Master of Data Science Colleges in Canada: Admissions & Scope

For Indian students seeking a world-class education in data science, combined with a welcoming multicultural environment, Canada stands out as an excellent choice. Canadian universities are renowned for their strong academic programs.

Masters in Data Science in Canada: With the technological change, the world has been surpassing above with time. Data Science has grabbed the eye of not only technology lovers but also aspiring entrepreneurs and established business tycoons. Therefore, if you are looking to master the art of processing, the Master of Data Science is the best way for you.

Data Science refers to the process of storing and analyzing data that is useful for organizations to help in data-driven decision-making. A Master’s in Data Science in Canada is generally an 8-24 month program offered by some of the popular universities in Canada. In this article, we will cover all the aspects of MS in Data Science in Canada.

This program helps in analyzing the future based on data collected by the organization. After completing the degree in MS in Data Science, graduates can earn an average of C$ 101,841 yearly (according to Glassdoor). In this article, we will cover various aspects of masters in data science in Canada for international students including the best universities for data science in Canada.

Why Study Masters in Data Science in Canada?

Studying Masters in Data Science in Canada offers several advantages to international students. Here are some reasons to study Data Science in Canada:

• Quality Education: Universities in Canada are well-known for providing high-quality education. Many Canadian colleges have established themselves as leaders in the field of Data Science by providing comprehensive and up-to-date curricula covering a wide range of topics in data analysis, machine learning, statistics, and data visualisation.
• Industry Exposure: Canada has a flourishing IT industry and several multinational corporations. Studying Data Science in Canada might give you valuable industrial experience and networking opportunities. Many institutions have relationships and collaborations with industry leaders, allowing students to obtain practical experience and apply their abilities in real-world circumstances through internships, co-op programmes, and research opportunities.
• Job Prospects: The demand for Data Science specialists in Canada is considerable, and it is expected to rise more in the future years. A Master's degree in Data Science from a Canadian university can improve your work prospects and increase your chances of landing rewarding roles in a variety of industries in Canada, including technology, finance, healthcare, and consulting.
• Post-Study Work Permit: Canada provides a post-graduation work visa (PGWP Canada) that allows international students to work in Canada for up to three years after finishing their education. This is a fantastic opportunity to obtain job experience and maybe move on to permanent residency.

Masters in Data Science in Canada Highlights

Before we move on to the individual universities in Canada for masters in data science, it is vital to look at the highlights of MS in data science in Canada. The table given below provides the highlights of Masters in data science in Canada for international students:

(Source: studyabroad.shiksha.com)

Best Universities for Data Science in Canada

Given below is a list of the top universities in Canada for Masters in Data Science. Highlights of the data science courses provided by these universities have been provided in the table given above.

1. The University of British Columbia: The University of British Columbia is a top-ranked university abroad that offers a Master of Data Science program to international students. Canada has so many popular universities where students can study MS in Data Science and British Columbia is one of them. Students get better job opportunities after completing the degree as the university has great links with some of the top recruiters in the world.
2. University of Toronto: Master's in Applied Computing in Data Science program at the University of Toronto provides great skills related to computer science as well as statistics. Toronto University was founded in the year 1827 and is listed among the top 10 Universities in Canada to study the master’s program. Foreign students are required to meet the admission criteria to pursue the MS in Data Science program.       
3. McGill University: McGill University is the oldest university in Canada founded in 1821. It offers over 10 popular courses in over 50 specializations and the Master of Management in Analytics (MMA) is one among them. McGill MMA degree is a pre-experience 1-year program in the field of business analytics. This master’s program is designed to fulfil the needs of organizations and decision-making. The rank of McGill University is 30 in World University Ranking 2024 by QS.
4. Queen’s University: Founded in 1841, Queen’s University offers the Master of Management Analytics program for a balanced academic curriculum comprising core data-analytics concepts and tools along with courses on business strategy, thereby preparing experts who can derive real benefits from the world of Data. It is one of the top-ranked Canadian universities and one of the best choices to study MS in Canada.
5. University of Western Ontario: The University of Western Ontario is the oldest and top-ranked university in Canada. It offers a Master of Data Analytics program to international students based on their criteria. Students have to complete the bachelor’s degree first and pass the compulsory exams as required for admission. The duration of the program is 12 months and its aim is to prepare data analytic experts. 
6. HEC Montreal: HEC Montreal is a recognized university in Canada. It offers postgraduate programs in MBA/PDGM, MIM, MSc, etc. The Master of Science in Data Analytics and Business Analytics program of the university is popular among international students. This master's program prepares specialists in analytics and data science by making them skilled in advanced methods of analysis, optimization, modelling, machine learning, and statistics.
7. Simon Fraser University: Located in Burnaby, Canada, Simon Fraser University is a top-ranked university in the world. This university offers 8 different courses at UG and PG levels. Simon offers a master’s program in Big Data Specialization to help students gain complete knowledge to handle the huge amount of data generated every day.
8. Ryerson University: Ryerson University offers a Master of Science in data science and analytics program for students. This program enables the graduates to become highly skilled in technical and applied knowledge of data science and analytics. Ryerson is one of the most preferred choices among international students who are willing to study in Canada. To apply for admission students are required to take the exams like IELTS or TOEFL.
9. Carleton University: Founded in 1942, Carleton University is known for its high standard of education in UG and PG programs. This university offers Data Science collaborative programs in 13 academic disciplines ranging from M.C.S Computer Science, M.A Economics, M.A Communication, Master of Cognitive Science, and many more.
10. University of Waterloo: The University of Waterloo is ranked among the top universities in the world. Waterloo offers two programs namely Master of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (MDSAI) and Master of Mathematics (M.Math) in Data Science. Both programs help graduates understand the elements of Statistics, Computer Science, and Optimization.

