Study Cyber Security in Canada: Best Courses, Universities, Eligibility, Fees, Scholarships and Jobs

Canada has been consistently ranking as the top country based on living standards year after year. Enriched with the world’s most recognized and quality schools and universities, it makes for a wonderful option for studying abroad. Cyber security is increasingly becoming one of the most booming profession. Statistically, it was found that 49% of companies worldwide face a cyber security attack once a year. CIRA proposes that 71% of Canadian businesses suffer from losses due to cyber threats. 

The problem is evasive and growing every day. This calls for rising demands for expert cyber security professionals. Read through the guide below to learn about cyber security universities, eligibility and its prospects. 

Why Should You Study Cyber Security in Canada? 

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

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

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

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

Related Discussion: Which country is best to study MS in Cyber Security?

Top 5 Universities to Study Cyber Security Courses in Canada

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 now have a look at these top universities for cyber security courses in Canada in detail, with QS world rankings, programs offered, location, fees, and more. 

Ontario Tech University

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

Conestoga College Kitchener

This elite institution is recognized as a leader when it comes to 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. 

Concordia University

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

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. 

Centennial College

One of the most reputed universities in Canada, with degrees recognised all over the world, the Centennial College is yet another brilliant choice for studying cyber security course in Canada universities. 

Having looked at the best cyber security universities in Canada in detail, let us have a look at the basic, general eligibility criteria for getting into cyber security colleges in Canada. 

Eligibility to Study Cyber Security in Canada as an International Student

When it comes to filling eligibility requirements, your profile will depend on the college and course you choose. Normally, the following three types of eligibility criteria must be met:

• Minimum educational qualification

• English langauge 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 a master'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%. 

English Language Proficiency

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

Entrance Test Scores

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

Documents Required for Studying Cyber Security Courses in Canada for International Students

The list of documents required for the numerous cyber security courses in Canada for international students is mentioned here: 

• 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

What is the Admission Procedure to Study Cyber Security in Canada?

Every year, most of the 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:

1. Browse the website of the university you wish to appear for. 
2. Hover over to the admission section under your selected course.
3. The university website will provide an application form. Fill it in and submit the registration fees. 
4. Keep checking your admission status on the portal.
5. Once your application is accepted, you will receive an admission offer. Respond to it. 
6. Prepare all necessary documents and follow the steps to enrollment. These are generally provided by the university after the application approval. 
7. Submit the tuition fees to secure your seat. 
8. Proceed with study permit applications.

Cost of Studying Cyber Security in Canada

The cost of studying in Canada as an international student can be estimated by these categories: living costs, pre-arrival cost, and tuition fee. 

Tuition Fees

While cyber security course fees in Canada are pretty demanding, you can stay ahead by knowing the details beforehand. To support your tuition fees and other monetary needs for living in Canada, you must have sufficient financial strength. 

Exact course fees depend on the program chosen and the university applied to. Let us have a look at the average fees of various cyber security programs in Canada. 

Living Costs

The living costs in Canada vary from province to province. The range can be as large as 5000 to 10000 CAD depending on the number of rooms, locality, and standard of living. Students can also live on campus to save transportation expenses. Accommodation costs for the same fall around 8000 to 10000 CAD yearly. 

Suggested: Complete breakdown of cost of living in Canada for international students!

Scholarships for Cyber Security Courses in Canada

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

The scholarship distribution has been largely categorized into three broad horizons: Country based scholarships, university based scholarships and course based scholarships. 

Find below the scholarships offered and the amount for which they stand for cyber security students. 

Career Prospects for Cyber Security Graduates in Canada

Now, let us have a look on the various cyber security jobs in Canada. The table below summarises cyber security salary in Canada:

Top Certifications in Cyber Security That Are Valued the Most

Certifications are ideal to add skills to your profile and find 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: 

1. Certified Information Systems Security Professional
2. Cyber Security Nexus Practitioner
3. Systems Security Certified Practitioner
4. CompTIA Security+
5. Cyber Security Fundamentals 
6. CISM
7. CISA
8. IBM Cybersecurity Analyst Professional Certificate
9. CISSP
10. CCSP

Suggested: PG Diploma in Cyber Security in Canada!

These are inexpensive, efficient ways to power up your CV and ace higher in the professional race. You can take these certification courses online, in class or by self-study methods.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cyber Security in Canada

1. What will I learn under cyber security courses in Canada?

Ans. Cyber security courses in Canada will equip you with the comprehensive skills required to protect your infrastructure, run risk analysis, mitigation, architect cloud-based security, etc. 

2. Are cyber security programs difficult?

Ans. Cyber security programs can be challenging for many students. Still, if you develop a curiosity and natural interest in information technology, indulge in ethical hacking activities, and earn certification, the challenging skills may become more accessible.

3. Do cyber security courses deal with advanced mathematics?

Ans. Yes, several growing careers in the technical field require at least high school level maths and algebra. Higher jobs require even more advanced math. The jobs that don’t require high-level mathematics still require aptitude tests and real-world maths experience.

4. Does cyber security deal with complex coding?

Ans. Beginner-level cyber security does not deal with complex coding, but mid-level and high-level cybersecurity jobs require coding as a necessary skill. 

5. How much does a beginner make with a cyber security degree Canada?

Ans. On average, the annual cyber security salary in Canada in 2022 is 89,850 CAD, low or beginner level salary would be 74,580 CAD while experienced workers make money up to 129,814 CAD yearly.