Carleton University master of computer science: Fees, Deadlines and Entry Requirements

Carleton Master of Computer Science Fees, Requirement, Application, Deadline 2026.

Ottawa, OntarioLocation
UniversitySchool type
Estd1942established year
30416enrollment
Public
Partner [10 Courses]
7.0/10

Master of Computer Science [MCS]

2 years
Full Time
Co Op & On Campus

Field of Study

Ranked #251 out of 722 by QS Global Ranking 2024

$19,182 /Yr

CA$26,641 /Yr
177 Students Applied
15 Students Admitted
Chetna Sharma's profile photo

Chetna Sharma

Study Abroad Content Writer | Updated on - Jun 12, 2026

Carleton University Master of Computer Science (MCS) is a 2-year research-focused master’s program at the School of Computer Science, jointly offered with the University of Ottawa through the Ottawa-Carleton Institute for Computer Science (OCICS). The programme is designed for international students with a bachelor’s degree in computer science or equivalent. Full-time on-campus study in Ottawa, Ontario.

  • Total tuition:   for the two-year duration.
  • Intakes: Fall 2027 (primary), with application deadlines in January.
  • Mode: Full-time, on-campus only.

The MCS trains graduates for leadership roles in software development, research, and technology innovation across Canada and globally. The program is distinctive for its flexible three-pathway structure (coursework-only, project-based, or thesis-based), co-op partnerships with Ottawa-Gatineau tech companies (Apple, Cisco, Shopify, Mitel), and access to 50+ graduate courses across multiple research areas. The ideal applicant is an Indian student with strong computer science fundamentals, at least 12 half-credits in CS, including advanced courses, and either immediate research ambitions or solid industry experience seeking a master’s credential for advancement.

  • Joint programme with the University of Ottawa — expanded resources, faculty, and research opportunities across two institutions.
  • Flexible pathways: complete a 100% coursework track, pursue a thesis, or submit a research project — no supervisor mandatory for coursework-only route.

All INR conversions in the article use a CAD 1 = INR 68.09 exchange rate as of June 2026. 

Current Admission Status: 

Applications for the Fall 2027 intake are Not Yet Open – international student deadline: January 20, 2027 (expected, based on prior cycle).

The January 2027 deadline allows Indian applicants approximately 7-8 months to prepare transcripts, secure reference letters, arrange English proficiency test results (IELTS/TOEFL), and submit the online application. WES credential evaluation takes 5-10 business days if needed. 

Also Check: Carleton University Admission Requirements

Carleton University MCS Fees 2026–2027

The MCS programme charges international tuition on a research-based fee structure. The following table reflects the most recently published rates for the academic year 2025–2026.

Fee Component Per Year (CAD) Per Year (INR) 2-Year Total (CAD) 2-Year Total (INR)
Tuition (International MCS) CAD 26,641.26 INR 18.2 Lakhs CAD 53,282.52 INR 36.5 Lakhs
Ancillary Fees (health, transit, services) CAD 2,468.79 INR 1.69 Lakhs  CAD 4,937.79  INR 3.38 Lakhs
Total Annual Cost (without living) CAD 29,110.05 INR 19.98 Lakhs CAD 58,220.10 INR 39.97 Lakhs

Check out: Cost of Living at Carleton University 

Carleton University MCS Admission Deadline 2027

Admission to the MCS programme is competitive. Carleton seeks applicants with strong academic credentials and demonstrated interest in computer science research or industry-applied computing.

Application Intakes & Deadlines

Intake Application Window Typical Deadline Expected Decision Timeline
Fall 2027 September 2026 – January 2027 January 20, 2027 4–6 weeks after application

Check Out: Cost of Living in Canada for International Students


Academic Eligibility
Requirement Minimum Standard Notes for Indian Applicants
Bachelor’s Degree Honours or equivalent in Computer Science or a closely related field WES (World Education Services) evaluation required; expect 5–10 business days processing.
CS Course Prerequisites 12 half-credits (6 full courses) in CS, including at least 2 at an advanced (4000-level or equivalent) tier; 7 half-credits in mathematics or theoretical CS Admissions team reviews course-by-course transcripts; supplementary documentation (syllabi, transcripts in English) is advised if institution is non-English-speaking.
Overall GPA B− or higher (65–70% range) across the entire degree Calculated from the official transcript after the WES evaluation.
Major GPA B+ or higher (75%+) in computer science courses Critical factor: weak CS marks are rarely offset by strong non-CS grades.
Work Experience None required; 2+ years in industry valued. 10+ years qualifies for exceptions on academic thresholds Internships, software development projects, or full-time employment listed on a CV strengthen applications.

