Top Data Science Universities in Canada (2026)
Best universities for Data Science, Analytics and Business Intelligence masters programs in Canada. We rank 60 universities by QS standing, fees, scholarships and post-study work outcomes for international students.
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Data Science shortlist
For Canada applicants
ABM College
📍 Calgary, Canada
ATPI
Brock University
📍 St. Catharines, Canada
Canadian College of Technology and Business (CCTB)
Carleton University
📍 Ottawa, Canada
Concordia University
📍 Montreal, Canada
Desautels Faculty of Management
📍 Quebec, Canada
Durham College
📍 Ontario, Canada
Ecole Polytechnique
📍 Montreal, Canada
Fanshawe College of Applied Arts and Technology
📍 Ontario, Canada
George Brown Polytechnic
📍 Toronto, Canada
Georgian College
Lambton College
📍 Sarnia, Canada
Lincoln Memorial University
📍 Harrogate, Canada
McGill University
📍 Montreal, Canada
Niagara College of Applied Arts and Technology
Niagara University - Canada
Northeastern University - Canada
Nottingham Trent University
Ontario Tech University
📍 Ontario, Canada
Oxford International Career College - Vancouver Campus
📍 Vancouver, Canada
Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics
📍 Waterloo, Canada
Queens University
Robertson College
📍 Edmonton, Canada
Saint Mary's University
More top courses in Canada
A masters in data science in Canada is a 10- to 16-month professional programme. Among the programmes compared here, 2026-27 international tuition runs from CAD 55,400 at SFU's 4-term professional master's (about ₹37.5 lakh) and CAD 59,768 at UBC's 10-month MDS (₹40.5 lakh) to CAD 92,960 at Schulich's MBAN (₹63 lakh); Waterloo charges per course. Most schools want IELTS Academic 7.0 with 6.5 per band (7.5 at Waterloo), applications for 2027 intakes close between 14 October 2026 and 31 January 2027, and a master's earns a 3-year PGWP.
What counts as a masters in data science in Canada, and how do the programmes differ?
Canada has no single "MS in Data Science". Indian students apply to short professional master's degrees with different centres of gravity. UBC's Master of Data Science (MDS) is a 10-month, in-person programme with an eight-week capstone. Waterloo's Master of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (MDSAI) is a 16-month co-op programme with paid placements. Toronto offers the 15-month Rotman Master of Management Analytics (MMA) and a Data Science concentration inside the 16-month MScAC, which includes an applied-research internship. Schulich's Master of Business Analytics (MBAN) runs three 12-week terms from May.
Choose by the job you want. Model and pipeline work fits UBC MDS, Waterloo MDSAI and the MScAC; analytics inside banks, retailers and consultancies fits Rotman MMA and Schulich MBAN. UBC warns that MDS is intense, with mandatory attendance, and does not recommend working during it. All of these are master's degrees at public universities, so they need no provincial attestation letter, and UBC says MDS qualifies to apply to the BC Provincial Nominee Program.
How much does a masters in data science in Canada cost? Tuition at six programmes, 2026-27
International tuition as published by each school. Confirm the fee for your start year on each page. On top, the permit office expects CAD 23,448 in living funds (₹15.9 lakh, CAD 29,192 with a spouse) plus CAD 235 (about ₹15,900) in permit and biometrics fees, and Ontario students pay about CAD 948 (₹64,200) for UHIP.
