MS in CS in Canada: Top Universities, Fees 2026 and Eligibility Criteria
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Priya Vimal

Study Abroad Content Writer | Updated on - Jun 10, 2026

An MS in Computer Science (MS in CS) is a 1-2 year postgraduate degree that focuses on advanced knowledge in areas such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, data science, , software engineering, etc. Canada is home to some of the world's leading computer science universities, including the University of Toronto (#13), the University of British Columbia (#27), and the University of Waterloo (#27) in the QS World University Rankings 2026. For MS in CS specifically, Canada offers a combination of globally ranked programs, a structured post-study work pathway, and a lower total cost compared to the US, making it a practical choice for Indian students to study in Canada.

Quick Highlights:

  • Program Duration: 1-2 years
  • Tuition Fees: CAD 20,000-60,000 per year
  • Top Universities: University of Toronto, University of British Columbia, University of Waterloo, and McGill University
  • Career Outcomes: Software Engineer, Data Scientist, AI Engineer, Machine Learning Engineer, and Cybersecurity Analyst

An MS in Computer Science in Canada offers students access to advanced research facilities, industry-focused learning, and opportunities to work with leading technology companies.

Check out: MS in Canada


Why Study MS in CS in Canada?

Canada remains a popular destination for Indian students, who form the country's largest international student community. Some of the reasons to choose Canada are:

  • Strong universities with competitive tuition fees: Canada is home to globally ranked CS universities such as the University of Toronto, UBC, and Waterloo. Tuition fees are often lower than comparable programs in the United States
  • Post-study work opportunities: Graduates from eligible programs can apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), allowing them to gain professional experience in Canada after completing their degree
  • Growing demand for technology professionals:
    Technology hubs such as Toronto, Vancouver, Waterloo, Montreal, and Ottawa continue to create opportunities in software engineering, AI, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and data science.

Graduate students benefit from 2026 policy changes: Canada continues to limit international student numbers in 2026, but master's students at public universities are exempt from Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) requirements. This has made graduate admissions less affected by the student cap than many undergraduate programs

Check out: Study in Canada Vs India


Top Universities for MS in CS in Canada

The table below lists some of the top universities for MS in Computer Science in Canada based on the QS World University Rankings by Subject: Computer Science & Information Systems 2026.

University Name Location QS CS Rankings (2026)
University of Toronto Toronto, Ontario #13
University of British Columbia Vancouver, British Columbia #27
University of Waterloo Waterloo, Ontario #27
McGill University Montreal, Quebec #43
University of Montreal Montreal, Quebec #56
University of Alberta Edmonton, Alberta #103
Queen's University of Kingston Kingston, Ontario #172
University of Ottawa Ottawa, Ontario #201-250

Annual Tuition Fees For MS in CS in Canada

The table below compares the annual tuition fees for MS in Computer Science programs at leading Canadian universities.

University Program Name Duration Annual Tuition Fees (International) Fees in INR
University of Toronto MSc in Applied Computing 16 months CAD 34,900 INR 24.1 lakh
University of British Columbia MSc Computer Science 2 years CAD 10,081 INR 6.96 lakh
University of Waterloo MMath Computer Science 2 years (4-6 terms) CAD 23,088 (CAD 7,696/term) INR 15.9 lakh
McGill University MSc Computer Science 1.5–2 years CAD 20,727-22,500 INR 14.3 lakh-15.5 lakh
University of Montreal MSc Computer Science 2 years CAD 24,800-33,368 INR 17.1-23 lakh
University of Alberta MSc Computing Science 2 years CAD 10,519 (full program) INR 7.26 lakh
Queen's University MSc Computing 2 years CAD 12,927-15,357 INR 8.9-10.6 lakh
University of Ottawa Master of Computer Science 2 years CAD 21,004 INR 14.5 lakh

Currency conversion used: 1 CAD = INR 69 (for June 2026).

