Best 7 Data Science Courses in Canada [2024]



Why would you study data science courses in Canada? Data, they say, is the new oil.  It’s an interesting analogy that holds true for more reasons than one.

For one, data, much like oil, is of little use in its raw form. The value lies when it is gathered, treated, and connected with other relevant data. And here’s where the role of data science becomes critical – in understanding and applying it.

But why Canada?

According to Coursera, Data Scientist jobs are expected to rise by 36 percent between 2021 and 2031, a figure that’s based on numbers stated by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. The demand is growing in Canada too (we get to that a little later in this article).

It then makes sense to explore pursuing Data Science courses in Canada, where some of the top universities offer world-class education and training that can prepare students for a successful career in this field. It’s a field that’s well-suited for those who love numbers and analyzing what they mean.

Bottom line: If you are looking to study Data Science courses abroad, then Canada is a superb study destination.



What are the benefits of studying Data Science in Canada?


The tech industry is rapidly growing, and growing along with it is an organisation’s dependence on data. Be it a corporate or a government body, a thorough study and analysis of big data has almost become natural before making any business decision. This has resulted in an increase in demand for skilled Data Scientists. Canada’s job bank predicts that there will be over 29,000 new data science job vacancies by 2031. This provides students with excellent job prospects and an opportunity to gain valuable work experience. Here are 6 benefits of studying data science in Canada.

Quality of education

Canada is known for its world-class education system, and the same holds true for Data Science programs offered by Canadian universities. Many Canadian universities offer comprehensive Data Science programs that cover a wide range of topics such as statistics, machine learning, data visualisation, and programming.

Taught by industry professionals

Canadian universities employ some of the best faculty members in the world who are experts in the field of Data Science. These faculty members not only impart theoretical knowledge but also provide practical training to students by working on real-world projects.Most universities also have partnerships with organisations wherein experts/ professionals conduct masterclasses and provide internship opportunities.

Job prospects

With the increasing amount of data being generated by businesses and organisations, the demand for skilled Data Scientists is expected to increase even further in the coming years. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics has featured Data scientists’ jobs among the ten fastest-growing occupations with a 35.8% growth rate. This means that students who graduate with a degree in Data Science from a Canadian university have excellent job prospects.

Inclusive environment

Canada is known for its diversity and inclusivity, making it an attractive destination for students from all over the world. This provides students with a unique opportunity to work in a diverse environment and learn from people with different cultural backgrounds and perspectives.

Immigration opportunities

Canada is one of the most immigrant-friendly countries in the world, and it offers several immigration pathways for overseas students who want to stay and work in the country after graduation. For instance, students who graduate from a Canadian university with a degree in Data Science are eligible to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), which allows them to work for up to three years after graduation.

Potential transition to permanent residency

Canada also has several immigration programs that target skilled professionals, including Data Scientists. For instance, the Express Entry system is a point-based immigration system that assesses candidates based on factors such as age, education, work experience, and language proficiency. Candidates who score high on the points system are invited to apply for permanent residency.

What is the scope of data science courses in Canada?


According to the Government of Canada’s Job Bank, the employment outlook for Data Scientists is considered “good,” with a projected job opening rate of 27% of new openings and about 42% because of retirement between 2019 and 2028. The job outlook is particularly strong in regions such as Ontario, Quebec, and British Columbia, where there is a high concentration of technology companies and start-ups.

Diverse Roles

Various industries require the services of Data Scientists, including healthcare, finance, marketing, retail, and government. A survey by MIT Sloan Management Review shows that the chief data officer role has quickly become much more common over time and 83% of companies have appointed a Chief Data Officer or chief data and analytics officer. They are responsible for analysing large amounts of data to extract insights that can inform business decisions, improve processes, and identify new opportunities.

Job opportunities for Data Scientists in Canada

The job market for Data Scientists is booming, with the demand for skilled professionals increasing rapidly. According to a report by the Information and Communications Technology Council, Canada is expected to have a 2.2% growth in the digital econom sector when compated to the 1.9% in general economy, with Data Engineers and Analysts being two of the most in-demand positions. With the rise of Big Data and the need for businesses to make data-driven decisions, the demand for Data Scientists is expected to increase even further in the coming years.

Salary Expectations

Data Scientists are one of the highest-paid professionals in Canada, with an average salary of $90,000 per year. However, the salary can vary depending on several factors such as location, industry, and experience. For instance, Data Scientists working in Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal tend to earn higher salaries due to the high cost of living in these cities. Similarly, Data Scientists working in the finance and healthcare industries tend to earn higher salaries compared to those working in other sectors.


What are the career opportunities after studying data science programs in Canada?


