Studying Computer Science

About twenty years ago, not having a computer was usually the norm rather than an exception. These days, the opposite is true. You’d be hard pressed to not find computers at work or even in homes. We use computers for a wide assortment of tasks ranging from booking tickets to doing coursework to processing financial transactions to fly planes and missiles across the oceans.

Computer science is the broad discipline that is behind all these advancements. It deals with designing computers and networks, software packages and storing and processing information. In addition to these core subjects, these days it is possible to study specialisations like cyber security and data science as well.

Some of the most popular universities and colleges in Canada offering courses in computer science include:

• Matrix College
• Lasalle University
• Mount Saint Vincent University

Salary and Career Prospects

Computer science professionals are needed by virtually every company in every sector, including IT and tech, retail and hospitality, banks, pharmaceutical companies and the government.

Some of the roles graduates take up are software engineer, data analyst, cyber security specialist IT consultant, web developer or database administrator.

Salaries vary depending on qualifications, job role, location and experience. As a guide, computer science professionals earn around an average of $68,000 a year (37 lakhs INR).

Why study in Canada?

Canada has established itself as one of the most popular study destinations for international students. Canadian universities and colleges are largely public funded and are among the best in the world. Ten of its universities are among top 250 in the world, according to QS World Rankings 2019.

Canada is among the world’s most developed and industrialised countries. It has spawned conglomerates like Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, Blackberry and Bombardier. In addition to these, several tech, banking and financial services giants like Microsoft, HSBC, Facebook and Boeing operate out of here. Toronto and Vancouver are the largest cities and have a thriving start-up scene.

The country is a popular tourist destination, with millions of tourists drawn to its vibrant cities, ski resorts, national parks, museums, entertainment venues and outdoor sports provisions. Canada is a safe, multicultural and welcoming country.

The official languages are English and French, although English is the most widely spoken language. French is mainly spoken in the province of Quebec.

International graduates are able to apply for a post-study work permit lasting for up to 3 years.