Everything International Students Need to Know About Studying at the Best Undergraduate Computer Science Schools in Cana

Choosing to complete your university education in Canada allows you to take part in one of the best post-secondary education systems in the world. With reasonable tuition fees, varied living costs and diverse student bodies, universities in Canada have a lot to offer international students looking to build a successful professional life after graduation.

What Are The Benefits Of An Undergraduate Computer Science Degree in Canada?

Studying at one of the best computer science schools in Canada has a high potential of leading to a long and successful career. According to data from Statistics Canada, 90% of people who earn a Bachelor's Degree in “mathematics, computer and information sciences” are employed in the field within two years of graduation.

How Much Can Computer Science Degree Holders Earn in Canada?

Given the fact that the average base salary of someone with a Computer Science degree is $78,000 per year, international students who graduate have a strong likelihood of earning an above-average income after completing their education.

What Are The Best Computer Science Schools for Undergraduates in Canada?

University of Toronto: Honours B.Sc. with a Major in Computer Science

The University of Toronto is the largest post-secondary school in Canada, with over 84,000 students learning in the most populous city in the country. Over 25% of those currently enrolled are international students from more than 160 countries.

The Computer Science program at U of T has been ranked the best in Canada and the 12th best in the entire world. The Honours B.Sc. in Computer Science program at U of T is hosted at both the St. George and Mississauga campuses, which also offers an additional specialization through an Honours B.Sc. in Computer Science - Information Security program. These are four-year programs, providing detailed in-class learning experiences along with hands-on learning experiences through internships after completing the first year. Of all those who graduate from the U of T Computer Science program, 92.5% are employed in the field within 6 months.

University of British Columbia: B.Sc. in Computer Science

The University of British Columbia is one of the top learning institutes in Canada and is the oldest in the province. With two beautiful campuses in Vancouver and the Okanagan, it is extremely popular with students from Canada and around the world. There are currently over 18,000 international students gaining a great education at UBC.

UBC has been teaching computer science since 1968 and is frequently ranked as one of the top three schools in Canada for this subject, even tied for first position in 2023. UBC has a four-year B.Sc in Computer Science through the Faculty of Science. The B.Sc is also offered as an Honours degree and can be combined with a degree in Business from UBC. There is also an additional BA with a major in Computer Science offered through the UBC Faculty of Arts that does not require courses in physics, biology or chemistry. Within two years of graduation, UBC Computer Science program alumni go on to earn salaries that are 44% higher than graduates from similar programs at other schools.

University of Waterloo: Bachelor of Computer Science

The University of Waterloo opened its doors in 1957 and has, over six-and-a-half decades, earned a reputation for academic excellence that has made it a globally top-ranked Canadian school. There are currently over 4500 international students enrolled at Waterloo, accounting for nearly 20% of the entire student population.

The undergrad Computer Science program at Waterloo is second to none. Ranked the best in Canada and in the top 25 globally, students can earn a Bachelor of Computer Science degree through the Faculty of Mathematics. Further Graduate and Doctorate-level programs are offered through the Cheriton School of Computer Science at Waterloo, which features the largest concentration of Computer Science research in all of Canada. The undergrad program can be completed in a standard 4 years, and there is a 5-year option which includes additional paid co-op experiences that provide hands-on learning opportunities in the field.

McGill University: B.Sc. in Computer Science

Located in Montreal, McGill University has been educating students in one of Canada’s most beautiful cities for over 200 years. More than 30% of McGill’s student population comes from 150 countries outside of Canada. Frequently tied for first as the best school in Canada, McGill is also ranked as a top 50 school in the world, making it a top destination for those seeking a great education.

Part of the Facility of Science at McGill, the School of Computer Science has offered undergraduate and graduate level programs since 1969 and is the second-highest funded computer science program in Canada. In the B.Sc. in Computer Science, students learn all aspects of computer science, from algorithmic programming to infrastructure design. Due to the fact that the Quebec Provincial Government considers Computer Science to be a priority employment field, international students who are legal permanent residents of Quebec are eligible for a scholarship worth $2,500 per semester.

University of Alberta: B.Sc. in Computing Science

The University of Alberta is the top-ranked school in the province. Based in Edmonton, it has been providing quality education to students for more than 115 years. Out of 39,000 currently enrolled students, there are over 9,000 international students. UofA enjoys a high graduate employment rate that puts it in the top 100 schools in the world.

Through the Department of Computer Science as part of the Faculty of Science, U of A students can earn a B.Sc. with a major in Computing Science. With a focus on the latest developments in artificial intelligence, robotics, machine learning and bioinformatics, students will leave with a strong knowledge of the newest trends in computer science. U of A offers career planning assistance for Computing Science graduates, helping students embark on a successful career.

Queen's University: Bachelor of Computing

Founded in 1845, Queen’s University is one of the oldest schools in the country. Based in Kington, it is a top-ranked research university with over 1,300 international students from 120 countries currently enrolled.

Through the Queen’s School of Computing, they offer a Bachelor of Computing degree, with additional graduate and doctorate-level certifications. The school also offers additional specialisation under the Computing major in artificial intelligence, biomedical computation, data analytics, fundamental computation, game development and computer security. Queen’s students can also enroll in the undergraduate internship program, gaining paid hands-on experience to supplement in-class learning.

Simon Fraser University: B.Sc.in Computing Science

Simon Fraser University is a relatively new post-secondary school in British Columbia and Canada, founded in 1965 with campuses in Burnaby, Vancouver and Surrey. It has been ranked a top-50-under-50 school, with more than 5500 international students currently enrolled.

At the SFU Burnaby campus, undergraduate students can earn a B.Sc. in Computing Science in a 4-year program that teaches them the fundamental skills needed to succeed in the field. Computing Science students at SFU can also enroll in the co-op learning program, where they can take part in paid hands-on learning opportunities in the industry. Over 85% of Computing Science students who partake in the co-op program are employed in the industry within 3 months of graduation.

University of Calgary: B.Sc.in Computer Science

Students have been going to the University of Calgary for a quality education in Western Canada education since 1966. Considered one of the 10 best universities in Canada, UCalgary has a diverse student body with over 3500 international students currently enrolled.

Undergraduate students can earn a B.Sc in Computer Science from the Department of Computer Science. As part of the program, students will learn programming language, linear methods, discrete mathematics and everything in between. They will have the opportunity to participate in both internships and study abroad programs, gaining invaluable experiences. The department also offers professional graduate programs that aim to help students transition to careers in the tech industry.

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