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Masters in Data Science in Canada: Top Universities, Courses & Scholarships

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Tanisha Butola • 10 Mins read • 25 Jul 25
Masters in Data Science in CanadaMasters in Data Science in Canada

Masters in data science is quite popular in Canada among students after completing a bachelor's degree. Several top-ranking universities providing this program, such as the University of Toronto, UBC, McGill, Waterloo, Queen’s, Western, and Carleton. There are various specializations, such as Masters in applied computing, business strategy and data analytics, statistics and computer science, and machine learning and big data.

The duration of a master's in data science in Canada is 1.5 to 2 years, and the tuition fee ranges between ₹15,78,000 and ₹43,17,000. Top recruiting companies such as Shopify, Deloitte, Microsoft, IBM, and other finance and consulting companies visit the campus. The job roles after a master's in data science include data analyst, business analyst, data scientist, machine learning engineer, and analytics developer. The average salary is around ₹37,00,000 to ₹70,00,000 per year.

International students can consider Canada for pursuing aata science course, as it has top-ranking universities around the world with world-class facilities. The blog shows all the details about the master's in data science in Canada. 


Masters in Data Science in Canada: Quick Highlights

Check out the quick highlights for a master's in data science from Canada:

Category

Details

Program Duration

1.5 to 2 years

Top Universities

University of Toronto, UBC, McGill, Waterloo, Queen’s, Western, Carleton

Annual Tuition Fees (Range)

₹15,78,000 and ₹43,17,000

Application Deadlines

July 2025 to January 2026 (varies by university)

Language Proficiency Tests

IELTS: 6.5–7.5 or TOEFL: 86–100+

Standardized Tests

GRE/GMAT: Optional for most; Required by few

Eligibility

UG in STEM with 70%+ or CGPA 3.0/4.0

Living Cost

₹95,000 – 130,000

Popular Specializations

Data Science, AI, Big Data, Analytics, Business Intelligence

Post-Study Work Visa

Up to 3 years (PGWP)

Scholarships Available

GyanDhan, QS, Narotam Sekhsaria, Ritchie-Jennings, Jared J. Davis Grant

Top Recruiters

Deloitte, Shopify, Ubisoft, Capital One, Manulife, RBC, Fraser Health

Average Salary Range

₹37 – ₹70 Lakhs per year. 

Career Roles

Data Scientist, Analytics Consultant, Data Engineer, Visualization Expert

PR/Immigration Opportunities

Strong Canada PR Pathways after work experience


Masters in Data Science in Canada: Important Dates and Events

Knowing about the important dates and events for a master's in data science from Canada is important.


Masters in Data Science in Canada: Application Start & End Dates for Top Universities

Check out the application deadlines for a master's in data science from Canada:

University Name

Program

Application Deadline

University of Toronto

Masters of Science in Allied Computing—Data Science

December 2025

University of British Columbia

Masters in Data Science

January 2026

University of Montreal

MS Data Science and Business Analytics

September 2025

University of Waterloo

MS Data Science and Artificial Intelligence

July 2025

University of Calgary

MS Data Science and Analytics

September 2025

Carleton University

MSc Computer Science – Data Science (Collaborative Masters)

January 2026

Toronto Metropolitan University

Masters in Data Science and Analytics

Oct, 2025 – Jan, 2026


Masters in Data Science in Canada: Fees

Check out the fee structure for a master's in data science from Canada:

University

1st-Year Tuition Fee (INR lakh)

The University of British Columbia

32.34

University of Toronto

34.22

McGill University

27.67

Queen’s University

43.17

University of Western Ontario

34.42

HEC Montreal

21.09

Simon Fraser University

21.09

Ryerson University (Toronto Metropolitan Univ.)

15.78

Carleton University

16.50

University of Waterloo

21.33


Masters in Data Science in Canada: Cost of living

Check out the cost of living for a master's in data science from Canada:

Category

Cost (CAD)

Cost (INR)

Housing

900 – 1,200

₹54,000 – ₹72,000

Utilities

240 – 450

₹14,400 – ₹27,000

Internet + Mobile

170

₹10,200

Food

200 – 300

₹12,000 – ₹18,000

Recreation

75

₹4,500

Total Estimate

1,585 – 2,195

₹95,100 – ₹1,31,700


Why Choose a Master's in Data Science?

