University of Alberta CS Program Review - The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly

[@GeoPenguin]

Hearing people who were not born and raised in Edmonton talk about our winters is always a fun time haha! At least you presumably never had to deal with -40 vehicle maintenance before class...

[@ArseniyKD]

Heh, I never have, and likely won't for a while as I still don't have a driver's license :) But yea, I had plenty when I had to walk for 20 minutes to campus from home in that -40 dressed in such a way that you could only see my eyes and teeth haha

[@erfanroghani]

I cannot believe I did not get distracted for the 17 minutes I spend on watching your video. Your thoughts are very organized!

[@ArseniyKD]

Thank you, that's an incredible compliment for me :D

[@abhayc576]

Thank you for the video. Really enjoying your channel. Currently a student at UCalgary. Enjoying it so far, although I think UAlberta is significantly better for machine learning and AI classes.

[@ArseniyKD]

Thanks man! UCalgary is also a great school, glad you are enjoying it :)

[@fatimahzahra378]

I wish i could study in UCalgary.

[@nilaypatel918]

@Abhay C I am currently in my final year of my bachelor of engineering in information technology, I want to pursue my carrer in cloud computing, Are there any specializations available in the masters course ?

[@kshitizchauhan2195]

Bro u really helped me before watching ur video i was kinda confused but now it's crystal clear for me thanks mate god bless u

[@ArseniyKD]

Thanks for the kind words, I'm glad I helped :)

[@anshilgandhi2784]

Great video!! Glad that you brought up the job losses and financial cuts, that really was insane.

[@ArseniyKD]

I mean, it's definitely not something that should be overlooked, as it does affect the student body in a significant way.

[@anshilgandhi2784]

@@ArseniyKD oh yea, I bet!

[@Ahmed-ij7to]

Thank you very helpful

[@ArseniyKD]

Thanks man :)

[@huzaifasohail1]

SIP is now free for international students

[@ArseniyKD]

Yes, this video is now quite out of date. Other than this aspect of it, it is still mostly accurate.

[@ashishkushwaha1167]

I am so soo glad i found your video🤞🏻subscribed

[@ArseniyKD]

Thank you!

[@迷亭-k4t]

Just received the offer from UA, exactly Computing Science. The tuition is 30090CAD now! And I only got 5000CAD scholarship automatically. : (

[@ArseniyKD]

Congrats on the scholarship! And yes, the tuition number that I used in my video was for the fall 2021 intake, so I am not surprised that the tuition went up a little bit. Some scholarships do take a bit longer to come out, so that might not be the final amount in scholarships that you do get, but I would personally suggest budgeting as if you get no more scholarships.

[@NadeemPK73]

Which program is best CS honors or CS with software option and what are the competitive average for those or CS major id good enough is getting in CS major easier than honors? My son is planning to apply but confused about the first and second choice. Is Augustana Campus CS the same as North Campus CS? Is there any difference?

[@ArseniyKD]

Answered in duplicate

[@tanmaysatija503]

SFU is located on a mountain ,so that can be a downside

[@ArseniyKD]

Ha, I suppose it can be a downside.

[@mrinaalarora507]

lol

[@lyne_4049]

Does the MS CS course have a Cybersecurity specialisation?

[@Masud_Said_RN]

just got into Computing Science Specialization in Software Practice [Science] at the University of Alberta. I am so happy😁😁😁.

[@vishalgodara777]

is it good? tell ur experience.

[@Masud_Said_RN]

@@YongeStreet_Ontario ??

[@ArseniyKD]

Congrats!

[@takemebackto2077]

I am a 24fall freshman. I have studied C++ and C language, as well as algorithm and data structure courses, including but not limited to, arrays, linked lists, queues, graphs, hash tables... I want to know when the semester starts. What else should I do to make myself more competitive? Your reply will be really helpful to me

[@srivanthchitta2739]

could you please make a separate video about co-ops at the university of Alberta?

[@ArseniyKD]

Sorry Srivanth, but I do not think that I can make a video on something that is this broad. The employers that hire interns from the University of Alberta change often, and the most up to date information will likely be with current CS students in any given program, so I would suggest looking into that yourself :)

[@FelysNeko]

Hi, I recently received CS offers from UA and McMaster(no coop). Which one do you think can help me find a better job in Canada after graduation? (I’m an international student, and interested in ML/cybersecurity/OS development)

[@ArseniyKD]

I don't think that attending either school will hurt your chances of getting a job - both are top schools in Canada, and are recognized abroad as well. The decision will be up to you, but I would suggest looking at specific courses that different unis offer and decide based on that + cost. I know that UAlberta has good ML courses, but the quality of security courses is just ok. You will have to do your own research on McMaster

[@jtdx_]

Hi, as a recent UofA alumni myself (albeit not a CS major) I wanted to ask, what are your thoughts about being a self-taught dev and the opportunities for landing an entry level job in SWE? I've been considering switching fields for a while, do you think it's feasible to land jobs without prior co-ops and a CS degree? Thanks!

