Build the technology shaping the world — from AI and systems to software and security. A flagship computer-science degree at a world-top-40 university, with co-op internships and one of the clearest study-to-PR pathways in Canada.
4 years
Full-time duration
CA$51,000
Tuition / year (intl.)
Sep 2026
Next intake
IELTS 6.5
English requirement
Overview
✓ Study at a university ranked in the world top 40(QS 2026)
✓ Computer science graduates are in strong demand across Canada's tech sector
✓ Qualify for a 3-year PGWP and one of the most direct paths to PR
This degree takes you from the foundations of programming and algorithms to advanced work in AI, systems, databases and security. You'll build real software in teams, take on co-op internships, and graduate ready for the most competitive roles in tech.
UBC computer science graduates are recruited by leading tech firms in Vancouver, Toronto and the US. A 3-year PGWP plus Canada's tech-friendly immigration streams make it one of the clearest paths from study to permanent residency.
Missing a maths prerequisite? We offer pathway and transfer routes into top Canadian CS programs — your counsellor will map the right one.
What you'll study
Core courses
01 Data Structures & Algorithms
02 Computer Systems
03 Software Construction
04 Databases
05 AI & Machine Learning
06 Capstone Software Project
After you graduate
Career outcomes
CA$85,000
Median starting salary for software developers
3-year PGWP
Open work permit — pathway to PR
Top employers
Amazon, Microsoft, Shopify, SAP, EA
PR pathway
One of the fastest routes to permanent residency
How to apply
Application timeline
September – December 2025
Prepare your application
Gather transcripts (biology, chemistry, English), take IELTS/TOEFL, write your personal statement. Your counsellor reviews everything free of charge.
January 15, 2026
Submit via UBC portal
UBC's application deadline for international students is January 15. Computer Science is highly competitive — apply early and ensure your maths prerequisites are strong.
March – May 2026
Receive your offer
UBC releases decisions in spring. Your counsellor follows up and helps you compare offers if you applied to multiple programmes.
May – August 2026
Accept & study permit
Accept your offer, pay your deposit (CA$1,000), receive your LOA, apply for your Canadian study permit, provide biometrics, and arrange immunisations.
September 2026
Orientation & start
Arrive in Vancouver for orientation, meet your cohort, and begin your BSc Computer Science — with co-op internship options from second year.
Fees & funding
Tuition fees & costs
Tuition (international)
Per annum
CA$51,000
Total degree cost
4 years × CA$51,000
CA$204,000
Enrolment deposit
Required before LOA/visa
CA$1,000
Study permit fee
IRCC application
CA$150
Scholarships
Funding you may be eligible for
UBC International Major Entrance Scholarship
UBC · Merit-based
CA$10,000
Coverage: Annual tuition fee reduction
Eligibility: International undergrads with outstanding academics
Duration: Renewable for 4 years
Deadline: Automatic consideration on admission
Source: you.ubc.ca scholarships, 2026
UBC Outstanding International Student Award
UBC · Academic excellence
CA$5,000–$25,000
Coverage: Significant tuition fee reduction
Eligibility: Top-performing international applicants
Duration: Renewable
Deadline: December 1 (early consideration)
Source: you.ubc.ca scholarships, 2026
Government Scholarships (home country)
Saudi SACM, Kuwaiti MOHE, etc.
Full award
Coverage: Tuition + living expenses + flights
Eligibility: Varies by country — healthcare fields often prioritised
Duration: Full degree
Deadline: Varies — your counsellor checks eligibility
Loans & financing
Alternative funding options
MPOWER Financing
International student loan · No cosigner · Up to $100,000
Available for international students at UBC. No cosigner, collateral, or Canadian credit history required.
Work during studies
Study permit holders · Up to 24 hrs/week
Work up to 24 hrs/week during term and full-time during breaks. CS students can also join UBC's paid co-op program, alternating study terms with paid tech internships at leading companies in Vancouver and beyond.
Living costs
Monthly budget in Vancouver
Vancouver is one of Canada's most expensive cities — but the stunning natural setting, mild climate, and quality of life make it a top choice for international students. Sharing accommodation is essential.
Rent (shared apartment)CA$900–$1,400
Food & groceriesCA$300–$500
Transport (U-Pass)CA$41
Health insurance (iMED)CA$75
Books & suppliesCA$50–$100
Personal & leisureCA$200–$400
Estimated totalCA$1,566–$2,516/month
IRCC financial proof: CA$20,635/year (or CA$1,720/month) in living expenses in addition to tuition — via bank statements or GIC.
Study permit
Canadian study permit requirements
Permit type
Canadian Study Permit
LOA required
Letter of Acceptance from UBC (DLI)
Application fee
CA$150
Biometrics fee
CA$85
Financial proof
Tuition + CA$20,635/year living (or GIC)
Post-graduation (PGWP)
3-year open work permit — tech occupations are strong for Express Entry PR
Student stories
Hear from our students
"UBC's CS program is world-class, and the co-op internships were the difference-maker — I did paid terms at two tech companies before graduating and had a full-time offer waiting. My counsellor handled everything from my application to the study permit."
HN
Hana N.
BSc Computer Science, UBC — Class of 2026 · 🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia
"I chose Canada for the 3-year PGWP and the clear PR pathway for tech workers. Vancouver is expensive but beautiful, and the U-Pass makes transport almost free. My counsellor found me a CA$10,000 entrance scholarship."
YA
Yasmine A.
BSc Computer Science, UBC — Class of 2025 · 🇪🇬 Egypt
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Can I work in Canada after graduating?
Yes. With the 3-year Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) you can work anywhere in Canada after graduating — no job offer needed to apply. Tech occupations are in strong demand, which supports your path to permanent residency through Express Entry.
How strong is UBC for computer science?
UBC's Department of Computer Science is one of the best in Canada and highly ranked globally, with strengths in AI, machine learning and systems. The co-op program connects students to paid internships at top tech companies — a major advantage for launching your career.
Can I get permanent residency as a tech graduate?
Canada actively welcomes tech talent. After graduating you get a 3-year PGWP, and with Canadian work experience you can apply for PR through Express Entry (which has category-based draws for STEM occupations) or a Provincial Nominee Program. Your counsellor maps the full study-to-PR route.
Is Vancouver too expensive for students?
Vancouver is expensive but manageable with planning. Shared accommodation near UBC runs CA$900–$1,400/month, and the U-Pass gives you unlimited transit for just CA$41/month. Many CS students also earn income through UBC's paid co-op program. The investment pays off — Vancouver software salaries start at CA$85,000+.
What maths do I need?
You need strong senior-level mathematics (pre-calculus/calculus) and English with an 85%+ average. If you're missing a prerequisite, pathway programmes can fill the gap — your counsellor will map the right route based on your qualifications.
