Answer: Although GRE scores are not required, we assume that serious applicants from outside Canada will have taken the GRE anyway and hence will have scores to submit. If so, we strongly encourage you to send them in for review by our selection committee. Good scores will strengthen your application. (Average scores are about 550 Verbal, 700 Quantitative). Official verification of reported grades is not required until an offer is made.
GRE Institution code - 0982 Department code - 0402
2. Do I need to send English test scores?
Answer: Applicants whose primary language is not English and who graduated from a university where the language of instruction and examination is not English must provide proof of English language facility though English Proficiency Tests such as IELTS, TOEFL or other test. Scores may be added to your application even after the deadline (we'll process your application on the assumption that you can show satisfactory scores), but the university will not allow us to make you an offer, not even a conditional one, until we have the official notice of your scores.
The minimum Required International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score: 7.0 (Academic)
The minimum TOEFL requirements for Physical Sciences (including Computer Science) are:
- Paper-based Test and TWE: Overall Score 580 TWE 4
- Internet-based (IBT): Overall Score 93 Writing/Speaking 22
Minimum requirements for additional test can be found at the School of Graduate Studies website
3. Do I need to send official paper transcripts of my previous university records?
Answer: Our application form asks for you to send unofficial electronic scans or summaries of your transcripts, and that's what we base our decisions on. Of course, if we make you an offer, then we will need official paper copies of the transcripts, and we may make you an offer of admission that is conditional on us receiving and authenticating your transcripts. Since it often takes quite some time for transcripts to be sent, especially from overseas, you should be prepared to respond quickly if asked, and you might wish to have them sent to us without waiting for an offer.
4. How much are tuition fees? Are MScAC students eligible for any Scholarships or awards?
Answer: Tuition (for students entering the program in September 2012) for the entire 16-month program is anticipated to be CDN $14,183 for domestic students (Canadian citizens and permanent residents) and CDN $30,164 for international students. We expect, but cannot guarantee, that this will be more than offset by internship salaries. MScAC students are not eligible for provincial or federal research based awards; however they can apply for provincial loans and may be eligible for departmental awards.
5. How are tuition fees paid?
Answer: Tuition fees are paid at your bank using your student account number. A minimum tuition amount (about 60%) is due early to mid-August in order to officially register with the University. Service charges on outstanding items for academic year begin in November. Accounts with an outstanding balance are subject to a monthly service charge of 1.5% compounded (19.56% per annum) assessed as of the 15th of every month. Accounts must be paid in full by April. If someone else pays your fees, it is your responsibility to ensure that person knows the requirements. For more information on how to pay fees, please visit the Student Accounts website.
6. Already have Masters Degree from another university, am I still eligible to apply to this program?
Answer: YES
7. My marks aren't as good as research minimums, but I have industry experience, am I acceptable?
Answer: The department’s minimum academic requirement is a B+. Students must meet the University of Toronto minimum academic requirement for admission to a master's program (mid-B). That said; we consider all aspects of the application including industry experience, which is an important aspect of the application.
8. Can I supply Non-Academic References?
Answer: Yes you can as we accept both academic and professional references.
9. I have a three-year Bachelor's degree from a North American university. Will it be acceptable?
Answer: Appliacnts from Quebec will qualify with two-years CEGEP plus three-year degree. However, many North American 3-year degree holders may not have sufficient depth and normally are asked to complete an upgrading year (one full year of senior-level undergraduate courses as specified by the graduate unit). Eligibility cannot be determined until a complete application is submitted. In exceptional circumstances, the department can support a request to the School of graduate Studies for non-standard consideration.
10. Are three-year Bologna compliant degrees acceptable?
Answer: Qualified applicants with three-year Bologna-compliant bachelor's degrees (and 3-year UK degrees preceded by the GCE A-levels which are considered equivalent) are considered admissible and are encouraged to apply. In addition to the University’s minimum admission requirements, there are several factors that will be taken into consideration while assessing these degrees: requirements for gaining admission to the degree; content of the degree and duration of the degree, among others. Eligibility cannot be determined until a complete application is submitted. The department can support a request to the School of graduate Studies for non-standard consideration.
11. I have a four-year Bachelor's degree from an Ontario community college. Will it be acceptable?
Answer: Applications to graduate studies at U of T from graduates of four-year community college bachelors programs may be considered admissible and are encouraged to apply. In addition to the University’s minimum admission requirements, there are several factors that will be taken into consideration while assessing these degrees: the degree of affinity between the applied degree and the program to which the applicant is seeking admission; the academic content of the third and fourth year courses; and other indicators that the applicant is adequately prepared for the MScAC degree.
12. Are placements guaranteed?
Answer: The internship is a requirement for the MScAC program. Last year the department reported a 100% success rate for students finding placements with industry and earning approximately $45K over their eight month internship. Naturally, we cannot guarantee any salary level but $45K is a reasonable expectation based on our experience to date.
13. How many students get admitted each year?
Answer: This program has been growing steadily. In 2010 we admitted 6 students, in 2011 we admitted 12 students and in 2012 we expect to admit 16 students.
14. What kind of Visa or permit do I need as an international student?
Answer: The internship is a required component of this program of study and you will need a Co-Op Work Permit in addition to a Study Permit to fulfill this requirement. You are permitted to accept employment either on or off campus for a co-op, internship or for professional experience. To be eligible for the Co-Op Work Permit you must:
- have a valid study permit and
- obtain a letter from your faculty indicating that employment is an integral part of your degree program.
and download the following forms: - Guide (IMM 5553)
- Application to Change Conditions, Extend My Stay or Remain in Canada (IMM 1249)
- Document Checklist [IMM 5583]
16. What is the difference between the MScAC and the “regular” MSc degree?
Answer: The MScAC degree is intended for students wishing to apply current research in real-world applications. The MSc degree is designed for students wishing to produce original research.
17. Can I go on to a PhD from the MScAC?
Answer: It is not expected that students who complete the MScAC will go on to pursue a doctoral research program, but MScAC graduates are welcome to apply the PhD.
18. My referee does not have an institutional e-mail address required by the School of Graduate Studies application site.
Answer: If your referee’s institution or organization does not issue employees an institutional email address, leave the *email address boxes* blank for that referee and continue the application. Once you have paid the application fee and moved to “Documents Pending” status, you must contact the Department of Computer Science at mscac@cs.utoronto.ca with the referee’s email address.
19. The website says that I will take 6 half courses (CSC2701, CSC2702, plus four electives) and an 8 month internship. What will my schedule look like?
Answer: During the first 8 months of the MScAc program, students complete their four electives. The 8 months are broken up into two four month terms (Fall – September to December and Winter – January to April). Students are advised to balance out their course schedule with two electives in the Fall and two elective in the Winter, however some students may prefer to do more or less in a given term depending on courses availability. The first required course, CSC2701 begins with a few introductory courses late in the Fall term, then resumes mid-Winter and runs until April. The second required course, CSC 2702 beings in May, right about when your internship starts and meets every two weeks until the end of your internship (December).
20. Can I speak to someone?
Answer: For more information on the MScAC program, please contact the Admissions Assistant, Kolden Simmonds at mscac@cs.utoronto.ca