PhD in Computer Science (guaranteed minimum funding)

Our PhD will prepare graduates with the potential to make significant contributions to academia and in the private sector. Applicants also have the option to apply for a collaborative specialization in One Health while pursuing a thesis-based PhD degree in Computer Science. Comprehensive Thesis-Based Program Students complete several courses, give two public seminars, pass a qualifying exam, conduct research and defend a written dissertation at the final oral examination. Top-Ranked Graduate Studies In the 2026 THE World University Rankings, the University of Guelph ranked among the top 75 globally and third in Canada for research quality in computer science. Explore Your Interests in Cutting-Edge Fields Research strengths spanning Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning; Cybersecurity; Data Science; Human Computer Interaction; Bioinformatics; Applied Modelling & Theory; and Hardware and Distributed Systems. What can you do with a PhD in Computer Science Academia (professor) Researcher Data Engineering Machine Learning Software Development User Interface Analysis Faculty Research, Research Facilities Artificial Intelligence Cybersecurity Human Computer Interaction Bioinformatics Applied Modelling and Theory Hardware & Distributed Systems Review the School of Computer Science (SoCS) faculty and related research areas to help you identify and connect with a suitable faculty research advisor. Apply to Guelph Important Information and FAQs International Applicants Graduate Calendar and Sample Courses How to Apply We strongly encourage all applicants to get in touch with prospective graduate faculty research advisors BEFORE applying. Finding a School of Computer Science (SoCS) advisor is mandatory for admission to the PhD in Computer Science (PhD.CS) program and is the responsibility of the applicant. Please review current graduate opportunities and SoCS current research projects to find which prospective faculty research advisors in SoCS are currently recruiting graduate students. Consider Tips for Finding a Research Advisor to assist you in communicating effectively with our SoCS faculty members. Please apply online at Applying to Guelph. Admission Requirements Applicants must meet the minimum admission requirements of both the University and the School of Computer Science (SoCS). For admission to the thesis-based PhD in Computer Science program, entrants require the following: Thesis-based master's degree in computer science: Admission to the PhD program requires a recognized master’s degree in computer science (or a closely related discipline) that includes a thesis or a major independent project. Successful applicants will also demonstrate good research potential, an ability to critically evaluate experimental or theoretical results and strong communication skills. Evidence for these may be provided by scholarly publications during and/or immediately following their master's degree. A minimum B average: Applicants are required to have a minimum average of 75% ('B') during the previous two years of full-time university study for an accredited university graduate degree . For information on international degree admission requirements, please see: International Credential Evaluation and select country. Admission average is calculated using the last 2 years of university-level study. A SoCS faculty research advisor: Each PhD candidate will conduct thesis research by working closely with a chosen School of Computer Science (SoCS) faculty research advisor , required to supervise their PhD research. Applicants must identify a secured School of Computer Science (SoCS) Graduate Faculty Advisor BEFORE applying. Finding a SoCS research advisor is mandatory for admission into the PhD.CS program and the responsibility of the applicant. To find a faculty advisor, we recommend all applicants: A. Get in touch with prospective advisors directly, and review related SoCS faculty research areas . You are encouraged to connect to suitable pro…