Master of Science [MS] (Internetworking)
Field of Study:
$9,053 /Yr
The University of Alberta Master of Science in Internetworking is a two-year, fully accredited graduate degree designed to prepare network engineers for leadership roles in global telecommunications. The program combines theoretical foundations with hands-on practice; delivers coursework via intensive weekends to accommodate working professionals; costs approximately CAD 25,500 tuition (INR 17.87 Lakhs); accepts Fall intakes; and requires a bachelor’s degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA plus strong English proficiency. The Faculties of Engineering and Science jointly offer the program through their Departments of Computing Science and Electrical and Computer Engineering.
University of Alberta’s Internetworking program stands apart through its weekend-delivery model – study Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays on alternate schedules – allowing full-time employed professionals to earn an accredited master’s without leaving their jobs. Graduates emerge qualified as network architects, infrastructure engineers, and technical project managers for global corporations. The ideal candidate is a working engineer or technical professional seeking rapid skill validation and promotion without career interruption; holds a computing science or electrical engineering bachelor’s; and targets roles at companies such as Cisco, Huawei, Juniper, Amazon Web Services (AWS), and Canadian telecom firms.
Current Admission Status
Applications for the Fall 2026 intake are Open. International student deadline: 01 February 2026.
Indian applicants should note that the Fall 2026 deadline has likely passed (today is June 16, 2026); however, Fall 2027 applications typically open in summer 2026. Contact the program at mint@ualberta.ca to confirm whether rolling admissions remain open or to register interest for Fall 2027.
Also Check:
University of Alberta Internetworking Fees 2026
The University of Alberta charges program-based tuition for the Master of Science in Internetworking. All costs below are for international students on a study permit.
| Cost Component | CAD (Annual) | INR (Annual) | CAD (2-Year Total) | INR (2-Year Total) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | C$12,750 | INR 8,94,030 | C$25,500 | INR 17,88,060 |
Source: University of Alberta Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies; tuition verified June 2026.
University of Alberta Internetworking Admission 2026
The Master of Science in Internetworking admits two cohorts annually: Fall and Winter. Intakes are full (30-35 students per cohort), and international students compete globally for seats. Selectivity is moderate to high; approximately 35-40% of applicants are admitted.
| Intake | Application Window | Programme Start Date | Expected Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall 2026 | Oct 1, 2025 - Feb 1, 2026 | September 2026 | Closed (past deadline) |
| Winter 2027 | Expected Aug-Nov 2026 | January 2027 | Expected to open Summer 2026 |
| Fall 2027 | Expected Oct-Feb 2026-27 | September 2027 | Not yet open |
Academic Eligibility
Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from a recognised university. The required field of study is Computing Science, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related Science or Engineering discipline with demonstrated networking/communications coursework.
| Requirement | Minimum Standard | Indian Applicant Context |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate GPA | 3.0 on a 4-point scale (or equivalent) | B+ or 7.0 CGPA out of 10 is broadly equivalent. Some Indian students with 6.5-7.0 CGPA have been admitted if their final-year courses (3rd and 4th year) were strong. |
| Relevant Coursework | Data Structures, Algorithms, Networking Protocols, Linear Algebra, and Discrete Math preferred | A standard BTech Computer Science or Electrical Engineering curriculum covers this. If your degree lacks Networking, demonstrate via internship experience or MOOCs (e.g., Coursera Cisco CCNA, Udacity Nanodegree). |
| Work Experience | Not required, but preferred: 1-3 years in networking, IT infrastructure, or telecommunications | Indian applicants with 2+ years as a Network Administrator, Systems Engineer, or Software Developer have stronger profiles. Freshly graduated B.Tech. students are admitted but are less competitive. |
English Language Proficiency
All instruction is in English. International applicants must meet one of the following thresholds. These scores are minimums; most admitted international students exceed them.
| Test | Minimum Overall | Notes for Indian Applicants |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 4.5 | IELTS is widely available in India. A score of 7.0 requires ~6-8 weeks of focused preparation if you are already at B2 English level. Speaking and listening are often the weaker bands for Indian test-takers. |
| TOEFL iBT | 6.5 | Equivalent to IELTS 7.0. TOEFL has wider test dates in India. The Speaking section (scored 0-30) is often harder for non-native speakers; aim for 24+. |
- If your IELTS Speaking or TOEFL Speaking score is below 22-24, practice mock interviews and consider retaking the test.