Key Points Indian Students Should Know About MS in CS Fees in Canada

  • The University of Alberta offers the lowest tuition among ranked programs at CAD 10,519/year (INR 7.26 lakh), making it one of the most cost-effective options among QS CS top-103-ranked universities.
  • The University of Toronto has the highest tuition at up to CAD 47,690/year (approx. INR 32.9 lakh), but its QS CS Rank #13 globally and location in Canada's largest tech hub justify the premium for many students.

Chcek out: Cheapest Universities in Canada for Master’s


Eligibility Criteria for MS in CS in Canada

Admission to MS in CS programs in Canada is competitive at top-ranked universities. Indian students typically need a minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0 (equivalent to 70–78% in Indian grading systems) in their undergraduate degree, along with strong English proficiency scores. Most Canadian universities do not require the GRE, which reduces both the cost and preparation time for Indian applicants. The table below list the university-specific requirements for MS in Cs programs.

University Academic Requirements English Proficiency
University of Toronto Bachelor's in CS or related field; B+ (77-79% or 3.3/4.0) in final year TOEFL iBT 93+ | IELTS 7.0
University of British Columbia 4-year Bachelor's in CS or related; 76–80%+ standing TOEFL iBT 90–100 | IELTS 6.5–7.0
University of Waterloo Honours Bachelor's in CS/Engineering; 78%+ TOEFL iBT 90+ | IELTS 6.5 (Writing 6.0, Speaking 6.5)
McGill University Bachelor's with strong CS background; CGPA 3.2/4.0 TOEFL iBT 100 | IELTS 6.5
University of Montreal B.Sc. in CS or related; 3.0/4.3 GPA + min. 40 prerequisite credits TOEFL iBT 95 | IELTS 7.0 (French or English, program-dependent)
University of Alberta 4-year Bachelor's in CS/related; GPA 3.0/4.0 (last two years) TOEFL iBT 90+ | IELTS 6.5
Queen's University Honours Bachelor's in CS; high upper second-class (A? or first class for international) TOEFL iBT 88–93 | IELTS 6.5–7.0
University of Ottawa Honours Bachelor's (4 years); 70% (B) average in last 20 courses TOEFL iBT 80–90 | IELTS 6.5

Check out: Intakes in Canada

Note: GPA Conversion for Indian Students: A CGPA of 7.5/10 is broadly equivalent to 3.0/4.0 on the US/Canadian scale. A CGPA of 8.0–8.5/10 aligns with the 3.3–3.5/4.0 range required by top programs like the University of Toronto and McGill.

Check: Grading system in Canada


Cost of Living in Canada in 2026

The cost of living in Canada varies significantly by city and is one of the most important financial factors Indian students must plan for alongside their tuition. The table below shows the city-wise cost of living breakdown to get a better understanding.

City Annual Cost of Living (International Student) Equivalent INR (per year) Cost Level
Toronto, Ontario CAD 22,000 - 30,000+ INR 15.18 lakh - 20.7 lakh+ Very High
Vancouver, BC CAD 20,000 - 28,000 INR 13.8 lakh - 19.32 lakh High
Waterloo, Ontario CAD 25,452 - 36,852 INR 17.56 lakh - 25.43 lakh High
Montreal, Quebec CAD 15,000 - 22,000 INR 10.35 lakh - 15.18 lakh Moderate
Montreal, Quebec CAD 14,000 - 20,000 INR 9.66 lakh - 13.8 lakh Moderate
Edmonton, Alberta CAD 18,000 - 25,000 INR 12.42 - 17.25 lakh Moderate
Kingston, Ontario CAD 17,820 - 24,540 INR 12.3-16.93 lakh Moderate
Ottawa, Ontario CAD 16,000 - 24,000 INR 11.04-16.56 lakh Moderate

Toronto and Vancouver are one of the most expensive cities, with annual living costs exceeding CAD 30,000 (INR 20.7 lakh), while Montreal, Edmonton, and Ottawa offer considerably more affordable options at CAD 14,000 – 24,000 (approx. INR 9.66 -16.56 lakh) per year

Also check out: Cost o Living in Canada Vs. USA

Monthly Cost Breakdown for Indian Students

The table below provides the breakdown for monthly living expenses for Indian students to budget more wisely..

