Top 20 Canadian Universities for Computer Science

A Complete Guide To The Best Computer Science Universities in Canada

Table of Contents

Chapter 1

Overview

As the areas of data science, artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and analytics continue to advance, the demand for experienced computer scientists is likely to rise globally.

Canada is a famous study abroad destination, offering cheaper study opportunities for overseas students than most anglophone nations. In addition, the country provides a very smooth application process and prospects for permanent residency following graduation.

In this article, we will primarily discuss the top universities in Canada for Computer Science.

Why Study CS in Canada?

Here’s why you should consider pursuing CS in Canada:

Quality education

One of the main reasons why Indian students want to study CS in Canada is the high level of education provided. Furthermore, the degree will be recognized internationally and will be mainly based on research, dissertation, and hands-on experience.

Affordable

Although overseas students must pay greater tuition fees than Canadian citizens, the fees are lower in comparison to universities in the United States or the United Kingdom. The cost of living in Canada is also significantly lower than in other popular study abroad countries.

Flexible work options

While major countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia allow students to work and earn money while studying, Canada provides one of the most flexible alternatives for international students.

Stay after graduation

Canada is the only country that enables international students to stay after graduation. It enables students to work for any company in the nation and to change places and jobs whenever they like.

Top CS Specialization in Canada :

CS courses are available in a variety of specialities at Canadian universities. The courses are available as undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degree programmes, as well as diploma and certificate programmes. The following are some popular specialties available at Canada’s leading computer science universities:

Artificial Intelligence

Nowadays, artificial intelligence (AI) is the most sought-after specialty in CS because it allows computers to execute human skills such as voice recognition, cognitive decision making, visual perception, pattern recognition, and so on. Its breadth is so broad that there are job chances for everybody, from self-driving cars to residential and industrial automation; advanced control systems to cutting-edge hospital devices; advanced game creation to intricate language processing.

Data Science

Every business or organisation requires Data Scientists to provide insights from data in order to increase profits and streamline procedures. Data Science is important to nearly all businesses that matter right now, therefore Data Science Master’s degree graduates will be excellent assets to companies in any area they wish to work in. Data Scientists with exceptional abilities are in high demand in banking, healthcare, technology, and every other business.

Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity is growing increasingly popular as more organisations keep sensitive data online in addition to conducting transactions in the digital arena. Every industry with a digital trail, from m-commerce, e-commerce, banking & financial services, to aviation, defence, government bodies, telecommunications, and so on, requires a Cybersecurity specialist to secure its systems and important user-related information from cyber-attacks.

Machine Learning

Machine Learning allows a group of programmed algorithms to create predictions based on pattern identification from a given data, which may then be used to make educated judgments in any field, including business, politics, society, economics, and healthcare. Those with an expertise in applied research and data science are well-suited to the profession of Machine Learning Engineer.

Cloud Computing

Cloud computing supports a wide range of services, from customer services like Gmail or the cloud backup of your phone’s images to services that allow major organisations to host all of their data and operate all of their apps in the cloud. Cloud Computing expertise is now in high demand as more organisations and consumers use the internet to manage and store data on the go.

Chapter 2

Top CS Universities in Canada

University of Toronto

First Year Total Fees: Rs 48.6 Lakhs

Eligibility: TOEFL: 100; IELTS: 6.5

Since its establishment in 1827, the University of Toronto has evolved into Canada’s foremost institution of learning, representing a historic building of over 100 years of research and knowledge development. The institution is pleased to be among the world’s top research-intensive institutions, with a strong desire to invent and innovate. The Institution of Toronto, or UToronto, is a public research university in Toronto located on the acres that encircle Queen’s Park. It is a global leader in research and education, with a substantial presence in Canada and around the world. UToronto provides an outstanding setting in which to work and learn, with some of the most recognised architecture and stunning green space in the Greater Toronto Area and Mississauga.