Read More: Scholarships in Canada for International Students

English Language Proficiency (ELP)

All international applicants from non-English-speaking countries must demonstrate English language proficiency through one of the following standardized tests. Carleton evaluates both overall scores and component-level bands, as weak sub-skills (e.g., speaking alone) can flag language support needs.

Test Overall Minimum
IELTS (Academic) 6.5
TOEFL iBT 4.5 
PTE Academic 60
Duolingo English Test (DET) 125

Application tip: Highlight any relevant projects, publications, or open-source contributions in your CV. The MCS admissions team values demonstrated passion for CS topics, not just grades.

Also Check: 

Carleton University MCS Scholarships 2027

Carleton offers limited merit-based admission scholarships and multiple assistantship opportunities for international MCS students. Most funding comes through Teaching Assistantships and Research Assistantships, which partially or fully offset tuition.

Funding Type Amount (CAD) Amount (INR) Notes
Admissions Funding
(merit-based, limited)
CAD 2,000–8,000 INR 1.36–5.45 Lakhs Outstanding applicants only; awarded at time of admission.
Teaching Assistantship (TA) CAD 8,000–10,000 per year INR 5.45–6.81 Lakhs per year 8–10 hours/week during term; most MCS students eligible in Year 2.
Research Assistantship (RA) CAD 5,000–12,000 per year INR 3.40–8.17 Lakhs per year Negotiated with faculty supervisor; depends on supervisor’s research grants. Typically 10–20 hours/week during term and/or summer.
External: Vector Scholarship in AI CAD 17,500 INR 11.92 Lakhs Ontario residents/students in Canada only; not open to international students.

Source: Carleton University Graduate Financial Assistance Office

Scholarship reality: Secure a strong RA commitment during your interview with prospective supervisors; this is far more reliable than waiting for merit scholarship announcements.

Carleton University MCS Salary 2027

MCS graduates enter competitive technology markets across Canada and internationally. Employment placement occurs within 3–6 months of graduation, with most graduates securing roles in software development, research, or specialized technical leadership.

Role Category Typical Entry Salary (CAD) Typical Entry Salary (INR) Mid-Career Salary (CAD) (5–7 years) Mid-Career Salary (INR) (5–7 years)
Software Developer / Engineer CAD 85,000–95,000 INR 57.87–64.68 Lakhs CAD 115,000–135,000 INR 78.30–91.92 Lakhs
Data Engineer / ML Engineer CAD 95,000–110,000 INR 64.68–74.90 Lakhs CAD 125,000–150,000 INR 85.11–102.14 Lakhs
Research Scientist / Postdoc CAD 45,000–65,000 INR 30.64–44.26 Lakhs CAD 65,000–90,000 INR 44.26–61.28 Lakhs
Security / Robotics Specialist CAD 80,000–100,000 INR 54.47–68.09 Lakhs CAD 110,000–140,000 INR 74.90–95.33 Lakhs

Source: Carleton graduate outcomes data (2024–2025 cohort) and Ottawa-region tech salary benchmarks

ROI reality: Total 2-year programme cost (including living) of INR 57–65 Lakhs is typically recovered within 7–9 months of employment at entry-level salaries, positioning the MCS as a strong return-on-investment credential for Indian applicants seeking technology careers in North America.

Read More: Canada Student Visa Requirements and Process

Visa reality: A 2-year MCS degree + 3-year PGWP = 5 years of Canadian residency and employment history, making Canadian permanent residency highly achievable and affordable compared to alternative skilled-worker pathways in the UK, US, or Australia.

Carleton University MCS Ranking 2027

Carleton University as a whole is ranked #781-790 globally by QS. The School of Computer Science does not hold a separate QS or THE subject ranking.

The MCS programme specifically is part of the Ottawa-Carleton Institute for Computer Science (OCICS), a joint research initiative with the University of Ottawa. This partnership has produced consistently strong research metrics and graduate placements, positioning it as a mid-tier but respected Canadian master’s programme in a vibrant regional tech hub.

