Application deadline
12 July 2026
Registration deadline for ICS3U Summer 2026 Session 2.
In-person Program
Introduction to Computer Science Course (ICS3U)
by University of Ottawa Engineering Outreach
Study software development through hands-on coding, web applications, and a final project, with guidance from teachers and insights from technology professionals.
Last verified: 8 Oct 2026Reviewed by:SSSean Stevens
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Introduction to Computer Science at a glance: cost, dates and eligibility
Current status
Upcoming
Eligibility
Grades 8-12; no prerequisites
Age range / Year group
Ages 13-18
Location / Region
SITE Building, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Cost
$975
Duration
4 weeks
Format
In-person
Latest deadline
12 July 2026 · Next cycle not announced yet. These dates are from the latest verified cycle and should be used as a reference only.
Get next-cycle reminderComputer ScienceTechnology
Language: English
Certificate / Outcome: 1.0 Ontario secondary-school credit
Sessions / cadence: Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m.-3:45 p.m.
Tutors / faculty: Bhumika Bhardwaj
Assessment style: 70% coursework; 30% final project
Instructional time: 110 hours
Credit-granting authority: Ontario Ministry of Education
Introduction to Computer Science summary
ICS3U combines computer science foundations with practical software development. Students learn by building applications and working through programming problems.
Teaching covers web development, computer systems, testing, and project management. Industry presentations connect classroom work with computer science and software engineering careers.
It suits learners who want structured coding practice and a project they can explain, rather than only watching demonstrations.
What is Introduction to Computer Science Course (ICS3U)?
The Introduction to Computer Science Course (ICS3U) is a credit-bearing course offered by the University of Ottawa Faculty of Engineering Secondary School. It follows Ontario curriculum expectations and combines programming concepts with software design, computer systems, and professional development practices.
Students learn through teacher-led examples, individual practice, teamwork, and application projects. Web development uses HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, while the course outline also names Python. Talks by Ottawa technology professionals help students connect these activities with possible careers.
Why Succeed highlights Introduction to Computer Science
Students practice testing, documentation, source control, and project management alongside writing code.
A teacher-approved application project gives students room to make meaningful design choices.
Computer laboratory access during and after class supports practice beyond demonstrations.
Industry presentations help connect software development with real career decisions.
The course combines practical project work with a recognized Ontario secondary-school credit.
Who is Introduction to Computer Science for?
Best for
Students who want guided software development practice, enjoy building applications, and are willing to work independently and with classmates.
Not ideal if
You need a flexible, self-paced course or mainly want advanced specialization instead of introductory programming and software development.
Is Introduction to Computer Science worth it?
This course offers a useful combination of coding practice, a substantial application project, and academic credit. Its strongest value is learning how software is developed, tested, and documented with teacher support.
The condensed schedule requires consistent attendance and steady progress on assignments. Students seeking occasional enrichment or advanced specialist training may find a different course better suited to their goals.
A practical overview of cost, accommodation, meals, dates and provider details to review before deciding.
Cost and what is included
$975; includes Course instruction and hands-on project work., Access to course materials., Computer laboratory access during and after class., Access to required development systems, including GitHub and Eclipse., Industry presentations., A full secondary-school credit upon successful completion..
Provider details
Review the University of Ottawa Engineering Outreach provider page and official sources before making a final decision.
Dates and logistics
4 weeks; SITE Building, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
What to check before committing
Confirm current dates, payment terms, travel arrangements, cancellation rules and what is included with the provider.
Compare this program with similar options before deciding on dates, cost, format and fit.
Compare with similar programsHow much preparation does Introduction to Computer Science need?
Effort level
High time commitment, with introductory academic content.
Best started
Begin four to six weeks before the next published registration deadline.
Main challenge
Keeping up with coding and project work in a condensed course.
Typical preparation
Gather your birth certificate, recent report card, and any applicable IEP.
If you are in Grade 8, arrange the parent/guardian and principal permission signatures early.
Practice basic coding and review HTML, CSS, and JavaScript before classes begin.
Plan travel and other commitments around the daily class schedule.
Useful if
You want to test your interest in software development through practical work.
What do students do on Introduction to Computer Science?
You move from computer systems and programming fundamentals to integrated applications and professional software development practices. Teacher demonstrations, individual work, and teamwork prepare you for a final application project.
Step-by-step process
- 1
Explore computer hardware, operating systems, and software installation.
- 2
Build simple web applications and practice variables, control structures, arrays, and functions.
- 3
Integrate hardware or software components and practice troubleshooting.
- 4
Research industrial applications and computer science career opportunities.
- 5
Use testing, source control, documentation, and project management to develop a final application prototype and presentation.
Introduction to Computer Science dates and deadlines
Next cycle not announced yet. These dates are from the latest verified cycle and should be used as a reference only.
Reference date
Programme dates
27 July-21 August 2026
| Milestone | Date | Timezone | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Application deadline | 12 July 2026 | Local | Reference date | |
Programme dates | 27 July-21 August 2026 | Local | Reference date |
Eligibility and requirements
Students in Grades 8-12.
No prerequisites or corequisites.
Grade 8 applicants need parent/guardian and principal permission.
