Cybersecurity Programs In Canada: Top Universities, Admission Process, Jobs & More (2023)

With more than 5.03 billion active internet users worldwide, large amounts of data are being generated and stored online every second. Data is the new oil, and with cyber attacks on the rise, individuals and businesses must be equipped to protect their data. Premium quality education on cybersecurity equips individuals to protect their personal and professional data.

The right place to receive this education is from universities that offer the latest and accredited syllabus and have the best minds to impart that knowledge. The universities in Canada have the right combination of world-renowned tutors and advanced course curriculum to combat today's cybersecurity issues. This blog will be your guide to cybersecurity programs at the top Canadian universities.

Why Study Cybersecurity Programs In Canada?

Canada has been a favourite choice for students all over the world. The reason lies in its advanced, world-famous universities, high standard of living, brilliant job prospects, opportunities to settle permanently in Canada, and so many more.

Elite universities:There are more than 159 universities that offer cyber security programs in Canada. This elaborates on the rich choice arena and allows you to explore your field. The Ontario tech university, the Sask Polytech and the Concordia university are a few of the most renowned, well-established universities of courses for cyber security in Canada.

High standard of living: Canada has continuously ranked first in terms of quality of life for the past five years. This makes it an ideal choice for your higher studies and career.

Job opportunities: Cyber security as a career accounts annually for a 7% increase in job opportunities in Canada. The field is vital because it affects almost every sector Canadians rely on for their day-to-day needs.

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5 Top Universities To Study Cyber Security Courses In Canada

Canada is home to over 223 universities. Out of these, 159 universities offer cybersecurity courses in Canada. We’ve chosen the top cyber security colleges in Canada based on various criteria such as course curriculum, teaching methodologies, tutors, international student life and job score.

Listed below are the 5 best universities for cyber security in Canada:

• Ontario Tech University
• Conestoga College Kitchener
• Concordia University
• Saskatchewan Polytechnic
• Centennial College

Let us look at these top cyber security colleges in Canada in detail, with QS world rankings, programs offered, location, fees, and more.

1. Ontario Tech University

The University of Ontario Institute of Technology, popularly known as the Ontario Tech University, is the top institute in Canada that offers top-notch education enriched with research in the ever-expanding field of cyber security. It has one of the best cybersecurity programs in Canada. The Institute for Cybersecurity and Resilient Systems at this institute is a global research centre.

2. Conestoga College Kitchener

Conestoga College Kitchener is an elite institution that is recognized as a leader in polytechnic education. It also boasts of being the fastest-growing university in Canada. It is famous for providing rich opportunities for research and career-centric education to its students. It has some of the best cyber security courses in Canada for international students.

3. Concordia University

One of the best cyber security colleges in Canada, Concordia university is famous for its flexible, broad approach to education that takes degrees and diplomas beyond texts. Known for its research programs, you can also pursue PhD in cyber security in Canada from this university.

4. Saskatchewan Polytechnic

The Saskatchewan Polytechnic provides an insightful program in Cyber tech and security enriched with research, practicality, and innovation. Offering a diverse range of programs and modules within the field, Sask Polytechnic is an ideal choice for cyber security enthusiasts.

5. Centennial College

One of the most reputed universities in Canada, with degrees, recognized worldwide. Centennial College is yet another brilliant choice for studying cyber security courses in Canada universities.

Top Cybersecurity Programs In Canada

Certifications are ideal for adding skills to your profile and finding good cyber security jobs in Canada. Find the top 10 certifications valued by employers related to cybersecurity programs in Canada and specialize your resume with ease:

• Certified Information Systems Security Professional
• Cyber Security Nexus Practitioner
• Systems Security Certified Practitioner
• CompTIA Security+
• Cyber Security Fundamentals
• CISM
• CISA
• IBM Cybersecurity Analyst Professional Certificate
• CISSP
• CCSP

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Eligibility Criteria To Study Cyber Security Courses In Canada

As an international student, you must meet the eligibility criteria for the cybersecurity course you want to study at the Canadian university of your choice. The university outlines eligibility criteria for every course. Though the set of criterion vary from one course to another, there are a certain criteria that are similar for all universities in Canada. We’ve listed them below.

• Minimum educational qualification
• English language proficiency
• Additional test scores

Minimum Educational Qualification

If you are applying for a bachelor in cyber security in Canada, you must complete 10+2 with a minimum 70%. For amaster's program in cyber security, you should have a bachelor’s or Hons. Degree. While all are acceptable, preference is given to bachelors in Cyber Security in Canada, Computer Science, or a related field. The average required minimum score is 73% to 76%.

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English Language Proficiency

Candidates who do not have English as their first language are required to give an English Language Proficiency test such as theIELTS,TOEFL, etc. the minimum score varies from university to university, an average overall score is 6.5-7 band score for the IELTS and its equivalents for other tests.