Studying Data Science programs provides students with a wide range of career opportunities and graduates can expect to find fulfilling and rewarding careers in various industries such as healthcare, finance, marketing, and government. Some of the popular career paths for Data Science graduates include:

Data Scientist

Responsible for analysing and interpreting data to extract insights that can inform business decisions, improve processes, and identify new opportunities.Average salary in Canada: CA $91,082 (Source: Indeed.com)

IT Systems Analyst

Responsible for analysing an organisation’s current computer systems and procedures, identifying areas for improvement, and designing and implementing new IT solutions that meet business requirements.Average salary in Canada: CA $70,612 (Source: Indeed.com)

Business Performance Analyst

Analysing a company’s financial and operational data, identifying trends and patterns, and making recommendations for improving performance.Average salary in Canada: CA $74,812 (Source: Indeed.com)

Client Data Analyst

Analysing client data such as customer interactions, sales records, and marketing campaigns. to gain insights and inform business decisions. Average salary in Canada: CA $67,225 (Source: Indeed.com)

Data Analyst:

Responsible for collecting, processing, and analysing data to identify trends and patterns.Average salary in Canada: CA $67,225 (Source: Indeed.com)

Machine Learning Engineer

Developing and implementing algorithms and models that can learn from data and make predictions.Average salary in Canada: CA $105,668 (Source: Indeed.com)

Data Engineer

Designing, building, and maintaining the infrastructure required to store and process large amounts of data.Average salary in Canada: CA $102,013 (Source: Indeed.com)

Data Visualization Specialist

Data Visualization Specialists are responsible for creating visual representations of data that can be easily understood by non-technical stakeholders. They use various tools and techniques to create charts, graphs, and dashboards that can provide insights into complex data sets.Average salary in Canada: CA $71,215 (Source: Glassdoor.com)

What are the scholarship options for data science universities in Canada?


There are several scholarship options available for foreign students who wish to pursue Data Science programs. These scholarships are offered by universities, government organisations, private foundations, and corporations. Some of the popular scholarship options for foreign students are:

Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to exceptional foreign students pursuing doctoral studies, including data science. It covers tuition fees and provides a generous living allowance.

Mitacs Globalink Research Award

The Mitacs Globalink Research Award is a scholarship program that provides funding for graduate students to conduct research in Canada. The program provides up to $6,000 for travel and living expenses and is open to students in various fields, including Data Science.

Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)

The OGS is a scholarship program offered by the Ontario government to support Masters and Doctoral-level research in various fields, including Data Science. It covers tuition fees and provides a living allowance.

Canada Graduate Scholarships – Master’s Program (CGS-M)

The CGS-M is a scholarship program offered by the Canadian government to support Master’s-level students in various fields.

Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship Programme

It is a highly competitive scholarship program offered by the University of Toronto. The scholarship program covers tuition fees, books, incidental fees, and full residence support for undergraduate study at the University of Toronto.
It is important to note that eligibility and application requirements may vary for each scholarship program.

Incidentally, if you were to do an MA in data science in the UK, you would have scholarships there too.

What are the best data science colleges in Canada?


Canada is home to several leading colleges and universities that offer top-quality data science programs. These institutions provide students with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the field of data science, as well as opportunities for research and practical experience. Below we let’s see some of the best data science colleges in Canada.

S.No Name of the University QS World University Ranking
1 University of Toronto 12
2 University of British Columbia 21
3 University of Waterloo 22
4 McGill University 34
5 Université de Montréal 47
6 Queen’s university 139
7 University of Calgary 151 – 200

Source: QS World University Ranking
Note: This table follows QS Rankings for Computer Science and Information Systems for the year 2023. TC Global will update this table when QS publishes subject rankings for the year 2024.

1. University of Toronto



Source: University of Toronto

The University of Toronto was founded in 1827 and now has three campuses – Mississauga, St.George, and Scarborough. St. George Campus of Utorronto offers BSc (Hons) Data Science course.

What makes this school good?

The university is the largest university in Canada, with over 90,000 students enrolled in More than 1,000 undergraduate and graduate programs. It is also one of the most diverse universities in North America, with students from over 170 countries and a wide range of cultural backgrounds. The University of Toronto is a leading research institution, with more than $1.2 billion in research funding annually. Moreover, the University of Toronto has over 1000 clubs that a student can participate in.

Courses offered

  • Honours Bachelors of Science in Data Science (Specialist programme)
  • Masters in Applied Computing – Data Science
  • Masters in Applied Computing – Data Science for Biology

Fees & Scholarship options

The annual tuition fee for the bachelor’s honours degree is around CA $60,510 while the total fee for the master’s programme for international students is $77,800 CAD.