Year of establishment

1827
Also Known AsU of T
Total International Students19187
Size of Campus in acres177
Male/Female Ratio1.2
UG/PG Course Ratio0.2
Endowments ValueCanadian Dollar 2 billion
No.of Campuses3
Yearly Hostel & Meals Expense15084 CAD

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University of British Columbia

First-Year Total Fees: Rs 34.5 Lakhs

Eligibility: TOEFL: 90; IELTS: 6.5; PTE: 65

Undergraduate degree programmes, postgraduate degree programmes, collaborative academic programmes, exchange programmes, and distance education programmes are all available at the University of British Columbia. These programmes include a diverse range of courses, allowing students to select from a variety of options based on their field of interest. Applied Science, Dentistry, Philosophy, Architecture, Law, Medicine, Anthropology and Ancient Culture, Religion, and Ethnicity are all on the list. Furthermore, the students are guided by experts who provide basic information and practical experience. Under the student exchange programme, students can also learn about the curriculum of different colleges and many other things. Furthermore, experienced instructors visit the university and take students to the job sector for exposure.

Year of establishment1908
Also Known AsUBC
Total International Students17225
Size of Campus in acres400
Male/Female Ratio1.25
UG/PG Course Ratio1.56
Endowments ValueCanadian Dollar 1 billion
No.of Campuses2
Yearly Hostel & Meals Expense15257 CAD

McGill University

First Year Total Fees: Rs 41.4 Lakhs

Eligibility: TOEFL: 90; IELTS: 6.5; PTE: 65

McGill University provides undergraduate and postgraduate courses in a variety of disciplines. Biomedical engineering, chemical engineering, chemistry, business analytics, architecture, and anthropology are some of the popular study subjects available at the university. It should be emphasised that university students are provided with the necessary knowledge in their various fields of study. Furthermore, the university ensures that students are guided by experienced faculty members. Furthermore, the university offers internships to its students in order to provide them with a deeper understanding of the topic and experience in the industry.

Year of establishment1821
Total International Students12052
Size of Campus in acres80
Endowments ValueCanadian Dollar 1 billion
No.of Campuses2
Yearly Hostel & Meals Expense11479 CAD

Memorial University

First Year Total Fees: Rs 13.2 Lakhs

Eligibility: TOEFL: 90; IELTS: 6.5; PTE: 58

This university has four main campuses and two satellite campuses. Its main campus is in St. John’s and it provides a variety of educational programmes in an urban environment. The Grenfell campus of the university specialises in environmental and fine arts courses. Its Marine Institute is regarded as one of the largest marine educational sites in the country. The university’s sites are served by over 1,300 faculty and 2,400 staff members. The Arts, Engineering, Business Administration, Education, Medicine, and Science faculties comprise Memorial University of Newfoundland. The institution offers a wide range of diploma, undergraduate, graduate, certificate, and postgraduate programmes, as well as large-scale online programs and degrees. Memorial University now has 125 exchange programmes in approximately 40 nations.

Year of establishment1925
Total International Students3400
Size of Campus in acres220
Faculty/Student Ratio1.16
Endowments ValueCanadian Dollar 93 million
No.of Campuses3
Yearly Hostel & Meals Expense7357 CAD

Conestoga College

First Year Total Fees: Rs 13.7 Lakhs

Eligibility: IELTS: 6.5; PTE: 58; TOEFL: 88

Conestoga College, founded in 1967, is one of Canada’s finest colleges. It is one of Canada’s top 100 institutions and has consistently been named first in Ontario for student placement, course instruction, and employer satisfaction. Conestoga College serves nearly 22,500 students from campuses and training centres in Cambridge, Guelph, Kitchener, Waterloo, Stratford, Ingersoll, and Brantford. It is the only college that offers the most academic and workforce training opportunities, including full-time, part-time, flexible, degree, diploma, graduate, post-graduation, continuous, accelerated, and trade and apprenticeship programmes.

Year of establishment1967
No.of Campuses9
Yearly Hostel & Meals Expense9400 USD

York University

First Year Total Fees: Rs 22.2 Lakhs

Eligibility: IELTS: 6.5

The York University Act, passed in 1959, resulted in the foundation of a non-denominational institution known as York University. It is Canada’s third largest university, having become independent in 1965 after being acquainted with the University of Toronto in its early years.