Parameters Toronto / Vancouver Montreal / Edmonton / Ottawa
Accommodation (shared/1BHK) CAD 1,200-2,000/month (INR 82,800-1.38 lakh) CAD 700 – 1,200/month (INR 48,300-82,800)
Groceries CAD 350-450/month (INR 24,150-31,050) CAD 200 – 300/month (INR 13,800-20,700)
Public Transport CAD 120-160/month (INR 8,280-11,040) CAD 90 – 110/month (INR 6,210-7,590)
Utilities & Internet CAD 80 – 150/month (INR 5,520-10,350) CAD 60 – 100/month (INR 4,140-6,900)
Health Insurance CAD 600 – 900/year (INR 41,400-62,100) CAD 400 – 700/year (INR 27,600-48,300)
Personal & Miscellaneous CAD 150 – 300/month (INR 10,350-20,700) CAD 100 – 200/month (INR 6,900-13,800)

Note: Health insurance is mandatory for international students at all Canadian universities. Some universities include it in student fees; others require separate enrollment. The costs range from CAD 400 to 900 per year (INR 27,600 to 62,100).

Tip: Cooking Indian food at home is practical and affordable in all major Canadian cities. Indian grocery stores are widely available in Toronto, Vancouver, Edmonton, and Ottawa, with staples like rice, lentils, and spices priced comparably to Indian markets.


Scholarships in Canada for Indian Students

Most Canadian MS in CS scholarships do not require a separate application, admission to a thesis-based program automatically triggers consideration for university and department-level funding. Indian students should prioritise thesis-based programs if scholarship access is a priority. Some of the popular scholarships for universities in Canada are as follows.

Scholarship Name Offered By Eligibility Criteria Award Amount
Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) University of Toronto Enrolled in a graduate program; academic excellence; open to international students CAD 10,000 – 15,000/year (INR 6.9 lakh-10.35 lakh) for 2–3 sessions
International Tuition Award University of British Columbia Automatic for research-based MSc international students Up to CAD 3,200/year (approx. INR 2.21 lakh)
International Master's Award of Excellence (IMAE) University of Waterloo Full-time international Master's students; academic merit CAD 2,500/term (INR 1.73 lakh/term)
School of Computer Science Funding Package University of Waterloo Thesis-based MMath CS students; includes TA/RA + scholarships CAD 29,520 - 41,284/year (INR 20.37-28.49 lakh)
McCall MacBain Scholarship McGill University Exceptional graduate students; leadership + academic merit Full funding that includes tuition fees and living stipend of CAD 2,300 (INR 1.5 lakh)
UdeM Exemption Scholarship for International Students University of Montreal International students enrolled in eligible graduate programs Partial to full tuition exemption up to CAD 15,452/year (INR 10.66 lakh)
Graduate Entrance Scholarship University of Alberta Incoming international Master's students; merit-based CAD 17,500 (INR 12.08 lakh)
Vector Scholarship in Artificial Intelligence Queen's University MS students in AI-focused streams; Canadian or international CAD 17,500 (INR 12.08 lakh)
Admission Scholarship (Master's) University of Ottawa Thesis-based Master's students: automatic consideration for admission CAD 15,000 (approx. INR 10.35 lakh)

Check out: Scholarships to study abroad


Career and Job Options After MS in CS in Canada

Indian students graduating with an MS in CS from a Canadian university are eligible for a 3-year Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) - an open work permit that allows them to work for any employer in Canada without restriction. Popular Jobs after MS in Canada includethe following.

