Studying computer science in Ontario, Canada, can provide access to a wide range of undergraduate and graduate options, including co-op, research-based, and course-based pathways. The province has public universities and colleges with programs that support different academic and career goals.
The schools below offer computer science degrees, pathways, or related academic options in Ontario. Whether you are an aspiring software developer, data scientist, or academic researcher, these Ontario institutions offer programs that can help you build a foundation for a career in computer science.
Read on to learn more about the best computer science schools in Ontario.
Top Schools Offering Computer Science in Ontario
1. University of Toronto
The University of Toronto is ranked 29th globally in the QS World University Rankings 2026. Its Department of Computer Science offers undergraduate Computer Science Specialist, Major, and Minor options. Students in the Major or Specialist may choose an optional focus area, such as artificial intelligence, computer vision, game design, or human-computer interaction.
Graduate options include a research-based Master of Science, the Doctor of Philosophy, and the 16-month Master of Science in Applied Computing. The Master of Science in Applied Computing combines graduate coursework with an applied research internship and offers seven concentrations, including artificial intelligence, data science, and quantum computing.
2. University of Waterloo
The University of Waterloo is tied for 119th globally in the QS World University Rankings 2026. Its Bachelor of Computer Science is available through regular and co-op study options. Co-op students can gain up to two years of work experience before graduation.
Graduate studies include the Master of Mathematics in Computer Science and the Ph.D. in Computer Science. Current Master of Mathematics options include thesis and research-paper pathways. The Ph.D. program combines coursework, comprehensive examinations, seminars, and a thesis.
3. University of Ottawa
The University of Ottawa is tied for 219th globally in the QS World University Rankings 2026. Its undergraduate options include an Honours Bachelor of Science with Specialization in Computer Science, a Management and Entrepreneurship option, a Data Science option, and a Joint Honours Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Mathematics. An accelerated stream allows eligible students to complete an Honours Bachelor of Science with Specialization in Computer Science and a Master of Computer Science within five years.
The Master of Computer Science is available on a full-time or part-time basis and is generally completed within two years of full-time study. Graduate options include a concentration in applied artificial intelligence and a specialization in bioinformatics. The Ph.D. in Computer Science is a full-time program with an expected duration of four years.
4. Queen’s University
Queen’s University is tied for 191st globally in the QS World University Rankings 2026. Its undergraduate computing offerings include a Computing Major and several specializations, such as Cognitive Science, Computing and the Creative Arts, Computing, Mathematics and Analytics, and Software Design.
The Master of Science in Computing has research, project, and coursework patterns. The research pattern is typically completed in less than two years and is normally funded. The Ph.D. in Computing is research-based, is typically completed in four years, and is normally funded.
5. Carleton University
Carleton University is ranked within the 781–790 band globally in the QS World University Rankings 2026. Its undergraduate Bachelor of Computer Science offerings include Honours and Major options. Honours students may choose from streams such as Algorithms, Software Engineering, Cybersecurity, Computer Game Development, and Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning.
Carleton and the University of Ottawa jointly offer graduate computer science programs through the Ottawa-Carleton Institute for Computer Science. The Master of Computer Science supports coursework and research in areas such as algorithms, security, gaming, graphics, robotics, and geographic information systems. The Ph.D. in Computer Science is a research-intensive program.
6. Ontario Tech University
Ontario Tech University offers an undergraduate Computer Science program with and without co-op. Students can also pursue a Computer Science degree with a specialization in Data Science.
The Master of Science in Computer Science is a research-based program with an expected full-time duration of 24 months. The Ph.D. in Computer Science is an applied research program with an expected full-time duration of 48 months.
7. Lakehead University
Lakehead University offers Honours Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Science options in Computer Science. Students may explore a Business Focus or Science Focus, and available specializations include Game Programming and Health Informatics.
The Master of Science in Computer Science offers course-based, project-based, and thesis-based routes. The course-based route can be completed in one year, while the project-based and thesis-based routes are designed for completion within two years. A two-year thesis-based specialization in Artificial Intelligence is also available.
8. Brock University
Brock University offers four-year undergraduate computer science programs, including single and combined Bachelor of Science Honours options, a co-op Bachelor of Science Honours option, a Bachelor of Science with Major option, and a combined Bachelor of Arts Honours option.
Graduate options include a research-based Master of Science in Computer Science and a joint Ph.D. in Intelligent Systems and Data Science. The Master of Science begins with coursework and continues with a thesis or project. Research areas include artificial intelligence, data mining, algorithms, computational logic and algebra, and parallelism.
9. Georgian College
Georgian College offers a pathway to a computer science degree through Lakehead University. Graduates of Georgian College’s two-year Computer Programming diploma who meet the pathway requirements can enter Year 3 of Lakehead University’s Honours Bachelor of Science in Computer Science program.
The pathway requires a minimum overall average of 70% in the qualifying diploma program. Students should review the current admission requirements before applying.
10. University of Windsor
The University of Windsor offers undergraduate computer science programs, including a Bachelor of Computer Science General degree, a Bachelor of Computer Science Honours degree with a co-op option, and a Bachelor of Computer Science Honours in Applied Computing with a co-op option.
Graduate options include a research-based Master of Science in Computer Science, a Master of Applied Computing, a Master of Applied Computing with an Artificial Intelligence specialization, and a Ph.D. in Computer Science. The Master of Science also offers an Artificial Intelligence specialization.
Ontario offers a variety of computer science programs for students with different academic interests and career goals. Before applying, review each institution’s official program page for the latest curriculum, admission requirements, tuition fees, and scholarship information.
We hope this article on universities offering computer science programs in Ontario was helpful. Make sure to also check out the Study in Canada and Available Courses for International Students pages for more articles.
