M.S Computer Science

The MSc program is designed to deepen students’ knowledge of computer science and to introduce them to conducting independent, original research in the field under the guidance of a faculty member.

Program Overview

Program requirements:

• Four graduate courses in computer science. These courses must satisfy breadth in three of the four methodologies to ensure MSc graduates have a breadth of skills in research and problem-solving.
• One major research paper that demonstrates one’s ability to carry out independent work within existing concepts while concurrently developing new approaches to problems in a research area. The standard for this paper is that it could reasonably be submitted for peer-reviewed publication.

Program Length: 4 academic sessions full-time (typical registration sequence: Fall/ Winter/ Summer/ Fall)
Guaranteed Funding Period: 17 months

Research Areas

Faculty members of the Department of Computer Science offer supervision in a wide range of topics in computer science.

Visit our research interests page for more information.

Supervisor

All MSc students are assigned a supervisor or research group based on the research interests indicated in their application. Supervisors advise on course and research topic selection and provide continuing help during the student’s research.

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Admission Requirements

• Completion of an appropriate undergraduate degree in computer science or a related discipline, such as engineering, mathematics, or statistics.
• A standing that is equivalent to at least B+ (U of T 77–79% or 3.3/4.0) in the final year of study.
• English-language proficiency according to University requirements.

Applications are evaluated in their totality: grades, statement of purpose, letters of reference, and any supplementary information submitted are all taken into account.
Admission decisions are made in the context of all other applications in the same admission cycle. For this reason, the graduate office and individual faculty cannot respond to requests for evaluation of applications in isolation. Admission to our graduate programs is very competitive and meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee admission: only 5–10% of applicants receive an offer of admission.

Non-Canadian Degree Equivalencies

For information on degree equivalencies, please use the School of Graduate Studies’ International Credentials Equivalencies Tool.

We do not require a third-party credential evaluation assessment, such as WES.

Applicants without a prior degree in Computer Science

It is possible to gain admission to our graduate programs with an undergraduate degree in a field other than computer science. All successful applicants, however, must have a background in basic university-level mathematics and sufficient experience in computer science. Specifically, we look for:

• second-year courses in calculus, linear algebra, and probability;
• a third- or fourth-year course in algorithm design and analysis; and
• a third- or fourth-year course in computer systems, e.g., operating systems, database systems, computer architecture, or computer networks.

GRE Test Scores

Applicants who do not have a Canadian university degree are encouraged, but not required, to submit scores from the GRE General Test.

GRE institution code: 0982
U of T computer science code: 0402

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Founded in 1827, the University of Toronto is Canada’s top university with a long history of challenging the impossible and transforming society through the ingenuity and resolve of its faculty, students, alumni and supporters.

We are proud to be one of the world’s top research-intensive universities, bringing together top minds from every conceivable background and discipline to collaborate on the world’s most pressing challenges.

Our community is a catalyst for discovery, innovation and progress, creating knowledge and solutions that make a tangible difference around the globe. And we prepare our students for success through an outstanding global education rooted in excellence, inclusion and close-knit learning communities.

The ideas, innovations and contributions of more than 680,000 graduates advance U of T’s impact on communities across the globe.

Together, we continue to defy gravity by taking on what might seem unattainable today and generating the ideas and talent needed to build a more equitable, sustainable and prosperous future.

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Tuition Fees

International Students — MSc

2023–2024 Academic Year
$31,659.96 CAD
Includes incidental and ancillary fees

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Awards

• All accepted students are considered for entrance awards. Recipients will be notified in their offer of admission.
• Significant financial top-ups are offered to holders of certain fellowships and scholarships (CGS M, OGS, etc).

Internal Awards

The Department of Computer Science and the University of Toronto are proud to offer entrance awards to outstanding applicants. Prospective students do not need to apply for these awards as they will be nominated by the admissions committee; awards will be included in offer packages. These awards include:

• C. David Naylor University Fellowship
• Connaught International Scholarship
• Departmental Entrance Scholarship
• Faculty of Arts & Science Top (FAST) Doctoral Fellowship
• Master’s Student Recruitment Award
• Wolfond Scholarship Program in Wireless Information Technology

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Program Information

What is the difference between the MSc and MScAC programs?