Following are the points students must consider when choosing a university for a master's in data science in Canada:

  1. Top-Ranking Universities: Canada has many top-ranking universities for the data science course, such as the University of Toronto, UBC, McGill, Waterloo, Queen’s, Western, and Carleton.
  2. Top Recruiting Companies: Many finance and consulting companies visit the campus. These companies include Google, Shopify, Deloitte, Microsoft, IBM, and other finance and consulting firms.
  3. Future job scope: The job roles after a master's in data science include data analyst, business analyst, data scientist, machine learning engineer, and analytics developer. The average salary is around ₹37,00,000 to ₹70,00,000 per year.
  4. High Return on Investment: The top-ranking Canadian universities give high ROI. Compare the average fees and average salaries in the following blog.
  5. Affordable: The fee structure at top Canadian universities is lower as compared to the universities in the UK and USA.
  6. Networking: Top-class leaders visit the universities for networking events in tech. Students can participate in these events, workshops, and other hackathons showcasing talent.

Check out Masters in Data Science in Australia


Masters in Data Science in Canada: Qualification

Check out the qualifications for a master's in data science from Canada:

Requirement

Details

Schooling

Minimum 70% in previous academic qualification (varies by university) with math, computer science, statistics, or relevant field

Bachelor’s Degree

Required with minimum CGPA (typically 3.0 out of 4.0)

Academic/Professional Experience

Preferred or mandatory depending on the university

GRE/GMAT

Required by some universities (optional for others)

English Proficiency Tests

IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, or DET (minimum scores vary by university)

Resume/CV

Required – should include academic and professional background

Statement of Purpose (SOP)

Required – outlines goals, interests, motivation, and fit for the program

Letters of Recommendation (LORs)

Typically 2–3 from academic/professional referees

Admission Essays

Required by some universities—must be course- and university-specific


Masters in Data Science in Canada Eligibility Criteria – University-wise

Check out the eligibilitiy criteria for a master's in data science from Canada:

University

Eligibility Criteria

The University of British Columbia

TOEFL (iBT): 100, IELTS: 7 Overall

University of Toronto

TOEFL (iBT): 93, IELTS: 7 Overall

McGill University

GMAT/GRE, TOEFL (iBT): 86, IELTS: 6.5 Overall

Queen’s University

GMAT: 650, TOEFL (iBT)/IELTS

University of Western Ontario

TOEFL (iBT): 94, IELTS: 7 Overall, UG Degree: 70% (Minimum)

HEC Montreal

GPA: 3.0/4.3, GRE/GMAT, TOEFL (iBT)/IELTS

Simon Fraser University

GPA: 3.0/4.3, TOEFL (iBT): 93, IELTS: 7 Overall

Ryerson University (Toronto Metropolitan Univ.)

GPA: 3.0/4.3, TOEFL (iBT): 93, IELTS: 7 Overall

Carleton University

TOEFL (iBT): 86, IELTS: 6.5 Overall, UG Degree

University of Waterloo

TOEFL (iBT): 90, IELTS: 7 Overall, UG Degree: 75% (Minimum)


Masters in Data Science in Canada: Application Process

 Check out the application process for a master's in data science from Canada:

Process Step

Description

Research Programs

Identify universities offering data science programs matching your goals.

Check Eligibility

Bachelor’s in STEM (CS, Math, Stats), min 70% or CGPA 3.0/4.0.

Prepare Tests

IELTS/TOEFL mandatory; GRE/GMAT if required by specific universities.

Document Preparation

SOP, LORs (2-3), Resume, Academic transcripts, test scores.

Online Application

Apply through university portals; pay application fee (CAD 100–150).

Interview (if applicable)

Some universities may conduct interviews (video or in-person).

Wait for Offer Letter

Conditional/Unconditional offers issued after evaluation.

Accept Offer & Apply for Study Permit

Submit documents and pay tuition deposit.