Admissions to Masters in Data Science in Canada

Admissions to Master's programs in Data Science in Canada typically involve several components. While the specific requirements may vary between universities, here is a general overview of the admission process:

• Formal Schooling with a certain minimum percentage (usually above 70%)
• Bachelor’s degree with a certain minimum CGPA (varies as per the university requirements. Typically, the CGPA required for MS in Data Science in Canada is 3.0 out of 4.0)
• Academic or Professional experience (depends on the university)
• GRE or GMAT scores (depends on university requirements): Many universities require applicants to submit scores from standardized tests such as the GRE (Graduate Record Examination) or GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test).
• English language proficiency: IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, or DET
• Latest resume: Applicants are typically required to submit a resume or curriculum vitae (CV).
• Statement of Purpose (SOP):  A statement of purpose is a personal essay where applicants describe their academic background, research interests, career goals, and reasons for pursuing a Master's in Data Science.
• LORs (Letters of recommendation): Letters of recommendation from professors, research supervisors, or professionals are required.

• Admission Essays: These are university and course-specific. Make sure to answer what has been asked in the question. Do not deviate from the topic.

Cost of Studying MS in Data Science in Canada

The cost of studying for an MS in Data Science in Canada can vary depending on various factors such as the university, program duration, location, etc. The average tuition fee for pursuing Masters in Data Science in Canada is around CAD 40,000 per year. Here are some finer details of the top universities:

• The University of Toronto (QS 2025 Rank: 25): CAD 73,500 (per year)
• McGill University (QS 2025 Rank: 29): CAD 9,864 (per year)
• The University of British Columbia (QS 2025 Rank: 38): CAD 52,126 (per year)
• University of Alberta (QS 2025 Rank: 96): CAD 9,406 (per year)
• University of Waterloo (QS 2025 Rank: 115): CAD 7,696 (per term)

Cost of Living in Canada

The following data about the cost of living in Canada has been sourced from the University of Alberta’s official website. It will one average, the annual cost of living for an international student in Canada can range from CAD 19,000 to CAD 30,000 per year depending on various factors such as location, lifestyle, dietary habits, etc.

Scholarships for MS in Data Science in Canada

Scholarships are an excellent way to reduce your overall cost of studying Masters in Data Science in Canada. A list of scholarships has been mentioned on our website. Some of the scholarships are given below:

• Narotam Sekhsaria’s Scholarships: It is applicable for Master’s Degrees at all universities in the USA, Canada, etc.
• Jared J. Davis Grant: Maximum scholarship amount per student is $1,000
• QS Scholarship For Academic Excellence: The maximum scholarship amount per student is USD 10,000
• GyanDhan Scholarship: The maximum scholarship amount per student is INR 100,000
• Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship: Maximum scholarship per student is USD 10,000

Jobs after MS in Data Science in Canada

Students who plan to pursue an MS in data science in Canada must be aware of the different job roles and corresponding salaries that they may gain after completing their course. It is worth mentioning that data science jobs are some of the most highly paid jobs in Canada. The table given below provides details of the same:

(Source: Workopolis)

Recruiters Hiring Graduates of MS in Data Science in Canada

Some of the top recruiters that hire graduates of masters in data science in Canada are given in the table below:

It is advised that students do their own research as well in order to decide the best data science courses in Canada for themselves. For help with university applications, students seeking to study abroad can contact our Shiksha Study Abroad Counsellors. The comments section below allows candidates to contact us as well.