As the saying goes, “AI won’t replace you, but someone who knows how to use AI will.” With industries undergoing change at breakneck speed, computer science graduates are finding themselves uniquely positioned to lead the change, revolutionizing how we work across industries, from tech, to healthcare, to manufacturing, and construction. After all, CourseCompare’s Return on Education Index found that a computer science degree delivers among the best short-term returns.
Computer science is one of Canada’s most competitive and rewarding fields of study; top programs across the country prepare talent for careers specializing in software development, data science, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and beyond. Canada’s universities have become popular hiring grounds for international recruiters seeking top comp sci talent fresh out of school.
The best computer science programs offer deep engagement with research, access to cutting-edge labs, and extensive co-op opportunities. Many of the faculties listed here are globally ranked for their work in AI, machine learning, and emerging technologies, and their graduates are highly sought after across the public and private sectors. In addition to considering concrete outcomes including job placement rates, average co-op hourly rates and post-grad salaries, and student and employer ratings, the schools have been evaluated based on their industry ties and specialized niches.
This ranking highlights the best computer science universities in Canada for 2025, from globally recognized research powerhouses to regional leaders with strong co-op and applied learning options. Together, these programs represent the top pathways into one of the country’s most in-demand industries.
You may also like: best online computer science degree programs.
CourseCompare’s annual school rankings are determined using a process that considers several core metrics and principles. Read more about our methodology here.
University of Waterloo
Founded in 1957, the University of Waterloo has built its reputation on pairing academic study with real-world experience. Its David R. Cheriton School of Computer Science is one of the largest in Canada and a global leader in research areas such as cryptography, artificial intelligence, and human–computer interaction. With an employment rate of an impressive 96.1 percent six months after graduation as of 2021, Waterloo Comp Sci grads are some of the most highly sought after by employers in Silicon Valley and beyond.
The Bachelor of Computer Science provides a comprehensive foundation in programming, software engineering, algorithms, and data science, while also allowing students to explore areas such as machine learning, cybersecurity, and bioinformatics. The program’s defining feature is co-operative education: students alternate between study and paid work terms, completing up to six placements that amount to nearly two years of full-time industry experience by graduation.
What Students Are Saying
Chris Ward, Introduction to Java Programming“Waterloo's co-op programs for CS (Computer Science) students is the best in Canada and one of the best in the world. The students are very smart and motivated. Work is part of the learning experience, with rotating semesters in class vs. on the job. I'm in my third year but can already see people in my year and the year ahead of me getting job offers from Microsoft, Google, Meta, etc. -- the big names -- in Canada and in the U.S. I can't speak for other co-ops, but you can't find better than the CS opportunities here IMO. ”
What Sets University of Waterloo’s Program Apart
Waterloo’s co-op system is the largest of its kind in the world and a cornerstone of the program. Though it’s the program with the highest tuition on this list, students go from earning an average hourly rate of $21.65 to $33.64 over the course of the program, gaining hands-on experience with companies like Google, Microsoft, and Shopify, and graduating with resumes that already include high-level roles. The university’s entrepreneurial culture, anchored by the Velocity incubator, has also made Waterloo a launchpad for tech startups. For students seeking a career-focused Computer Science education with direct industry pathways, Waterloo is unmatched in Canada, securing its place at the top of this ranking.
Locations
Waterloo, Ontario
University of Toronto
Founded in 1827, the University of Toronto is Canada’s largest and most prestigious university, with three campuses across Toronto and Mississauga. U of T’s computer science story stretches back to the 1940s, when researchers at the university helped pioneer early computing in Canada. Today, they’re consistently ranked among the top globally for research in artificial intelligence, systems, theory, and human–computer interaction.
Undergraduates in the Bachelor of Computer Science program start with a rigorous foundation in programming, algorithms, and data structures before branching into specializations such as machine learning, computational biology, and computer vision. Options include both BSc and BA pathways, plus combined majors that pair computing with fields like math or cognitive science. In 2020, 94.8 per cent of U of T computer science students were employed within two years after graduating.