Job Role Average Annual Salary (CAD) Approx. INR Key Employers in Canada
Software Engineer (Entry–Mid) CAD 75,000 – 1,05,000 INR 5 1.75 - 72.45 lakh Google, Amazon, Microsoft, Shopify, RBC
Data Scientist CAD 80,000 – 1,00,000 INR 55.2 - 69 lakh TD Bank, Scotiabank, Telus, IBM, Deloitte
Machine Learning Engineer CAD 75,000 – 1,16,000 INR 51.75 – 80.04 lakh Google DeepMind, Cohere, Element AI, Meta
Cloud Engineer CAD 94,000 – 1,33,000 INR 64.86 – 91.77 lakh AWS, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud, CGI
DevOps Engineer CAD 92,000 – 1,10,000 INR 63.48 – 75.9 lakh Shopify, Hootsuite, Telus, SAP Canada
Cybersecurity Analyst CAD 85,000 – 1,20,000 INR 58.65 – 82.8 lakh CIBC, Bell Canada, Deloitte, Government of Canada
Full Stack Developer CAD 70,000 – 1,00,000 INR 48.3 – 69 lakh Shopify, Wealthsimple, FreshBooks, Clio
AI/ML Research Scientist CAD 1,00,000 – 1,50,000+ INR 69 lakh – 1.035 crore+ Vector Institute, Mila, Google Brain, Samsung AI

Salary data sourced from Glassdoor Canada, Robert Half 2026 Salary Guide, and Cybotrix 2026 Canada Tech Salary Report. INR conversions at 1 CAD=INR 69 (June 2026).

A 3-year PGWP gives Indian graduates a direct runway to Canadian work experience - the single most important factor in qualifying for permanent residency through the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) under Express Entry.

Check out: Top-paying professional jobs in Canada


Canada Visa Process for Indian Students

After receiving an admission offer from a Canadian university, Indian students must apply online for a Canadian visa or study permit through the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) portal. Applicants are required to submit a valid passport, Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI), Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) if applicable, academic transcripts and degree certificates, English language test scores (IELTS/TOEFL), proof of funds to cover tuition fees and living expenses, a Statement of Purpose (SOP), and passport-size photographs.

After submitting the application and paying the required fees, students must complete biometrics at a Visa Application Centre (VAC). Once the application is approved, students receive a Port of Entry (POE) letter and can travel to Canada, where their study permit is issued upon arrival.

Must check: Canada visa rejection reasons


FAQs

Ques. Is part-time work allowed for International students in Canada?

Ans. Part-time work during the program is permitted for up to 24 hours/week off-campus. Many Indian students secure internships or co-op placements during their MS, which often convert to full-time offers upon graduation.

Ques. What is the scenario for PR in Canada?

Ans. Permanent Residency Pathway: After gaining 1 year of skilled Canadian work experience (NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3) on a PGWP, Indian graduates become eligible to apply for PR through the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). A Canadian Master's degree also adds +30 CRS points to an Express Entry profile.

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Found 40 universities

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RankingCollege InfoTop CoursesFees & Cost of Living
#15/392 Collegedunia Study Abroad Ranking 2026(Computer Science)

University of Toronto, Toronto

6.0(Based on 82 User Reviews)Ontario, Canada43%Acceptance Rate
MS Applied Computing Data Science
Course duration:
16 months
Exams Accepted:
TOEFL4.5
View 2 Other Programs
Tuition:  
(CA$63,345/Yr)$45.6K/Yr
Living
(CA$13,491/Yr)$9.7K/Yr
Check Admission Requirements
#34/392 Collegedunia Study Abroad Ranking 2026(Computer Science)

The University of British Columbia, Vancouver

9.0(Based on 107 User Reviews)British Columbia, Canada54%Acceptance Rate
MS Computer Science
Course duration:
2 years
Exams Accepted:
IELTS7
Programs
Tuition:  
(CA$10,081/Yr)$7.3K/Yr
Living
(CA$16,536/Yr)$11.9K/Yr
Check Admission Requirements
#39/392 Collegedunia Study Abroad Ranking 2026(Computer Science)