[@ArseniyKD]

Is it possible? Yes. Is it easy? No. You can self teach and build up a portfolio over time, but that will take a decent amount of time and dedication. Most people I know that were in your position ended up doing a special after degree like program where they got a bachelor's degree in CS in two years since they already have another one - I personally know a person that did that with a program at UBC. Can't say much about self taught devs as I personally haven't encountered many. Best of luck on your journey!

[@gallvvin4785]

Hi, I just received an offer from U of A in CS, and I personally really like it, but my parents want me to still apply for UBC. I feel a little bit stressful and do not know what my future will be. Could you give me some suggestion please? thank you so much

[@ArseniyKD]

Honestly, I am sorry, but I cannot make the decision for you, as I do not know either your situation, nor all the factors that are important for you when making this decision. I am sure that with all the resources available online for cost of living calculators, reviews of what it's like to live in each city and study in each university, you will be able to come to a decision that you will be happy with in the future :)

[@dushyantyadav7806]

Hey dude same did u apply in bsc hons. Cs

[@quinnhalldorson8233]

One thing to consider is that the cost of living in Edmonton is much lower than the cost of living in Vancouver. I’m not sure about the tuition costs but in terms of housing costs, UAlberta is much cheaper

[@gallvvin4785]

@@dushyantyadav7806 I applied General, but I wanna transfer into specilization lol

[@Spacez3n]

@@gallvvin4785 why specialization tho?

[@jasteghsingh5336]

What if u take a course in spring/summer? Do international student have to pay more ?

[@ArseniyKD]

Yep, spring / summer courses are prohibitively expensive for international students too. You could take them, but they charge way too much now. And honestly, most of the time, the answer to "do international students have to pay more?" is yes :(

[@beautychakrabarty9719]

Please make a video on Ucalgery's computer science.

[@ArseniyKD]

Sorry, I can't make a good video on UCalgary as I don't have enough context about it. I'm sure there are other channels that have made a good video on the topic

[@taetae_thewinterbear4298]

hi I was opting to apply for the university of Alberta and Calgary to pursue masters in Computer science but I found that these masters degrees are thesis based for both universities? and i want to take project/course based... U of Alberta only offers thesis based masters in CS ..why is this the case?

[@ArseniyKD]

UAlberta and UCalgary are both research institutions first and foremost. Therefore, these universities will focus on research, which means that they will not offer course based masters. It's not a very common program in Canada, but there are universities that have them. Good luck!

[@infinitetech957]

Hey man, great video! Do you have any videos regarding how to get maximum scholarship and especially continuing undergraduate application based scholarship? I have managed to get a total of 12500 CAD in entrance scholarships, but I think it is less for me. Thanks for the help in advance!

[@ArseniyKD]

Honestly, not really. I actually don't know how to optimize scholarship / admission applications, because I haven't really succeeded with what I had at the time of applying. Best of luck!

[@infinitetech957]

@@ArseniyKD thanks and I just took transfer to software practice spec, and after finding your opinion on it, i am really confused that should I accept the offer or not... Just asking again, you weren't the part of SIP program? And did you use Sciworks(ig that's the right name) for finding internships?

[@ArseniyKD]

I did not do anything through SIP, and didn't use sciworks. But software practice program isn't horrible, I just personally don't think it's great value. Only you know what's good value for you!

[@infinitetech957]

@@ArseniyKD okayy thanks

[@raiyanrahman5698]

Can you give a few more details about the entrance scholarships

[@ArseniyKD]

I do not have the most up to date information anymore, and anything I put here will be outdated within a year, so I will direct you to the official UAlberta website for scholarships to look this up yourself.

[@userj23]

Please review MPH program I am planning for 2026 intake.

[@rockyb415]

WOW, is it true that choosing 4 courses charge the same as 5 courses? I heard from a friend that the partial tuition will be refunded on your financial account if you don't choose 5 courses for some semesters

[@ArseniyKD]

Hey, just want to say: this is only relevant for international students who are starting their program from Fall 2019 onwards. Any international students that started their program before Fall 2019 do pay per course, which was the case for me, but new students pay for the year. This also does not apply to domestic students. But yes, this does suck quite a bit.

[@k.mdawud4863]

I was applied study visa in november, due to cofid19 and number of applications, it was delay in january intake, finally i got my study visa last weak, and i already sent defer application my program in september. My question? can i came canada now because my visa is only one year.

