University of Calgary Computer Science admission requirements: the low 80s average, courses and dates

UCalgary asks Ontario students for English (ENG4U) and Advanced Functions (MHF4U). You then need two of Biology (SBI4U), Chemistry (SCH4U), Physics (SPH4U), Calculus and Vectors (MCV4U) or Computer Science (ICS4U). The fifth course is one approved course or option.

ICS4U is not required, so you can apply without a high school programming course. UCalgary does encourage you to take courses related to your major, since some may be prerequisites for first-year courses. Plan your Grade 12 timetable with our course planner.

UCalgary lists an estimated competitive admission average of the low 80s for Ontario and Alberta high school applicants for the Fall 2027 intake. It is an estimate, and the real cut-off depends on who applies that year.

UCalgary doesn't publish a Computer Science acceptance rate. Our University of Calgary acceptance rate page covers what it does publish. You can check your marks with our Top 6 average calculator, but remember that UCalgary averages program-specific courses, not your top six.

UCalgary's approved Ontario list includes MHF4U, MDM4U and MCV4U, SBI4U, SCH4U, SPH4U, ICS4U, TEJ4M, one 4U social studies course (CHI4U, CHY4U or CGW4U), 4U fine arts, any 4U second language and any 4U course. Approved options include several 4M courses, such as Business Studies and Science.

You can't use two courses in the same subject, except the three math courses. Only one of Art, Dance, Drama or Music can count. IB and AP equivalents are accepted, and every applicant must meet UCalgary's English language requirement.

UCalgary reviews your file each time new grades arrive. Early admission uses four approved program courses from Grade 11. It makes fewer early offers, at a higher average. Standard admission uses five program courses from Grade 11 or 12, with at least one at Grade 12.

Any offer still needs every Grade 12 requirement finished and your admission average kept up.

Computer Science students can join the Science Careers and Co-op Program. It offers 4 to 16 months of paid, full-time work. After 8 months of co-op work you graduate with a Co-op Education Designation.

You apply after you start. You need 30 units done, at least 18 degree units left, and a 2.0 GPA on your last 30 units. Applications open in fall (September to October) and winter (January to February). There is a $50 admission fee if you are accepted. The program page also lists past internship roles such as software developer intern and cloud architect intern.

For the Fall 2027 intake, apply between October 1, 2026 and March 1, 2027. March 1 is also the last day to change your program choices. Computer Science has no supplementary application.

UCalgary's dates page, which doesn't print the year, lists March 15 for unofficial transcripts and documents and May 1 to accept an offer dated April 1 or earlier. May 1 is also the deadline for the first-year residence guarantee. High school courses must be finished by June 30 and final transcripts sent by August 1.

UCalgary's calendar tuition schedule, effective Spring Term 2026, lists $738.66 per 3-unit Science course for Canadian students and $3,078.21 for international students. Ten courses come to about $7,386.60 or $30,782.10 before fees. Courses taught by other faculties are charged at that faculty's rate.

The President's Admission Scholarship is automatic: $5,000, not renewable, for a final admission average of 95.00% or higher. Applications for UCalgary's Prestige Awards for incoming high school students close December 1. Read our University of Calgary guide for more on costs and awards.

The BSc and BSc Honours both need 120 units, about 40 courses, and normally take four years of full-time study at 10 courses a year. UCalgary's first-year guide lists Computer Science 231 in the fall and Computer Science 233 and 251 in the winter. You also take Mathematics 249 or 265, Mathematics 211 and Philosophy 279.

The rest of the year is two non-science options from other faculties and two options outside Computer Science. UCalgary says you can take Computer Science 217 and 219 in place of 231 and 233, but it does not recommend that route. Register early, since some first-year courses are reserved for students in specific programs.

If you get IB or AP credit on admission, you can see it in your Student Centre and ask a faculty adviser how it applies. Credit for a 200-level course can let you start in the 300-level course that follows it.

Within 24 to 48 hours of sending your admission application, you can open the entrance award application in your Student Centre. One application puts you in the running for all competitive entrance awards.

UCalgary's awards calendar lists two windows. Prestige Awards open October 1 and close December 1, with admission documents due December 15 and decisions in March or April. High School Awards open October 1 and close March 1, with documents due March 15 and decisions at the end of April. Award money is split in half between your Fall and Winter fees.

If you apply straight from high school and are 21 or younger, UCalgary guarantees you a place in residence for first year when you apply by May 1. Most first-year students live in the traditional-style Kananaskis and Rundle halls. Some apartment-style spaces, such as International House and Yamnuska Hall, are given on a competitive basis, with priority for prestige scholarship winners.

A meal plan is mandatory in first-year residence, so include it when you compare costs.

Calgary Computer Science decides on grades in five courses, and the estimate sits in the low 80s. Your child doesn't need a programming course to apply.

Co-op is optional and starts after first year, so it isn't part of the admission decision. Compare other schools on our computer science requirements across Canada page.