AI Courses In Canada And Fees (2025)

The country is home to globally renowned AI research institutes, pioneering professors, and a strong tech ecosystem that actively supports innovation. With its welcoming immigration policies and emphasis on research, Canada attracts thousands of international students every year who want to pursue AI courses.

This blog post provides an in-depth look at AI course fees in Canada, the best universities for AI studies, and even free AI courses available to learners. You’ll also discover scholarship opportunities, career prospects, and reasons why Canada is the perfect place to build an AI career.

Artificial Intelligence Course in Canada Fees

When considering higher education abroad, cost is often one of the biggest concerns for international students. AI courses in Canada are priced differently depending on the level of study (certificate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral program) and the specific university or college.

1. Diploma and Certificate Programs

Diplomas and certificates are usually shorter programs, often lasting from 8 months to 2 years. They are designed for students who want practical, hands-on experience in AI and data science.

• Fee Range: CAD $8,000 – $20,000 per year

• Examples: AI certificate programs at colleges like Centennial College, Seneca College, and Humber College.

These programs are ideal for students who want to enter the workforce quickly or professionals seeking to upskill without committing to a full degree.

2. Bachelor’s Degrees in AI

Some universities in Canada now offer dedicated bachelor’s programs in AI, while others integrate AI as a specialization within computer science or engineering degrees.

• Fee Range: CAD $25,000 – $45,000 per year for international students

• Duration: 4 years

• Example: York University’s Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with AI stream.

Bachelor’s degrees provide a solid foundation in programming, mathematics, and algorithms before diving deep into AI, machine learning, and robotics.

3. Master’s Degrees in AI

Master’s programs are the most popular option among international students. These programs focus on advanced AI concepts, applied machine learning, and research opportunities.

• Fee Range: CAD $20,000 – $50,000 per year

• Duration: 1–2 years

• Example: University of Toronto’s Master of Science in Applied Computing (AI Stream).

Many master’s programs in Canada include internships or co-op opportunities, allowing students to gain industry experience while studying.

4. PhD in AI

PhD programs focus heavily on research and innovation. Students are expected to contribute to the growing body of AI knowledge, often publishing in high-impact journals.

• Fee Range: CAD $8,000 – $25,000 per year (many PhD students receive stipends or research assistantships)

• Duration: 4–6 years

• Example: McGill University’s PhD in Computer Science with an AI focus.

5. Living Costs in Canada

Besides tuition fees, international students must budget for living expenses:

• Housing: CAD $600 – $1,200 per month

• Food and groceries: CAD $300 – $500 per month

• Transport: CAD $100 – $200 per month

• Total annual living costs: CAD $12,000 – $18,000

Although AI course fees in Canada may seem high, the strong return on investment makes them worthwhile, especially considering the lucrative job market.

Universities for Artificial Intelligence in Canada

Canada is widely regarded as one of the birthplaces of modern AI, thanks to the work of researchers like Geoffrey Hinton, Yoshua Bengio, and Richard Sutton. Many of Canada’s universities have direct links to AI research institutes such as the Vector Institute (Toronto), Mila (Montreal), and Amii (Edmonton). Let’s explore some of the best universities for AI studies.

1. University of Toronto (U of T)

The University of Toronto consistently ranks among the world’s top AI universities. Its Department of Computer Science offers the Master of Science in Applied Computing with a concentration in AI, where students learn from leading AI experts and work closely with the Vector Institute for Artificial Intelligence.

Students benefit from Toronto’s thriving tech industry, which includes global companies like Google, Meta, and IBM that run AI research labs in the city. U of T graduates are highly sought after in both academia and industry.

2. McGill University (Montreal)

McGill University is another world-class institution for AI studies, largely due to its partnership with Mila – Quebec Artificial Intelligence Institute, directed by Yoshua Bengio, one of the pioneers of deep learning.

McGill offers both undergraduate and graduate AI programs through its School of Computer Science. Students gain access to a research environment that fosters collaboration between academia, government, and private industry. Montreal itself is a global AI hub, with more than 250 AI companies and research labs.

3. University of British Columbia (UBC)

UBC offers AI-focused courses under its Master of Data Science (MDS) and Computer Science programs. Students have opportunities to specialize in natural language processing, robotics, and machine learning.

Vancouver’s tech ecosystem is rapidly growing, with AI startups focusing on healthcare technology, finance, and sustainable solutions. UBC graduates are well-positioned to enter this thriving job market.

4. University of Alberta (Edmonton)

The University of Alberta has a long tradition of AI excellence, particularly in reinforcement learning and machine learning research. It works closely with Amii (Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute), one of Canada’s three national AI institutes.

U of A offers bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD programs in computing science with AI specializations. Its graduates are known for pushing the boundaries of AI innovation.

