Are you considering studying abroad in Canada? Are you looking for affordable computer science colleges in Canada? Interested in finding diploma courses in computer science? Or institutions that offer a bachelor of computer application in Canada? in this comprehensive article, we have compiled a list of some of the best universities in Canada that offer computer science as well as affordable universities within the country.
Canada provides a high-quality educational system similar to the US and the UK. We at the Immigration and Education Services (IES) Portal offer expert advice on Education and Immigration Services. For more information, book an appointment with our expert counselors.
Why Study in Canada?
1. Study and Living Are Affordable
One great quality that institutions in Canada have over institutions in the United Kingdom and the United States is their more affordable tuition fees. Although it’s more affordable, it still offers a high standard of education.
2. The Best and Brightest Education
The educational system in Canada is one of the best in the world, and this goes for every institution of learning in the country. The educators are trained elites who will bring you various perspectives during their lessons. Out of the top 250 universities globally, 10 are in Canada. In higher institutions, 2 students out of 5 gain a minimum of one international degree.
3. Ease of Living
The idea of being a student in a different country may sound intimidating. However, you can take consolation in that the cost of living in Canada is quite affordable. The estimated cost of living is around CAD 2,110 per month.
Why Study Computer Science in Canada?
When applying for a student visa to study in Canada, you must select the right course for your permanent residency (PR). Selecting the right course proves that you have done enough research concerning the course you want to study.
It is required for you to write a letter to the school of your choice that explains why you should be granted admission at their institution. In that letter, you will need to highlight how your proposed course of study is relevant to your previous experience and the progression of those studies or your working experience if any.
Furthermore, you need to explain the relationship of the course to your career prospects and the industry you would like to gain employment.
Studying computer science is a good choice because technology is ever-growing and demands people skilled in machine learning, data analysis, software development, etc. The average salary for a computer science job in Canada is around CAD 69,466/year or CAD36/hour.
Studying computer science improves your chances of PR in Canada because it is an ever-growing industry. Knowledge of machine learning, artificial intelligence, and data science provides you with the eligibility to become a Software Developer, Cloud Architect, or Data Scientist, and you get to live in the country.
Comparison of Best Universities to Study Computer Science
Table 1: showing the QS rank of the top universities to study computer science in Canada
| Universities | QS Rank | Bachelor’s Degree Tuition (CAD) | Master’s Degree Tuition (CAD) | Province | Skill in Demand for PNP |
| University of Toronto | 25 | 39,560 – 60,150 | 6,210 – 42,710 | Ontario | Database Analyst |
| McGill University | 31 | 18,572 – 26,500 | 16,751 – 25,725 | Québec | UI Programmer |
| University of British Columbia | 45 | 34,276 – 41,156 | 9,131 | British Columbia | Information Systems Analyst & Consultant |
| University of Montreal | 118 | 24,608 | 16,751 – 18,662 | Québec | .NET Programmer Analyst |
| University of Alberta | 119 | 29,500 | 11,186 | Alberta | IT Analyst |
| McMaster University | 144 | 31,470 – 37,237 | 6,037 – 17,096 | Ontario | Database Analyst |
| University of Waterloo | 166 | 31,683 – 42,520 | 4,254 – 14,994 | Ontario | Data Administrators |
| Western University | 203 | 32,330 – 36,208 | 18,984 | Ontario | Software Engineers and Designer |
| Queen’s University | 246 | 43,106 – 50,926 | 12,927 – 15,802 | Ontario | Computer and Information Systems Manager |
| University of Calgary | 246 | 22,189 | 8,081 – 19,634 | Alberta | Systems Administrator |
Top 10 Affordable Universities to Study Computer Science
These are some of the most affordable universities in Canada for computer science.
1. Newfoundland and Labrador’s University
The Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN), also known as Newfoundland and Labrador’s University, is one of the best colleges in Canada for computer science. The university was established in 1925, and the Department of Computer Science was established in 1978, with 20% of its enrollees being international students. The Memorial University of Newfoundland’s QS Ranking is 701 – 750.
Career prospects include Computational Scientist, Computer Architect, and Cyber Security, and these positions have an average salary is $63,784 /year.
When considering job demand, the province is looking for Software Developers, IT Client Support Specialists, etc., and those with these skills are eligible to get a PR.
The tuition fee for graduate programs is between CAD 3,222 and CAD 4,833 a year, while undergraduate programs cost CAD 11,460 per year.
The course duration for the undergraduate program is 4 years, while it takes 2 years for graduate programs.
2. University of Manitoba
Established in 1877, the University of Manitoba is also one of the best colleges in Canada for computer science. There are two campuses – one is located at Fort Garry and the other in Bannatyne. With a 2021 QS Ranking of 601 – 650, 18% of the students at this university are international students.
The average salary for graduates is $63,462/year. Career opportunities include Computer Technology Teacher, Imaging Scientist, and Research Scientist. Thus there are huge possibilities for PR. Graduate programs at the University of Manitoba cost CAD 12,190 a year, while undergraduate programs cost CAD 16,620 and CAD 18,699 per year. The undergraduate course duration is 4 years while the graduate course duration is 2 years.
