How to Apply to Computer Science at York University: Direct Entry to the BA or BSc at the Lassonde School of Engineering, and Requirements and Timeline for Chinese, Canadian High School and Transfer Students

York University is in Toronto. Computer science is offered by the Lassonde School of Engineering at the Keele Campus, as a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BSc), and as the internationally focused iBA and iBSc. You apply directly to computer science, with fall and winter entry (first and upper year). Here is what you need to know for 2027 entry, based on York’s official information, for students at high schools in China, students at Canadian high schools (including BC and Vancouver), and transfer students.

1. Programs and OUAC codes

• Four entry points: BA YPK, BSc YSG, iBA YPF and iBSc YSY. The BSc adds a chemistry or physics prerequisite.
• Curriculum: foundations in programming, algorithms, data structures and systems through hands-on labs and team projects, with project-based learning.
• Co-op: students apply in second year and start paid work terms after second year, with flexible 4, 8 or 12-month placements in technology, finance, public service, research and other areas.

2. Students at high schools in China

• Diploma: the Senior Secondary School Graduation Certificate.
• Grades: a minimum overall average of 85% on all academic courses in Senior 3 (Grade 12), and at least 85% in Grade 12 math; the BSc and iBSc also need Grade 12 chemistry or physics. York does not mention Gaokao requirements.
• IB: the IB Diploma (three Higher and three Standard Level, or four Higher and two Standard) with at least 30 points and one of Analysis and Approaches (HL or SL) or Applications and Interpretation HL at 5 or better; the BSc also needs SL or HL chemistry or physics. HL grades of 5 or better earn transfer credit, up to 30 credits.
• A-Levels: an average of B with A-Level math at B or better; the BSc also needs A-Level chemistry or physics. A2 results of C or better earn transfer credit, up to 18 credits.
• US curriculum and AP: a high school diploma with a minimum A- (3.7) GPA on Grade 11 and 12 academic courses, plus senior-level algebra and math; AP results of 4 or 5 earn transfer credit, up to 30 credits.
• English: see section 4.

3. Students at Canadian high schools (including BC and Vancouver)

• BC students: the BC Secondary School Graduation Diploma; English 12 or English 12 First Peoples; one of Principles of Math 12, Foundations of Math 12 or Pre-calculus 12; and two additional Grade 12 academic subjects. For the BSc, one of these must be Chemistry 12 or Physics 12.
• Ontario students: ENG4U, MHF4U, plus MCV4U or MDM4U and other 4U/M courses; a math average of at least 75% with no math prerequisite below 65%; the BSc also needs SCH4U or SPH4U.
• Averages: applicants with averages in the low 80s or higher may be considered, and keeping an offer requires a final average of 78%.

4. English requirements

• Exemptions: for example, four years of English-language study at an accredited high school in Canada or a country where English is an official primary language; see York’s language requirements page.
• Test scores: IELTS Academic 6.5; TOEFL iBT 88 for tests before January 2026 or 4.5 on the new scale after that; Duolingo 120. Computer science uses York’s standard requirement; the higher scores on York’s language page apply to a few programs such as Nursing.

5. Timeline (fall 2027)

• Ontario high school students: January 15, 2027.
• Out-of-province high school, international and transfer applicants: March 24, 2027.
• Winter (January) 2027 entry: November 18, 2026.
• President’s International Scholarship of Excellence: student applications by January 27, 2027; nominations by February 4.

6. Tuition and scholarships

• Estimated tuition (2026-27, five courses per term): about $38,000 for international students in Computer Science and about $8,800 for domestic students, plus supplementary fees of about $40 to $50 per credit.
• Automatic international entrance scholarships (as listed for fall 2026 and winter 2027):
  • the top-tier York International Scholarship of Distinction (90%+, up to $37,500) is not available in Computer Science, Cybersecurity or Engineering, except for fall 2026 international applicants completing the Ontario curriculum;
  • 80–89.9%: $10,000 in first year and $5,000 a year after, up to $25,000;
  • 75–79.9%: $5,000 one time;
  • transfer students with 24+ transfer credits and 75%+: $2,500 one time.
  Fall 2027 amounts are not yet published.
• President’s International Scholarship of Excellence: for international high school applicants with strong grades, volunteering, activities and leadership; $180,000 over four years, and cannot be combined with entrance scholarships.
• Housing: direct-entry international students starting in fall 2027 get a four-year on-campus housing guarantee.

7. Transfer students

• From university: at least four full-year courses or one year of full-time degree study with an overall average of 3.0 or better on a 4-point scale, plus MHF4U and a 4U math (or equivalents); the BSc also needs chemistry or physics.
• From college: a completed diploma, or at least two semesters or one year of full-time academic study, with an overall average of 3.3 or better, and the same prerequisites.
• Prerequisites must have been completed within the previous five years.

Checklist

Students at high schools in China:

• Senior 3 average of 85%+ and math 85%+; chemistry or physics for the BSc
• IB 30 points (math 5), or A-Levels averaging B (math B)
• IELTS 6.5, TOEFL 4.5 or Duolingo 120; apply by March 24, 2027

Students at Canadian high schools (including BC and Vancouver):

• BC: English 12 and a Grade 12 math (such as Pre-calculus 12), plus Chemistry 12 or Physics 12 for the BSc; aim for the low 80s or higher
• Out-of-province students apply by March 24, 2027

Transfer students:

• University average of 3.0 or college 3.3 (4-point scale), with Advanced Functions and 4U math equivalents; apply by March 24

Sources: York University, Computer Science program and admission requirements; Deadlines; Language requirements; Tuition fees; International scholarships; Transfer students; Lassonde co-op. Information is for 2027 entry; tuition and international entrance scholarships are 2026-27 figures. Check York for the latest details.