Course overview
Bachelor of Computer Science (BCS) is a undergraduate (bachelor's) course in computer science & it at University of Waterloo in Waterloo, Canada. It takes 4 years (about 5 with co-op), with intakes in September (OUAC deadline 15 January).
University of Waterloo is a public institution, ranked =113 in the world in the QS World University Rankings 2027. Read the full course description, modules and entry rules on the official course page.
Key highlights
| University | University of Waterloo (Public) |
|---|---|
| Location | Waterloo, Canada |
| Course | Bachelor of Computer Science (BCS) |
| Level | Bachelor's (undergraduate) |
| Subject area | Computer Science & IT |
| Duration | 4 years (about 5 with co-op) |
| Tuition per year | C$73,000 (≈ ₹48.9 lakh) |
| Intakes | September (OUAC deadline 15 January) |
| English requirement | IELTS 6.5 (6.5 writing and speaking, 6.0 reading and listening) or TOEFL iBT 90 |
Interested in Bachelor of Computer Science (BCS)?A counsellor checks your eligibility and helps you apply, free of charge.
Fees and costs
Tuition for international students is C$73,000 a year, about ₹48.9 lakh. Over 4 years that is roughly C$292,000 (≈ ₹1.96 crore) before any yearly increase.
Waterloo's estimate of first-year tuition and incidental fees for September 2026; co-op adds $836 per work term
Living costs near the university
| Cost | In CAD | Approx. in rupees |
|---|---|---|
| Residence room (all styles)2025-26; includes internet and utilities; some fees include meals | C$8,000–18,250per 8-month year | ≈ ₹5.4 lakh – ₹12.2 lakh |
| Required meal plan in traditional-style residenceStarting price, 2025-26 | C$6,720per 8-month year | ≈ ₹4.5 lakh |
| Residence depositNon-refundable | C$500one-off | ≈ ₹33,500 |
| Books and suppliesWaterloo's estimate for most programmes (Architecture about $8,100) | C$1,500per year | ≈ ₹1 lakh |
Living costs for Canada as a whole: C$20,000–30,000 a year. Approximate exchange rates (based on ECB reference rates, March 2026). Actual rates on your payment date will differ.
Plan my monthly living costsEligibility
General entry requirements at University of Waterloo for bachelor's courses. Some courses ask for more, so check the course page.
- Class 12 from CBSE, CISCE (ISC) or a state board with the required subjects. Mathematics, Computer Science and Engineering ask for strong Mathematics (and Physics and Chemistry for Engineering).
- Apply through the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC 105). The deadline for September 2027 is 15 January 2027.
- Most programmes also need the Admission Information Form (AIF). Engineering may invite you to an online interview; Architecture needs a portfolio and interview.
- Mathematics and Computer Science applicants are encouraged to write a University of Waterloo mathematics contest (such as the Euclid), which the Faculty of Mathematics may consider.
English requirements
For this course: IELTS 6.5 (6.5 writing and speaking, 6.0 reading and listening) or TOEFL iBT 90.
| Test | What the university asks for |
|---|---|
| IELTS Academic (undergraduate) | 6.5 overall with 6.5 in writing and speaking and 6.0 in reading and listening. |
| TOEFL iBT (undergraduate) | 90 overall with 25 in writing and speaking and 21 in reading and listening. |
| Graduate programmes | Usually IELTS 7.0 with 6.5 in writing and speaking, or TOEFL iBT 90 with 25 in writing and speaking. Check your programme. |
| Other tests | Waterloo also lists CAEL, Duolingo and Pearson PTE for some levels; confirm on the English language requirements page. |
Intakes
This course starts in: September (OUAC deadline 15 January).
Upcoming intakes and deadlines in CanadaHow to apply
- Check the entry requirements and the deadline on the official course page.
- Take IELTS, PTE or the test the university accepts, if you need one.
- Prepare your documents: transcripts, statement of purpose, recommendation letters and CV.
- Apply on the university's application portal and pay any application fee.
- Accept your offer, meet any conditions and pay the deposit.
- Apply for your student visa for Canada, then arrange accommodation.
Documents you'll need
- Valid passport
- Class 10 and Class 12 mark sheets (undergraduate)
- Admission Information Form (most undergraduate programmes)
- Degree transcripts and certificate (postgraduate)
- English test score unless exempt
- Two or three references and a statement of interest (graduate)
- Résumé (graduate)
- Proof of funds for the study permit: tuition plus at least CAD 22,895 a year for living costs for a single student (IRCC)
Scholarships
International Student Entrance Scholarship
Undergraduate, first year
Value: CAD 10,000
Open to international students applying to most Waterloo programmes. Apply through the Awards and financial aid tab of the applicant portal after you apply for admission.