Top Masters in Data Science in Canada Entrance Exams for Canada

Check out the top entrance exams for a master's in data science from Canada:

Exam Name

Required For

Score Range

Purpose

IELTS

Mandatory for all international students

6.5–7.5

English language proficiency

TOEFL

Accepted in place of IELTS

86–100+

English proficiency alternative

GRE

Required/recommended for some unis

310–325

Assesses quantitative and analytical ability

GMAT

Rare, but accepted at some schools

600+

Alternative to GRE for management/data focus


Masters in Data Science in Canada: Cutoff

Check out the cutoffs for a master's in data science from Canada:

Component

Average Cutoff/Score

Undergraduate GPA

3.0/4.0 or 70%+

IELTS Score

Minimum 6.5 (no band below 6.0)

TOEFL Score

86–100+ (varies by university)

GRE Score

310–325 (if required)

Work Experience

Not mandatory, but 1–2 years preferred


Masters in Data Science in Canada: Top Universities

Check out the top universities for a master's in data science from Canada:

Name of the University

QS World University Rankings 2023

THE World University Rankings 2023

McGill University

31

46

University of Toronto

34

18

University of British Columbia

47

40

University of Alberta

110

118

Universite de Montreal

116

111

McMaster University

152

85

University of Waterloo

154

201-250

Western University

172

201-250

University of Ottawa

237

137

University of Calgary

242

201-250


Masters in Data Science in Canada: Syllabus

Check out the syllabus and specializations for a master's in data science from Canada:

University

Program Name & Specializations

University of British Columbia

Master of Data Science

University of Toronto

Master’s in Applied Computing – Data Science

McGill University

Master of Management in Analytics (MMA)

Queen’s University

Master of Management Analytics – Business Strategy + Data Analytics Tools

University of Western Ontario

Master of Data Analytics – 12-month program

HEC Montreal

MSc in Data Analytics and Business Analytics – Focus on ML, Optimization, Modeling

Simon Fraser University

Master’s in Big Data Specialization

Ryerson University (Toronto Metropolitan Univ.)

MSc in Data Science and Analytics

Carleton University

Data Science Collaborative Programs – M.C.S (CS), M.A (Econ, Comm), M. Cognitive Science, etc.

University of Waterloo

Master of Data Science & AI (MDSAI), M.Math in Data Science – Stats, CS, Optimization focus


Masters in Data Science in Canada vs in India vs in UK

Check out the table for a comparison between a master's in data science from Canada vs. India vs. the UK:

Parameter

Canada

India

UK

Program Duration

1.5 to 2 years

1.5 to 2 years

1 to 1.5 years

Top Universities

University of Toronto, UBC, McGill, Waterloo

IISc, IITs, IIITs, ISI Kolkata

University of Oxford, Imperial College London, UCL

Annual Tuition Fee

CAD 35,000–60,000 (INR 21–36 Lakhs)

INR 2–5 Lakhs (Public) INR 7–15 Lakhs (Private)

GBP 20,000–35,000 (INR 21–37 Lakhs)

Living Costs (per year)

CAD 12,000–18,000 (INR 7–11 Lakhs)

INR 1.5–3 Lakhs

GBP 10,000–15,000 (INR 10–16 Lakhs)

Eligibility

Bachelor's in STEM, 70%+, CGPA 3.0/4.0

Bachelor’s in STEM with 55–60%+

Bachelor's in STEM, 2:1 UK Honours or 60–70%

Entrance Requirements

IELTS/TOEFL, some need GRE

GATE (for IITs), own entrance exams

IELTS/TOEFL, few require GRE

Popular Specializations

AI, Big Data, Cloud Computing, Health Analytics

Machine Learning, AI, Stats, Business Analytics

Data Engineering, AI, FinTech, Bioinformatics

Post-Study Work Visa

Up to 3 years (PGWP)

Not applicable

2 years (Graduate Route), 3 years for PhD

Job Opportunities

Excellent: tech hubs like Toronto, Vancouver

Good in metros; lower international exposure

High demand in London, Manchester, and tech zones

Average Starting Salary

CAD 65,000–85,000 (INR 39–51 Lakhs)

INR 6–15 LPA

GBP 35,000–55,000 (INR 35–55 Lakhs)

PR & Immigration Scope

High (Canada PR pathway)

NA

Moderate (UK Skilled Worker Visa)