Entrance Test Scores

Primarily for cyber security undergraduate degrees in Canada, candidates may be asked to give entrance tests and provide results and scores of the same. For example, SAT. Other than this, some universities may demand university-specific criteria, or the minimum test score may differ.

Documents RequiredTo Pursue Cyber Security Courses In Canada

To submit your application to study Bachelors in cyber security in Canada, Masters and PhD in cyber security in Canada, you must submit the required documents. The comprehensive list varies from one university to another, but these are the common and mandatory documents to be submitted.

• Academic record transcripts and mark sheets
• Proof of degree for postgraduate or doctorate programs
• Proof of school leaving for undergraduate programs
• Official test scores for chosen English Language Proficiency Test
• Letter of recommendation
• Statement of purpose
• Criminal Background check
• Passport photocopy
• CV/ Resume
• Evidence supporting finances

Admission ProcessFor Studying Cyber Security In Canada

Every year, most universities in Canada take in students in three terms, namely Summer, Fall, and Winter. Fall is the commonest, while others differ from university to university. It is advisable to check for deadlines and availabilities of university intakes before applying. The general admission procedure is briefly mentioned below:

• Browse the website of the university you wish to appear for.
• Hover over to the admission section under your selected course.
• The university website will provide an application form. Fill it in and submit the registration fees.
• Keep checking your admission status on the portal.
• Once your application is accepted, you will receive an admission offer. Respond to it.
• Prepare all necessary documents and follow the steps to enrollment. The university generally provides these after the application approval.
• Submit the tuition fees to secure your seat.
• Proceed with study permit applications and student visa.

Cost To StudyCyber Security Course In Canada Universities

When international students pursue cybersecurity programs in Canada, they incur two types of costs. They are,

• Tuition Fee
• Cost of living

Tuition Fee

Tuition Fee depends on the course and university you choose to study at. The tuition fee for short-term certifications may be less when compared to a PhD program. It can range from 15,000 CAD / 9,10,000 INR to 58,000 CAD / 3,51,900 INR per annum.

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Living Costs

The living costs in Canada vary from province to province. The range can be as extensive as 5000 to 10000 CAD, depending on the number of rooms, locality, and standard of living. This can also vary and determine your monthly or annual living expenses.Students can also live on campus to save on transportation expenses. Accommodation costs for the same fall around 8,000 CAD / 4,85,200 INR to 10,000 CAD / 6,07,000 INR yearly.

ScholarshipsFor Cyber Security Degree Canada

While meeting living expenses and the pre-arrival charges are on students entirely, some scholarship programs can significantly ease the financial burden of cyber security course fees in Canada.

The scholarship distribution for cyber security degree Canada has been categorised mainly into three broad horizons: Country-based, university-based, and course-based. As an international student, you can apply for any of these scholarships accepted by your university to reduce your cyber security course fees in Canada.

Please find below a list of scholarships and their benefits.

Jobs AfterStudying Cyber Security Courses In Canada

The cyber security industry is booming in Canada. Plenty of job opportunities are available for professionals of every level. We’ve listed some of the in-demand cyber security jobs in Canada and the average cyber security salary in Canada. Check out the table below to know cyber security salary in canada.

Wrapping up

Studying in cyber security universities in Canada helps you gain a strong understanding of the subjects and hands-on experience through practical projects. There are plenty of certifications, undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral courses in cyber security in Canadian universities. It is essential to choose the right course to meet your educational goals. For assistance in choosing the right course or university, you can reach out to our Yocket counsellors anytime.

Frequently Asked Questions AboutCyber Security Courses In Canada

Ques: What is covered in cyber security undergraduate degree in Canada?

Ans: Core subjects deal with protecting infrastructure, mitigation, risk analysis, architect cloud-based security, etc. The subjects and electives may vary based on the course you opt for and the university.

Ques: Are cybersecurity programs in Canada challenging to study?

Ans: No, cybersecurity programs in Canada are not challenging to study. The tutors at the Canadian universities teach the concepts through classroom lectures, projects, practical programs and other interactive methods. This makes it easy for you to grasp the concepts.

Ques: Do cyber security course in Canada universities require coding skills?

Ans: Contrary to popular belief, one does not require coding skills to study cyber security in Canada. Course curriculum includes system management, core security, operating system, understanding of networks, etc., These do not involve coding.

Ques: Is it compulsory to have good math scores to gain admission into cyber security courses in Canada for international students?

Ans: It is crucial to have the minimum overall score in your previous education records as specified by your Canadian university for the cybersecurity course of your choice. It is optional to have high marks in math to apply. But strong analytical skills are required to study and practice the concepts taught in the best cybersecurity programs in Canada.

Ques: Is Canada suitable for studying cybersecurity degree?

Ans: Canada has several top-ranking universities in the world. Pursuing cybersecurity degree in Canada in these colleges holds high value as these degrees are recognized worldwide. Also, there are plenty of job opportunities in the field of cybersecurity after completing education that international students can explore.