University of Manitoba Computer Science admission requirements: the 80% minimum, courses, co-op and dates

UManitoba lists two Computer Science degrees: the Bachelor of Computer Science (Honours) and the Bachelor of Science (Major). There are also joint honours degrees with Mathematics, Physics and Astronomy, or Statistics, and a minor. If you apply from high school, or have fewer than 24 credit hours of university study, you apply for direct entry to the Faculty of Science.

If you do not meet the direct entry rules, UManitoba says you can apply to University 1 instead. University 1 is a first year program where you build up courses and grades before moving into the Faculty of Science. Students with 24 or more credit hours from another faculty apply through advanced entry.

Manitoba students need English 40S, Applied Mathematics 40S or Pre-Calculus Mathematics 40S, one of Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science or Physics 40S, and one more academic 40S course. Ontario students need ENG4U, MHF4U or MCV4U, one of SBI4U, SCH4U, ICS4U or SPH4U, and one more 4U or 4M course.

A Grade 12 computer science course is not required. It can count as your science course if you take it. Since the first Computer Science courses are heavy on programming and logic, Pre-Calculus in Manitoba or MCV4U in Ontario is a sensible choice even though Applied Mathematics and MHF4U are allowed. Plan your Grade 12 year with our course planner.

The Faculty of Science asks for a minimum average of 80% over the four courses, with no less than 60% in any one of them. UManitoba also warns that when there are more eligible applicants than spaces, students will need higher averages than the stated minimum to get in.

UManitoba does not publish a separate Computer Science cut off or a Computer Science acceptance rate. Our University of Manitoba acceptance rate page covers what the school does share. You can check your own number with our Top 6 average calculator, but remember UManitoba uses its four named courses, not a top six.

UManitoba's own pages do not agree on the domestic deadline. The Computer Science program page lists August 1 as the fall direct entry deadline for Canadian citizens and permanent residents, and May 1 for international direct entry applicants. The direct entry requirements page lists March 1 for fall direct entry programs, and it was still showing the Fall 2026 dates when we checked. Please confirm the Fall 2027 date with UManitoba.

Our advice is to apply by March 1, 2027. You are only considered automatically for the General Entrance Scholarships if your application is in by March 1. The program page lists a $100 application fee for domestic applicants and $130 for international applicants. Applications open in early September. Compare other schools on our Canadian university application deadlines page.

Both degrees need 120 or more credit hours and take four years with a full course load. The Bachelor of Computer Science (Honours) needs a minimum 3.00 GPA. The Bachelor of Science (Major) needs a minimum 2.50 GPA. You do not pick between them on day one, so first year grades decide which doors stay open.

The academic calendar lists COMP 1010 Introductory Computer Science 1 and COMP 1020 Introductory Computer Science 2 as the starting programming courses. A minimum grade of C is needed in prerequisites unless a course says otherwise. COMP 1000 and COMP 1500 cannot be used to meet Computer Science requirements in the Honours, Joint Honours or Major programs, so check before you register.

Co-op is optional and open to all Computer Science programs. You do not apply from high school. You apply to Science Co-op while in university, when you have between 54 and 90 credit hours at the end of the fall term and have finished most of your second year requirements. Majors need a 2.50 GPA and Honours students need a 3.00 GPA.

Co-op students complete at least three and at most four paid work terms of four months each, starting in January, May or September. Most finish their degree in about five years. The work term fee for 2026-27 is $710.80 for each confirmed work term, with no application fee. International students start their first work term one term later, in summer, to allow time for paperwork.

UManitoba charges tuition by the credit hour, based on the faculty that teaches each course. For 2026-2027 the Science rate is $187.65 a credit hour for domestic students and $804.00 for international students. A full year is usually 30 credit hours.

UManitoba's admissions page estimates a fall and winter year in Science at $8,200 for Canadians and $28,000 for international students. That estimate includes program and lab fees, the Winnipeg Transit U-Pass, a gym pass and the student health and dental plan. It does not include books, supplies or living costs.

When you apply by March 1, you are considered automatically for the General Entrance Scholarships. Level 1 pays $3,000 for an average of 95% or more, Level 2 pays $2,000 for 90% or more, and Level 3 pays $1,000 for 85% or more. IB students can earn $1,100 to $3,500, and AP or IB exam results can add $150 to $250 each.

To keep an entrance award you must enrol in both fall and winter terms with at least 24 credit hours. If you drop below that, UManitoba can take back up to the full award.

Admission is based on grades in four named Grade 12 courses, with an 80% minimum. There is no essay, interview or portfolio. The minimum is not a promise, because the cut off can rise when spaces are tight.

Co-op comes later and depends on university grades, so first year marks matter. Tuition is charged per credit hour, so a lighter course load costs less, but scholarships need at least 24 credit hours. See our University of Manitoba guide and compare programs on our computer science requirements across Canada page.