When York University was founded, the York Board of Governors decided to establish Glendon Institution as a residential college. Previously, the university focused on liberal arts and science education, but by the late 1960s, it had made room for three new faculties: education, engineering, and medical. Today, York University has over 55,700 students and 7,000 faculty and staff worldwide.

Year of establishment1959
Total International Students6200
Size of Campus in acres500
Endowments ValueCanadian Dollar 439 million
No.of Campuses2
Yearly Hostel & Meals Expense12240 CAD

University of Waterloo

First Year Total Fees: Rs 48.2 Lakhs

Eligibility: TOEFL: 90; IELTS: 6.5; PTE: 63

The University of Waterloo is a public research organization that was founded in 1957. The university has six faculties and twelve faculty-based schools to supervise its academic programmes. The University, situated in the centre of Canada’s technology sector, provides an excellent platform for graduates to further their work-based learning. This institution was also among the first to offer a ‘co-op’ or co-operative degree outside of engineering.

Year of establishment1956
Also Known AsUWaterloo
Size of Campus in acres1000
UG/PG Course Ratio1.69
Endowments ValueCanadian Dollar 367 million
No.of Campuses4
Yearly Hostel & Meals Expense15120 CAD

McMaster University

First Year Total Fees: Rs 45.2 Lakhs

Eligibility: TOEFL: 86; IELTS: 6.5; PTE: 60

This university was established in 1887. The university has 4 regional campuses, which are located in downtown Hamilton, Kitchener-Waterloo, Niagara, and Burlington. McMaster University’s main campus is located in the West Dale area of Hamilton, Ontario. McMaster University has Arts and Science Programs, as well as 6 departments/faculties, including Science, Social Sciences, Humanities, Health Sciences, and Engineering, as well as the DeGroote School of Business.

Year of establishment1887
Also Known AsMac
Total International Students2823
Size of Campus in acres300
Endowments ValueCanadian Dollar 704 million
No.of Campuses6
Yearly Hostel & Meals Expense12720 CAD

University of Windsor

First Year Total Fees: Rs 23.8 Lakhs

Eligibility: TOEFL: 83; IELTS: 6.5; PTE: 60

This university was founded in 1857, making it Canada’s southernmost college. The university has nine faculties, including the Faculty of Education, Engineering, Graduate Studies, Nursing, Science, Human Kinetics, Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities, Law, and the Odette School of Business. The college’s research faculty has broadened its focus to include health, entrepreneurship, and natural science research.

Year of establishment1857
Size of Campus in acres125
Male/Female Ratio1.08
UG/PG Course Ratio0.37
Faculty/Student Ratio26
Endowments ValueCanadian Dollar 110 million
No.of Campuses2
Yearly Hostel & Meals Expense19158 CAD

Georgian College

First Year Total Fees: Rs 16.3 Lakhs

Eligibility: IELTS: 6.5

Georgian College was established in 1967 as part of the College System of Ontario. The Canadian Association for Co-operative Education has accredited 12 of its co-op education programmes (CAFCE).

Georgian College has 7 campuses spread across Ontario, covering an area of 21,000 square kilometres. The Barrie Campus has an Art Gallery, Changemaker Space, health club with Henry Bernick Entrepreneurship Centre, climbing wall and gymnasium, Indigenous Resource Centre, nursing simulation labs, innovation labs, library, on-campus residence, six public health and wellness clinics, student lounges, cinemas, and videoconferencing.

Year of establishment1967
Total International Students3600
Size of Campus in acres111
Male/Female Ratio1.08
No.of Campuses6
Yearly Hostel & Meals Expense10440 CAD

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University of Victoria

First-Year Total Fees: Rs 16.6 Lakhs

Eligibility: IELTS: 6.5

The University of Victoria (UVic) is Canada’s leading public research university. The university’s origins may be traced back to 1903, when it was known as Victoria College. The University of Victoria, also known as UVic, is located in Victoria, British Columbia’s capital city.