Instruction is in English.
ICD2O or coding experience is helpful, but optional.
How much does Introduction to Computer Science cost?
Course fee
$975 — Canadian dollars; Summer 2026 Session 2.
Funding or discounts
- Bursaries: Limited bursaries support underrepresented students in STEM and financial need.
What's included
Course instruction and hands-on project work., Access to course materials., Computer laboratory access during and after class., Access to required development systems, including GitHub and Eclipse., Industry presentations., A full secondary-school credit upon successful completion.
How to apply to Introduction to Computer Science
- 1
Use the Faculty of Engineering Secondary School registration portal to select ICS3U.
- 2
Provide your email address and legal status in Canada.
- 3
Supply a birth certificate, recent report card, and an IEP if applicable.
- 4
Grade 8 applicants must provide the permission form signed by their parent or guardian and principal.
- 5
Submit the separate bursary application if you wish to be considered for financial support.
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What does Introduction to Computer Science cover?
The program covers the following focus areas.
Computer hardware and operating systems
Explore hardware components, computer dissection, and operating system installation over 12 instructional hours.
Web development and programming
Design simple web applications and practice programming fundamentals over 30 instructional hours.
System integration and advanced programming
Integrate hardware or software components and practice testing and debugging over 20 instructional hours.
Industrial applications and careers
Research real-world computer systems and computer science careers over 12 instructional hours.
Software engineering and project management
Practice source control, testing, documentation, and project development over 36 instructional hours.
Curriculum may be adjusted based on participant interests and current developments.
What is a typical day on Introduction to Computer Science?
A typical day during the program.
Summer classes
Daily instruction combines demonstrations, programming practice, and project work.
Lunch break
The summer course timetable includes a lunch break.
Final application
Students build a teacher-approved application using professional development practices.
Who teaches on Introduction to Computer Science?
The course outline names Bhumika Bhardwaj as the teacher. Teaching includes guided programming examples, individual and group practice, ongoing feedback, and presentations by professionals working in technology.
Where do students stay on Introduction to Computer Science?
Non-residential plan
- Daytime campus classes: Students attend scheduled classes at the University of Ottawa's SITE Building.
- Computer laboratory access: Computer laboratories are accessible during and after class for continued learning.
What happens after Introduction to Computer Science?
After completing this program, participants often pursue:
Earn one full Ontario secondary-school credit upon successful completion.
Build an application prototype and explain it in a presentation.
Develop foundations for further computer science and software engineering study.
Explore related postsecondary education and career options.
Receive report cards and a course grade reported to your host school.
Credit depends on successful completion of the course requirements.
Where does Introduction to Computer Science take place?
Classes take place at the University of Ottawa's SITE Building, 800 King Edward, in Ottawa, Ontario. Students learn in a university engineering environment with access to computer laboratories.
Introduction to Computer Science FAQs
There are no prerequisites. Taking ICD2O or having some coding background is helpful, but neither is required.
The course outline names HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and Python. Students also use professional systems for source control, project management, testing, and continuous integration.
Successful completion earns one full credit toward a secondary school diploma. ICS3U is a Grade 11 university-preparation course.
Daily classroom work contributes 70% of the evaluation. A final design project with a prototype and presentation contributes 30%, and the school emphasizes practical applications rather than final exams.
The school accepts students in Grades 8-12. Grade 8 applicants taking a reach-ahead course must provide a permission form signed by their parent or guardian and current principal.
The school offers limited bursaries for underrepresented groups in STEM and students with financial need. Applicants submit a separate bursary form, and awards depend on available funding.
Students implement an application of their choice using professional development practices. The teacher approves or proposes projects before students build them over one week.
Students can request a needs analysis with a learning specialist. Instructional, environmental, and assessment accommodations may be arranged, and an existing IEP should be provided during registration.
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Content reviewed by
Sean Stevens
Co-founder, Succeed | Founder, Immerse Education (2012–2026)
Sean works at the intersection of academic enrichment, program quality and university preparation, with expertise in evaluating pre-university experiences for ambitious secondary school students.
Sources & verification
Source types reviewed
- École secondaire de la Faculté de génie | Faculté de génie
- Conventions and Reservations | About us
- Course calendar | Faculty of Engineering
- Policies and frequently asked questions | Faculty of Engineering
- Outline of Course of Study - DCO3O
- Outline of Course of Study
- Outline of Course of Study - ICS3U
- Outline of Course Of Study - ICD2O
- Outline of Course of Study - TDJ2O
- Outine of Course of Study - TAS1O
- Outline of Course of Study - TEJ2O
- Faculty of Engineering Secondary School | Faculty of Engineering
Succeed uses official provider information where available, but keeps this public page focused on comparison and planning inside Succeed.
What we verified (on 8 Oct 2026)
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Eligibility requirements reviewed
Session dates checked
Registration deadline checked
Course fee verified
Credit and assessment reviewed
Bursary provision reviewed
How Succeed uses this information
We use source material to verify core facts, then show older cycle dates as reference when a current cycle is not available. Always check current application instructions before applying.
Introduction to Computer Science Course (ICS3U)
by University of Ottawa Engineering Outreach
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