| Programme | Length | International tuition (CAD) | Approx. INR | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UBC Master of Data Science, Vancouver | 10 months | CAD 59,767.92 | ₹40.5 lakh | CAD 3,000 (₹2.0 lakh) non-refundable deposit credited to tuition; student fees extra |
| Waterloo MDSAI (co-op) | 16 months | CAD 6,272 per course, plus CAD 1,014.11 incidental fees per term and CAD 836 co-op fee | ≈ ₹4.2 lakh per course | Total depends on the number of courses in your plan |
| Rotman Master of Management Analytics, entering 2026 | 15 months | CAD 56,667 (2026-27) + CAD 28,333 (2027-28) = CAD 85,000 | ₹57.6 lakh | The schedule lists CAD 58,370 for 2027-28 for those entering in 2027 |
| Schulich Master of Business Analytics | 3 terms, from May | CAD 30,987 per term · CAD 92,960 total | ₹21 lakh a term · ₹63 lakh total | Summer 2026 fee framework, subject to change |
| Toronto MScAC, Data Science concentration | 16 months | About CAD 90,050 total (tuition CAD 50,070 for 2026 entry) | ₹61 lakh total | Paid internship averaged CAD 65,000 over eight months in 2026 |
| SFU professional master's (Big Data), entering 2026/27 | 4 terms | CAD 13,856.16 per term (≈ CAD 55,400 in total) | ₹9.4 lakh a term · ≈ ₹37.5 lakh | Term fee applies for the first four terms |
Sources: UBC MDS tuition page; Waterloo Finance Fall 2026 fee page; University of Toronto Table D4 and MScAC page; Schulich tuition page; SFU Calendar Fall 2026; IRCC financial-support page and fee list; UHIP rates, read 26 Sep 2026. C$1 = ₹67.73. Fees are estimates subject to change.
MS in data science in Canada eligibility for Indian students: degree, marks, tests and English
Five published admissions pages side by side. These programmes recruit on quantitative preparation first, so the prerequisite column matters more than the brand name on your degree.
| Programme | Degree and marks | Prerequisites and tests | English |
|---|---|---|---|
| UBC MDS (Vancouver) | Equivalent of a 4-year UBC bachelor's with at least B+ (76% at UBC) in third and fourth-year courses and prerequisites | Programming, probability or statistics, calculus or linear algebra (3 credits each); MOOCs do not count; no GRE; recorded interview; 3 letters | IELTS Academic 7.0, 6.5 per component, within 24 months |
| Waterloo MDSAI (co-op) | Honours bachelor's in data science, computer science, statistics, mathematics or related field, overall average at least 78% | Senior-level computer science or statistics; 500-word statement; 3 references, at least two academic | IELTS 7.5 (writing 7.0, speaking 7.0) |
| Rotman MMA | Four-year degree with at least 3.0 at Toronto in the final year; B average in quantitative courses | Calculus, linear algebra, probability, statistics, programming; GMAT/GRE encouraged, not required; interview | IELTS Academic 7.0, 6.5 per band |
| Schulich MBAN | Four-year degree with at least B+ in the last two years; 3-year degrees considered with a year or more of data-intensive work | Courses in two of three areas (maths/statistics, computer science, business) if from another field; no GMAT/GRE | IELTS Academic 7.0, 6.5 per dimension |
| Toronto MScAC (Data Science) | Degree equivalent to a Toronto 4-year degree; B+ (77-79%) in the final year | Computer science and statistics aptitude; three referees; interview; GRE optional | IELTS Academic 7.0, 6.5 per component |
Sources: UBC MDS admissions pages; Waterloo MDSAI page; Rotman MMA admissions; Schulich MBAN page; MScAC and Toronto SGS pages, read 26 Sep 2026.
Four-year degree, percentages and prerequisites decide admission
How to apply for an MS in data science in Canada from India: timeline for 2027 intakes
Rotman, UBC and Waterloo start in August or September 2027, Schulich's MBAN in May 2027, and deadlines run from October 2026 to February 2027.
September to October 2026: shortlist and check prerequisites
Sort programmes into technical (UBC MDS, Waterloo MDSAI, MScAC) and business-analytics (Rotman MMA, Schulich MBAN). Rotman round 1 closes 14 October 2026. For Schulich's May 2027 intake, Round 2 (23 September 2026), which Schulich recommends for international applicants because of study-permit time, has already closed; Round 3 on 4 November 2026 is the last international round, and Round 4 is domestic only.
