CA · Master's
Concordia University
Master of Applied Science in Information Systems Security
Concordia University
Course Overview
Concordia's Master of Applied Science in Information Systems Security (INSE) is a 2-year research-stream Master's run from the Concordia Institute for Information Systems Engineering (CIISE) at the Sir George Williams downtown Montréal campus. Courses cover applied cryptography, network and system security, software security, intrusion detection, and digital forensics; the second year is dominated by a research thesis with one of Concordia's CIISE faculty (many of whom run NSERC-funded labs).
Sri Lankan demand is driven by three factors: Canada's PGWP-to-PR pipeline for IT graduates, Concordia's reputation for accepting strong applicants from non-Canadian schools (Sri Lankan IT undergraduates from Moratuwa, Colombo, SLIIT, IIT regularly land funded TA/RA positions), and Montréal's significantly lower cost of living than Toronto or Vancouver. Cyber Security Specialist (NOC 21220) is TEER 1 in-demand under Express Entry.
Entry Requirements
Academic
- check_circle Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, IT, or related field with a CGPA of 3.0/4.3 (Concordia's minimum).
- check_circle Statement of purpose (1-2 pages) outlining research interests + 2-3 prospective supervisor names from the CIISE faculty page.
- check_circle Two academic references (research-focused).
- check_circle Research project / publications strongly recommended.
English Proficiency
- check_circle IELTS Academic: 7.0 Overall (min 6.5 in each band).
- check_circle TOEFL iBT: 95 Overall (min 24 in each section).
- check_circle PTE Academic: 65 Overall.
- check_circle Waived if your Bachelor's was taught and assessed entirely in English at a recognised institution (most Sri Lankan applicants from local English-medium universities qualify).
Estimated Cost of Study
| Expense Category | Amount (CAD) | Approx. LKR |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition Fee (per year) | CAD 33,000 | Rs. 7,755,000 |
| Living Expenses (per year, Montréal) | CAD 16,000 | Rs. 3,760,000 |
| Study Permit, Biometrics & Health Insurance | CAD 2,000 | Rs. 470,000 |
| Books, Software & Setup | CAD 1,200 | Rs. 282,000 |
| Total Year 1 Investment (offset by TA/RA funding for accepted research students) | CAD 52,200 | Rs. 12,267,000 |
*LKR conversion based on current bank rates. Subject to change.
Career Outcomes & PR
Eligible for the 3-year PGWP. Cyber Security Specialist (NOC 21220) is TEER 1 in-demand under Express Entry — clear PR pathway. Concordia INSE grads place at Bell Canada, CGI, Desjardins, RBC, BMO, the federal government, and Montréal's growing cyber scene (Genetec, Forescout, Ericsson). Starting cyber salaries in Montréal: CAD 80,000-95,000.
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