Software Engineering in Canada 2025: Guide for Students

For aspiring software engineers seeking quality tech education, pursuing Software Engineering in Canada is an excellent academic choice. The Canadian universities are globally recognised for offering high standards of education, world-class infrastructure, and research facilities.

Key highlights:

  • Software Engineering in Canada – Course Overview
  • Benefits of Pursuing Software Engineering Courses in Canada
  • Top Software Engineering Universities in Canada
  • Eligibility Requirements for Bachelor’s and Master’s in Software Engineering in Canada
  • Software Engineering Fees in Canada

Software Engineering in Canada – Course Overview

A Software Engineering degree in Canada goes beyond the basics of writing code. The course covers the broader aspects of Software Engineering with topics such as algorithm application, software architecture and the design of human or computer interface development. The average duration of a Bachelor’s in Software Engineering is 4 years, while a Master’s of Software Engineering in Canada is a 2-year programme.

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Top Specialisations in Software Engineering in Canada

  • Cybersecurity and Privacy
  • Visual Commuting (Vision/Graphics)
  • Data Mining and Analysis
  • Machine Learning (ML)
  • Artificial Intelligence (AI)
  • Interaction Design and Data Visualisation
  • Cyber-physical and Smart Systems
  • Performance and Scalability
  • Cloud computing
  • Mobile Applications
  • Video Game Development

Career Scope After Software Engineering in Canada

Software Engineering graduates can explore a career as:

  • Software Engineer
  • Web Development Engineer
  • Software Development Engineer
  • Principal Software Engineer
  • Computer System Engineer

Course Options

Below are some course options students can explore:

Degree Courses
Undergraduate Computer Science: Software Engineering
Software Engineering: Internet of Things (IoT)
Graduate Software Engineering: MASc
Software Engineering: MEng
Diploma Software Engineering Technician
Software Engineering Technology
Artificial Intelligence: Software Engineering Technology

Benefits of Pursuing Software Engineering Courses in Canada

Quality of Education

Canadian universities provide a complete experience, including a mix of classroom theory, practical hands-on training, and opportunities for community engagement.

Post-Graduation Work Opportunities

You can apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) after completing your Bachelor’s or Master’s in Software Engineering from a PGWP-eligible institution. PGWP allows international students to stay for up to 3 years, depending on the course, to gain valuable Canadian work experience after graduating from a PGWP-eligible Canadian Designated Learning Institution (DLI).

Jobs in Top Companies

Graduates can expect career opportunities in leading companies such as Google, Royal Bank of Canada, Bell Canada, Deloitte, KPMG, Cerner and more.

Top Software Engineering Universities in Canada

Here are some of the best universities for studying Software Engineering in Canada for international students:

Sr. No. Universities Location
1 The University of British Columbia Vancouver, British Columbia
2 University of Toronto Toronto, Ontario
3 Trent University Peterborough, Ontario
4 University of Waterloo Waterloo, Ontario
5 University of Calgary Calgary, Alberta
6 Western University London, Ontario
7 University of Alberta Edmonton, Alberta
8 McGill University Montreal, Quebec
9 Concordia University Montreal, Quebec
10 Carleton University Ottawa, Ontario
11 University of Victoria Victoria, British Columbia
12 Lakehead University Thunder Bay, Ontario
13 Queen’s University Kingston, Ontario
14 Ontario Tech University Oshawa, Ontario
15 McMaster University Hamilton, Ontario
16 Polytechnic School of Montreal Montreal, Quebec
17 Simon Fraser University Burnaby, British Columbia
18 University of Ottawa Ottawa, Ontario
19 Memorial University of Newfoundland St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador
20 University of Brunswick Fredericton, New Brunswick

Spotlight on 3 Software Engineering Universities in Canada

Universities About Programme Tuition Fees
Trent University It is one of the popular universities for education quality and innovation, with more than 100 programmes across two campuses. BSc/BSc (Honours)

Duration: 4 years
~CAD 36,000/year
Lakehead University A dynamic and learner-centred university, with both its campuses, in Thunder Bay and Orillia, providing a well-rounded university experience. BEng (Software Engineering)

Duration: 4 years
~CAD 42,000/year
Ontario Tech University (OTU) It is an undergraduate research university offering 91 programmes in tech and innovation. BEng (Honours)/BEng and Management (Honours)

Duration: 4-5 years
~CAD 45,000/year

Eligibility Requirements for Bachelor’s and Master’s in Software Engineering in Canada

Check specific admission requirements with your chosen university before applying.

Bachelor’s:

  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) or American College Testing (ACT)

Master’s:

  • Four-year Bachelor’s degree in Software Engineering or equivalent
  • Graduate Record Examination (GRE)

English Proficiency Test:

  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
  • International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
  • Pearson Test of English (PTE)
  • Duolingo English Test (DET)

Required Documents:

  • Statement of Purpose (SOP)
  • Letters of Recommendation (LOR)
  • Valid passport and visa
  • Proof of funds
  • Academic transcripts

Also Read: Thinking of Studying in Canada? Career Opportunities for Students

Software Engineering Fees in Canada

Here are the approximate course fees of the top 3 colleges offering Software Engineering courses in Canada:

Sr. No. Universities Programme Course Fees
1 The University of British Columbia Undergraduate Degree: Computer Science ~ CAD $51,000 (Full Course Fee)
Master of Science in Computer Science ~ CAD $9,800 (Yearly)
2 University of Toronto Engineering Programmes ~ CAD $70,000 (Full Course Fee)
3 University of Waterloo Undergraduate Studies: Software Engineering ~ CAD $74,000 (Yearly)

Pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s in Software Engineering in Canada is a valuable investment for the future. But, for many students, managing the total cost of education in a foreign country independently can be challenging.

Avanse Financial Services offers tailored education loans to study abroad. These student loan are specifically designed to cover the cost of your higher studies abroad. Use our education loan EMI calculator to plan your repayments and start your education loan journey to fulfil your dreams abroad.

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