October to December 2026: English test and documents
Book IELTS Academic (7.0 with 6.5 per band; Waterloo 7.5). Collect marksheets, CV, statement and referees; UBC and Waterloo each require three.
1 December 2026 to 31 January 2027: submit
MScAC closes 1 December, Waterloo 15 January, Rotman round 2 on 20 January and UBC on 31 January 2027. UBC cannot change an application after submission.
February to April 2027: interviews and decisions
UBC sends a recorded-interview invitation in early February and decides in 8 to 12 weeks. Rotman and Schulich interview shortlisted candidates.
On offer: deposit and funding
UBC asks for a CAD 3,000 (about ₹2.0 lakh) non-refundable deposit, credited to tuition. Pay through the RBI Liberalised Remittance Scheme and check current TCS rules with your bank. A collateral-backed Indian education loan or a lender such as Prodigy or MPOWER (examples, not endorsements) usually covers this.
Immediately after acceptance: study permit
UBC notes permits can take up to four months and MDS has no deferred admission, so apply at once. Show CAD 23,448 (₹15.9 lakh) plus first-year tuition and transport, pay CAD 150 (about ₹10,200) and CAD 85 (about ₹5,800) biometrics; no PAL is needed. Off-campus work is capped at 24 hours a week in term.
Final term: CLB 7 test and PGWP
Take IELTS General Training (6.0 per band is CLB 7), CELPIP or PTE Core, then apply for the 3-year PGWP within 180 days and pay CAD 255 (about ₹17,300). A NexStudy counsellor can map these deadlines to your marks before you commit to application fees.
Is data science a good career in Canada? What Job Bank says about data scientists for 2025-2027
Job Bank publishes three-year provincial outlooks for data scientists (NOC 21211), updated 10 December 2025. The national projection for 2024-2033 is balance between demand and supply, with 36,600 data scientists employed in 2023.
| Province | Outlook, 2025-2027 | Approx. data scientists | Median hourly wage (2023-2024) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ontario | Limited: employment stable | About 23,450 | CAD 47.69 (≈ ₹3,230) |
| Quebec | Limited: a few new positions | About 8,300 | CAD 46.00 (≈ ₹3,116) |
| British Columbia | Moderate: several new positions | About 4,400 | CAD 48.08 (≈ ₹3,256) |
| Alberta | Moderate: a few new positions | About 4,150 | CAD 43.27 (≈ ₹2,931) |
| Canada | Balance, 2024-2033 | 36,600 employed in 2023 | CAD 46.15 (≈ ₹3,126); range CAD 30.00 to 69.74 |
Sources: Job Bank outlook report for NOC 21211, 2024-2033 labour market page and wage report (Labour Force Survey), read 26 Sep 2026. Wages are medians for everyone in the occupation, not graduate starting pay. C$1 = ₹67.73.
What does the official data say about entry-level data science jobs in Canada?
Job Bank's New Brunswick outlook says AI has automated parts of the job, particularly routine junior tasks such as code writing and data cleaning, so junior roles may become limited while intermediate and senior roles are in demand. It lists Python, SQL and R as the skills with the best prospects. In Ontario, data scientists work mainly in computer systems design (27%) and finance and securities (20%). A programme with a co-op or internship term (Waterloo MDSAI, MScAC) gives Canadian experience before the first job search; a 10-month programme leans on its capstone and career services. The CAD 46.15 national median covers the whole occupation, not new graduates.
After a data science master's in Canada: PGWP, spouse work permit and provincial nominee routes
A master's of at least 8 months at a PGWP-eligible institution earns a 3-year post-graduation work permit even if shorter than two years; UBC says this applies to MDS. IRCC requires CLB 7 in all four abilities (IELTS General Training 6.0 each) but no field of study. Apply within 180 days; the fee is CAD 255 (about ₹17,300). A spouse gets an open work permit only if your master's is 16 months or longer.