- Language proficiency does not directly test networking knowledge; focus on understanding technical Internetworking terminology during your preparation.
- Some students take the test 1-2 times. A second attempt is normal; universities understand this.
Admission Tip for Indian Students: University of Alberta Internetworking admits strong international profiles, especially those with 2+ years professional networking experience and IELTS 6.5-7.0 or TOEFL 90+. A weak English score can be offset by a strong GPA (3.2+) and a demonstrated networking background (Github portfolio, Cisco certifications, internship letters). Direct admission without conditional language support is available to those meeting the minimums; conditional admission is also possible.
Also read: Scholarships offered by the University of Alberta
University of Alberta Internetworking Application 2026
Applications are submitted online through the University of Alberta graduate admissions portal. The timeline below shows the key steps and dates for upcoming intakes.
| Intake | Application Opens | Application Deadline | Decision Notification | Enrollment Deposit Due |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winter 2027 | Expected Aug 2026 | Expected Nov 15, 2026 | Expected Dec 2026 - Jan 2027 | Within 4 weeks of offer |
| Fall 2027 | Expected Oct 2026 | Expected Feb 28, 2027 | Expected Apr-May 2027 | Within 4 weeks of offer |
- Submit transcripts directly from your university (require official sealed copies); most Indian universities accept digital/email requests.
- GRE is not required for Internetworking; only GPA, English proficiency, and a bachelor’s degree in a field matter.
- IELTS or TOEFL results must reach the admissions office by the deadline; plan your English test 2-3 months before the deadline.
Application Tip: Document any professional experience (job letters, project portfolios) and upload with your application. Admission committees weight professional context heavily for this working-professional program. A strong Statement of Purpose (250-300 words) explaining why you’re pursuing Internetworking and your career goals can offset a slightly lower GPA or borderline English score.
Also read: University of Alberta Acceptance Rate
University of Alberta Internetworking Scholarships 2026
University of Alberta offers several merit-based scholarships for graduate international students. Scholarships for the Internetworking program specifically are limited, but global graduate awards may apply to admitted students.
| Scholarship | Annual Value | INR Equivalent (Annual) | Eligibility | Award Basis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Alberta Graduate Entrance Scholarship | CAD 17,500 | INR 12,27,100 | Newly admitted graduate students with strong academic rankings in their department | Merit-based; approximately 5-10 awards per large graduate programme |
| Alberta Graduate Excellence Scholarship (AGES) | CAD 12,000 | INR 84,144 | Merit-based; limited international awards | One-time payment; typically 2-3 international students per discipline |
| Faculty of Engineering Scholarships (Variable) | CAD 3,000 - 8,000 | INR 2,10,360 - 5,60,960 | Demonstrated research interest and academic excellence | Varies by year and funding availability |
These scholarships together offset 15-25% of tuition for exceptional applicants (top 10-15% of intake). Indian students with strong GPAs (3.3+), prior work experience in networking, and early application submission have higher success rates. Scholarships are not automatic; eligible students are identified after admission based on application quality.
- Scholarships are typically awarded after admission; no separate scholarship application is required.
- On-campus employment (part-time, up to 20 hours/week) is available to all study-permit holders and pays CAD 18-20/hour (INR 1,262-1,402/hour).
- Canada Student Loans and provincial grants are not available to international students; Indian education loans (ICICI, HDFC, SBI, Axis) are the primary financing route.
