University of Alberta Computing Science admission requirements: courses, averages and dates

The U of A asks Ontario students for English (ENG4U, or ETS4U or EAE4U) and Advanced Functions (MHF4U). You then need two of Calculus and Vectors (MCV4U), Computer Studies (ICS4U), Biology (SBI4U), Chemistry (SCH4U) or Physics (SPH4U). The fifth course comes from fine arts, humanities, languages other than English, or math and sciences.

The Faculty of Science says Computing Science is the one area with no extra high school prerequisites, so you don't need ICS4U. Plan your courses with our course planner.

The U of A does not post a separate average for Computing Science. Its three-year trend for the Faculty of Science is the low 80s to mid 90s. The U of A says these are benchmarks, not a promise, and that averages change each year with the applicant pool and space.

The Faculty of Science sets a 70% minimum to apply for a BSc Major and 80% for a BSc Honors. Each course also needs at least 50% at Grade 12. The U of A doesn't publish a Computing Science acceptance rate. See our University of Alberta acceptance rate page and check your marks with the Top 6 average calculator. The U of A itself uses your five required courses, not your top six.

Computing Science is offered as a BSc with Major and a BSc with Honors. Both have the same five-course list. The Honors route needs the higher 80% minimum average to apply.

The department says all Honors and Specialization programs in Computing Science need its approval.

The Faculty of Science runs the Science Internship Program rather than a co-op stream. It offers 4, 8, 12 or 16 months of full-time, paid work with companies in Canada.

If you finish it, a Science Internship Program designation goes on your transcript and degree parchment. It isn't part of the admission decision.

For Fall 2027, applications open October 1, 2026. Most programs close on March 1, 2027. The entrance award application closes January 10, 2027. You can submit new first-semester marks from February 19, 2027, and self-report final marks by April 30, 2027.

The U of A assesses on a rolling basis, so apply early. Offers made before April 1 must be accepted by May 1, 2027. High school documents are due August 1, 2027.

For 2026-27, the U of A charges Canadian students $729.36 for a 3-credit course, from a fee index value of $121.56. Ten such courses come to about $7,293.60 before fees, by our arithmetic.

Non-instructional fees, books and housing are extra. Read our University of Alberta guide for more on costs and awards.

The U of A has two kinds of entrance awards. Admission-based awards need no application. They use your high school admission average at the time of your offer. The Gold Standard Scholarship gives up to $6,000 to the top 5% of students in each faculty, based on admission average.

Application-based awards use one form in Awards Hub. For September 2027, it opens October 1, 2026 and closes January 10, 2027. You need your CCID from your admission application first, which can take two to three business days. Students with averages of 95% or more are assessed for the most prestigious awards. The Entrance Leadership Scholarship looks at students with 80% or more and leadership roles.

Some awards suit Ontario students. The Fly Home Award gives out-of-province Canadian students up to $1,500. The National Achievement Scholarship gives the top incoming out-of-province Canadian students $30,000, paid over four years. AP and IB students may receive up to $3,500.

If you write AP or IB exams, the U of A uses the higher of your exam score or your high school grade for admission. Its AP example converts a score of 4 to 86%. Its IB example converts a score of 6 to 90%.

A final AP grade of 4 or higher, or an IB grade of 6 or higher, on listed exams can earn transfer credit or advanced standing. The U of A also grants three extra open elective units to students who complete the full AP Capstone Diploma.

AP Research and AP Seminar can now count as the humanities option for the Faculty of Science. To add them to your application, email the AP student address listed on the U of A's AP page. You can also challenge a university course through Credit by Special Assessment. That exam works like a final worth 100% of your grade, and the mark goes on your U of A transcript and into your GPA.

The U of A guarantees housing to first-year undergraduates who apply by April 30 for a Fall move-in. The guarantee does not cover Winter term move-ins. It also does not promise your choice of residence or room type.

If you are coming from Ontario, apply for residence early so the April 30 date doesn't pass while you wait on other offers.

You can also apply after starting at another college or university. With fewer than 24 units of transferable courses, the U of A looks at your high school requirements and may consider your post-secondary marks. With 24 units or more, it uses your high school requirements and your post-secondary marks.

Competitive GPAs usually use your most recent 24 units. Up to 60 transfer credits are allowed in any program. For Fall 2027, transfer applications close March 1, 2027 and documents are due June 15, 2027.

The U of A decides on five Grade 12 courses. It does not post a Computing Science average, so treat the Science range as a rough guide.

Your child doesn't need a programming course. Compare other schools on our computer science requirements across Canada page.