Master of Science [MS] (Computer Science)
Field of Study:
₹21 L/Yr
MS Computer Science at McGill University: Fees, Eligibility & Outcomes for Indian Students (2026)
McGill University's MS Computer Science (Thesis) is a 2-year, 45-credit research program based in Montreal, Canada. McGill ranks #27 globally (QS 2026) and #43 in Computer Science by subject (QS 2026) — placing it among the top 5 CS programs in Canada.
Montreal is one of the world's top AI research hubs, home to Mila (Quebec AI Institute), where several McGill CS faculty are core members. The total cost for Indian students is approximately ₹27–32 Lakhs over 2 years (tuition + living), with a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) of up to 3 years upon graduation.
Admission Status (2026 Intake): The Fall 2026 application cycle is now closed. The next intake is Fall 2027. Applications open in September 2026 and the international deadline for funding consideration is January 1, 2027.
- Why Pursue MS Computer Science at McGill?
- McGill MS Computer Science Fees for International Students (2025–26)
- Cost of Living in Montreal for McGill CS Students
- Admissions: McGill MS CS Eligibility for Indian Students
- MS Computer Science Curriculum at McGill (Brief Overview)
- McGill Computer Science Rankings (2026)
- Scholarships for McGill MS CS International Students
- Placements & Career Outcomes
- ROI: Is McGill MS CS Worth It for Indian Students?
- FAQs
Why Pursue MS Computer Science at McGill?
- McGill CS faculty are core researchers at Mila, the world's largest academic AI research centre
- Montreal has the lowest cost of living among major Canadian university cities — roughly 30% cheaper than Toronto
- Graduates are eligible for a PGWP of up to 3 years, a direct pathway to Canadian PR
- Average CS graduate salary in Canada ranges from CAD 85,000–1,07,000/year (₹57–72 Lakhs/year)
- The thesis track positions students strongly for PhD programs at top global universities
McGill MS Computer Science Fees for International Students (2025–26)
Exchange rate used: CAD 1 = ₹67.34 (April 13, 2026 — Yahoo Finance). All INR figures are approximate and subject to exchange rate fluctuation.
| Fee Component | CAD (Per Year) | INR (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition (Thesis — 2 terms) | CAD 20,726.70 | ₹13.95 Lakhs |
| Compulsory Fees (Registration, IT, etc.) | ~CAD 800 | ~₹53,872 |
| Health Insurance (SSMU) | ~CAD 900 | ~₹60,606 |
| Total Annual Cost | ~CAD 22,426 | ~₹15.10 Lakhs |
| Total 2-Year Cost (Tuition Only) | ~CAD 44,852 | ~₹30.20 Lakhs |
Thesis students pay a flat per-term residency fee (not per credit), which makes the MS Thesis track significantly cheaper than the non-thesis route (CAD 1,042.30/credit × 45 credits = ~CAD 46,903).
Cost of Living in Montreal for McGill CS Students
Montreal is consistently ranked among the most affordable major cities in Canada for students.
| Expense | CAD/Month | INR/Month (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Groceries | CAD 300–400 | ₹20,202–26,936 |
| Transportation (STM pass) | CAD 85–100 | ₹5,724–6,734 |
| Utilities (if off-campus) | CAD 80–120 | ₹5,387–8,081 |
| Miscellaneous | CAD 100–150 | ₹6,734–10,101 |
| Total (excl. rent) | ~CAD 600–750 | ~₹40,404–50,505 |
On-Campus Housing (Graduate Residences 2026–27):
| Option | Monthly Rent (CAD) | INR/Month (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Shared Facilities (3704 Peel — Single Room) | CAD 875–1,100 | ₹58,923–74,074 |
| Solin Hall (Shared Apartment — Single Room) | CAD 1,135–1,295 | ₹76,431–87,175 |
| Apartment Style (Studio — Greenbriar) | CAD 1,155–1,385 | ₹77,778–93,236 |
Rent includes utilities in most on-campus options. International students can work up to 24 hours/week off-campus during academic terms (updated November 2024 IRCC rule) and full-time during scheduled breaks. Minimum wage in Quebec is CAD 16.10/hour (2025), allowing students to earn approximately CAD 1,544/month part-time.
Off-campus rent in the McGill Ghetto/Plateau area typically ranges from CAD 900–1,300/month for a shared apartment.