Official pageFaculty of Mathematics international scholarships
Undergraduate, Mathematics and Computer Science
Value: Up to CAD 80,000
International fee-paying students admitted to Faculty of Mathematics programmes; competitive, by application.
Official pageFaculty of Science International Student Scholarships
Undergraduate, most Science programmes
Value: CAD 25,000 to 80,000 (up to 15 awards)
International fee-paying students in most Science programmes (not Medical Sciences, Optometry or Pharmacy). Apply through the Science scholarships page.
Official pagePresident's Scholarship of Distinction
Undergraduate, first year
Value: CAD 2,000, plus optional CAD 1,500 international experience and CAD 1,500 research awards in upper years
Admission average of 95% or above; automatic, no application. Check that it applies to your programme on Waterloo's scholarships page.
Official page
About University of Waterloo
The University of Waterloo opened in 1957 with an unusual idea for the time: students would alternate between study terms and paid work terms with employers. That co-operative education model is still the heart of the university. Most undergraduate students graduate with up to two years of paid work experience, which is a big reason Indian students and employers rate Waterloo highly.
Waterloo is best known for computer science, software engineering, mathematics and engineering. Its Faculty of Mathematics is one of the largest in the world and houses the David R. Cheriton School of Computer Science. The university also offers programmes in science, health, environment, arts and architecture, and runs double degrees with neighbouring Wilfrid Laurier University in business.
Similar courses
Computer Science & IT courses at other universities in Canada
- Computer Systems Technology (Diploma)bcit2 years full-time (about 3 years with co-op) · C$26,000 / year
- Computer Information Technology (Diploma)bcit2 years full-time (about 3 years with co-op) · C$25,735 / year
- BSc Computer Science (Honours concentrations in AI or Software Engineering)brock-university4 years; co-op option · C$41,646 / year
- Bachelor of Applied Computingcambrian-college3 years (7 semesters), paid internship in the final semester; specialise in AI, cybersecurity or data analytics · C$22,751 / year
- Computer Systems Technology – Security (Advanced Diploma)cambrian-college3 years (6 semesters), 7-week field placement · C$19,436 / year
- Bachelor of Computer Science – Software Developmentcanadore-college3 years, with a 15-week applied work term · C$21,065 / year
More courses at University of Waterloo
- Bachelor of Software Engineering5 years including co-op · C$75,000 / year
- BASc Computer Engineering5 years including co-op · C$75,000 / year
- Master of Engineering (Electrical and Computer Engineering)1 year (3 terms) full time · C$52,200 / year
- Bachelor of Mathematics in Data Science4 years (about 5 with co-op) · C$62,000 / year
- Accounting and Financial Management (BAFM)4 years (about 5 with co-op) · C$58,000 / year
- BASc Mechanical Engineering5 years including co-op · C$75,000 / year
FAQs
What is the fee for Bachelor of Computer Science (BCS) at University of Waterloo?
The tuition for international students is C$73,000 a year (about ₹48.9 lakh). Waterloo's estimate of first-year tuition and incidental fees for September 2026; co-op adds $836 per work term. Fees usually rise each year, so check the course page before you apply.
How long is Bachelor of Computer Science (BCS)?
The course takes 4 years (about 5 with co-op).
What English score do I need?
IELTS 6.5 (6.5 writing and speaking, 6.0 reading and listening) or TOEFL iBT 90. Some universities also accept Class 12 English marks or other tests; confirm on the course page.
When can I start?
Intakes: September (OUAC deadline 15 January). Apply early: popular courses can fill up before the deadline.
Can Admission Mantra help me apply?
Yes. A counsellor checks your eligibility, helps you prepare your documents and statement of purpose, and guides you through the application and visa. The first conversation is free.
We researched this page on 23 Oct 2026 from the university's own pages. Fees, entry rules and intakes change every year; confirm them on the official course page before you apply. Listing a course doesn't mean Admission Mantra represents the university.
- University of Waterloo: Bachelor of Computer Science (BCS) (opens in a new tab)
- University of Waterloo tuition page: first-year tuition estimates (opens in a new tab)
- University of Waterloo: master's and PhD tuition, Fall 2026 (international) (opens in a new tab)
- University of Waterloo: scholarships (opens in a new tab)
- OUInfo: University of Waterloo residences (opens in a new tab)