Computer Science — Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) (Thesis-based)
CanadaCourse at a Glance
- PhDDegree level
- 4 yearsDuration
- Main Campus, CanadaLocation
- Faculty of ScienceField of study
- EnglishLanguage of instruction
- Main CampusCampus
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)Awards
- $8,576Fees
- AvailableScholarship
About this programme
Cutting-edge companies such as Google and Apple have sought out graduates of the Computer Science program, which aims to give students the skills they need for careers ranging from private industry to academic positions at advanced research centres and universities. It helps students build skills and novel ideas for designing and implementing software, as well as find new ways to use computers, develop effective algorithms to solve computing problems, and plan and manage organizational technology infrastructure.
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As a program that usually takes about four years for an MSc graduate to complete, the degree requires course work, a single-authored scientific paper, and an oral candidacy exam, as well as submission and successful defense of a thesis.
Is this course right for you?
Our counsellors check your profile against this programme's entry criteria and tell you where you stand — before you pay anything.
What we look at
- Your subject background and grades
- Your English score, or how to get one
- Budget, including living costs
University & programme
Canada- Listed from the catalogueNot yet staff-verified — ask us to confirm the details.
- English requirementIELTS Overall 6.5
- Study modeThesis-based program
Admissions checklist
Entry requirements
GPA: A minimum of 3.3 GPA on a 4.0 point system, over the past two years of full-time study (a minimum of 10 full-course equivalents or 60 units) of the undergraduate degree. Post-degree CS courses may be considered when calculating GPA. Exceptions to GPA requirement may be considered for those with either: • demonstrated research excellence, or • GRE General scores of at least 600 verbal and 750 quantitative and either 720 analytical (old test format) or 5.5 (new test format) | Minimum education: A thesis-based MSc., or equivalent from a recognized institution. | Documents: • Curriculum Vitae • Statement of Purpose Curriculum Vitae and Statement of Purpose are required for Ph.D. Students. You can include with your official documents or you send them via email to the Graduate Science Centre (email: sci.grad@ucalgary.ca). Please include your name and ID# in the email. | Reference letters: Two reference letters from within the 12-month period prior to application. · English: IELTS 6.5 (no band below 6.0); TOEFL iBT 86; PTE Academic 59; Duolingo English Test 125 · English test waiver: The department or graduate program may waive the English proficiency-testing requirement in certain circumstances, such as the possession of a baccalaureate degree or its academic equivalent from a recognised institution in which the language of instruction is English. Applicants are told to contact the graduate program to which they plan to apply. Source: G.A.1 Graduate Qualifications, https://calendar.ucalgary.ca/pages/833465eb455d4f95aed3e67c017fcd04 · GRE/GMAT: Optional: Special consideration will be given to those with GRE scores of at least 600 verbal, 750 quantitative, and 720 analytical (5.5 in the new format). Applicants from outside Canada are expected to apply with GRE scores. · Application fee: CAD 145.00 for International Students (CAD 125.00 for Canadians or Permanent residents), paid when the online application is submitted. Source: Faculty of Graduate Studies Applying for grad studies, https://grad.ucalgary.ca/future-students/how-apply
The usual set for this level. Your counsellor confirms the exact list for this university.
- Academic transcripts
- English test score (IELTS/TOEFL)
- Passport copy
- Statement of purpose (optional)
- Recommendation letters (optional)
Cost & scholarships
- Tuition$8,576 CAD / year≈ $6,306 / year
- Living costsVary by city — see the destination guide.
- ScholarshipsFull-time students registered in a graduate degree program are eligible for awards and financial assistance, and select awards are available for prospective students; applicants are encouraged to apply for awards at the same time as they apply for admission. The University states that international students are eligible for award applications that do not specify Canadian residency. Government student loans are limited to Canadian citizens, permanent residents, protected persons and American citizens. SourceView scholarship page
Application timeline
Typical timings. Deadlines differ per university and intake.
- 1Prepare documents1–2 weeks
- 2Submit application1–3 weeks
- 3Receive offer letter2–6 weeks
- 4Apply for visa4–8 weeks
Application deadline: For admission on January 1 / • INTERNATIONAL: / • Final Application Deadline – July 1 (Final Documentation Submission Deadline – July 15) / • CANADIAN: / • Final Application Deadline – September 1 (Final Documentation Submission Deadline – October 1) / F…
Visa & support journey
- Offer letterFrom the university
- Visa guidanceExpert support
- Pre-departureAccommodation & travel
- Ongoing supportEven after you arrive
Student stories
Real students. Real results.
- Average rating
- 4.9
- Google reviews
- 360+
- Rated five stars
- 95%
Average rating
Google reviews
Rated five stars
“I would like to express my gratitude for the excellent assistance provided during my student visa process. The team was responsive, knowledgeable, and supportive at every stage, from document preparation to submission guidance. Their clear communication and professional approach made the process much easier and more efficient.”
1 / 8
Nihad K, 5 out of 5 stars
Every review below is a real Google review — see all of them
Frequently asked questions
How much does Computer Science — Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) (Thesis-based) cost?
CAD 8,576 / year.
What English score does it need?
IELTS 6.5 overall is the score listed for this programme.
How long is it?
4 years, as listed by the university.
What are the entry requirements?
GPA: A minimum of 3.3 GPA on a 4.0 point system, over the past two years of full-time study (a minimum of 10 full-course equivalents or 60 units) of the undergraduate degree. Post-degree CS courses may be considered when calculating GPA. Exceptions to GPA requirement may be considered for those with either: • demonstrated research excellence, or • GRE General scores of at least 600 verbal and 750 quantitative and either 720 analytical (old test format) or 5.5 (new test format) | Minimum education: A thesis-based MSc., or equivalent from a recognized institution. | Documents: • Curriculum Vitae • Statement of Purpose Curriculum Vitae and Statement of Purpose are required for Ph.D. Students. You can include with your official documents or you send them via email to the Graduate Science Centre (email: sci.grad@ucalgary.ca). Please include your name and ID# in the email. | Reference letters: Two reference letters from within the 12-month period prior to application. · English: IELTS 6.5 (no band below 6.0); TOEFL iBT 86; PTE Academic 59; Duolingo English Test 125 · English test waiver: The department or graduate program may waive the English proficiency-testing requirement in certain circumstances, such as the possession of a baccalaureate degree or its academic equivalent from a recognised institution in which the language of instruction is English. Applicants are told to contact the graduate program to which they plan to apply. Source: G.A.1 Graduate Qualifications, https://calendar.ucalgary.ca/pages/833465eb455d4f95aed3e67c017fcd04 · GRE/GMAT: Optional: Special consideration will be given to those with GRE scores of at least 600 verbal, 750 quantitative, and 720 analytical (5.5 in the new format). Applicants from outside Canada are expected to apply with GRE scores. · Application fee: CAD 145.00 for International Students (CAD 125.00 for Canadians or Permanent residents), paid when the online application is submitted. Source: Faculty of Graduate Studies Applying for grad studies, https://grad.ucalgary.ca/future-students/how-apply
Is there a scholarship?
Full-time students registered in a graduate degree program are eligible for awards and financial assistance, and select awards are available for prospective students; applicants are encouraged to apply for awards at the same time as they apply for admission. The University states that international students are eligible for award applications that do not specify Canadian residency. Government student loans are limited to Canadian citizens, permanent residents, protected persons and American citizens. Source View scholarship page
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