Some of the scholarships offered at the University of Toronto are

  • International Merit Admission Award  valued at up to $50,000
  • International Student Admission Bursary covering the full cost of tuition and living expenses
  • Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship

Eligibility and Duration

The eligibility requirement for Honours Bachelor of Science in Data Science (Specialist) programs is as follows:

  • Completion of Grade 12
  • IELTS score of 6.5 or TOEFL score of 100

For the master’s programme, you must have a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field from a recognised university with at least B+ in the final year of undergraduate studies. A minimum IELTS academic score of 7.0 or TOEFL iBT of 93 is also required.

Duration:

Bachelor’s degree – 4 years
Masters degree: 16 months – 2 years

Admission process

  • Choose the desired course and apply via  the Ontario Universities Application Centre (OUAC) You can apply directly via the university website for the masters programmes in data science.
  • The deadlines start in early October
  • After submitting your application through the OUAC, you will be required to enable your student ID and log in to the JOIN U of T applicant website.
  • Submit all required documents such as certificates, transcripts, etc.,

All the other instructions will be mailed to you within 1 week of application. The admission decision will be announced after a few weeks.


2. University of British Columbia


Source: UBC

Established in the year 1915, UBC has major campuses located in Vancouver and the Okanagan. UBC has produced 8 Nobel laureates and 3 Canadian prime ministers.

What makes this school good?

UBC offers a postgraduate Data Science program. Both UBC Vancouver and UBC Okanagan campuses offer the program, with the Vancouver campus also offering a Master of Data Science in Computational Linguistics.
UBC is one of three Canadian universities in the top 50 Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings. More than 70,757 currently study at UBC where more than 25% are overseas students. It offers over 200 undergraduate and graduate programs to its students.  UBC is also a leading research institution, with over $600 million in annual research funding.

Courses Offered

  • BSc Honours in Data Science
  • Master of Data Science
  • Master of Data Science (Computational Linguistics)

Fees & Scholarship options

The tuition fee for the undergraduate programme is around CA $49,000 while the masters costs about $52,126 for tuition with a CAD 3,000 non-refundable deposit. Students can pay their tuition and fees in three equal installments.
MDS offers entrance scholarships annually of up to CAD 25,000 in each of the Master of Data Science Vancouver, Okanagan, and Computational Linguistics programs.

  • Master of Data Science International Scholarship of up to CAD 25,000
  • Master of Data Science Scholarship for Indigenous Students covering full tuition fee

Eligibility and Duration

The students applying for Masters in Data Science program are required to have a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. Along with that, a TOEFL score of 90 or more or an IELTS   score of 6.5 or more.
Duration – 10-month accelerated program

For the bachelor’s degree, you must have completed your Class XII with mathematics, chemistry and physics. A minimum IELTS score of 6.5 or a TOEFL iBT score of 92 is required to apply for a bachelor’s degree in data science.

Admission process

  • Applications are made through the UBC Graduate Studies Online Application portal
  • Students shall submit documents such as a letter of intent/personal statement, a resume, unofficial transcripts, degree certificates, etc.
  • Ensure you meet the admission requirements and are applying before the deadlines

It takes 8-12 weeks for the admission decision to be made after an application is submitted.


3. University of Waterloo


Source: University of Waterloo

The University of Waterloo was founded in 1957 with 74 engineering students in cooperative education. Now it has over 47000+ students from 151 countries around the world.

What makes this school good?

The University of Waterloo offers more than 180+ postgraduate programs. The university has a strong international presence, with partnerships with industry leaders, including Google, Microsoft, and IBM, and collaborations with institutions around the world. It is a member of the U15 Group of Canadian Research Universities and has formal partnerships with universities in China, Germany, India, and other countries.

It is also home to world-class research facilities and institutes, where Researchers at the university have made significant contributions in areas such as quantum computing, artificial intelligence, and sustainable energy. Paid internships during the study period also offer students a peek into the career aspect of the real world.

