Computer Science at McGill: Admission Average
McGill University · Montreal, QC
What average do you need for Computer Science at McGill?
Computer Science at McGill University typically admits students with averages in the low-to-mid 90s, roughly 88–94%. It ranks #2 of 16 McGill programs by admission average.
Growing program in a city that is rapidly becoming a major global AI hub.
How competitive is it?
Of the 31 universities we track that offer it, 1 asks for a higher average and 27 ask for a lower average.
As a rough guide, 94% or higher is above the typical range, 88% up to 94% is inside it, and 84% up to 88% is a reach. Cut-offs move every year, so apply to a mix of schools.
Ontario applicants are assessed on their top six Grade 12 U/M courses, including the program's prerequisites. Work out yours with the Best 6 calculator.
Computer Science at other universities
- University of Waterloo – high 90s (95-98%+)
- University of Toronto – low-to-mid 90s
- University of British Columbia – high 80s-low 90s (BC) / low-mid 90s (OOP)
- Université de Montréal – high 80s-low 90s
- McMaster University – high 80s
- Western University – high 80s
- University of Ottawa – high 80s
- Carleton University – high 80s
- University of Guelph – high 80s
- Wilfrid Laurier University – high 80s
- Brock University – high 80s
- Ontario Tech University – high 80s
- University of Windsor – high 80s
- York University – high 80s
- Toronto Metropolitan University – high 80s
- University of Victoria – high 80s
- Concordia University – high 80s
- Université Laval – high 80s
- University of Calgary – high 80s
- Dalhousie University – high 80s
- Acadia University – high 80s
- University of Manitoba – high 80s
- University of Saskatchewan – high 80s
- University of Regina – high 80s
- University of New Brunswick – high 80s
- Memorial University of Newfoundland – high 80s
- University of Northern BC – mid-to-high 80s
- Thompson Rivers University – mid-to-high 80s
- MacEwan University – mid-to-high 80s
- University of Prince Edward Island – mid-to-high 80s
Typical high school prerequisites
- English
- Advanced Functions
- Calculus & Vectors
- One additional U/M course
- Computer Science (recommended)
First-year courses
- Calculus I & II
- Linear Algebra
- Introduction to Programming
- Discrete Mathematics
- Statistics
These are typical for Computer Science programs across Canada. About the Computer Science degree
After a Computer Science degree
Computer Science usually takes 4 years. Many graduates go on to graduate or professional school.
- Software Engineer – $85,000 to $180,000+
- Data Scientist – $70,000 to $150,000
- AI / Machine Learning Engineer – $95,000 to $200,000+
- Cybersecurity Analyst – $75,000 to $150,000
- Game Developer – $65,000 to $130,000
- Waterloo CS is among the most competitive CS programs in Canada - the Admission Information Form is required, and contest results (CCC, Euclid) can strengthen an application.
- The theory-heavy first two years surprise many students - if you want applied work immediately, co-op is the relief valve.
- AI coding tools have reduced traditional junior developer openings - co-op experience, internships, and depth in areas like AI, security, or systems matter more than ever.
Applying to McGill
McGill University is Canada's most internationally recognised university and consistently ranks among the world's top 30. Situated in downtown Montreal on the slope of Mount Royal, McGill has produced more Nobel laureates per capita than any other Canadian university. Quebec residents pay some of Canada's lowest tuition, but since Fall 2024 out-of-province Canadians pay a much higher rate (roughly $13,000/year in tuition).
McGill University is in Montreal, QC, was founded in 1821 and has about 40,000 students. Domestic tuition is about $3,100 a year and co-op is not widely offered.
Deadlines: direct application January 15 (most programs).
- Quebec residents pay very low tuition (~$3,100/year before fees). Out-of-province Canadians admitted since Fall 2024 pay about $13,000/year in tuition - roughly double typical Ontario tuition - so budget accordingly.
- McGill's bilingual environment is a genuine asset - some French helps but full fluency isn't required for most programs. Quebec's planned French-proficiency requirement for out-of-province students was struck down in court in 2025.
- Montreal's cost of living is significantly lower than Toronto or Vancouver - a major financial advantage.
Other McGill programs
- Medicine (MDCM) – high 90s (95%+) + Casper + interview
- Law (BCL/LLB) – low-to-mid 90s
- Software Engineering – low-to-mid 90s
- Electrical Engineering – high 80s-low 90s
- Mechanical Engineering – high 80s-low 90s
- Chemical Engineering – high 80s-low 90s
- Management (Desautels) – low-to-mid 90s
- Economics – high 80s-low 90s
- Biology – high 80s
- Chemistry – high 80s
- Mathematics & Statistics – high 80s-low 90s
- Psychology – high 80s
- Political Science – high 80s
- Music (Schulich School) – Audition-based
- Nursing (BScN) – high 80s-low 90s
- Education – mid-to-high 80s