Computer Science Scholarships in Canada 2024-2025

Canada stands as a prime choice for international students seeking exceptional education and advanced research prospects, particularly in fields such as Computer Science, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and related areas. Canadian universities present a wide array of scholarship opportunities to assist students in pursuing their studies, ranging from comprehensive coverage of tuition and living expenses to smaller, one-time grants designed to alleviate financial challenges.

This guide will provide an overview of the top Canadian universities offering scholarships for Computer Science in 2024-2025, encompassing information on expenses, prerequisites, relevant courses, and distinctions between Student Direct Stream (SDS) and non-SDS visa requirements.

1. University of Toronto

City: Toronto

Scholarship: Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship
Details: Covers tuition, books, incidental fees, and full residence support for four years.
Requirements: Awarded to international students based on academic excellence, leadership potential, and creativity. Applicants must be nominated by their high school.
Courses:

• BSc in Computer Science
• MSc in Computer Science
• MSc in Applied Computing
• PhD in Computer Science

SDS/Non-SDS:

• SDS: Open to students from countries like India, China, and Vietnam. Requires GIC (Guaranteed Investment Certificate), IELTS scores of 6.0+ in all bands, and upfront payment of tuition.
• Non-SDS: Available to students outside the SDS program. Requires proof of sufficient funds, and IELTS or other language test scores.
  
  

2. University of British Columbia (UBC)

City: Vancouver

Scholarship: International Major Entrance Scholarship (IMES)
Details: Provides up to $40,000 CAD, divided over four years.
Requirements: Available to international students entering undergraduate programs. Awarded based on academic merit.
Courses:

• BSc in Computer Science
• BSc in Data Science
• MSc in Computer Science
• PhD in Computer Science

SDS/Non-SDS:

• SDS: Requires proof of GIC, IELTS 6.0+ in all bands, and upfront tuition fee payment.
• Non-SDS: Requires standard proof of funds and language test scores.
  
  

3. McGill University

City: Montreal

Scholarship: McGill Entrance Scholarships
Details: Offers one-time entrance scholarships ranging from $3,000 to $10,000 CAD and renewable scholarships of up to $12,000 per year.
Requirements: Open to international students based on outstanding academic achievement. Separate scholarship applications required for some awards.
Courses:

• BSc in Computer Science
• MSc in Computer Science
• MSc in Data Science
• PhD in Computer Science

SDS/Non-SDS:

• SDS: Open to countries under SDS with the requirement of IELTS 6.0+ in each band and GIC.
• Non-SDS: Requires proof of funds and adequate language scores for students outside SDS countries.
  
  

4. University of Waterloo

City: Waterloo

Scholarship: President’s Scholarship of Distinction
Details: Provides $2,000 CAD entrance award and potential research awards of up to $1,500.
Requirements: Awarded to international students with an admission average of 95% or above.
Courses:

• BSc in Computer Science
• MSc in Data Science
• MSc in Computer Science
• PhD in Computer Science

SDS/Non-SDS:

• SDS: Requires upfront tuition payment, GIC, and IELTS 6.0+ in each band.
• Non-SDS: Offers flexible proof of funds and language proficiency options for students outside SDS.
  
  

5. University of Alberta

City: Edmonton

Scholarship: International Entrance Leadership Scholarship
Details: Offers up to $5,000 CAD per year for four years.
Requirements: Awarded to international undergraduate students demonstrating leadership qualities and academic excellence.
Courses:

• BSc in Computer Science
• BSc in Data Science
• MSc in Computer Science
• PhD in Computer Science

SDS/Non-SDS:

• SDS: Requires GIC, IELTS 6.0+, and proof of upfront tuition fee payment.
• Non-SDS: Requires regular proof of funds and academic documents.
  
  

6. University of Calgary

City: Calgary

Scholarship: International Entrance Scholarship
Details: Offers $20,000 CAD, renewable annually based on academic standing.
Requirements: Awarded to first-year international undergraduate students who have achieved at least a 3.2 GPA.
Courses:

• BSc in Computer Science
• MSc in Computer Science
• MSc in Data Science and Analytics
• PhD in Computer Science

SDS/Non-SDS

• SDS: Requires GIC, IELTS 6.0+, and upfront tuition payment.
• Non-SDS: Open to students outside SDS with alternative proof of funds and documents.
  
  

7. Simon Fraser University

City: Burnaby

Scholarship: Major Entrance Scholarships
Details: Offers up to $140,000 for International students, renewable based on academic performance.
Requirements: Open to international students based on exceptional academic achievement.
Courses:

• BSc in Computer Science
• MSc in Computer Science
• MSc in Data Science
• PhD in Computing Science

SDS/Non-SDS:

• SDS: Requires IELTS 6.0+, GIC, and proof of upfront tuition payment.
• Non-SDS: Available to non-SDS countries, requiring different proof of funds.
  
  

8. University of Ottawa

City: Ottawa

Scholarship: President’s Scholarship
Details: Offers $7,500 CAD per year, renewable for four years.
Requirements: Open to international students with an admission average of at least 92%. Separate application needed.
Courses:

• BSc in Computer Science
• MSc in Computer Science
• PhD in Computer Science

SDS/Non-SDS:

• SDS: Requires IELTS 6.0+, GIC, and proof of funds.
• Non-SDS: Open to all international students with standard proof of funds.
  
  

9. University of Victoria

City: Victoria

Scholarship: International Undergraduate Scholarships
Details: Offers up to $10,000 CAD in tuition fee reductions for international students.
Requirements: Awarded to students with strong academic performance and leadership skills.
Courses:

• BSc in Computer Science
• MSc in Computer Science
• MSc in Data Science
• PhD in Computer Science

SDS/Non-SDS:

• SDS: Requires GIC, IELTS 6.0+, and tuition fee payment.
• Non-SDS: Requires proof of funds for non-SDS applicants.
  
  

10. York University

City: Toronto

Scholarship: Global Leader of Tomorrow Award
Details: Offers up to $20,000 CAD per year, renewable for three years.
Requirements: Awarded to international students demonstrating outstanding academic achievement and leadership qualities.
Courses:

• BSc in Computer Science
• BSc in Data Science
• MSc in Computer Science
• PhD in Computer Science

SDS/Non-SDS:

• SDS: Requires GIC, IELTS 6.0+, and upfront tuition fee.
• Non-SDS: Open to non-SDS countries with regular proof of funds.

Studying abroad can become more affordable with the help of scholarships, enabling you to concentrate on your academic pursuits and professional growth. Canadian universities provide a range of options specifically designed for international students, including fully-funded scholarships covering tuition and living expenses, as well as entrance awards to assist with initial expenses.

By selecting the appropriate university and scholarship program, you can open up numerous possibilities in Computer Science, Data Science, AI, and related fields.

It is crucial to understand that scholarships and their eligibility requirements may be subject to change. Be certain that you are pursuing the most appropriate scholarship that aligns with your requirements, and carefully review the scholarship criteria before making any assumptions.

This will guarantee that you are well-prepared and qualified to receive the optimal financial assistance as you commence your academic pursuit in Canada.