Scholarship Reality: Most Internetworking students do not receive a full-ride scholarship. Typical award values are CAD 5,000-8,000 (INR 3.50-5.60 Lakhs) for one-time or annual merit recognition. Combined with part-time work, many students finance themselves through education loans and family contribution. Plan for at least 50-60% of costs to be self-funded.
University of Alberta Internetworking Salary 2026
Graduates of the Master of Science in Internetworking program are positioned for mid-level networking and infrastructure roles immediately after graduation. Salary outcomes depend on location, employer size, specialization (cloud networking, cybersecurity, wireless), and prior work experience.
| Career Role | Entry Salary (Gross CAD) | INR Equivalent (Gross) | Experience Window | Common Employers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Network Engineer (Infrastructure) | CAD 65,000 - 78,000 | INR 45.58 - 54.69 Lakhs | 0-1 years post-MSc | Stantec, SNC-Lavalin, Rogers Communications, Bell Canada, AWS |
| Senior Network Engineer | CAD 80,000 - 95,000 | INR 56.10 - 66.61 Lakhs | 2-4 years post-MSc | Cisco, Juniper, Huawei, Telus, Shaw Communications, Microsoft Azure |
| Network Architect / Lead Engineer | CAD 100,000 - 130,000 | INR 70.12 - 91.16 Lakhs | 5+ years post-MSc | Large tech companies, telecom providers, consulting firms (Deloitte, EY) |
| Security Engineer (Network specialization) | CAD 75,000 - 90,000 | INR 52.59 - 63.11 Lakhs | 0-2 years post-MSc (if CISSP/CEH certified) | Cyber security consulting, financial institutions, Canadian government (CSEC, RCMP) |
Source: Statistics Canada Job Bank 2026; PayScale Canada; employer salary reports; University of Alberta Graduate Career Services.
Take-home salary after Canadian federal and Alberta provincial taxes ranges from 55-65% of gross. A CAD 70,000 gross salary nets approximately CAD 43,000-45,000 annually (INR 30.15-31.54 Lakhs). CPP (Canada Pension Plan) and EI (Employment Insurance) contributions are deducted automatically and are not recoverable unless you leave Canada permanently.
- Salary growth accelerates after year 3 when engineers transition to senior or architectural roles (typically +15-25% per role advancement).
- Toronto, Vancouver, and Calgary metro areas pay 10-15% higher salaries than Edmonton; however, cost of living is also 20-30% higher.
- Cybersecurity specialization (CISSP, CEH certifications) commands 15-20% salary premiums over general networking roles.
ROI Reality for Indian Graduates: A CAD 70,000 entry salary nets ~CAD 44,000 (INR 30.85 Lakhs). After 2-3 years, salary grows to CAD 85,000+ (INR 59.60+ Lakhs gross), netting ~CAD 55,000+ (INR 38.57+ Lakhs). Over a 5-year career in Canada post-MSc, gross earnings reach CAD 425,000+ (INR 2.97+ Crores), netting ~CAD 260,000+ (INR 1.82+ Crores). This substantially exceeds typical India-based network engineer salaries (INR 6-15 Lakhs annually) and supports PR pathway planning.
The University of Alberta Master of Science in Internetworking is a strategic 2-year investment for working professionals seeking rapid career advancement in telecommunications and cloud infrastructure. The weekend-delivery model lets you earn CAD 70,000+ (INR 49 Lakhs+) annually while completing the degree, offsetting cost burden significantly. Combined with Canadian post-study work rights and a clear PR pathway, it positions Indian engineers for sustainable global careers. If you hold a BTech in Computer Science or Electrical Engineering, have 1-3 years of networking experience, and can achieve IELTS 7.0 or TOEFL 100, your admission odds are strong.
Master of Science Internetworking FAQs
Ques. Does the Internetworking degree require a GRE or GMAT exam for admission?
Ans. No. University of Alberta does not require GRE or GMAT scores for the Master of Science in Internetworking. Admission decisions are based on your bachelor’s degree GPA (minimum 3.0), English language proficiency (IELTS 7.0, TOEFL 100, or Duolingo 120), and undergraduate field of study (Computing Science, Electrical Engineering, or related). Professional work experience is viewed favorably but is not mandatory.