What Students Are Saying
Dylan MacKay, MSC in Applied Computing (MScAC)“The University of Toronto’s MSc in Applied Computing (MScAC) is a fantastic option if you’re serious about advancing your career in tech. The 16-month program is split between eight months of advanced coursework and an eight-month paid internship, giving you both academic and practical experience. You can focus on areas like AI, data science, or quantum computing, and the professors are some of the best in the field. While the minimum GPA requirement is 3.0, most successful applicants tend to have stronger grades to stay competitive. The program isn’t cheap, especially for international students, but the internship and the opportunities you’ll gain make it worth it. If you’re driven and ready to take on the challenge, this program will open doors to some incredible career paths. ”
What Sets U of T’s Program Apart
U of T’s computer science program benefits from sheer scale and depth. With more than 90 faculty members, it offers unmatched research opportunities at the undergraduate level. Students also benefit from proximity to the Vector Institute for Artificial Intelligence and Canada’s largest tech hub in downtown Toronto. Co-op and internship programs provide industry experience with employers across North America. U of T’s scale and research places it among the most globally recognized computer science programs in Canada.
Locations
Toronto, Ontario
University of British Columbia (UBC)
Computer science at UBC took shape in the late 1960s, just as the field itself was emerging. From those early years, the department has expanded into one of the largest in North America and a fixture on international rankings. Today, UBC is known as much for its research in visualization, AI, and systems as for the west coast setting that draws students from around the world. Its computer science graduates 2022-2024 reported a 93 percent student satisfaction rate and an 88 percent employment rate, with a median annual salary of $115,000.
Undergraduates can pursue either a BSc or BA in Computer Science or opt for one of UBC’s combined majors that link computing with biology, commerce, or cognitive systems. The program blends theoretical foundations (algorithms, programming, databases, and systems) with opportunities to specialize in areas like graphics, HCI, and artificial intelligence. A well-established co-op program connects students to paid placements in Vancouver’s growing tech economy and beyond.
What Students Are Saying
Anonymous, Master of Data Science“The master of data science at UBC was developed by the university's Computer Science and Statistics Departments to give students interested in data science a fast track to a great career. I'm just starting the degree, but so far I'm impressed by the students in my cohort, who are not only smart but passionate about applying what they learn to their careers and various research interests. I chose the program because of how practical I thought it would be compared to some other master's programs. The schedule so far is intense, with courses packed into two and four-week sessions that us cover topics in depth. I'll come back to leave a longer review after I graduate, but so far I'm very glad I chose this program. ”
What Sets UBC’s Program Apart
UBC offers an uncommon mix of scale, research intensity, and interdisciplinary choice, allowing students to pair computing with other fields in ways few universities allow. For those who want both a global research environment and practical career pathways, UBC delivers on both fronts. Unparalleled access to one of Canada’s fastest-growing tech hubs makes this university a top-ranking destination for students with their heart set on a career out west. Graduates go on to work at Amazon, Microsoft, Google, SAP, and EA, among other top tech companies.
Locations
Vancouver, British Columbia
McGill University
Since its founding in 1821, McGill has built an international reputation for academic excellence and research. The School of Computer Science, one of Canada’s oldest, has grown into a hub for foundational computing research and applied work in artificial intelligence, robotics, and software systems. Situated in the heart of Montreal, McGill offers students a direct connection to the city’s vibrant AI ecosystem. 90 percent of McGill graduates between 2018 and 2022 reported employment within six months of graduation.
The BSc in Computer Science introduces students to core areas such as algorithms, programming, and systems design, with opportunities to specialize in fields including AI, computer games, robotics, and software engineering. Students can also pursue joint programs in cognitive science, biology, or physics that highlight McGill’s interdisciplinary strengths.