[@ArseniyKD]

I'll be honest, I have no idea. When it comes to specific immigration questions like yours, I just don't feel confident giving an answer. I would look at the terms of your study permit, TRV, the IRCC website, and maybe even consult an immigration lawyer.

[@nilaypatel918]

ArsenlyKD hello ArsenlyKD, I am currently in my final year of my bachelor of engineering in information technology, I want to pursue my carrer in cloud computing, Are there any specializations in cloud computing available in the masters course at university of alberta ?

[@ArseniyKD]

Hello Nilay. I am not super well versed in graduate programs at UAlberta, but I don't think that there's an explicit program for cloud computing. However, there are some professors that work on distributed computing, that would probably be interesting for you. Best of luck with the remainder of your undergraduate degree!

[@RajSinghTanwar_]

Hey. Can you please do a similar review of BCS program in Thompsons Rivers University, Kamloops? Thank you so much

[@ArseniyKD]

I am sorry to say, but I know nothing about TRU, especially the Kamloops campus. This video was made as the culmination of almost 4 years of going to the uni, and I am not about to go through another bachelor's degree for a video :) Good luck with your search for information!

[@RajSinghTanwar_]

@@ArseniyKD oh, yeah I thought you maybe had some friends there or anything like that. No problem though, I'll search on my own. Thanks for replying 😄

[@modelconversion6739]

Hey I have 78 percentage. Apart from that i have 9 publication and 10 months work experience. Can i get at university of Alberta?

[@ArseniyKD]

Hey, I am sorry, but I don't really know. If this is for admission for a bachelor's degree straight from high school, then I believe only your school grades matter. Also, in that case, big kudos for the 9 publications. If this is for grad school admissions, then I have no clue, as I have never applied for grad school myself. Best of luck with the admissions :)

[@Whyte_fundz]

Do you think Virgina commonwealth university stands a chance against university of Alberta

[@ArseniyKD]

I'll be honest, I have never heard of this university. Good luck with researching it

[@BilalAli-oz8ub]

Hi bro, There is any chance for May intake in CS? For international student?

[@ArseniyKD]

Sorry Bilal Ali, I don't know that. People do get admitted quite late sometimes.

[@arfangalib3070]

Brother does UOA provides scholarship or financial aid to international students doing good results?

[@ArseniyKD]

Maybe? During my time, you had to have had a 3.9 GPA at the minimum to get any continuing student scholarships as an international student, the majority of academic scholarships for us were only for admission / first year of study.

[@arfangalib3070]

@@ArseniyKD 3.9 CGPA out of 4? To get scholarship? Omg

[@Anmol.2003]

Hi, I am currently enrolled in two year diploma of software development at SAIT Calgary but after completing that diploma I want to study Computing science at University of Alberta so I want to know that only GPA will matter of my diploma or anything else will also matter? Can you please tell me ?

[@ArseniyKD]

Sorry, I do not know the answer to that, I've never been involved in enrollment, and am 7 years removed from being admitted myself.

[@sethipriyanshu]

Hey! Do you mind creating a similar video for Simon Fraser too🤧.

[@ArseniyKD]

Hey, sorry, but I will not make one for the time being. Thing is, I have not studied at SFU, so I don't have enough understanding to give a well thought out and measured review of the CS program.

[@Ben.N]

He hasn't gone there

[@virajpatel2144]

Your video helped much but I want to know which campus of 5 university of alberta campus is good for computing science

[@ArseniyKD]

From what I heard from students at the augustana campus is that it's not as good. So I suggest being in the north campus. No other campus offers cs.

[@lunaeclipse5768]

hi is there anyone u know who majored Engineering physics, and land a job as software engineer?

[@ArseniyKD]

I don't know anyone from UofA that did that, but a number of my coworkers did engg phys in uni and are now software engineers.

[@lunaeclipse5768]

@@ArseniyKD thanks :)

[@Ben.N]

Lack of co-op seems like a big issue to me tbh

[@ArseniyKD]

It is a big issue, but it is possible to work around. The reputation is still decently strong, so getting internships on your own is feasible

[@beeignatia]

new sub😀

[@ArseniyKD]

Thank you, hope you're enjoying the content :)

[@MinhLe-mu8tg]

This video is really informative for me! I have a few more questions😬 Hopefully you can help me I am really interested in competitive programming. Therefore, I want to study courses like algorithm, which is theoretical. But you said that theoretical courses at UoA is quite limited. So is UoA a good choice🤔I know that UofA teams have got great results in ICPC contests! I am also considering UoCalgary because the cost of attendance is lower. Do you have any opinions on this uni? Thank you so much😅 PS: Your TShirt is kinda great:)

[@ArseniyKD]

Hey, thank you for the question, sorry for taking so long to respond! A response for this question did not really fit into a comment of reasonable length, so I actually answered it in a video here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fHW3Xp2wa5xpndE The part that's relevant to you starts at around 8:29, hope I answered your question well :)

[@tuongphan9678]

bro are you going to the uofa ?

