Canada is one of the best destinations to pursue information technology (IT). The IT programmes in Canada are designed to offer you comprehensive theoretical knowledge of computer networks, programming, IT security, and other core subjects. By studying IT in the country, you will gain a high level of technical knowledge in well-ranked universities. These universities have advanced technical equipment and give hands-on experience to students. Moreover, there is a high demand for IT graduates in Canada, which means you can get employment opportunities in global companies.
Key highlights:
- Top IT Courses to Study in Canada
- Bachelor’s Degree in IT in Canada
- Master’s Degree in IT in Canada
- PhD Degree in IT in Canada
- Best Universities to Study IT in Canada
- Eligibility and Admission Requirements
- How Much Does It Cost to Study IT in Canada?
- Career Scope and Job Opportunities in Canada with an IT Degree
- Tips for Students Planning to Study IT in Canada
Top IT Courses in Canada
These are some of the top IT courses that you can study in Canada:
- Artificial intelligence
- Data analytics
- Mechatronics and robotics
You can pursue bachelor’s, undergraduate diploma, master’s, and PhD degrees in IT in Canada. Top universities have various programmes that cover different topics of IT. These programmes have a specialised curriculum and offer top-quality education.
Bachelor’s Degree in IT in Canada
A bachelor’s degree in IT in Canada typically takes 4 years to complete. Students can opt for various specialisations, such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and network engineering, with this course.
Master’s Degree in IT in Canada
An IT master’s degree in Canada is for a duration of 1-2 years. It includes specialisations, such as networking, object-oriented programming, and database management systems. It opens new avenues for graduate students to work in multinational companies.
PhD Degree in IT in Canada
Some universities, like the University of British Columbia, offer a PhD degree in IT in Canada. A PhD in IT focuses on research areas, such as artificial intelligence, computer graphics, and scientific computing.
Best Universities to Study IT in Canada
| University | City | Programme |
|---|---|---|
| University of Toronto | Toronto | Information Technology |
| University of Waterloo | Waterloo | Bachelor of Mathematics in Information Technology Management |
| The University of British Columbia | British Columbia | Computer Science Programme |
| University of Montreal | Montreal | Master’s in Computer Science |
| University of Alberta | Alberta | Computing Science and Mathematics |
Note: Some universities do not have a specific information technology course. These universities cover IT modules in their computer science programmes.
Eligibility and Admission Requirements
It is mandatory to fulfil the admission requirements of the university to pursue your preferred IT programme in Canada. The eligibility criteria vary from one university to another. However, these are some of the common requirements:
- For an IT bachelor’s degree or undergraduate diploma: Secondary school certificate with at least the minimum qualifying marks.
- For an IT master’s degree or postgraduate diploma: A bachelor’s degree equivalent to the Canadian bachelor’s degree.
- English Language test scores: International English Language Testing System (IELTS) and Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Letters of Recommendation (LORs)
- Educational transcripts
- Updated Resume
How Much Does It Cost to Study IT in Canada?
The cost of studying IT in Canada depends on the university fees, rent, travel, and other expenses. When it comes to tuition fees, here is the average cost of studying different IT courses in Canada.
Tuition Fees for Different IT Programmes in Canada
| Programmes | Average Total Tuition Fees (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Bachelor | ~10,000 – ~144,000 |
| Masters | ~17,000 – ~118,000 |
| PhD | ~40,000 – ~81,000 |
Living Expenses in Canada
Living expenses in Canada include accommodation, food, utilities, transportation, and miscellaneous overheads. You will need ~15,000 to ~25,000 CAD per year on average to live in Canada during your educational programme. However, you must understand that your lifestyle choices and spending habits significantly affect your budget. You can plan smartly to manage your expenses. Along with this, part-time work opportunities are available that can help support your lifestyle when you are pursuing an IT degree in Canada.
Career Scope and Job Opportunities in Canada with an IT Degree
There is a huge scope for international students with an IT degree in Canada. Here are some of the popular jobs in the field:
- System Administrator
- Help Desk Analyst
- Information System Manager
- System Support Specialist
- Network Support
- IT Analyst
You can expect a handsome salary as an IT professional in Canada. The average base salary for an IT worker in Canada is ~81,000 CAD per year.
Also Read: All About MS in Information Technology in Canada
Tips for Students Planning to Study IT in Canada
- You must research Canadian universities offering IT programmes. There are three intake seasons, fall, winter, and spring, in Canada. Most of the programmes start during the fall season, while some courses are available during other seasons as well.
- English and French are the two widely spoken languages in Canada. So, you may encounter some language barriers initially. It is good to know the local accents and colloquial terms to blend in with locals.
- Budget planning is an important part of living in Canada. You should have solid financial planning and follow certain tips, like learning how to cook and taking public transport, to save some money during your course.
- Your study permit is valid for the duration of your study and for an extra 90 days. If you want to stay back in Canada to find job opportunities, you must apply for the Post-Graduation Work Permit Programme.
- As an international student, you must have health insurance to study in Canada. It is good to choose health insurance that covers medical expenses, personal accidents, and dental treatment.
Pursuing an IT programme in Canada can open the doors to many career opportunities for you. However, it is vital to be financially prepared before applying for your preferred IT course in the country.
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