What Sets McGill’s Program Apart
McGill offers the best of both worlds: a globally recognized research university and a location inside one of the world’s leading AI hubs anchored by Mila and home to major research groups from Meta, Google, Microsoft, and Samsung. This proximity connects undergraduates to one of the world’s most influential deep learning communities while giving them opportunities for co-op, internships, and research collaborations that few universities can match. Students may also apply for the Industry Practicum, a supervised full-time placement lasting four to eight months, which gives them industry experience for academic credit. The program’s range of combined majors, paired with access to Montreal’s thriving tech sector, makes it especially attractive to students who want to balance theoretical study with real-world application.
Locations
Montreal, Quebec
Université de Montréal
In Montreal, computer science is inseparable from the city’s global reputation in artificial intelligence, and Université de Montréal (UDEM) sits at the centre of it. The department’s history stretches back more than fifty years, but its profile skyrocketed with the creation of MILA, the Montreal Institute for Learning Algorithms, led by Yoshua Bengio and recognized as one of the world’s foremost AI research centres.
The Bachelor of Computer Science (baccalauréat en informatique) is delivered entirely in French and provides broad training in algorithms, data structures, operating systems, and software engineering. Students can branch into specializations such as machine learning, data science, and cybersecurity, while applied projects and research opportunities alongside three semesters of co-op connect them directly to Quebec’s thriving AI sector.
What Sets UDEM’s Program Apart
At the undergraduate level, Université de Montréal is a French-language program, a defining feature that makes it especially appealing for francophone students. It also offers unparalleled proximity to MILA, where world-leading research in deep learning continues to shape the global AI landscape. For students fluent in French who want both rigorous foundations and access to groundbreaking research, UDEM is one of the strongest choices in the country.
Locations
Montreal, Quebec
University of Alberta
Computer science at the University of Alberta has been a force since the department’s creation in 1964, one of the first in Canada. From those early years, the program built a reputation for pioneering research in artificial intelligence and machine learning, work that eventually gave rise to the Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute (Amii), a cornerstone of Canada’s national AI strategy.
Undergraduates in the BSc Computing Science program can choose from multiple pathways, including honours, majors, and combined degrees with mathematics, business, or science. Areas of focus include artificial intelligence, software practice, data science, and computer games, supported by strong ties to Edmonton’s growing research and innovation community.
What Sets U of A’s Program Apart
The University of Alberta is internationally known for leadership in reinforcement learning and machine intelligence. Through Amii, students gain access to cutting-edge research and connections that extend across Canada’s AI supercluster. Though there is no formal co-op program, students can participate in U of A’s Science Internship Program, which counts Google, ExxonMobil and the Government of Canada among its participating employers. For those looking to study computing in a setting that combines long-standing tradition with global impact, Alberta offers one of the strongest environments in the country.
Locations
Edmonton, Alberta
Carleton University
Carleton University was founded in 1942 to serve returning veterans, and its practical, career-focused approach has shaped its programs ever since. Located in Ottawa, Carleton’s School of Computer Science gives students direct access to Canada’s public sector, national research labs, and a growing cybersecurity industry.
The Bachelor of Computer Science begins with foundations in programming, data structures, and systems, then allows students to specialize in concentrations such as artificial intelligence, mobile computing, cybersecurity, computer games, and software engineering. A co-op stream provides paid industry experience with an average hourly pay rate of $25.43 as of 2024, while research labs on campus connect students to projects in AI, data science, and security.
Ontario’s Ministry of Colleges and Universities reported that Carleton’s computer science graduates of 2020 achieved an 88.7 percent employment rate within six months of graduation, and a 97.2 percent employment rate within two years.
What Sets Carleton’s Program Apart
Carleton combines a strong academic base with distinctive applied pathways, particularly in cybersecurity and mobile computing. Its Ottawa location opens doors to placements in federal government, tech companies, and national research centres, making it an ideal choice for students drawn to the intersection of computing, policy, and security.
Locations
Ottawa, Ontario
University of Ottawa
As Canada’s largest bilingual university, the University of Ottawa has built a reputation for programs that bridge cultures, languages, and disciplines. Its School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science places students at the intersection of theory and application, in a city that’s home to both federal government and a thriving tech sector.