Explore more: Subject Rankings of Carleton University 

FAQs

Ques. Is the Carleton MCS programme open to international students with a non-Canadian bachelor’s degree?

Ans. Yes. International applicants must hold an honours bachelor’s degree in computer science or equivalent from a non-Canadian institution. The degree must include at least 12 half-credits (6 full courses) in computer science, with at least 2 at advanced level, and 7 half-credits in mathematics or theoretical computer science. A WES (World Education Services) credential evaluation is required (5–10 business days processing, USD 280 fee).

Ques. Do I need a GMAT or GRE score for Carleton MCS admission?

Ans. No. GMAT and GRE are not required for the MCS programme. Admission decisions are based on academic credentials (bachelor’s GPA, CS course marks), English language proficiency test results (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, or Duolingo), reference letters, and a statement of intent. The admissions team does not factor standardised test scores into the evaluation.

Ques. Can I apply to the Carleton MCS programme without a computer science bachelor’s degree?

Ans. Not directly. You must hold an honours bachelor’s degree with at least 12 half-credits in CS (6 full courses, including 2 at 4000-level equivalent) and 7 half-credits in mathematics or theoretical CS. If your degree lacks these credits, Carleton may allow you to complete qualifying undergraduate courses before admission, which delays your MCS start date by 1–2 semesters. Contact the Graduate Admissions Office to discuss your transcript.

Ques. What is the co-op option, and does it extend my programme duration?

Ans. Yes, Carleton offers a co-op pathway for MCS students. This involves two consecutive 4-month work terms (typically in summer and following winter/spring) interspersed with coursework. Co-op students complete the same thesis/project/coursework pathways as non-co-op students, but the total programme duration extends to 2.5–2.75 years. Co-op is optional and requires approval from the programme director. Participants gain paid industry work experience and often convert internships into post-graduation employment offers.

Ques. After finishing my MCS, how do I transition from the PGWP to Canadian permanent residency?

Ans. Upon graduation, you receive a 3-year Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). After securing full-time employment in an NOC level O, A, or B role and accumulating at least 1 year (1,560 hours) of Canadian work experience, you can apply for permanent residency via the Express Entry system (Canadian Experience Class stream). Processing time is typically 6 months. Your PGWP validity (3 years) provides ample time to meet these thresholds. No separate employer sponsorship is required if you meet the points threshold.


Tuition Fees

Year1st Year Fees
Tuition Fees$19182 (CAD 26641)

Other Expenses

HeadAvg Cost Per Year
Room(On Campus)$9889 (CAD 13735)
Room(Off Campus)$15638 (CAD 21720)

Previous Year Tuition Fees

Year1st Year Fees
2024$15190 (CAD 21097)
2023$9409 (CAD 13068)
2022$15390 (CAD 21375)
2021$9409 (CAD 13068)

Important Dates

EventApplication Date
Application Deadline For Fall 2026 Intake Jan 15, 2026

Scores Required

4.5 / 6

Avg. Score in

TOEFL

6.5 / 9

Avg. Score in

IELTS

60 / 90

Avg. Score in

PTE

3.0 / 4

Minimum gpa

GPA

120

Application Fees


Ranking

202620252024202320222021

Collegedunia Study Abroad logo

QS World University logo
Computer Science 351 out of 850 in Global Ranking
( #10 out of 24 in Canada 2026)

Do you think the Rankings are wrong ?  Report Here

TOP Scholarships

Scholarship nameAward amountEligibility
Merit Scholarship$1,000 – $12,000 per yearMerit Based

Programs Comparison

application--
exam scoresIELTS - 6.5/9PTE - 60/90TOEFL - 4.5/6Duolingo - 110/160IELTS - 6.5/9PTE - 58/90TOEFL - 88/120
cost to studyTotal Cost (Tuition + Living) -USD 23423.76Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -USD 16154.64
application datesJan 15, 2026 (Application Deadline For Fall 2026 Intake)
Jan 15, 2026 (Application Deadline For September 2026 Intake)
ranking# 171 for Computer Science by Collegedunia.com 2026
# 351 for Computer Science by QS World University 2026
# 301 for Computer Science by Times Higher Education 2025
-
-Read Full Comparison



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