3. Concordia University
Concordia University is also one of the best colleges in Canada for computer science. It is a public university located in the French-speaking region of Montreal, Québec. However, the primary language of learning at the university is English. Concordia was formed by merging George Williams University with Loyola College.
The QS Ranking of Concordia University is 477, and 31% of the students at the university are foreign entrants. The course provides a pathway for PR as career prospects include Computer and Information Systems Managers and Information Security Analysts. The graduate tuition fee is CAD 12,563 and CAD 21,150 a year, while that of undergraduates is between CAD 19,581 – 23,700 per year. Course duration is 3-4 years (undergraduates) and 2 years for graduate programs.
4. McGill University
This institution was established in the year 1821 by James McGill. It is a public research institution with two campuses – one on Montreal Island and one in downtown Montreal. The McGill University QS Ranking is 31, and about 30% of its students are foreigners.
The average salary for graduates is $86,000/annum, and some of the career prospects that create PR possibilities are Software developers and AI Developers. The tuition fee for undergraduates is between CAD 18,572 – 26,500, while for graduate programs, the cost of tuition is around CAD 16,751 – 25,725 a year. The duration to complete an undergraduate course is 4 years, while graduate programs run for 2 years.
5. Ryerson University
This is yet another public research institution in Canada and one of the most affordable universities in Canada for computer science you can find. It was originally Ryerson Institute of Technology when it was established in 1948 before gaining the title of a university in 1993. The institution is located in downtown Toronto. The Ryerson University QS Ranking is 801 – 1000, and only 5% of its student population are international students.
The average salary for computer science graduates is around CAD 60,000/year. Career prospects include Cyber Security Specialist and Full Stack Developer, leading to a PR.
Undergraduate tuition costs around CAD 28,312 – 28,665, while the tuition for graduate programs is about CAD 21,900 to 29,730 a year. The duration to complete an undergraduate course is 4 years, while graduate programs run for 2 years.
6. University of New Brunswick
The University of New Brunswick was established in 1785, and it is also one of the institutions to study computer courses in Canada for international students, with two campuses – one at Saint John and another in Fredericton. At this university, completing an undergraduate course is 4 years, while graduate programs run for 2 years.
The career prospects include Artificial Intelligence Specialist and Software Developer, which create a path for PR. The average salary for graduates is CAD 58,855/annum. The tuition cost for undergraduate studies for a year is about CAD 17,216 – 17,534, while the rate for graduate studies is CAD 13,116.
7. University of Alberta
The University of Alberta is a public university that opened in 1908, with its computer science department established in 1964. It is one of the most affordable universities in Canada for computer science. It is located in Edmonton, Alberta. PR possibilities stem from career opportunities like Application Analyst/Developer and Artificial Intelligence Specialist.
The average salary for graduates is $149,000/year. The QS Ranking for this institution is 119. The undergraduate tuition fee is CAD 29,500, while graduate studies is CAD 11,186 a year. The duration to complete an undergraduate course is 4 years, while graduate programs run for 2 years.
8. University of British Columbia
The next on our list of institutions to study computer courses in Canada for international students is the University of British Columbia. It was established in 1908, and its campuses are in Kelowna and Vancouver. The QS Ranking of the University of British Columbia is 47, with 32% of the students being foreigners. It is ranked among the best MCA colleges in Canada. The average salary for graduates is CAD 90,382/year.
Career prospects that can facilitate PR include Data Scientist and Machine Learning Developer. The tuition fee for graduate students is CAD 9,131 a year, while undergraduate studies are CAD 34,276 – CAD 41,156 per year. The duration to complete an undergraduate course is 4 years, while graduate programs run for 2 years.
9. University of Ottawa
This is another one of the affordable universities in Canada for computer science. The University of Ottawa, originally known as the College of Bytown, was established in 1848. The QS Ranking for the University of Ottawa is 279, and the average salary for graduates is CAD 69,466/annum. Career prospects include Computer Systems Analyst and Informatics Security Analyst, which provide a pathway for PR.
The student population comprises about 7,000 international students from 150 different countries. The cost of tuition for graduate students is CAD 16,334 – CAD 27,519, while the tuition cost for undergraduate students is CAD 36,161 per year. The duration to complete an undergraduate course is 4 years, while graduate programs run for 2 years.
10. University of Toronto
The University of Toronto is the oldest institution of higher learning in Ontario, and it has the highest ranking of all universities in Canada in terms of QS Rankings at 25; it’s one of the best MCA colleges in Canada. Formerly known as King’s College, it was established in 1827. The average salary is $87,481/year. There are many PR opportunities for career prospects like IT Consultants in Financial Services and Product Designer in eLearning Firms.
