Canada’s Top Universities for Tech Talent

The University of British Columbia’s (UBC) Department of Computer Science is one of Canada’s top two computer science departments. UBC also ranks as one of the world’s top 25 universities for computer science, so it’s obviously a highly reputable program. Altogether the department offers more than 100 different courses, which can lead to careers in medicine, robotics, e-commerce, web technologies, advertising, and environmental technology.

Macleans states that this university’s main campus in Oshawa is one of the “most wired learning environments in the country.” Led by an award-winning faculty, students can enroll in undergraduate programs such as public health, business and information technology, sustainable energy, automotive design and engineering, and computer science. The University of Ontario Institute of Technology also puts a strong emphasis on research, including in the fields of life sciences and biotechnology, energy and the environment, information and communication technology and informatics, and education for the 21st century.

Dalhousie University’s Faculty of Computer Science is the leading information technology research institution in Nova Scotia. It’s arming its students with the skills and knowledge to be future tech innovators and inventors. The faculty has research strengths in areas such as health informatics, human-computer interaction, computer networking, and e-business. It offers graduate degrees in applied computer science, electronic commerce, computer science, and health informatics.

As Canada’s most community-engaged research university, Simon Fraser University (or SFU) is a great choice for the tech leaders of tomorrow. The Faculty of Applied Sciences has three schools under its umbrella: Computing Science, Engineering Science, and Mechatronics Engineering. It also has the fantastic Technology Entrepreneurship@SFU initiative—a partnership between BCIC, Dr. Ken Spencer, the faculty, and the Beedie School of Business—to “develop BC’s knowledge-based economy.” There is also the School of Interactive Arts and Technology.

A lot of notable moments in Canada’s history have happened at Western University, including the discovery of insulin. With an enrollment of just under 30,000 students, the university has an ever-expanding Faculty of Information and Media Studies that dedicates itself to the “advancement of knowledge about media, communications, and information technologies.” There are many Master and Ph.D. graduate programs, but the two undergraduate degrees are Media, Information & Technoculture, and Media & Public Interest.

Ryerson University in downtown Toronto states that they champion “diversity, entrepreneurship, and innovation.” The university is known for its fantastic initiative called the Digital Media Zone; it helps startups by giving entrepreneurs access to coaching, capital, customers, and community. Its computer science program ensures that students become fluent in programming languages such as Java and C++ in their first and second years. The last two years of the program delve into advanced concepts, including software engineering, data communication networks, computer graphics, artificial intelligence, and advanced algorithms.

The University of Toronto is a leader in many ways. It’s Canada’s largest university and is home to the country’s largest undergraduate paid internship program. Toronto itself is North America’s third-largest information and communication technology hub, so a degree through the university’s Department of Computer Science is a worthwhile option. It’s also a great place for future entrepreneurs, with the department’s Innovation Lab and the university’s Banting & Best Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship.

The University of Waterloo has the world’s largest co-op program, and the Stratford Campus is one of its three satellite campuses. It’s known for its dedication to digital media and information technology: “Students are immersed in a rich, technology-driven environment where theory and practice, science and commerce, and creativity and innovation merge to forward digital media.” The Stratford Campus focuses on giving students access to entrepreneurs (professors and graduates have all together created 300 companies), research, commercialization opportunities, and community outreach.

Known in Vancouver as BCIT, the institute is Western Canada’s largest computing and IT education provider. The two-year Bachelor of Technology in Computing Systems is a highly valued program for future leaders in tech. It’s designed to increase every student’s knowledge and practical skills in computer system technologies, widening their career prospects. Students, however, must first complete a two-year diploma, such as BCIT’s Computer Systems Technology or Computer Information Technology program.
Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.