For permanent residence, IRCC's Express Entry STEM category does not name data scientists (NOC 21211), so graduates mostly compete in general rounds on language, age, education and Canadian experience. UBC says MDS qualifies to apply to the BC Provincial Nominee Program, whereas Ontario closed its Masters Graduate stream on 30 May 2026 and says all streams except the new Ontario Workforce Priority stream are closed. Check IRCC and provincial pages before relying on any route.
Scholarships and funding for a data science master's in Canada
- UBC MDS: one entrance scholarship of up to CAD 25,000 (about ₹16.9 lakh) is offered each year to an international student in each MDS programme, assessed automatically with no separate application. Further awards are listed on the UBC page.
- Waterloo MDSAI is Vector Institute recognised, which the university says gives access to scholarships and industry partners; ask the department which awards apply to international students.
- Education loans: expect a collateral-backed Indian bank loan; the permit still needs CAD 23,448 (about ₹15.9 lakh) plus first-year tuition shown, and IRCC accepts a bank loan letter.
Frequently asked questions
How much does an MS in data science in Canada cost for Indian students?
Tuition for 2026-27 runs from CAD 55,400 at SFU's professional master's (about ₹37.5 lakh) and CAD 59,768 at UBC's MDS (₹40.5 lakh) to CAD 92,960 at Schulich's MBAN (₹63 lakh); Rotman's MMA is CAD 85,000 for 2026 entrants (₹57.6 lakh). Add CAD 23,448 (₹15.9 lakh) for living funds and CAD 235 (₹15,900) in permit fees.
Can I get into the UBC Master of Data Science without a computer science degree?
Yes, if you meet the prerequisites: a 4-year degree with at least B+ (76%) in third and fourth year, plus credit courses in programming, probability or statistics, and calculus or linear algebra at B+. The 2027 deadline is 31 January.
Do I need GRE or GMAT scores for a data science master's in Canada?
Mostly not. UBC MDS requires no GRE, Schulich's MBAN requires no GMAT or GRE, and Rotman encourages a score but does not require one. The MScAC treats the GRE as optional. IELTS matters more.
What IELTS score do UBC, Waterloo and Rotman ask for in data science?
UBC MDS, Rotman MMA, Schulich MBAN and Toronto's MScAC ask IELTS Academic 7.0 with at least 6.5 per band. Waterloo's MDSAI asks 7.5 with 7.0 in writing and speaking. UBC wants the score under 24 months old.
Can my spouse get a work permit if I do a 10-month data science master's in Canada?
No. IRCC grants a spousal open work permit only for a master's of 16 months or longer, so UBC's 10-month MDS, Schulich's MBAN and Rotman's 15-month MMA do not qualify, while the 16-month Waterloo MDSAI and Toronto MScAC do.
Is a 3-year BSc or BCA enough for an MS in data science in Canada?
Usually not on its own. UBC expects a 4-year bachelor's equivalent, Rotman and Waterloo ask for a 4-year or honours degree, and Schulich wants strong technical results plus a year of data-intensive work.
Is data science a good career in Canada in 2026?
Job Bank projects balance between demand and supply for 2024-2033 but rates 2025-2027 prospects Limited in Ontario and Quebec and Moderate in British Columbia and Alberta. AI has automated routine junior tasks, so internships, Python, SQL and cloud skills help.
What is the difference between data science and business analytics masters in Canada?
Data science programmes such as UBC MDS and Waterloo MDSAI centre on programming, statistics and machine learning. Business analytics programmes such as Rotman MMA and Schulich MBAN apply analytics inside organisations, at CAD 85,000 (2026 entrants, ₹57.6 lakh) for Rotman to CAD 92,960 (₹63 lakh) for Schulich.
Which Canadian data science masters can lead to a provincial nomination?