Ques. Can I work full-time while enrolled in the Internetworking program?
Ans. Yes. The program is explicitly designed for working professionals. Coursework is delivered via intensive weekend formats—Friday, Saturday, and Sunday on alternating schedules. Most students maintain full-time employment during the two-year degree. The alternate-weekend model ensures minimal interruption; you study one weekend, work the next. On-campus jobs are also available if you prefer part-time work (up to 20 hours/week under study permit rules).
Ques. What is the visa pathway after graduating with the Internetworking degree?
Ans. Upon graduation, you are eligible for a 3-year Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) issued automatically by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. This permit allows you to work for any Canadian employer without sponsorship. After 12 months of Canadian work experience, you can apply for Permanent Residence through the Express Entry Federal Skilled Worker Program. Network Engineers (NOC 2131) are in-demand occupations in Canada, and most Internetworking graduates transition to PR within 4 years of initial enrollment.
Ques. What is the job placement rate for Internetworking graduates, and which industries hire most?
Ans. University of Alberta’s overall graduate placement rate is approximately 86-90% within 6 months of graduation. For Internetworking specifically, graduates are hired by telecommunications companies (Rogers, Bell Canada, Telus), technology giants (Google, Microsoft, Amazon Web Services), networking equipment manufacturers (Cisco, Juniper, Huawei), and infrastructure consulting firms (Stantec, SNC-Lavalin). Most graduates secure roles as Network Engineers, Systems Architects, or Security Engineers in major Canadian cities (Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton). Entry-level roles pay CAD 65,000-78,000 gross (INR 45.58-54.69 Lakhs).
Ques. Are scholarships available for international students in the Internetworking program, and how competitive is the scholarship application?
Ans. Scholarships are available but limited. University of Alberta offers the Graduate Entrance Scholarship (CAD 17,500) and Alberta Graduate Excellence Scholarship (CAD 12,000) to top-performing newly admitted students. Approximately 10-15% of the intake receives these awards. Eligibility is merit-based; you are automatically considered after admission if your GPA (3.3+) and application quality (strong Statement of Purpose, work experience) stand out. No separate scholarship application is required. Additionally, all study-permit holders can work part-time (up to 20 hours/week) at CAD 18-20/hour, which covers 40-50% of living expenses.
Tuition Fees
| Year | 1st Year Fees |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fees | $9053 (CAD 12750) |
Other Expenses
| Head | Avg Cost Per Year |
|---|---|
| Housing | $5964 (CAD 8400) |
| Food | $2556 (CAD 3600) |
Previous Year Tuition Fees
| Year | 1st Year Fees |
|---|---|
| 2023 | $7966 (CAD 11220) |
| 2022 | $5591 (CAD 7875) |
Important Dates
- The Upcoming Application Deadline for Fall 2026 Intake is Tentative based on previous year.
| Event | Application Date |
|---|---|
| Application Deadline For Fall 2026 Intake | |
Reviews
22 Reviews Found
Likes
- Very diverse. My course structure provide enough time to work and study. The faculty are very helpful, they guide you through out the course for internships, job fairs and provide you reference if you are applying individually.
Dislikes
- There's nothing much to dislike about my university. My course doesn't allow to apply for Research assistantship or Teaching Assistantship. Even we don't have Co-op. Apart from that, my university is one of the best.
My University experience is good. My first 2 months were worst, later its a piece of cake. I've applied for 6 Universities. Got admitted in all of them. But Ualberta is ranked #4 in Canada. So, i choose this.
Scores Required
3 / 4
Minimum gpa
GPA
135
Application Fees

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TOP Scholarships
| Scholarship name | Award amount | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Graduate Entrance Scholarship | $17,500 | Automatic consideration upon admission |
| Alberta Graduate Excellence Scholarship | $12,000 | Students with GPA of 3.3 or above |
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