University of Montreal, Montreal

8.2(Based on 15 User Reviews)Quebec, Canada57%Acceptance Rate
MS Computer Science
Course duration:
2 years
Programs
Tuition:  
(CA$31,204/Yr)$22.5K/Yr
Living
(CA$12,000/Yr)$8.6K/Yr
Check Admission Requirements
#47/392 Collegedunia Study Abroad Ranking 2026(Computer Science)

McGill University, Montreal

9.0(Based on 26 User Reviews)Quebec, Canada46%Acceptance Rate
MS Computer Science
Course duration:
2 years
Exams Accepted:
IELTS6.5
Programs
Tuition:  
(CA$31,269/Yr)$22.5K/Yr
Living
(CA$875/Yr)$630/Yr
Check Admission Requirements
#65/392 Collegedunia Study Abroad Ranking 2026(Computer Science)

University of Alberta, Edmonton

9.3(Based on 22 User Reviews)Alberta, Canada58%Acceptance Rate
MS Computing Science
Course duration:
2 years
Exams Accepted:
TOEFL4.5PTE61
View 1 Other Program
Tuition:  
(CA$10,518/Yr)$7.6K/Yr
Living
(CA$19,344/Yr)$13.9K/Yr
Check Admission Requirements
#111/392 Collegedunia Study Abroad Ranking 2026(Computer Science)

Simon Fraser University, Burnaby

7.5(Based on 13 User Reviews)British Columbia, Canada59%Acceptance Rate
MS Computing Science
Course duration:
2 years
Exams Accepted:
Duolingo125TOEFL90PTE65
View 1 Other Program
Tuition:  
(CA$15,082/Yr)$10.9K/Yr
Living
(CA$16,002/Yr)$11.5K/Yr
Check Admission Requirements
#152/392 Collegedunia Study Abroad Ranking 2026(Computer Science)

University of Victoria, Victoria

9.3(Based on 10 User Reviews)British Columbia, Canada63%Acceptance Rate
MS Computer Science
Course duration:
2 years
Exams Accepted:
TOEFL4.5PTE65
Programs
Tuition:  
(CA$8,571/Yr)$6.2K/Yr
Living
(CA$9,653/Yr)$7K/Yr
Check Admission Requirements
#177/392 Collegedunia Study Abroad Ranking 2026(Computer Science)

University of Quebec at Montreal, Montreal

Quebec, Canada50%Acceptance Rate
MS Computer Science
Course duration:
2 years
Programs
Tuition:  
(CA$8,142/Yr)$5.9K/Yr
Living
(CA$4,320/Yr)$3.1K/Yr
Check Admission Requirements
#176/392 Collegedunia Study Abroad Ranking 2026(Computer Science)

York University, Toronto

6.2(Based on 41 User Reviews)Ontario, Canada48%Acceptance Rate
MS Computer Science
Course duration:
20 months
Exams Accepted:
Duolingo130TOEFL4.5PTE67
Programs
Tuition:  
(CA$19,722/Yr)$14.2K/Yr
Living
(CA$16,865/Yr)$12.1K/Yr
Check Admission Requirements
#160/392 Collegedunia Study Abroad Ranking 2026(Computer Science)

University of Calgary, Calgary

7.3(Based on 34 User Reviews)Alberta, Canada55%Acceptance Rate
MS Computer Science
Course duration:
2 years
Exams Accepted:
Duolingo125TOEFL4.5PTE59
Programs
Tuition:  
(CA$8,575/Yr)$6.2K/Yr
Living
(CA$16,119/Yr)$11.6K/Yr
Check Admission Requirements
#158/392 Collegedunia Study Abroad Ranking 2026(Computer Science)

Western University, London

8.3(Based on 25 User Reviews)Ontario, Canada58%Acceptance Rate
MS Computer Science
Course duration:
16 months
Exams Accepted:
Duolingo115TOEFL4.5
Programs
Tuition:  
(CA$20,145/Yr)$14.5K/Yr
Living
(CA$18,400/Yr)$13.2K/Yr
Check Admission Requirements
#153/392 Collegedunia Study Abroad Ranking 2026(Computer Science)

