G.s123 said:
Dear All
I want to get enrolled for Msc in computer science in a good university in Canada for Jan 2014. I wanna know whether it is already late for submitting applications ? Also can you suggest some good universities for msc comp science?
Regards
Gautam
Hi,
The decision on an application for a Canadian study permit will completely be based on one's individual application package. Usually good academic record ( especially marks of last major degree) , proper course selection (preferably showing progression in same field) consistent profile, sufficient proof of funding and a decent IELTS score is seen as a standard benchmark to get the Canadian study permit. There may be more requirements, depending upon the citizenship of one's country.
Most Canadian universities need atleast a B grade or minimum 60%-65% (depending on the university) in final 2 years of a 4 years Bachelor's degree for students from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nigeria etc. and an IELTS score of 6.5 overall (with no bands less than 6)(some top grade universities may require IELTS score of overall 7)/ equivalent score of TOEFL also accepted in most universities for being eligible to apply to Master degree programs. Usually good/mid level universities require on average 70-75% in one's B.E/B.Tech degree, to get admission into their Master's in Engineering programs.
You can pursue a course based master degree ( generally called M.Eng) OR a thesis based/ applied research degree ( generally called MaSc./M.S) in CS/IT or closely related fields. The research based degrees are usually much more competitive, where one generally needs to show some knack for research (like published papers) and selected students usually get partial or full funding. Some universities may also offer funding for their course based Master's in Engineering programs. Also, it goes without saying, that having an overall good record such as relevant technical/research work experience in your field helps a lot.
Most Canadian public universities DO NOT require GRE. Overall academic record and academic marks in Bachelor's (in your case marks in final 2 years of B.Tech) is the single biggest criteria for admission to Canadian Engineering Master degrees. Higher the Bachelor degree scores, better it is.
Here's the list of ALL recognized Canadian educational institutes eligible for OCWP+PGWP, listed according to province:
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/study/institutions/participants.asp
You can see general rankings of Canadian universities.. not accurate but gives you an overall idea.. as to which universities are reputed:
www.4icu.org/ca/
You need to go through the university department websites, contact the university departments to know more such as course content, graduate degree options, deadlines, tuition fees, admission procedure etc. You will have to do the hard work to find the right type of programs of your desire and shortlist; a list of say atleast 5-6 more universities, you may consider applying to.
Most universities have NO Jan/Winter intake. Most programs start on Fall/Sept. intake. You should consider applying for 2014 Fall intake, for which usually the last date can be anywhere between Nov 1 2013 (for research based programs) to Feb 1 2014 (for course based programs). Very few universities MAY have Jan intake..and for that, again you have to go through all univ. sites and search for appropriate Master degree programmes.
To get into top grade universities, you are expected to have an excellent academic record and an overall impressive profile.
If immigration/PR is on top of your mind, then, it will be wise to opt for public universities based in provinces such as B.C and Manitoba or Quebec (provided you are willing to learn French till level 4/Upper intermediate DELF B2), where at present... these provinces have comparatively easier/direct immigration routes for master's graduates in field of CS engineering.
To know more about various student immigration programs see the latest Aug 2013 update post:
http://www.canadavisa.com/canada-immigration-discussion-board/various-immigration-programmes-for-international-students-in-canada-t100908.195.html
Hope it helps.
Best of Luck.
***All opinions expressed are purely personal, and pieces of information mentioned are to the best of my knowledge... You should consult other sources too.