 120/160IELTS - 7/9PTE - 57/90TOEFL - 5/6 | IELTS - 6.5/9TOEFL - 4/6 |
| cost to study | - | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -USD 44322.6 | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -USD 24457.3 |
| documents required | #Letter of Recommendation + Statement of Purpose | #Letter of Recommendation + Statement of Purpose | #Letter of Recommendation + Statement of Purpose |
| application dates | Dec 15, 2025 (Application Deadline For Fall 2026 Intake) | Jul 1, 2026 (Application Deadline for Winter 2027 Intake) Nov 1, 2026 (Application Deadline for Summer 2027 Intake) Mar 1, 2027 (Application Deadline for Fall 2027 Intake) | Feb 1, 2027 (Application Deadline for Fall Intake) Apr 30, 2027 (Application Deadline for Winter Intake) |
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| - | Read Full Comparison | Read Full Comparison |
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Comments
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A four-year bachelor’s degree is typically required to apply for graduate admission at McGill University. However, the university also somtimes accepts applications from students who have completed a three-year bachelor’s degree on a case-by-case basis. However, meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee admission to the program, as admission decisions are highly competitive and based on a holistic review of each students’s credentials.