McMaster University, Hamilton

8.3(Based on 29 User Reviews)Ontario, Canada59%Acceptance Rate
MS Computer Science
Course duration:
2 years
Exams Accepted:
TOEFL88PTE70
View 1 Other Program
Tuition:  
(CA$14,247/Yr)$10.3K/Yr
Living
(CA$15,470/Yr)$11.1K/Yr
Check Admission Requirements
#207/392 Collegedunia Study Abroad Ranking 2026(Computer Science)

Laval University, Quebec City

Quebec, Canada59%Acceptance Rate
MS Computer Science
Course duration:
2 years
Exams Accepted:
TOEFL79
View 1 Other Program
Tuition:  
(CA$22,066/Yr)$15.9K/Yr
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#225/392 Collegedunia Study Abroad Ranking 2026(Computer Science)

Dalhousie University, Halifax

5.3(Based on 22 User Reviews)Nova Scotia, Canada78%Acceptance Rate
MS Applied Computer Science
Course duration:
16 months
Exams Accepted:
TOEFL4.5PTE65
Programs
Tuition:  
(CA$11,081/Yr)$8K/Yr
Living
(CA$16,448/Yr)$11.8K/Yr
Check Admission Requirements
#233/392 Collegedunia Study Abroad Ranking 2026(Computer Science)

University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon

7.0(Based on 12 User Reviews)Saskatchewan, Canada72.3%Acceptance Rate
MS Computer Science
Course duration:
20 months
Exams Accepted:
Duolingo120IELTS7
Programs
Tuition:  
(CA$12,231/Yr)$8.8K/Yr
Living
(CA$20,065/Yr)$14.4K/Yr
Check Admission Requirements
#249/392 Collegedunia Study Abroad Ranking 2026(Computer Science)

University of New Brunswick (Fredericton), Fredericton

6.8(Based on 4 User Reviews)Newbrunswick, Canada79%Acceptance Rate
MS Computer Science
Course duration:
16 years
Exams Accepted:
Duolingo125TOEFL94PTE65
Programs
Tuition:  
(CA$5,304/Yr)$3.8K/Yr
Living
(CA$16,009/Yr)$11.5K/Yr
Check Admission Requirements
#252/392 Collegedunia Study Abroad Ranking 2026(Computer Science)

University of Guelph, Guelph

4.0(Based on 25 User Reviews)Ontario, Canada66%Acceptance Rate
MS Computer Science
Course duration:
2 years
Exams Accepted:
Duolingo120TOEFL4.5PTE60
Programs
Tuition:  
(CA$20,512/Yr)$14.8K/Yr
Living
(CA$3,070/Yr)$2.2K/Yr
Check Admission Requirements
#388/392 Collegedunia Study Abroad Ranking 2026(Computer Science)

University of Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke

6.8(Based on 1 User Reviews)Quebec, Canada68%Acceptance Rate
M.S Computer Science
Course duration:
18 months
Exams Accepted:
TOEFL100
Programs
Tuition:  
(CA$26,860/Yr)$19.3K/Yr
Living
(CA$9,192/Yr)$6.6K/Yr
Check Admission Requirements
--

Saint Mary's University, Halifax

7.0(Based on 5 User Reviews)Nova Scotia, Canada88%Acceptance Rate
MS Computing and Data Analytics
Course duration:
16 months
Exams Accepted:
IELTS6.5PTE58
Programs
Tuition:  
(CA$42,000/Yr)$30.2K/Yr
Living
(CA$11,615/Yr)$8.4K/Yr
Check Admission Requirements
#290/392 Collegedunia Study Abroad Ranking 2026(Computer Science)

University of Windsor, Windsor

8.5(Based on 23 User Reviews)Ontario, Canada30%Acceptance Rate
MS Computer Science
Course duration:
2 years
Exams Accepted:
Duolingo120TOEFL4.5PTE65
Programs
Tuition:  
(CA$26,355/Yr)$19K/Yr
Living
(CA$8,458/Yr)$6.1K/Yr
Check Admission Requirements