Scholarship Options

Govt & Univ-based; limited for int’l students

Govt schemes (AICTE, UGC), institute-specific

Chevening, Commonwealth, Univ-based scholarships

Industry Links

Strong links with Google, IBM, Shopify

TCS, Infosys, Wipro, Startups

DeepMind, NHS, Barclays, Deloitte

Research Opportunities

High at UofT, UBC, McGill

High at IISc, ISI; limited in private colleges

High at Imperial, UCL, Oxford

Read More: Data Science in Austrailia


Masters in Data Science in Canada: Career Scope

Check out the career scope after pursuing a master's in data science from Canada:

  1. Data Analysts
  2. Data Systems Developers
  3. Functional Analysts
  4. Data Scientists and Advanced Analysts
  5. Analytics Managers


Masters in Data Science in Canada: Scholarships

Check out the scholarships for a master's in data science from Canada:

Scholarship Name

Amount Awarded

Eligibility/Notes

Narotam Sekhsaria’s Scholarship

Variable

For Master’s degrees in USA, Canada, etc.

Jared J. Davis Grant

USD 1,000

Merit-based

QS Scholarship for Academic Excellence

Up to USD 10,000

Based on academic merit and SOP

GyanDhan Scholarship

INR 1,00,000

For Indian students pursuing Master’s abroad

Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship

Up to USD 10,000

For students pursuing accounting, finance, or data-related programs

Masters in Data Science in Canada: Scholarship Deadline

Check out the scholarship deadlines for a master's in data science from Canada:

Scholarship Name

Deadline

Narotam Sekhsaria’s Scholarship

March, 2025

Jared J. Davis Grant

August, 2025

QS Academic Excellence Scholarship

Vary by intake; next: September 2025

GyanDhan Scholarship

May, 2025

Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship

February, 2025


Masters in Data Science in Canada:  Top Recruiters

Check out the list of top recruiters after completing a master's in data science from Canada:

Top Recruiting Companies


Shopify

FPT Software

Deloitte

Fraser Health

Ubisoft

Ontario Power Generation

Capital One Canada

Procom

RBC Bank

Belcan

Manulife

Boeing


Masters in Data Science in Canada: Salary Package

Check out the average salary package after completing a master's in data science from Canada:

Job Role

Average Salary / Salary Range (in CAD)

Equivalent Salary (in INR)

Data Scientist

CAD 72,920 – 92,333

₹43.75 – ₹55.40 Lakhs per year

Data Governance Specialist

CAD 62,716 – 79,412

₹37.63 – ₹47.64 Lakhs per year

Analytics Developer

CAD 80,539 – 116,593

₹48.32 – ₹69.96 Lakhs per year

Analytics Consultant

CAD 83,656 – 105,928

₹50.19 – ₹63.56 Lakhs per year

Data Analyst & Visualization Specialist

CAD 87,692 – 111,083

₹52.61 – ₹66.65 Lakhs per year


Frequently Asked Questions


Ques: What are the best universities for a master's in data science in Canada?

Ans: There are several top-ranking universities providing this program, such as the University of Toronto, UBC, McGill, Waterloo, Queen’s, Western, and Carleton.


Ques: What are the scholarships provided in the Data Science Masters in Canada?

Ans: The scholarships provided in the Data Science Masters in Canada are

  1. Narotam Sekhsaria’s Scholarship
  2.  Jared J. Davis Grant
  3. QS Scholarship for Academic Excellence
  4. GyanDhan Scholarship
  5. Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship


Ques: What are the top 3 data science master's programs in Ontario, Canada?

Ans: The top 3 data science master's programs in Ontario, Canada:

  1. Master’s in Applied Computing – Data Science
  2. MSc in Data Analytics and Business Analytics – Focus on ML, Optimization, Modeling
  3. Master’s in Big Data Specialization


Ques: How to choose the right master's program in Canada?

Ans: To choose the right master's program in Canada, students must research the course and university in depth. Check the facilities, specialization, and future scope in the country.


Ques: What are the requirements for admission to data science programs in Canada?

Ans: The requirements for admission to data science programs in Canada are: 

  1. Bachelor’s in STEM (CS, Math, Stats), min 70% or CGPA 3.0/4.0.
  2. IELTS/TOEFL is mandatory; GRE/GMAT is required by specific universities.
  3. SOP, LORs (2-3), resume, and academic test scores.