The MSc and MScAC programs have a similar structure: students in both programs must pass four graduate half-courses as part of the degree.

The programs differ in the following ways: MScAC students must complete an additional two half-courses in Communication for Computer Scientists and Entrepreneurship, and an eight-month internship. MSc students must carry out research culminating in a major research paper.

If you wish to produce original research, you should consider applying to the Master of Science (MSc) or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program. MSc students are more likely to pursue a PhD and a career in academia or corporate research labs.

If you wish to apply current research in real-world situations, you should consider applying to the Master of Science in Applied Computing (MScAC) program. Most MScAC students plan to work in an applied research role within industry after they graduate; however, the MScAC program requirements are rigorous enough that graduates of the program can also pursue PhD studies.

What kind of remote learning options are offered?

Yes, it is possible to take additional time to complete the program. However, funding is guaranteed only while you are within the funding period. Students also must remain in good academic standing in the program as outlined in the department’s graduate handbook and as governed by the School of Graduate Studies’ regulations.

If I complete the MSc in Computer Science at U of T, can I also do a PhD in Computer Science at U of T?

Yes. Students who successfully complete the MSc, including meeting the usual admission requirements for the PhD, and who have their supervisor’s support (along with grad chair approval), will normally transition into the PhD program after 17 months. Students who will be finishing their MSc in the department will be contacted by the graduate office about the specific application process for the completion of the MSc and the transition to the PhD. Students who successfully complete the MSc but who do not wish to enter the PhD program will convocate with the MSc.

How much does it cost to study at U of T?

Your university fees consist of tuition, incidental and ancillary fees, and are based on several factors. In addition, you’ll want to consider other costs such as books, supplies, residence, transportation, food and other expenses.

How do I apply for Financial Aid?

If you are a Canadian citizen, permanent resident or protected person, there are many sources of financial aid available to help you cover the costs of your University of Toronto education – from OSAP and other government aid, to assistance provided by the University. Explore your options.

If you are an international applicant, you should find out about your home country’s financial aid programs to see if you qualify for assistance. The University of Toronto is a publicly-funded institution and because of that cannot offer financial aid to international students.

I’m an international applicant, can I receive financial assistance from U of T?

The University of Toronto is a publicly-funded institution and because of that cannot offer financial aid to international students. If you are an international applicant, you should find out about your home country’s financial aid programs to see if you qualify for assistance.

How do I apply for OSAP?

Apply online at https://www.ontario.ca/osap

Submit your OSAP application, then print and sign the consents and declaration pages – and any other required supporting documentation – and upload to your account on the OSAP website.

Follow the instructions provided to complete your online Master Student Financial Assistance Agreement (MSFAA) with the National Student Loan Service Centre.

If you are a returning applicant you may not need to submit any documentation.

Find more details on our OSAP FAQ list.

How do I apply for Scholarships?

Eligible high school students are automatically considered for a variety of admission scholarships when they apply to the University. There are also admissions scholarships that require a separate application, and others that require you to complete an awards profile.

Note, however, that the value of scholarships is rarely sufficient to cover all costs the student will incur while attending University of Toronto.

How do I contact the Office of University Admissions and Outreach?

Telephone & In-Person Inquiries
We are available for telephone and in-person inquiries.

Email Inquiries
Connect with us by email for:

• Admissions: apply.adm.utoronto.ca/register/questions
• Ask a Student: apply.adm.utoronto.ca/register/askastudent

Contact Client Services for financial aid inquires including:

• OSAP (Ontario Student Assistant Program) full and part-time
• BSWD (Bursaries for Students with Disabilities)
• UTAPS (University of Toronto Advanced Planning for Students)
• Part-Time Financial
• OOP Funding for other provinces outside of Ontario
• US student aid – for United States citizens (US Federal Student Aid loan opportunities, private loans (non-government), Veteran Affairs certification requests for benefits & education tax credit

Your feedback is important to us. Please take a couple of minutes to let us know how we did by completing our University Admissions and Outreach Satisfaction Survey.

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