Admissions: McGill MS CS Eligibility for Indian Students
The program admits students for Fall semester only.
| Intake | Applications Open | International Deadline (Funding) | Final Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall 2027 | September 2026 | January 1, 2027 | March 1, 2027 |
Eligibility:
- Bachelor's degree in CS or a related field with a minimum CGPA of 3.2/4.0 (equivalent to approximately 75–80% aggregate in Indian universities)
- Equivalent of a strong CS minor: Data Structures, Algorithms, Operating Systems, Programming Languages, Computer Systems
- Mathematics background: Calculus, Linear Algebra, Discrete Mathematics
Application Process:
- Apply via McGill's online portal (Minerva)
- Submit official transcripts (with certified English translations if applicable)
- Statement of Purpose (research-focused)
- Minimum 3 Letters of Recommendation (academic preferred)
- CV/Resume
- Identify and contact a potential supervisor before applying — this is critical for thesis admission
- GRE: Optional for MSc (recommended if applying for scholarships)
English Language Proficiency (ELP):
| Test | Minimum Score | Waiver |
|---|---|---|
| TOEFL iBT | 100 (min. 20 in each section) | Waived if undergraduate instruction was in English |
| IELTS Academic | 6.5 overall | Waived if undergraduate instruction was in English |
Indian students from English-medium universities (e.g., IITs, NITs, central universities) are typically exempt from ELP requirements if their medium of instruction was English.
MS Computer Science Curriculum at McGill (Brief Overview)
The 45-credit thesis program combines coursework with original research.
- Thesis Research (COMP 691–694): 29 credits — core of the program
- Coursework (16 credits): 4 graduate-level CS courses chosen from areas such as:
- Applied Machine Learning (COMP 551)
- Algorithms and Data Structures (COMP 566)
- Natural Language Processing
- Computer Vision
- Distributed Systems
- Bioinformatics
- Research areas include: AI, ML, Robotics, NLP, Computer Vision, Quantum Computing, Software Engineering
McGill Computer Science Rankings (2026)
McGill's CS program is consistently ranked among the top in Canada and globally.
| Ranking Body | Rank | Year |
|---|---|---|
| QS World University Rankings (Overall) | #27 | 2026 |
| QS Subject Rankings — Computer Science | #43 | 2026 |
| Times Higher Education — Computer Science | #74 | 2026 |
| US News — Computer Science (Global) | #140 | 2026 |
Scholarships for McGill MS CS International Students
| Scholarship | Eligibility | Value | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| McCall MacBain Scholarship | All nationalities, incoming master's students | Full tuition + stipend | ~October 2026 (for Fall 2027) |
| Arbour Foundation Scholarship | CS, Engineering, Management students | Partial (varies) | Check GPS portal |
| Weston Fellowship | All nationalities, incoming & current | Varies | Check GPS portal |
| FRQ-NT (Quebec) | All nationalities, Natural Sciences & Engineering | Up to CAD 17,500/year | January 2027 |
| McGill Graduate Award Program | Current students, no citizenship restriction | Varies | Ongoing |
Thesis students are also commonly funded through supervisor research grants (RA-ships), which can cover tuition and provide a monthly stipend of CAD 1,500–2,500/month.
Placements & Career Outcomes
McGill CS graduates are hired across Canada, the US and globally. Montreal's tech ecosystem includes companies like Ubisoft, Shopify, Google DeepMind (Montreal), Microsoft Research and numerous AI startups.
| Metric | Data |
|---|---|
| Overall McGill placement rate | ~90% within 6 months of graduation |
| Average CS salary in Canada (entry-level) | CAD 85,000–95,000/year (₹57–64 Lakhs/year) |
| Mid-level CS salary (3–5 years) | CAD 1,00,000–1,20,000/year (₹67–81 Lakhs/year) |
| Top roles | Software Engineer, ML Engineer, Research Scientist, Data Scientist |
| Top employers (CS) | Google, Amazon, Microsoft, Shopify, Ubisoft, RBC, Mila |
ROI: Is McGill MS CS Worth It for Indian Students?
| Cost Component | CAD | INR (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Total Tuition (2 years) | ~CAD 44,852 | ~₹30.20 Lakhs |
| Total Living Cost (2 years) | ~CAD 38,400 | ~₹25.85 Lakhs |
| Total Investment | ~CAD 83,252 | ~₹56.05 Lakhs |
| Average Starting Salary (Canada) | CAD 90,000/year | ₹60.6 Lakhs/year |
| Break-Even Period | ~11 months post-employment |
Students who secure RA funding (supervisor grants) can reduce the net tuition cost to near zero. The PGWP of up to 3 years post-graduation provides a direct route to Canadian Permanent Residency through Express Entry (CEC stream), significantly increasing long-term ROI.
McGill's MS Computer Science is one of the strongest research-focused CS programs in Canada. The combination of a globally ranked university (#27 QS 2026), a top-43 CS subject ranking, Montreal's low cost of living, proximity to Mila and a 3-year PGWP makes it a high-ROI choice for Indian students targeting AI/ML research or Canadian tech careers. The total 2-year investment of approximately ₹56 Lakhs is recoverable within the first year of employment in Canada.
FAQs
Ques. Is GRE required for the McGill MS Computer Science program for Indian students?