[@ArseniyKD]

@Tuong Phan , no, I graduated from the UofA a year ago.

[@tuongphan9678]

@@ArseniyKD haha I know, I was asking the guy above you though

[@MinhLe-mu8tg]

@@tuongphan9678 I got admission for bachelor in computing science honors, though I'm more likely to not to choose UoA:(

[@honglinie8501]

Does school accept IB credit as well?

[@ArseniyKD]

I believe so, but I don't know how they work. You can look up the credit equivalents online

[@jenniferh.1650]

Why do you mention SFU, to advertise?

[@ArseniyKD]

To some extent, yes. I wanted to point out that there are other schools at a similar price point elsewhere.

[@saadtab0156]

my will to go to uofa fell through the floor good video tho

[@ArseniyKD]

That's a fair outcome haha. The UofA is not a good school for everyone. Good luck with your uni applications.

[@squee222]

Your temperature assessment "from personal experience" does not match reality. Just look at the actual statistics. We have very good temperature records going back over a hundred years. Generally people think it's a lot colder than it actually is. Commuter school: only if you commute. There is on campus housing for those that want it. Otherwise your points seem valid. Lets see what happens politically in 2023...

[@ArseniyKD]

Hey man, thanks for the criticism! I would like to point out a few things though - I did post screenshots of the weather app / forecast on the day when it was below -40 with wind-chill. Additionally, I want to emphasize something: there are a lot of students coming from India, Bangladesh, and the middle east. From my experience in Dubai, the schools would close when we would hit +5 degrees Celsius during the day. Even at -25, the cold is so bad for people not used to the weather that me showing the extremes actually serves the purpose of them over preparing, which is a good thing ( at least in my opinion, mind you ). Lastly, and this is just a general response, even if the political climate changes in Alberta in 2023, the budget changes to fund education probably won't go in place until 2024 or 2025. The improvement in services available will only be visible by 2027, as serious programs don't get implemented overnight. By that point... Well, my review might only be relevant as a historical point of view anyways haha. What are your thoughts on this?

[@squee222]

@@ArseniyKD I did not know they closed schools when in positive temperatures. I find that wild... Sadly you are probably right about the long term damage to the institution. The school is now talking about closing the Humanities' building due to budget constraints. It will take years to repair the damage done to the university. It's unfortunate that it is so much easier to destroy something than build it up. The U of A had it's management problems - predating the UCP - but the constant budget cuts was not the right approach to deal with those issues and have only made things worse. I don't know what is in store long term. It's too important an institution to not have it be saved, but it's a competitive world too. Standing will surely drop and that will hurt industry in AB and have a lot of spin off effects.

[@harsirat1607]

Hi i am expecting 80 to 85 in business studies and want to study bba . Is it possible in albetra??

[@ArseniyKD]

Sorry man, I don't know what the competitive grades are for business at UAlberta as I did not take the program, and neither did any of my friends. Additionally, at UAlberta, the business program is second year entry, you don't get into business for first year.

[@harsirat1607]

@@ArseniyKD oh ok np Then what about Waterloo, ubc york or university of toronto ?? Can i do bba with 80 % or 80 in business studies here ???

[@ArseniyKD]

I have literally no clue, I don't think that asking about admissions to a business program on a video about computer science is a productive use of your time.

[@hzzgod]

@@harsirat1607 As someone who applied to all these unis last year, I am afraid that 80% barely meet the bar of BBA Programs(On website, they ask for a 88+ but in real life, it was 92-93+ last year unless you have exceptional extra curricular(must be super super super amazing experience). For business studies, 80% can actually be admitted in ARBUS in Uwaterloo(I am learning Math here and met someone in that program) with a Coop option, Commerce in YorkU(like a lower program than Schulich's but still a business program) and if you want to try, RyersonU's Ted Rogers School of Management is a good option, it is located on Yonge Street and very close to Bay St. A lot of the graduates can actually get Bay St jobs. However, these are only my own opinion and the situation varies every year.

[@harsirat1607]

@@hzzgod ok thx

[@MrX-qx5rh]

Hey bro don't u use some social media I want to talk to u for uni related thing??

[@ArseniyKD]

Hey, sorry, but I don't really use social media much. If you look up ArseniyKD on google, you'll find something, but I don't really do much with it.

[@mrinaalarora507]

Great Video 👍 Can I connect with you on any social media?

[@ArseniyKD]

Thank you! Sorry, but I don't really use social media much. If you look up my handle, you'll definitely find something, but don't expect a quick response haha