Offered by University of Calgary in Calgary, Canada, PhD in Computer Science is a doctorate in Computer Sciences programme. The programme runs for 4 years. Tuition for international students is CAD 2,859 per semester (CAD 1,225 per semester for local students).
Also offered as: Bachelor's Degree, Master's Degree
This is a Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science at the University of Calgary, a thesis-based doctoral program delivered through full-time classroom instruction on campus. Students complete nine courses, including a core research methodology course and a seminar presentation, and pass a candidacy examination involving a scientific paper before advancing to thesis research, which is defended in an open oral examination. The program trains students in software design and implementation, algorithm development and computing problem-solving, drawing on the department's research areas. Applicants are expected to hold a thesis-based MSc or equivalent, along with prior undergraduate coursework in the theory of computation, software engineering, systems and applications, and admission depends on securing a faculty supervisor before the program begins. As a doctoral program, it centres on original, supervised research rather than coursework alone. It suits students with a strong technical computer science background who want to pursue careers ranging from private industry research and development to academic positions in computer science.
Requirements
Minimum GPA:3.30 / 4.0
Admission Requirements: Admission requires a thesis-based MSc, or equivalent, from a recognized institution, plus completion of 3rd- or 4th-year undergraduate courses covering theory of computation, software engineering, systems (operating systems, compilers) and an application area such as artificial intelligence, graphics or databases. The general minimum is a GPA of 3.3 on a 4.0 scale over the past two years of full-time study, though exceptions can be made for applicants showing research excellence or a GRE of at least 600 verbal and 750 quantitative. The programme defers English-language proficiency to the Faculty of Graduate Studies' general requirement in the UCalgary Graduate Calendar: IELTS Academic 6.5 overall with no band below 6.0, TOEFL iBT 86 with no section below 20, or Duolingo English Test 125 with no sub-score below 105. Applicants must submit a CV, statement of purpose and two reference letters within 12 months of application; admission is contingent on securing a supervisor.
Application Details
Start Date:September and January
Application Deadline:For Fall 2027 entry, the University of Calgary opens undergraduate applications for domestic applicants on 1 October 2026 and for international applicants on 15 August 2026, both closing on the same firm application deadline of 1 March 2027, with supporting documents due by 15 March 2027 and offers accepted by 1 May 2027. International applicants follow the identical March 1 deadline; the university publishes no separate, later international closing date. Applications are not accepted on a rolling basis after the deadline for most direct-entry programmes, though a small number of programmes (e.g. Nursing) run further selection rounds into the summer while space remains. These are institution-wide dates; this programme publishes no deadline of its own.