Ans. GRE is optional for the MSc program. However, Indian students who want to be considered for McGill scholarships or funding are strongly recommended to submit GRE scores, as it strengthens the application for financial support.
Ques. Can Indian students get funded for the McGill MS CS thesis program?
Ans. Yes. Thesis students at McGill CS are frequently funded through supervisor research grants (RA-ships), which typically cover tuition and provide a monthly stipend of CAD 1,500–2,500. The FRQ-NT Quebec provincial scholarship (up to CAD 17,500/year) is also open to international students in Natural Sciences and Engineering.
Ques. What is the PGWP duration after completing MS Computer Science at McGill University?
Ans. Graduates of the 2-year MS CS program at McGill are eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) of up to 3 years. This open work permit allows graduates to work for any Canadian employer and is a key pathway to Canadian Permanent Residency through the Express Entry — Canadian Experience Class stream.
Tuition Fees
| Year | 1st Year Fees |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fees | ₹2104404 (CAD 31269) |
Other Expenses
| Head | Avg Cost Per Year |
|---|---|
| Living Expenses | ₹1480600 (CAD 22000) |
| Health Insurance | ₹77732 (CAD 1155) |
Previous Year Tuition Fees
| Year | 1st Year Fees |
|---|---|
| 2025 | ₹1052168 (CAD 15634) |
| 2024 | ₹1327694 (CAD 19728) |
| 2023 | ₹2092559 (CAD 31093) |
| 2021 | ₹1289064 (CAD 19154) |
Reviews
26 Reviews Found
Likes
- The faculty is very experienced, lot of research opportunities are available here.
- Easy to find TA or RA jobs, or even part time on campus jobs.
- Advantage of Research Triangle Park
Scores Required

1546425900.png?h=48&w=101&mode=stretch)
Do you think the Rankings are wrong ? Report Here
Key Resources for Your Study Abroad Journey
Course Guides
Best Post-Graduate Courses in Canada in 2025
Masters in Canada: Fees 2024, Top Colleges, Placements & Salaries
One year Courses in Canada for International Students: Fees 2024, Top Colleges, & Salaries
Programs Comparison
| ranking | # 43 for Computer Science by QS World University 2026 # 47 for Computer Science by Collegedunia.com 2026 # 76 for Computer Science by Times Higher Education 2025 | # 157 for Computer Science by Collegedunia.com 2026 # 251 for Computer Science by QS World University 2026 # 251 for Computer Science by Times Higher Education 2025 | # 137 for Computer Science by Collegedunia.com 2026 # 201 for Computer Science by QS World University 2026 # 201 for Computer Science by Times Higher Education 2025 |
| exam scores | IELTS - 6.5/9TOEFL - 86/120 | Duolingo - 125/160IELTS - 6.5/9PTE - 57/90TOEFL - 4.5/6 | Duolingo - 120/160IELTS - 7/9PTE - 60/90TOEFL - 100/120 |
| cost to study | - | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -INR 4261301.4 | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -INR 2351394.7 |
| documents required | #Letter of Recommendation + Statement of Purpose | #Letter of Recommendation + Statement of Purpose | #Letter of Recommendation + Statement of Purpose |
| application dates | Dec 15, 2025 (Application Deadline For Fall 2026 Intake) | Jul 31, 2025 (Merit Scholarship Program for Foreign Students Deadline) Nov 1, 2025 (Application Deadline For Summer Intake) Mar 1, 2026 (Application Deadline For Fall Intake) Jul 1, 2026 (Application Deadline For Winter 2026 Intake) | Feb 1, 2026 (Application Deadline For Fall 2026 Intake) Apr 30, 2026 (Application Deadline For Winter 2026 Intake) |
| application | - | - | - |
| - | Read Full Comparison | Read Full Comparison |
College Student Profiles
Scholarship Grants & Financial Aids
| Name | Scholarship Per Student | Level of Study | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ontario Graduate Fellowship | Scholarship per student₹ 6 L/Yr$8,875 | Level Of StudyDoctorate | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Jared J. Davis Grant | Scholarship per student₹ 67,300/Yr$1,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| The Google Lime Scholarship | Scholarship per student₹ 6.7 L/Yr$10,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Golden Key Graduate Scholar Award | Scholarship per student₹ 1 L/Yr$1,500 | Level Of StudyMaster | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Axol Science Scholarship | Scholarship per student₹ 1.3 L/Yr$2,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeCompany-Sponsored | |
| Business Administration Scholarships | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based |
















Comments
Found 1 Comment
A four-year bachelor’s degree is typically required to apply for graduate admission at McGill University. However, the university also somtimes accepts applications from students who have completed a three-year bachelor’s degree on a case-by-case basis. However, meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee admission to the program, as admission decisions are highly competitive and based on a holistic review of each students’s credentials.