Computer Science Degree Requirements and Admission Tips for 2025

Many students are interested in a Computer Science Bachelor’s or Master’s degree abroad, but they aren’t sure if they meet the admission criteria.

And while the criteria vary from one university or country to another, some prerequisites are similar and knowing about them can make your decision a lot easier.

So, let’s cut to the case and look at the most common application requirements for Computer Science degrees.

Here are a few universities we recommend for undergraduate studies in Computer Science:

Admission requirements for Bachelors in Computer Science

Proof of paying the application fee: can vary from 30 to 150 EUR (or more); it is a one-time fee, and not all universities charge it.

Official transcript of records: documents with all your previous grades and exam results from high school, national examinations, or other Bachelor’s studies (if any).

Top grades in specific subjects: since you’ll study Comp Science, some universities will want to see that you had top marks (A, B or equivalent in your country) in subjects like Mathematics, Logic, or Informatics.

Official ID, Passport or other forms of identification: proof that you are who you say you are; you often need to include 2-4 passport-type photos as well.

Proof of financial support: official evidence showing that you have the necessary money to pay tuition fees, cover living costs and healthcare insurance.

Medical certificate: document asserting your overall health condition.

Letter(s) of recommendation: letter from teachers or people you have worked with who can confirm and describe your knowledge, skills, and qualities.

Personal statement: a unique piece of writing and a great opportunity to convince the admission committee that you’re an excellent candidate.

Find Bachelors in Computer Science

Language requirements

The language of instruction and evaluation will be English; any student dreaming of becoming a computer scientist needs to prove their language level. The most common tests are:

IELTS Academic: minimum 6.0
TOEFL iBT: minimum 70-80
PTE Academic: minimum 50-60
Cambridge Advanced or Proficiency: C or above
Duolingo

Of course, some computer science schools can have even higher or lower English language expectations.

Learn more about IELTS vs TOEFL vs PTE Academic.

Now, let’s look at a couple of actual examples of admission requirements for a Bachelor’s in Computer Science:

Requirements for Comp Science B.Sc. at Southern Utah University, USA

Application – pay required 60 USD application fee (US currency only), 35 USD for returning students
English Proficiency – Proof of English proficiency is required for all applicants whose first language is not English: IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL iBT 71
Transcripts – Official transcripts (record of courses taken and grades received) from each high school, college, and university attended must be submitted
Passport – Please provide a copy of the photo page of your passport
Finances – International students are required to demonstrate that funds are available for the first year of study

Requirements for Comp Science B.A. at University of Oxford, UK

A-levels: A*AA including at least an A in Mathematics, with the A* in Mathematics, Further Mathematics or Computing/Computer Science. Those taking Further Mathematics A-level or AS-level are expected to achieve at least Grade A.
Advanced Highers: AA/AAB with an A in Mathematics
IB: 39 (including core points) with 766 at HL (the 7 must be in HL Mathematics)
Candidates are expected to have Mathematics to A-level (A* or A grade), Advanced Higher (A grade), Higher Level in the IB (score 7) or another equivalent.
Further Mathematics is highly recommended. If FM is taken to A-level or to AS-level then we require an A in that too.
English Proficiency: IELTS 7.5 or TOEFL iBT 110

Computer programmer writing and reviewing lines of code

Here are a few universities we recommend for graduate studies in Computer Science:

Computer Science Masters at Georgia Tech, USA
Computer Science Masters at Lakehead University, Canada
Computer Science Masters at Keele University, UK
Computer Science Masters at Università della Svizzera italiana (USI), Switzerland
Computer Science Masters at RMIT University, Australia

Admission requirements for Masters in Computer Science

For a Master’s application, you’ll need more or less the same documents used for a Bachelor’s. So, we’ll only focus on the additional prerequisites:

Bachelor’s diploma: preferably in Computer Science or a related field

Proof of completing specific courses previously: e.g. courses in computer programming (C++, Python, Java, etc.)

GRE test results: the Graduate Record Examination is a standardised test usually required by various universities in the USA for Master’s applicants; the test evaluates verbal and quantitative reasoning, as well as analytical writing.

CV or resume: highlighting previous experience gained during internships or jobs

The same English language tests will be required, but the standards can often be higher. For example, the minimum might be 6.5–7.0 for IELTS and 90–100 for TOEFL.

Find Masters in Computer Science

Now, let’s look at a couple of actual examples of admission requirements for a Master’s in Computer Science:

Requirements for Comp Science M.Sc. at TU Kaiserslautern, Germany

A graduate certificate from the previous degree course and further documents which show the final mark, length of study and courses taken (e.g. in the form of an academic transcript, transcript of records or corresponding performance records),
a description of the contents of the courses
a statement including the motive for the proposed admittance to the course and an explanation of study goals
a description of career and personal background with explanations about practical knowledge and experience where necessary
letters of recommendation from at least 2 university lecturers
proof of adequate English language skills (e.g. explanations by the candidate or test results such as TOEFL 79 or IELTS 6.0, etc.); proof of basic German is particularly important as stated in the enrolment regulations of TU Kaiserslautern.

Requirements for Comp Science M.Sc. at Lakehead University, Canada

An applicant holding a degree other than one in the discipline area to which admission is sought will be considered on the basis of courses taken and academic standing.
A student entering the Master’s program is expected to have at least a “B” average in an Honours Computer Science program or equivalent from an accredited university and the necessary undergraduate prerequisites for the graduate courses to be completed.
Graduate Studies Reference Form (3 forms required)
Official Transcript
Proof of Degree
Official English Test Results (if required): IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 80

Can you enrol in a Comp Science Master’s without a Comp Science Bachelor’s?

Yes! Plenty of universities and colleges accept students who have a Bachelor’s in other subjects. Ideally, it should be in a related field, like Engineering or Math, but even non-related subjects can be accepted.

Can you enrol in a Comp Science Master’s without any Bachelor’s?

Not, not really. You need to have some form of undergraduate studies, even if they’re not related to Computer Science.

Some candidates take advantage of high GRE scores or finish other courses related to programming, computer engineering, or tech areas to increase their chances. Work experience can also turn the scales in your favour.

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