M.Sc. in Computer Science

Applicants must meet the minimum admission requirements of both the University and the School of Computer Science (SoCS). For admission to the MSc in Computer Science program, entrants require the following:

1. Four-year honors degree in computer science: Admission to the MSc in Computer Science requires a four-year honours degree in computer science, or a four-year honours degree in another discipline with a minor in computer science. Entrants who have a four-year honours degree in another discipline and a minor (or equivalent) in computer science must have taken a minimum of 10 computer science-related courses.
2. A minimum B average: Applicants are required to have a minimum average of 75% (or 'B') during the previous two years of full-time university study for an accredited university undergraduate degree. For information on international degree admission requirements, please see: International Credential Evaluation and select country. Admission average is calculated using the last 2 years of university-level study.
3. A faculty research advisor: Each MSc candidate will conduct thesis research by working closely with a chosen School of Computer Science (SoCS) faculty research advisor. We strongly encourage all applicants to get in touch with prospective Graduate Faculty Advisors BEFORE applying. Finding a SoCS research advisor is mandatory for admission into the MSc.CS program and is the responsibility of the applicant.
   
   You can review SoCS faculty Areas of Research to assist you in finding a suitable faculty advisor.
   
   We also recommend that applicants review Tips for Finding a Research Advisor to assist you in communicating effectively with SoCS faculty.
    
4. English proficiency test: An English proficiency test will be required for any applicant whose first language is not English.*

In addition to the Faculty of Graduate Studies Requirements, the School of Computer Science (SoCS) requires all of the documentation noted on the application page including:

• Academic Transcripts
• A current resume or CV
• Statement of Interest that lists specific computing science topics (3-5) that you wish to research and explains why these topics are of particular interest to you. This document will help us direct your application to the appropriate professor(s). Please refer to the SoCS faculty Areas of Research for specific topics. The Statement of Interest should be a maximum of one page in length.
• Two Academic References
• A test of English proficiency is required of all applicants whose first language is not English.*
  
  *Please note, the English test may not be more than two years old at the time of admission. The proof of English proficiency requirement may be waived in exceptional circumstances. For example, applicants may be eligible for an English Waiver who have conferred a degree in a country where English is the native language AND in an accredited university where English is the language of instruction (e.g. Canada, UK, USA, Australia, etc.). School of Computer Science Graduate Admissions Committee approval is required.
• The Declaration of Committement form is an additional document required for applicants of the One Health Collaborative Specialization ONLY
• The GRE is NOT required

• Available spaces in the MSc program fill quickly, so it is in your best interest to submit your application and all required supporting documentation early. Our application deadline dates for each semester of enrollment are as follows:*

  • Spring 2025:
    • International: November 1, 2024
    • Domestic: February 1, 2025
  • Fall 2025:
    • International: March 1, 2025
    • Domestic: June 1, 2025
  • Winter 2026:
    • International: August 1, 2025
    • Domestic: October 1, 2025
• *The application deadlines are for both Domestic and International applicants. We strongly encourage International applicants to apply a minimum of 9 months in advance of the semester's start date to ensure study permits can be processed in time for admission. Please see the Office of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies (OGPS) Recommendations for International Applicants for suggested application timeline.
• Please note: Application processing times may vary and take approximately two to three months for decision. Please also ensure that you have all required application documentation submitted by the specified deadline, or your application will be considered incomplete.

If you are applying to a thesis-based MSc or PhD graduate program in the School of Computer Science (SoCS), you will need to find a graduate faculty research advisor as securing an advisor to supervise your thesis research is required for admission.

Before contacting members of our graduate faculty, we strongly recommend visiting current available opportunities and reviewing the following tips (below) to optimize the success of your communications:

1. Be informed: Ensure you review the SoCS faculty Areas of Research of our graduate faculty before contacting them. Take some time to review their information, publications and the specifics of each faculty member's research.
    
2. Use concise, targeted communication: Graduate faculty advisors receive numerous emails from prospective graduate students on a daily basis. Therefore, as most faculty members have very limited time, you must communicate your information as clearly and concisely as possible. Use short paragraphs, keep the length of your email to a minimum, use a descriptive email title and be professional.
    
3. Stand out from the crowd: Highlight specific and clear reasons why you would be a good candidate for working with the chosen faculty member. Include information that will set you apart from other candidates such as notable achievements/scholarships, publications, similar research interests and/or related experience.
    
4. Communicate early: Start contacting faculty members at least 9-12 months in advance of the application deadlines. Finding an advisor can sometimes take months to establish.
    
5. Be patient: Our graduate faculty members are very busy, especially during the start and end of the semester. Therefore, it may take some faculty members days or even weeks to respond to your email. Follow up only after if it has been a few weeks with no response.
    
6. Reach out to multiple faculty: We recommend reaching out to multiple faculty members (not just one or two), as connecting with a larger number of potential faculty members may increase your chances of recruitment.