Courses Offered

The University of Waterloo offers

  • Bachelor of Computer Science in Data Science
  • Bachelor of Mathematics in Data Science and
  • Master of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (MDSAI)
  • Master of Data Science (MMath)

Fees & Scholarship options

The tuition fee for the Bachelor’s program ranges from $51,000 – $53,000 and the Master’s program is around $55,684.
The University of Waterloo offers many in-house scholarship options for foreign students such as

  • President’s Graduate Scholarship valued up to $10,000
  • Catherine and Feridun Hamdullahpur Graduate Scholarship valued at $2,000
  • Faculty of Mathematics Graduate Research Excellence Award valued at up to $5,000
  • International Master’s Award of Excellence (IMAE) valued at $2,500 per term
  • Dean of Mathematics Excellence Scholarship valued at $8,000

Eligibility and Duration

The eligibility requirement to pursue the course is as follows

  • Completion of Grade 12
  • Bachelor’s degree in data science, computer science, statistics, mathematics or a related field, with a minimum of 78%.
  • TOEFL score of 100 and above or IELTS score of 7.5 and above or PTE score of 68 and above

Duration: Bachelor’s 4 – 5 years. Masters Full-time: 12 months or Part-time 36 months

Admission process

  • Once you have ensured the admission requirement is met, make sure to apply 4 to 8 weeks before the deadline of the course.
  • Apply through the Graduate Studies Application portal
  • Submit the application with the non-refundable application fee of $125 CAD per program
  • Prepare documents such as Resume, CV,, Supplementary information form, Transcripts and references
  • One to two business days after you have completed the online application and the fee has been processed, you will receive an email with instructions to submit other documents
  • Upload the documents and complete your application

Within a few weeks, your admission decisions will be announced in your email.


4. McGill University


Source: McGill

One of the oldest universities in Montreal and one of the top ranked universities in Canada, McGill has played a significant role in producing industry experts and world leaders since 1821. The university ranks 34th in the world when it comes to Computer Science and Information Systems.

What makes this school good?

Besides being one of the highest ranked universities in Canada, the university is located in Montreal which is one of the top student cities in the world. The university provides world class education, along with practical and research-oriented learning opportunities. It is also ranked among one of the top research-intensive universities in the world. When it comes to data science, McGill offers an integrated business analytics course at the bachelor’s level that brings together the principles of data analytics and management.

Courses Offered

  • Business Analytics (Bachelor of Commerce)
  • Mathematics and Statistics by the Desautels Faculty of Management

Fees and Scholarship Options

The tuition fee per year is around CA $65,604. You can apply for the McGill Entrance Scholarship Program, In-Course awards, and Dean’s Scholarships for financial aid.

Eligibility and Duration

To apply for the undergraduate programme, you must have completed your Grade XII with the required subjects along with English language proficiency tests. The programme takes 3-4 years to complete.

Admission Process

It is recommended to apply to McGill at least 4-8 weeks before the deadline. There is a non-refundable application fee for $130 that one has to pay before submitting your application. Your transcripts, statement of purpose and letters of recommendation must also be ready to submit your application.


5. University of Montreal


Source: University of Montreal

The University of Montreal was founded in 1878 and is the oldest university in Quebec. It is also the first francophone university in North America. Four Nobel laureates have graduated from the university.

What makes this school good?

The University of Montreal offers a Master’s in data science and business analytics.

The University of Montreal has a diverse student population, with students from over 150 countries represented on campus. This creates a rich and dynamic learning environment and provides opportunities for students to learn from each other and gain a global perspective.

Moreover, HEC Montréal offers close to $1.6 million in scholarships and other forms of awards to graduate students making it easier to study at this University. The University of Montreal has a strong focus on research excellence, as such data science students have opportunities to work with world-renowned researchers and experts in the field.

Fees & Scholarship options

The fee for MSc in data science and business analytics is $30800 for a thesis and $34100 for supervised projects.
HEC Montreal Entrance Scholarship from $2,000 to $4,000 to the top candidates based on their academic performance. International students can add a differential tuition fee exemption scholarship for the first term to the entrance scholarship. Other than the above,

  • Fonds de recherche du Québec – Nature et technologies (FRQNT)
  • Fonds de recherche du Québec – Société et culture (FRQSC)
  • MITACS

are some granting agencies that offer scholarships worth $15,000 and $17,500 to students with excellent academic performance.

Eligibility and Duration

The eligibility requirement to apply for this course is as follows

  • Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field with a  minimum GPA of 3.0
  • English proficiency  scores of 6.5 overall in IELTS or 100 in TOEFL or 60 overall in PTE

The duration of the program is 16 months.

Admission process

  • Assemble all the supporting documents such as Transcripts from all years of study, Copies of English language test scores, Letters Of Recommendation, etc.,
  • The application can be made online
  • Once an application is submitted, supporting documents must be uploaded within 3 days
  • The admission decision will be announced through email 6 weeks after the submission of the application

Once you receive the offer letter, you may need to show the original documents for verification.


6. Queen's University


Source: Queen’s University

Queen’s University was founded in 1841 by the Church of Scotland, making it one of the oldest institutions of higher education. Queen’s University is home to the Smith School of Business, which is consistently ranked among the top business schools around the world.

What makes this school good?