The Honours BSc in Computer Science begins with a core in programming, systems, and algorithms, then branches into options such as data science, software engineering, and cybersecurity. The program is offered in English and French, with students free to study in either language or mix the two. Co-op opportunities are extensive, including placements with federal departments, private firms, and Ottawa’s growing AI and security companies. Students go from earning an average hourly rate of $22.12 to $27.71 over the course of the four work terms.
Ontario’s Ministry of Colleges and Universities reported that uOttawa’s computer science graduates of 2020 achieved a 75.9 percent employment rate within six months of graduation, and an 86.2 percent employment rate within two years.
What Sets Ottawa’s Program Apart
Ottawa is the only major bilingual CS program in Canada at this scale, giving students the flexibility to study in English, French, or both. uOttawa is also partnered with Kanata North Technology Park and Hub350, Canada’s largest tech park and a hub for over 500 companies, giving students direct access to placements, research collaborations, and networking in a thriving innovation ecosystem.
This prime location in the nation’s capital and unmatched access to co-op and career opportunities in government, policy, and technology, provides a distinctive blend of technical training and national influence.
Locations
Ottawa, Ontario
Simon Fraser University
Located on Burnaby Mountain since 1965, Simon Fraser University quickly became known for doing things differently, and its School of Computing Science is no exception. SFU was an early adopter of co-op education in Canada, and that emphasis on applied learning continues to define the program today.
The BSc in Computing Science provides a foundation in algorithms, programming, and systems, while offering pathways into software engineering, artificial intelligence, data science, and interactive technologies. Students can also pursue combined majors that link computing to business, linguistics, or molecular biology. Co-op is built into the program, giving students the chance to rotate between study and paid placements across British Columbia, Canada, and internationally. Graduates of the program between 2022-2024 reported an 84 percent employment rate.
What Sets SFU’s Program Apart
SFU’s computing program thrives on flexibility and integration. The co-op model is one of the most established in the country, and its interdisciplinary majors allow students to connect computing to other fields in distinctive ways. With campuses in Burnaby, Surrey, and Vancouver, students are also well positioned to step directly into BC’s expanding tech sector.
Locations
Burnaby, Surrey, and Vancouver, British Columbia
McMaster University
McMaster University, founded in 1887 and based in Hamilton, is best known for its pioneering work in health sciences and engineering. That spirit of integration carries into its Department of Computing and Software, where computer science is taught with an applied, problem-solving focus.
The Bachelor of Applied Science (BASc) in Computer Science emphasizes both core foundations (algorithms, software development, and systems) and their applications in fields like artificial intelligence, data science, and health informatics. Students can pursue honours or combined degree options, with opportunities to engage in research or co-op placements across Hamilton’s growing innovation ecosystem. Of McMaster’s computer science graduates in 2020, 88.9 percent were employed within six months, and 100 percent were employed within two years.
What Sets McMaster’s Program Apart
McMaster stands out for the way it connects computing with other disciplines, particularly healthcare and engineering. Students gain access to interdisciplinary research opportunities that reflect real-world problems, while also benefiting from Hamilton’s emergence as a centre for health technology and applied innovation.
Locations
Hamilton, Ontario
Queen's University
Queen’s University, established in 1841 in Kingston, Ontario, has a long tradition of combining academic rigour and innovation with a close-knit campus culture. Its School of Computing, created in 1969, has grown into a nationally respected hub for both core computer science and interdisciplinary fields.
The Bachelor of Computing degree offers streams in Biomedical Computing, Cognitive Science, Game Development, and foundational Computer Science. Students begin with courses in programming, algorithms, and databases, then branch into areas that match their career goals. Research opportunities and a co-op program connect undergraduates to industry and lab placements across Ontario.
Ontario’s Ministry of Colleges and Universities reported that Queen’s computer science graduates of 2020 achieved an 85.3 percent employment rate within six months of graduation, and a 90.5 percent employment rate within two years.