UBC says its MDS programmes qualify to apply to the BC Provincial Nominee Program. Ontario closed its Masters Graduate stream on 30 May 2026 and says only the new Ontario Workforce Priority stream is open, so check the official provincial pages.
Official sources used on this page
- UBC Master of Data Science — Admissions: deadline, requirements, interview — University of British Columbia · checked 26 September 2026
- UBC Master of Data Science — How to apply and offers — University of British Columbia · checked 26 September 2026
- UBC Master of Data Science — Tuition and financial aid — University of British Columbia · checked 26 September 2026
- UBC Master of Data Science — International students: PAL, PGWP, BC PNP, English — University of British Columbia · checked 26 September 2026
- UBC Master of Data Science — Prerequisites — University of British Columbia · checked 26 September 2026
- UBC Master of Data Science — MDS Vancouver programme and curriculum — University of British Columbia · checked 26 September 2026
- Waterloo — Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (Co-op), MDSAI: programme page — University of Waterloo · checked 26 September 2026
- Waterloo — Master's and PhD program tuition, Fall 2026, international students — University of Waterloo · checked 26 September 2026
- Rotman — Master of Management Analytics (MMA): admissions — University of Toronto · checked 26 September 2026
- University of Toronto — Tuition Fee Schedules 2026-27 (Table D4: MMA, MScAC) — University of Toronto · checked 26 September 2026
- MSc in Applied Computing (MScAC) — Application process, entry requirements and programme fees — University of Toronto · checked 26 September 2026
- MScAC — Data Science concentration — University of Toronto · checked 26 September 2026
- School of Graduate Studies — English-language proficiency (IELTS 7.0 with 6.5 per component) — University of Toronto · checked 26 September 2026
- Schulich — Master of Business Analytics (MBAN) admission requirements and deadlines — York University · checked 26 September 2026
- Schulich — Graduate tuition and costs (MBAN fees, Summer 2026 framework) — York University · checked 26 September 2026
- SFU Calendar — Graduate tuition fees, Fall 2026 — Simon Fraser University · checked 26 September 2026
- IRCC — Study permit: Proof of financial support (living funds from 1 Sep 2026) — Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada · checked 26 September 2026
- IRCC — Provincial or territorial attestation letter: master's and doctoral exemption — Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada · checked 26 September 2026
- IRCC — Fee list (study permit, work permit, open work permit holder, biometrics) — Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada · checked 26 September 2026
- IRCC — About the post-graduation work permit (3-year PGWP for master's degrees) — Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada · checked 26 September 2026
- IRCC — PGWP: Who can apply (CLB 7 and field-of-study rules) — Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada · checked 26 September 2026
- IRCC — Help your spouse or common-law partner work in Canada — Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada · checked 26 September 2026
- IRCC — Work off campus as an international student — Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada · checked 26 September 2026
- IRCC — Express Entry: Category-based selection (STEM occupations list) — Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada · checked 26 September 2026
- IRCC — Express Entry: Language test results (IELTS to CLB conversion) — Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada · checked 26 September 2026
- Job Bank — Job outlooks for data scientists (NOC 21211), 2025-2027 — Employment and Social Development Canada · checked 26 September 2026
- Job Bank — Data scientists: 2024-2033 labour market conditions — Employment and Social Development Canada · checked 26 September 2026
- Job Bank — Wages for data scientists (Labour Force Survey, 2023-2024) — Employment and Social Development Canada · checked 26 September 2026
- Ontario — OINP Masters Graduate stream (closed 30 May 2026) — Government of Ontario · checked 26 September 2026
- Ontario — Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP): Ontario Workforce Priority stream and closed streams — Government of Ontario · checked 26 September 2026
- UHIP — Get started: premium rates 2026-27 — University Health Insurance Plan (Ontario) · checked 26 September 2026
- Wise — CAD to INR mid-market rate — Wise · checked 26 September 2026
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