Queen’s University offers a Master of Computing in Data Analytics program.
This university offers over 125 undergraduate programs and over 80 graduate programs.  In these programs, Queen’s University has a total enrollment of over 25,000 students, including approximately 4,000 international students. Queen’s University has a rich student life, with over 300 clubs and organisations, a vibrant social scene, and a strong tradition of athletic excellence.

Fees & Scholarship options

The tuition fee for international students in the Master of Computing in Data Analytics program at Queen’s University is approximately $ 37807.70 CAD per year. Some of the scholarships offered by queen’s university are as follows

  • International Student Award
  •  International Graduate Award  worth $10,000
  • Principal’s International Scholarship worth $10000

Eligibility and Duration

To be eligible to apply for an undergraduate program students must have a 4-year undergraduate degree from a recognized institution. And students must meet the English language proficiency requirements with an IELTS score of 6.5 or TOEFL score of 86 or a PTE score of 59.

Admission process

  • Prospective students can apply for admission to the Master of Computing in Data Analytics program at Queen’s University online website along with a $100 non-refundable application fee
  • The supporting documents required for the application are official transcripts, references, English language certifications, etc.
  • Eligible Students can visit the applications page and upload these documents and submit their applications.

Applicants can expect to receive a response from the university within a few weeks of submitting their application.


7. University of Calgary


Source: UCalgary

The University of Calgary was founded in 1966, making it one of the youngest major universities in Canada. Located in Calgary, it is one of the largest universities in the province with four campuses – Foothills, Downtown, Spyhill, and an overseas campus in Doha, Qatar.

What makes this school good?

The University of Calgary offers a Master of Data Science and Analytics. UCalgary has over 170 graduate programs in 13 faculties. The University of Calgary has state-of-the-art facilities and resources for data science education, including dedicated computer labs, high-performance computing clusters, and data visualisation tools. Calgary is a major hub for the energy industry, which generates a significant amount of data. This provides students with unique opportunities to work on real-world projects and gain practical experience in data science. Additionally, Calgary is home to several leading tech companies and startups, which provides students with opportunities to work on cutting-edge projects and gain exposure to the latest technologies.

Fees & Scholarship options

The tuition fee for the master’s program can range between $28,000 and $50,000, depending on the number of courses you take in a year. The University of Calgary offers numerous scholarships. Few of the best scholarships are

  • Alberta Graduate Excellence Scholarship (AGES) – International valued at $11,000 for Master’s
  • Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan
  • Delta Kappa Gamma International worth $4,000 especially for women
  • Faculty of Graduate Studies International Master’s Scholarship worth $10,000
  • International Graduate Tuition Award

To see the complete list, click here.

Eligibility and Duration

To be eligible to apply for a master’s program in Calgary, students should have

  • Bachelor’s Degree with a minimum of 4 years in length. If the degree is 3 years, the students should also have a master’s degree.
  • TOEFL score of at least 86 or PTE minimum score of 59 or IELTS minimum score of 6.5.

The Length of the full-time Master’s program is 12 months.

Admission process

  • The Fall 2024 deadline is March 31st, 2024 for International applicants
  • Submit your application on the University’s official webpage along with the application fee of $145
  • After submitting an application, upload unofficial transcripts, prerequisite proof, references, and CV/resume.

Due to heavy competition, the university may take a few weeks to respond to your application. If successful, an offer letter will be sent directly to you from the university and made available in the Student Centre.

Other colleges/ universities to Consider for data science courses

  • Simon Fraser University for both bachelors and masters degrees
  • University of Ottawa, Data Science with dual bachelors
  • Concordia University, Bachelors or Diploma in Data Science
  • Seneca College Honours Bachelor of Data Science and Analytics
  • Humber College Ontario Graduate Certificate in Artificial Intelligence with Machine Learning

How to apply to study data science in Canada?


We understand that applying to study Data Science in Canada is an important career decision and needs careful thought and decision making. With so many universities offering this programme in Canada, it can be overwhelming to find the right one for you.

At TC Global, we simplify international education, learning, and mobility through connecting students, universities, and a global community on a single platform where there are over 1000+ education providers and over 80,000+ courses.

Our platform enables students to study anywhere in the world in just a few steps. From search and discovery and finding the right course fit for you, to applications, visas, and departure – we see you through it all. We can help get you zero in on Canada’s best courses.

To move forward with us, download our app or visit tcglobal.com and sign in to create an account on our student platform and onboard with us in quick, easy steps.! 🚀

Then simply set up a visit Calendly.com/tcglobal to pick a Relationships Team closest to you and choose a slot to meet with a Relationship Member.

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Date added
02.12.2023

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