Culture and creativity, climate and energy, ocean science and technology, mathematics and computer science, data science and cyber-physical systems, health and life sciences, global studies and social justice, and indigenous research are among the 8 research areas in which the university has specialised. Furthermore, for research and development efforts, the institution has collaborated with the government, companies, and research organisations. The University of Victoria’s aim is to address global issues via technology and social development.

Year of establishment1903
Also Known AsUVic
Size of Campus in acres402
Male/Female Ratio1.12
UG/PG Course Ratio2
Endowments ValueCanadian Dollar 394 million
No.of Campuses1
Yearly Hostel & Meals Expense10744 CAD

Concordia University

First Year Total Fees: Rs 25.7 Lakhs

Eligibility: TOEFL: 90; IELTS: 7; PTE: 61

The University is a public research institution in the centre of Montreal, Canada’s world-class city. Concordia University is known for its adaptable learning style and commitment to investigating societal issues from a broad point of view through its teaching and research. The university is ranked among the best in Quebec and Canada for both domestic and international students.

Year of establishment1974
Total International Students9624
Male/Female Ratio1
Endowments ValueCanadian Dollar 165 million
No.of Campuses2
Yearly Hostel & Meals Expense11894 CAD

Queen’s University

First-Year Total Fees: Rs 36.5 Lakhs

Eligibility: TOEFL: 88; IELTS: 6.5; PTE: 60

Queen’s University is located in Kingston, Ontario, Canada. The university is located in between Canada’s two largest cities, Montreal and Toronto. Future applicants can obtain any information they need before applying by visiting the campus and the tourist centre, as there are several Tours and Open Houses for prospective students. The main campus is around 100 acres in size. Grant Hall, built in 1905, is the University’s most notable monument. The site is home to various great museums and arts institutions, as well as a completely integrated network of six libraries.

Year of establishment1841
Total International Students2946
Size of Campus in acres166
Male/Female Ratio0.92
UG/PG Course Ratio1.52
Endowments ValueCanadian Dollar 1 billion
No.of Campuses2
Yearly Hostel & Meals Expense8023 CAD

Chapter 3

Top Cheapest CS Universities in Canada

Simon Fraser University

Simon Fraser University, which has over 30,000 students from more than 150 countries, is a well-known and one of the most inexpensive universities in Canada. In addition, the university is considered as a top university in Canada and around the world for its research and innovation.

QS World University Rankings 2022298
Number of International students8,051
Average Tuition Fees25,000 CAD/ year
Popular Programs

BBA, Certificate in Innovation and Entrepreneurship, BA Health Sciences, MSc Applied Mathematics
LocationSurrey, Vancouver, Burnaby

University of Guelph

The university is regarded as one of the best low tuition universities in Canada, as well as a low-cost university in Canada. Scholarships and high research outputs are among the benefits that students receive at the University of Guelph. The university provides different levels of studies, including bachelor’s, master’s, doctorate, certificate, and diploma degrees.

QS World University Rankings 2022581-590
Number of International students2,202
Average Tuition Fees30,000 CAD/ year
Popular Programs

MEng Biomedical Engineering, BA Art History, MBA, BSc Computer Science, Graduate Certificate Business, BSc Biology, MSc Clinical Studies
LocationGuelph

Concordia University

Concordia University is the biggest university in Canada in regards to enrollment, with over 51,000 students. Engineering, marketing, economics, computer science, and other majors are available at the university. Its John Molson School of Business is regarded among Canada’s top ten business schools.

QS World University Rankings 2022521-530
Number of International students11,717
Average Tuition Fees22,000 CAD/ year
Popular Programs

Master of Supply Chain Management, BComm, BEng Aerospace Engineering, Master of Applied Computer Science
LocationMontreal

University of Calgary

The University of Calgary, one of Canada’s leading research universities, is well-known for providing excellent graduate programs to both international and domestic students. The university also ranks high on the list of affordable universities in Canada for overseas students in 2022, with a 94 percent employment rate.