What Sets Queen’s Program Apart
Queen’s is one of the few Canadian universities where students can specialize early in applied and interdisciplinary computing. Its Biomedical Computing and Cognitive Science streams stand out nationally, while the Game Development option reflects Kingston’s growing tech and creative industries.
Locations
Kingston, Ontario
University of Victoria
The University of Victoria, founded in 1963 on Vancouver Island, has built a reputation for research that punches above its size and a campus culture known for accessibility and support. Its Department of Computer Science reflects that character: midsized, student-focused, and recognized nationally for work in AI, graphics, and networks.
Students in the BSc Computer Science program begin with fundamentals in algorithms, programming, and systems, then can branch into honours, major, or combined degree pathways. UVic’s co-op program is deeply integrated, with students alternating study and paid placements across British Columbia, Canada, and beyond. Graduates of UVic’s computer science program between 2022-2024 reported an 86 percent employment rate, with a median salary of $70,000.
What Sets UVic’s Program Apart
UVic offers the close community of a smaller program while maintaining strong research output. Its setting on Vancouver Island gives students access to a growing west coast tech sector, while the co-op program ensures graduates leave with significant industry experience. For students who want strong academics in a supportive environment, UVic stands out.
Locations
Victoria, British Columbia
University of Calgary
The University of Calgary, a relatively young institution founded in 1966, has quickly established itself as a research-intensive school with a strong technology focus. Its Department of Computer Science has carved out strengths in software engineering, information security, and data visualization, supported by Calgary’s fast-growing tech sector.
Students in the BSc Computer Science program gain a grounding in algorithms, systems, and programming, with opportunities to specialize in areas such as information security, software engineering, and data science. Co-op placements and undergraduate research opportunities give students direct pathways into both industry and academic projects.
What Sets UCalgary’s Program Apart
UCalgary’s program combines solid academic foundations with a strong applied edge. Its proximity to Alberta’s innovation economy (particularly in energy, health tech, and data-driven startups) offers students unique opportunities for co-op and research. For those seeking a growing program in a city with a rising tech profile, UCalgary stands out.
Locations
Calgary, Alberta
York University
York University, founded in 1959, has grown into one of Canada’s largest universities and a key player in Toronto’s higher education landscape. Its Lassonde School of Engineering houses the Computer Science program, which blends academic depth with an emphasis on innovation and applied learning.
The BSc in Computer Science covers algorithms, programming, databases, systems, and artificial intelligence, while also offering courses in areas such as cybersecurity, big data, and human-computer interaction. Students can add a co-op component to gain paid industry experience, earning at an average hourly rate of $25.70, and they benefit from York’s strong ties to Toronto’s tech community.
Graduates of York’s computer science program in 2021 reported a 76.1 percent employment rate within six months, and an 83.5 percent employment rate within two years of graduation.
What Sets York’s Program Apart
York offers the resources of a large university paired with the energy of Canada’s biggest tech hub. The program’s emphasis on applied projects and entrepreneurship makes it especially appealing to students who want to connect their studies to real-world opportunities in Toronto’s start-up and corporate sectors.
Locations
Toronto, Ontario
Dalhousie University
Founded in 1818 in Halifax, Dalhousie is one of Canada’s oldest universities and the leading research institution in Atlantic Canada. Established in 1997, its Faculty of Computer Science was the first stand-alone computer science faculty in the country, reflecting Dal’s early recognition of the field’s importance.
The Bachelor of Computer Science provides students with solid foundations in programming, algorithms, and systems, while offering pathways into areas such as data analytics, cybersecurity, and software engineering. Applied Computer Science is also available as a distinct option, emphasizing practical skills and user-focused design. Both streams integrate co-op opportunities across Atlantic Canada’s growing tech sector, with graduates reporting an average salary of $70,000.
What Sets Dalhousie’s Program Apart
Dalhousie anchors computer science education in Atlantic Canada. Its status as the country’s first independent computer science faculty signals its long-term commitment to the field, and its strengths in health informatics and applied computing connect directly to Halifax’s expanding research and innovation economy.
Locations
Halifax, Nova Scotia
Editorial Team