5. York University (Toronto)

York University has positioned itself as a leader in applied AI. Its Graduate Diploma in Artificial Intelligence and Bachelor’s in AI-related disciplines combine classroom learning with industry-focused projects.

York is also closely connected to Toronto’s AI ecosystem, making it ideal for students seeking practical exposure.

6. Carleton University (Ottawa)

Carleton is recognized for its emphasis on applied computer science and AI. Being located in Ottawa, Canada’s capital city, students benefit from proximity to government research institutions and AI-driven companies.

Other notable universities for AI include:

• Simon Fraser University (Vancouver)

• Concordia University (Montreal)

• Université de Montréal (home of Mila)

Each of these universities offers unique advantages, depending on whether you prefer research, applied learning, or industry-driven training.

Free AI Courses in Canada

Not every aspiring AI professional can afford tuition fees of CAD $30,000 or more per year. Fortunately, Canada offers several opportunities for free or low-cost AI education, particularly online courses.

1. Mila (Montreal Institute for Learning Algorithms)

Mila provides open-access tutorials, coding labs, and free lectures on deep learning and reinforcement learning. Students can access research papers, datasets, and resources at no cost.

2. Vector Institute (Toronto)

The Vector Institute regularly hosts free AI workshops, seminars, and bootcamps aimed at both students and working professionals. Many of these events are available online.

3. edX and Coursera (Canadian University Partnerships)

• University of Toronto – AI for Everyone (on Coursera)

• University of British Columbia – Foundations of Data Science (on edX)
  Most of these courses are free to audit, with optional paid certificates.

4. Government-Funded AI Bootcamps

Some Canadian provinces fund AI training programs to build local talent. For example, Ontario and Quebec have launched initiatives that provide free AI courses for students and professionals seeking upskilling.

These free AI courses are an excellent starting point for beginners or professionals who want to test the waters before committing to a degree.

Popular AI Programs in Canada

Canada doesn’t limit AI education to traditional degrees. Students can choose from a variety of flexible options:

• Graduate Diplomas in AI: Short programs that focus on applied AI skills.

• Certificates in Machine Learning: Often targeted at professionals looking for career advancement.

• AI Bootcamps: Intensive programs focused on hands-on coding and real-world AI applications.

These alternatives are perfect for students who want to upskill quickly or professionals seeking industry-oriented knowledge without long academic commitments.

Scholarships for AI Courses in Canada

Scholarships can greatly reduce the financial burden of studying AI in Canada. Here are some popular options:

• Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships: CAD $50,000 per year for doctoral students demonstrating academic excellence.

• Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS): Available for master’s and PhD students in Ontario universities.

• Vector Institute Scholarships: Provides funding for graduate AI students in Ontario.

• Mitacs Research Internships: Paid opportunities for both domestic and international students to work on AI projects with Canadian companies.

In addition, many universities offer merit-based and need-based scholarships for outstanding international students.

Why Study AI in Canada?

1. World-Class Research: Canada is home to pioneers of deep learning and reinforcement learning.

2. Thriving Tech Ecosystem: Major tech hubs like Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver are global leaders in AI innovation.

3. Immigration Benefits: Canada offers a clear pathway to permanent residency through post-graduation work permits.

4. High Employability: AI graduates from Canadian universities are in demand worldwide.

Job Opportunities After AI Studies in Canada

Completing an AI program in Canada opens doors to high-paying and rewarding careers. The average AI professional in Canada earns between CAD $70,000 and $120,000 annually, with experienced experts earning much more.

Common job roles include:

• Machine Learning Engineer

• AI Research Scientist

• Data Scientist

• Robotics Engineer

• Natural Language Processing Specialist

Canada’s industries, from healthcare and banking to gaming and logistics, are actively hiring AI professionals.

How to Apply for AI Courses in Canada

The process for applying to AI courses is straightforward:

1. Select a program and university that matches your career goals.

2. Meet admission requirements such as GPA, transcripts, and English proficiency tests (IELTS/TOEFL).

3. Prepare supporting documents – Statement of Purpose, resume, and recommendation letters.

4. Apply online through the university’s application portal.

5. Apply for scholarships simultaneously to reduce costs.

Conclusion

Artificial Intelligence is transforming the global workforce, and Canada has established itself as a leader in this field. Whether you choose a master’s program at the University of Toronto, research opportunities at McGill, or a practical diploma at a Canadian college, you’ll find world-class training opportunities.

While AI course fees in Canada can range from CAD $8,000 to $50,000 annually, scholarships, free AI courses, and strong job prospects make it a worthwhile investment. With its rich research ecosystem, global recognition, and welcoming immigration policies, Canada is one of the best places to study artificial intelligence in 2025