Master of Science 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-level study for an accredited undergraduate degree. For information on international degree admission requirements, please see: International Credential Evaluation and select country.

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.

   To find a faculty advisor, we recommend all applicants:

   A. Get in touch with prospective advisors directly, and review related SoCS faculty research areas. You are encouraged to connect to suitable prospective advisors by email.
   
   B. Review current grad opportunities and SoCS current research projects to determine which prospective faculty research advisors in SoCS are currently recruiting graduate students.
   
   C. Consider Tips for Finding a Research Advisor to assist you in communicating effectively with our SoCS faculty members.

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

• Application processing times may vary and take approximately two to three months for decision. As such, it is in your best interest to secure a faculty research advisor and submit your application (and all required supporting documentation) early. Our application deadline dates for each semester of enrolment are as follows:*

  • Winter 2027:
    • International: Closed
    • Domestic: October 1, 2026
  • Spring 2027:
    • International: November 1, 2026
    • Domestic: February 1, 2027
  • Fall 2027:
    • International: March 1, 2027
    • Domestic: June 1, 2027
      

  *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.

  Important: Please ensure that you have all required application documentation submitted by the specified admission 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.

The M.Sc. degree is a two-year program during which students complete five courses (continuous enrollment of up to 6 semesters), give a public seminar and complete and successfully defend a thesis. Heavy emphasis is placed on the thesis, which usually requires at least two semesters. Students should plan on spending at least four full-time semesters (16 months) in the program assuming adequate preparation for graduate work.

Guaranteed Funding

Normally, M.Sc. students are (at minimum) partially funded by the School of Computer Science. That is, a minimum funding stipend of $20,000 per year (maximum 2 years) is guaranteed to all international and domestic M.Sc. students who are able to secure a graduate faculty advisor and admission to the program. Funding is provided as a combination of Graduate Teaching Assistantships (GTAs) and Graduate Research Assistantships (GRA).

Incentives for student currently completing their undergraduate degrees at the University of Guelph

International Master's Tuition Scholarship (IMTS): International students currently completing their undergraduate degrees at the University of Guelph will be eligible for funding of $20,000 ($10,000/year for 2 years) for a thesis-based master’s program, or $6,000 for a course-based program. There is no application necessary, as International Students who meet the requirements are automatically eligible upon admission to the program.

Application Fee Waivers: International and domestic students currently completing their undergraduate degrees at the University of Guelph will be eligible reimbursement of their OUAC application fee if sent an offer of admission.

Scholarships

Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply for the following scholarships:

• Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC): Domestic students only; deadlines are normally in the fall
• Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS): Domestic and International students; deadlines are normally in early winter

For more information about types of funding and scholarships available, please visit SoCS Fees, Funding and Scholarships.

Visit Guelph Graduate Fees for the costs of graduate program tuition and fees at the University of Guelph. Please also review the cost of living information for domestic and international students to determine the approximate cost of living fees (as these are in addition to tuition).

Applicants also have the option to apply for a collaborative specialization in Artificial Intelligence or One Health.