Computer science is a broad field that includes artificial intelligence, data science, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and more. A computer science degree can prepare students to solve complex technological problems and pursue careers in a wide range of industries.
Canada is a popular destination for students pursuing computer science. Its high-quality education system, cost of living, and multicultural environment make it an attractive option for prospective students. Canada is home to many well-regarded universities offering computer science programs. Let’s take a look at the best universities to study computer science in Canada.
Top Schools Offering Computer Science in Canada
1. McGill University
McGill University was founded in 1821. The university has 11 faculties and 13 schools across three campuses.
The School of Computer Science offers several undergraduate pathways, including Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Arts, and Bachelor of Arts and Science options. Students can develop a foundation in areas such as algorithms, data structures, programming languages, and software development.
Graduate students can pursue Master’s and Ph.D. programs in Computer Science. The Master’s program includes thesis and non-thesis pathways. Students who plan to continue to a Ph.D. should review the department’s current guidance when choosing the pathway that best supports their research goals. with a thesis, supervised internship, or directed-work pathway. The university also offers a 90-credit Ph.D. program in Computer Science.
2. Carleton University
Carleton University traces its origins to Carleton College, which was established in 1942 to provide evening classes for wartime workers. It later developed into a university offering programs across a wide range of disciplines.
Carleton’s School of Computer Science offers a Bachelor of Computer Science with several streams and options. These include Algorithms, Computer Game Development, Cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, and the Industrial Applications Internship Option. These pathways allow students to tailor their studies to their academic interests and career goals.
3. University of Calgary
The University of Calgary is located in Calgary, Alberta. It began as a branch campus of the University of Alberta and became an autonomous university in 1966. International students can also review available entrance scholarships.
The Department of Computer Science offers undergraduate and graduate programs, including a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. Students can also explore research areas such as Data Science and Visual Computing, Information Security and Systems, Mathematical Foundations of Computing, and People-Centric Computing.
4. Dalhousie University
Dalhousie University was founded in Halifax, Nova Scotia, in 1818. The research-intensive university offers more than 300 programs across 13 faculties. Prospective computer science students can also review available entrance scholarships and financial aid options.
Undergraduate students can choose between a Bachelor of Computer Science and a Bachelor of Applied Computer Science. Students in both programs can explore co-op opportunities to gain professional experience during their studies. Dalhousie also offers graduate programs in computer science.
5. University of Ottawa
The University of Ottawa offers degree programs in English and French. Students can also explore English- and French-language courses, mentoring services, and other forms of academic support.
The computer science program is offered in English and French, and compulsory courses are available in both languages. Students can pursue co-op studies and several pathways, including an Honours BSc with a Specialization in Computer Science and a Joint Honours BSc in Computer Science and Mathematics. The university also offers an accelerated stream that enables eligible students to complete the Honours BSc with a Specialization in Computer Science and the Master of Computer Science within five years.
6. University of Saskatchewan
The University of Saskatchewan was founded in 1907. It offers undergraduate computer science programs as well as Master of Science and Ph.D. programs. Graduate students can explore research opportunities across a wide range of areas, including artificial intelligence, cloud computing, human-computer interaction, cybersecurity, bioinformatics, and software engineering.
All applicants to the Computer Science and Applied Computing graduate programs are automatically considered for financial support. For the 2025–2026 academic year, tuition for the thesis- or project-based Master of Science program is CAD 1,812 per term for Canadian students and CAD 4,077 per term for international students. Student fees are additional, and students should review the university’s current tuition and funding information before applying.
7. University of Victoria
The University of Victoria offers undergraduate and graduate programs in computer science. Undergraduate students can pursue a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science through major, honors, and minor pathways. The department also offers interdisciplinary options that combine computer science with subjects such as geography, mathematics, music, physics, psychology, statistics, and visual arts.
The computer science co-op program enables students to combine academic studies with paid work experience. Co-op opportunities are available to undergraduate and graduate students. The department also offers research opportunities in areas such as computational biology, database and data mining, geometry processing, machine learning, software engineering, and theory. Its research groups include the Graphics, Artificial Intelligence, Design, and Games Lab.
Prospective students should also review the university’s faculty-specific awards and other funding opportunities.
8. University of Toronto
The University of Toronto operates three campuses: St. George, Mississauga, and Scarborough. The university offers more than 700 undergraduate programs and more than 300 graduate programs across its academic divisions.
The University of Toronto performs strongly in international subject rankings. In the 2026 QS World University Rankings by Subject for Computer Science and Information Systems, it ranked 13th globally. Prospective undergraduate students should review the computer science program information for the campus and academic division that interest them.
The School of Graduate Studies offers graduate programs in computer science, including Master of Science and Ph.D. pathways. Prospective students should review the current graduate calendar for program requirements and available options.
9. University of Waterloo
Another option for students considering computer science in Canada is the University of Waterloo. This public university opened in 1957 with 74 students. It now enrolls more than 41,000 students and has a 1,000-acre main campus and three satellite campuses.
The university has six faculties and offers an extensive range of academic programs, including computer science. Undergraduate students can pursue a Bachelor of Computer Science or a Bachelor of Mathematics in Computer Science.
The regular computer science program typically takes four years to complete, while the co-op program typically takes five years and includes paid work terms. At the graduate level, the university offers research-focused programs such as the Master of Mathematics in Computer Science and the Ph.D. in Computer Science. Master’s students can explore thesis and research-paper options.
10. University of British Columbia
The University of British Columbia has two main campuses: the Vancouver campus and the Okanagan campus in Kelowna. The Vancouver campus covers more than 400 hectares on the Point Grey Peninsula.
Students interested in computer science can explore several undergraduate pathways. These include a Computer Science major in the Faculty of Science leading to a Bachelor of Science and a Computer Science major in the Faculty of Arts leading to a Bachelor of Arts. The department also offers combined majors, honors programs, minors, a Software Engineering option, and an Artificial Intelligence option.
At the graduate level, the department offers programs such as a Master of Science and a Ph.D. in Computer Science. Prospective students should review the department’s current program pages for available research and coursework options.
We hope this article on the Best Universities for Computer Science in Canada was helpful. You can find more information about studying in Canada on the Study in Canada Page, including several Available Courses for International Students!
