About Master’s Program,
The UBC Department of Computer Science, established in May 1968, is one of the top computer science departments in North America. Recognized internationally for excellence in research and teaching with a conscious focus on interdisciplinary programs, the Department encourages diversity both within its community and areas of study, and plays a leadership role in research, teaching and outreach activities to champion the understanding and integration of Computer Science within all aspects of society.
For those students contemplating advanced studies in computer science at UBC, completing a master’s degree before continuing to the PhD program confers several advantages. The two-year period of the master’s first helps students decide whether a research career is the right career choice for them. If it is, taking this time helps give them the skills needed to pursue independent research. Second, the research experience gained can be very valuable as student work toward picking a PhD topic, as most professors in the department prefer that students shoulder this choice on their own. Third, a student who completes a master’s degree and decides to work in industry prior to embarking on the full PhD has the opportunity to apply his or her skills and master’s level education in the field and to take advantage of jobs that have attractive starting salaries.
Master’s Program Degree Eligibility with GPA,
The Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies establishes the minimum admission requirements common to all applicants, usually a minimum overall average in the B+ range (76% at UBC). The graduate program that you are applying to may have additional requirements. Please review the specific requirements for applicants with credentials from institutions in:
Each program may set higher academic minimum requirements. Please review the program website carefully to understand the program requirements. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission as it is a competitive process.
Master’s Funding Coverage,
Applicants to UBC have access to a variety of funding options, including merit-based (i.e. based on your academic performance) and need-based (i.e. based on your financial situation) opportunities.
Program Funding Packages
Full MSc students will be supported at $7,538.49 per term for their first two terms. After that, students writing an MSc thesis will be paid $11,506.75 per term after the first two terms, which amounts to $26,583.73 taxable stipend in the first year and $34,520.25 taxable stipend in the second year. MSc students pursuing the Breadth essay option will continue at the initial rate, which amounts to $21,615.48 taxable stipend per year. The funding package consists of any combination of internal or external awards, teaching-related work, research assistantships, and graduate academic assistantships. This support is contingent on full-time registration as a UBC Graduate student, satisfactory performance in assigned teaching and research assistantship duties, and good standing with satisfactory progress in your academic performance. CS students are expected to apply for fellowships or scholarship to which they are eligible.
Scholarships & awards (merit-based funding)
All applicants are encouraged to review the awards listing to identify potential opportunities to fund their graduate education. The database lists merit-based scholarships and awards and allows for filtering by various criteria, such as domestic vs. international or degree level.
Graduate Research Assistantships (GRA)
Many professors are able to provide Research Assistantships (GRA) from their research grants to support full-time graduate students studying under their supervision. The duties constitute part of the student’s graduate degree requirements. A Graduate Research Assistantship is considered a form of fellowship for a period of graduate study and is therefore not covered by a collective agreement. Stipends vary widely, and are dependent on the field of study and the type of research grant from which the assistantship is being funded.
Application Requirement,
Online Application and Fee
Transcripts & Academic Documents
Reference Letters
Statement of Interest
English Language Test
GRE or Other Test Scores
Criminal Record Check
Research Supervisors
Proof of Citizenship
Application Deadline,
Dec 15, 2025
Application Fee,
Canadians (and Permanent Residents, Refugees, Diplomats): (CDN) $116.25
International Applicants: (CDN) $168.25
