Funded Master’s in Canada at the University of Waterloo in Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity for International Students
Opens annually from August 1 to June 1
Applicant criteria
- No specific age required
- Both
Opportunity criteria
Opportunity description
The University of Waterloo in Canada is accepting applications for the Master of Mathematics (MMath) in Computer Science, a research-based Master’s programme that falls within fully funded study and scholarship opportunities for international students. The programme is offered by the David R. Cheriton School of Computer Science within the Faculty of Mathematics.
The programme is designed for students who want to build advanced research expertise in computer science and technology. It allows students to work on a research project under academic supervision across a wide range of areas, including artificial intelligence, machine learning, cybersecurity, quantum computing, software engineering, and human-computer interaction.
The programme lasts 24 months on a full-time basis and is delivered in person at the University of Waterloo in Canada. Full-time research students also receive a funding package that helps cover study and living costs, making the programme suitable for students looking for fully funded Master’s opportunities in Canada and strong research pathways that can later lead to a PhD or careers in technology, research, and development.
Research Areas
Available research areas include:
- Artificial Intelligence.
- Machine Learning.
- Algorithms and Complexity.
- Cybersecurity, Cryptography, and Privacy.
- Databases.
- Quantum Computing.
- Bioinformatics.
- Computer Graphics.
- Software Engineering.
- Computer Systems and Networks.
- Human-Computer Interaction.
- Health Informatics.
- Programming Languages.
- Information Retrieval.
- Scientific Computing.
Benefits
- A funding package for full-time research-based Master’s students.
- For international students admitted from Fall 2026 onward, the current funding package for the first year is approximately CAD 51,990.
- Funding typically consists of Graduate Teaching Assistantships (TA) and Graduate Research Studentships (GRS), along with eligible scholarships and awards.
- Funding continues throughout the standard duration of the programme, provided that students maintain the required academic performance and fulfill the responsibilities associated with their funding.
- Outstanding students are automatically considered for a number of admission scholarships and awards.
- Eligible international students may benefit from the International Master’s Award of Excellence as part of their funding package.
- The opportunity to study and work with international researchers in computer science.
- Access to advanced laboratories and research facilities.
- Opportunities to publish research and participate in academic conferences.
- Students retain intellectual property rights to their work in accordance with the University of Waterloo’s policies.
- Preparation for pursuing a PhD or a career in the technology sector and advanced industries.
Eligibility criteria
To apply for the programme, applicants must:
- Hold an Honours Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or Engineering, or an equivalent academic qualification.
- Achieve a minimum academic average of 78% or equivalent.
- Meet the University of Waterloo’s requirements for international academic qualifications.
- Provide proof of English language proficiency unless eligible for an exemption.
- For the IELTS Academic, the programme requires an overall score of at least 6.5, with a minimum of 6.0 in Writing and 6.5 in Speaking.
- Have clear research interests that align with the areas pursued by faculty members at the Cheriton School of Computer Science.
- Prior approval from a supervisor is not required before applying, but the university recommends contacting potential supervisors in advance.
- The GRE is not required for international applicants to graduate programmes in Computer Science.
Application Deadlines
- For studies beginning in May 2027: Deadline: October 1, 2026.
- For studies beginning in September 2027: Deadline: December 1, 2026.
- For studies beginning in January 2028: Deadline: June 1, 2027.
Explore Partially Funded Scholarships
Explore Fully Funded Scholarships