Almost 20% of the entire body of students are foreigners. The tuition fees for undergraduate programs in a year are between CAD 39,560 and 60,150, while the tuition fee for graduate programs in a year is CAD 6,210 and 42,710. The duration to complete an undergraduate course is 4 years, while graduate programs run for 2 years.
How to Study Computer Science in Canada?
Generally, to study computer science in Canada, the following will be required of you
- You will have to provide a transcript from your previous institution
- A proof that you can communicate in English, and
- A proof that you can sustain yourself both financially and medically.
Although the system of application differs for each institution, you must be able to meet every requirement for the school of your choice.
For most universities, you have to choose a major when you apply. Check out our website for more information on how to study computer science in any Canadian university at our Canada Destination Page.
How to apply for the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)?
This video will provide detailed information on this subject
Bachelor of Computer Science in Canada: Types of Programs
You can get a bachelor’s in computer science or a bachelor’s in computer application either as a major, minor, co-op, or specialist program in Canada.
Major/Minor program: There are various computer science courses in Canadian universities that you can decide to major or minor in. Some of the common computer science courses are data science, artificial intelligence, software engineering, and operating systems.
Specialist: A specialist program is a name given to the combination of courses from other disciplines with computer science courses. For instance, a combination of data science with entrepreneurship or information systems is a specialist program. In some universities, you will be allowed to choose your additional course while other universities choose for you.
Co-op: You will have to enroll in an obligatory internship in your second or third year of study for a co-op program. The internship gives you work experience, and you may even be paid for it.
Scholarships for International Students
There are up to 96 universities that are spread across the provincial and urban areas in Canada, and most of them are willing to welcome international students.
Universities in Canada offer scholarships to international students. However, there are not as many scholarships available to international students compared to the United Kingdom, the United States, and Australia. If you are interested in learning more about applying for scholarships in Canada, then click the link below.
Top 5 Diploma Courses in Computer Science
Some of the best colleges in Canada that have diploma courses in computer science include:
1. Cambrian College
The Cambrian College is located in northern Ontario: Sudbury, Espanola, and Manitoulin Island. They offer you the chance to develop skills in networking and infrastructure that you need to configure the environment of information and technology in every organization. You also get to learn installation, management, and troubleshooting of networks and internetworks as well as remote and local servers. The duration of the course is 2 years.
2. Fanshawe College
In Fanshawe College, the computer science diploma being offered is a Diploma in Computer Systems Technician. Experiences and skills you will gain from the program include Web Support Server, Supporting Databases, Operating Systems (such as Windows and Linux) Support, etc. Course duration is 2 years, located in London, Canada.
After completing the program, career opportunities available to you include PC technical support, Network Installation, and Computer System Technician.
3. Canadian College
The Canadian college is one of the best colleges that offer diploma courses in computer science. You will get a Diploma in Information Technology and Co-op. You gain a Cisco CCNA certificate, Canadian College IT diploma, and CompTIA A+ Fundamentals certificate, among others. The Canadian College is located in Vancouver.
The co-op component gives you relevant working experience. Some career opportunities available to you include network technician, network administrator, cisco engineer, etc. Course duration is 2 years.
4. LaSalle College Montreal
Lasalle College Montreal is also one of the best institutions to get a diploma in computer science. The institution’s diploma is a Diploma in Computer Science Technology – Programming. Career opportunities available to you include Web Development, IT Advisor, User Interface Design, iOS Application Developer, etc. The institution is located in Montreal. The duration of the course is 2 years.
5. Université de Saint-Boniface
This institution is located in Winnipeg. It offers you a Diploma in Information Technologies. During your study, you will learn about computer security, data governance, and cloud computing. You will also learn about Windows and Linux operating systems.
After completing the program, you have job opportunities in Technical Support, Administration and Verification of Networks and Systems, and Project Management. The course duration is 2 years.
FAQs
On average, it will cost you between CAD 1,535 and CAD 55,000 to study computer science in Canada as an international student applying for an undergraduate program. On the other hand, if you are applying for a master’s degree, you should be looking to spend between CAD 8,000 and CAD 18,000.
As a professional in computer science, the province of Saskatchewan is the easiest province in which you can get PR in Canada. This is because it has strong economic growth and a lot of job opportunities. The International Skilled Worker Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is designed to recruit workers who have experience for the positions in demand within the province.
The selection of international candidates for jobs in the province is known as the Expression of Interest (EOI) system. The two streams for International Skilled Workers in Saskatchewan are the Saskatchewan Express Entry system and the Saskatchewan Occupations in-Demand stream.
The average living cost in Canada is dependent on the province in which you will be residing. However, we have determined that regardless of the province, the average cost of living in Canada every month is CAD 2,611.
Related Resources:
Conclusion
International students can study computer science courses in Canada, and it provides them with a lot of benefits, one of which is an international degree. An international degree can place you in a position to get in-demand jobs and PR in the country.
DISCLAIMER: Please note that the information provided on this website is for general understanding only and should not be considered as legal advice. Every pages of the website is not updated every day. It is recommended to consult with our lawyers for latest information.