QS World University Rankings 2022235
Number of International students6,791
Average Tuition Fees35,000 CAD/ year
Popular ProgramsBA Anthropology, BSc Geography, MSc Accounting, MSc Software Engineering
LocationAlberta

University of Saskatchewan

It is one of Canada’s top ten cheapest universities. The university is well-known for being among the oldest in Canada, and it is a member of the U15 Group of Canadian Research Universities. The institution also provides various scholarships and bursaries to foreign students.

QS World University Rankings 2022458
Number of International students3,382
Average Tuition Fees29,800 CAD/ year
Popular ProgramsBSc Computer Engineering MCom, BSc Biomedical Neuroscience, MSc Computer Science
LocationSaskatchewan

University of Alberta

The University of Alberta is a world-renowned university noted for its commitment to research. The University provides excellent placement and professional prospects for its students in Canada. It also has a higher-than-average employment rate and is considered one of the most affordable universities in Canada!

QS World University Rankings 2022126
Number of International students9,689
Average Tuition Fees30,000 CAD/ year
Popular ProgramsMSc Dental Hygiene, BSc Civil Engineering, BCom (Hons), MEng Mechanical Engineering
LocationAlberta

University of Northern British Columbia

Maclean Magazine Rankings list this university as one of the top small Canadian colleges, and it also makes the list of affordable universities in Canada for overseas students in 2022. The institution provides multiple study levels in a wide range of areas.

QS World University Rankings 2022
Number of International studentsNot known
Average Tuition Fees35,000 CAD/ year
Popular ProgramsBCom, MBA, Bachelor of Applied Science, MSc Health Science
LocationPrince George

University of Winnipeg

The University of Winnipeg, ranked among the finest in Canada for academic excellence, research, diversity, and innovation, is also noted for being one of the most affordable universities in Canada for foreign students. The university offers the third lowest tuition costs in Canada, which is significantly lower than the national average.

QS World University Rankings 2022
Number of International studentsNot known
Average Tuition Fees20,000 CAD/ year
Popular ProgramsBSc Chemistry, BBA, MBA, MSc Applied Computer Science
LocationWinnipeg

University of Ottawa

The University of Ottawa is well-known for being one of the most globally active universities, with 40,000 students from all over the world. UOttawa provides several study options at the undergraduate and graduate levels in French and English, and is renowned as one of the most affordable colleges in Canada!

QS World University Rankings 2022230
Number of International students8,885
Average Tuition Fees33,000 CAD/ year
Popular ProgramsBSc Biochemistry, MSc Innovation and Entrepreneurship, BBA Accounting, MEd Education
LocationOttawa

Brandon University

Brandon Institution is a small university in Manitoba, Canada. The university is regarded as one of the most affordable in Canada for international students. Brandon University provides a wide range of study programmes, including UG, PG, certificate, and diploma programs.

QS World University Rankings 2022
Number of International students200+
Average Tuition Fees16,000 CAD/ year
Popular ProgramsBSc Chemistry, BA Music, MSc Business and Accounting
LocationManitoba

Chapter 4

Jobs After CS in Canada

Android Developer

110,000

AI Developer

137,000

C++ Developer

122,000

Computer Networks Architect

114,000

Database Analyst

121,000

Database Administrator

124,000

Information Security Administrator

136,000

Information Security Analyst

134,000

IT Manager

189,000

PHP Developer

100,000

Software Engineer

118,000

Web Designer

104,000

Web Security Manager

173,000

Windows System Administrator

101,000

Web Project Manager

127,000

Web Developer

99,600

Application developer

61,249

Cybersecurity analyst

65,000

Data analyst

53,483

Conclusion:

With a diversified population, Canada is a friendly place for international students. The country provides incredible opportunities to overseas students from all origins.

International students can apply for a variety of partial and full-fee scholarship opportunities as well as financial awards. Canadian colleges and the Canadian government offer a variety of fee waiver programs and also living expense stipends.

So, do you think Canada is the right destination for your CS degree? Let us know in the comments below.

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