Masters in Data Science in Canada 2023-2024: Best Universities, Fees and Deadlines

In the last few years, owing to the digitalisation and evolution of tech, organisations have been turning towards Data management, manipulation and analytics. Therefore, Data Science has gained huge popularity and is expected to stay relevant for a long time. 

The most common intakes are in the fall (September) and winter (January) semesters. 

Tuition fees for Masters in Data Science in Canada vary among universities but typically range from CAD 15,000 to CAD 40,000 per year for international students, which is considered affordable compared to the US or the UK. 

Upon completing a Masters in Data Science in Canada, you can expect promising career prospects and competitive salaries ranging from CAD 70,000 to CAD 100,000 per year.

Let’s dive into the details of Masters in Data Science in Canada. Here’s all you need to know! 

Universities and Fees for Masters in Data Science in Canada

University of Toronto

Ranked among the top universities globally, the University of Toronto offers a Masters in Data Science program. Its curriculum combines mathematical and statistical foundations with machine learning techniques and data visualization. 

The university’s strong emphasis on research and collaboration, along with its extensive industry partnerships, provides students with valuable hands-on experience.

Application Deadline	Fall Intake – March
Duration	2 years
Tuition Fee:	CAD 15,000 – CAD 50,000 per year

University of British Columbia (UBC)

UBC’s Master of Data Science program is designed to equip students with the skills required to tackle complex data analysis challenges. The university boasts a multidisciplinary approach, incorporating computer science, statistics, and domain-specific knowledge. 

UBC’s location in Vancouver offers a vibrant tech community and proximity to industry-leading companies.

Application Deadline	Winter Intake – October
Duration	10 months
Tuition Fee	CAD 30,000 – CAD 45,000 per year

McGill University

Located in Montreal, McGill University is renowned for its research-focused approach. The Master’s in Data Science program at McGill emphasizes applying data science techniques in real-world scenarios. 

Students benefit from the university’s extensive partnerships with local industries and its state-of-the-art data science facilities.

Application Deadline	Fall Intake – January
Duration	1.5 years
Tuition Fee	CAD 25,000 – CAD 40,000 per year

University of Waterloo

The University of Waterloo offers a Master’s in Data Science program that integrates machine learning, data analytics, and big data techniques. Known for its co-op education system, students have the opportunity to gain practical experience through paid work terms. 

The university’s strong ties with the tech industry in Canada’s technology hub, the “Silicon Valley of the North,” further enhance job prospects.

Application Deadline	Fall Intake – January
Duration	2 years
Tuition Fee	CAD 20,000 – CAD 35,000 per year

Simon Fraser University

Simon Fraser University’s Master of Science in Big Data program equips students with the skills to extract insights from large datasets. The program focuses on the technical and business aspects of data science, providing a well-rounded education. 

Located in the Vancouver metropolitan area, the university offers students opportunities to collaborate with leading tech companies and startups.

Application Deadline	Fall Intake – January
Duration	1.5 years
Tuition Fee	CAD 20,000 – CAD 35,000 per year

University of Alberta

The University of Alberta’s Master’s in Data Science program prepares students for careers in data analytics, machine learning, and artificial intelligence. The curriculum emphasizes practical skills through hands-on projects and industry collaborations. 

The university’s strong ties to the local tech community offer networking opportunities and access to cutting-edge research.

Application Deadline	Fall Intake – March
Duration	1.5 years
Tuition Fee	CAD 20,000 – CAD 30,000 per year

York University

York University’s Master of Data Science and Analytics program focuses on applying data science techniques in various fields, including finance, healthcare, and marketing. 

The curriculum covers areas such as statistical modelling, machine learning, and data visualization. York’s location in Toronto, a major tech and business hub, offers abundant opportunities for internships and industry collaborations.

Application Deadline	Fall Intake – January
Duration	2 years
Tuition Fee	CAD 15,000 – CAD 30,000 per year

University of Ottawa

The Master’s in Data Science program at the University of Ottawa focuses on data management, data analytics, and machine learning. The university’s proximity to the federal government and various research institutes provides unique opportunities for collaboration and internships. 

The program emphasizes both theoretical knowledge and practical applications.

Application Deadline	Fall Intake – January
Duration	1.5 years
Tuition Fee	CAD 15,000 – CAD 25,000 per year

McMaster University

McMaster University’s Master of Science in Data Science and Analytics program equips students with the necessary skills to analyze complex datasets and make data-driven decisions. 

The program emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach, incorporating elements of statistics, computer science, and business. 

McMaster’s strong industry connections and collaborative research initiatives provide valuable experiential learning opportunities.

Application Deadline	Fall Intake – February
Duration	1.5 years
Tuition Fee	CAD 15,000 – CAD 25,000 per year

Ryerson University

Ryerson University’s Master of Data Science and Analytics program equips students with the skills to extract insights from complex data and contribute to data-driven decision-making. 

The program emphasizes hands-on experience through industry projects, internships, and a capstone research project. Located in downtown Toronto, Ryerson offers proximity to various tech companies and networking opportunities.

Application Deadline	Fall Intake – January
Duration	2 years
Tuition Fee	CAD 15,000 – CAD 30,000 per year

Please note that the application deadlines and program durations may vary slightly from year to year. 

The tuition fee highly depends on the course you choose and additional factors.  It’s essential to check the official websites of the universities for the most up-to-date information. 

Even better, connect with our experts and get an accurate cost estimation, eligibility guidelines, intakes, deadlines and more! Book a free conversation with us today.

Also read: Minimum IELTS score for Canada 2023-2024

IELTS Exam Fee India 2023-2024

Masters in Data Science in Canada: Course Structure 

Masters in Data Science in Canada offer a comprehensive curriculum that equips students with the necessary knowledge and skills to excel in this rapidly evolving field. 

These programs typically blend theoretical foundations with practical applications, enabling students to analyze complex datasets, develop machine learning models, and extract valuable insights. 

Here’s a table outlining the common course structure for a Masters in Data Science in Canada:

Course	Description
Foundations of Data Science	Covers the fundamental concepts and techniques of data science, including statistics, probability, data manipulation, and exploratory data analysis. Students gain a solid understanding of the principles that underpin data science applications.
Machine Learning	Explores various machine learning algorithms and techniques, including supervised and unsupervised learning, regression, classification, clustering, and ensemble methods.
Data Visualization	Focuses on effective data visualization techniques and tools. Students learn to communicate insights and patterns discovered from data through charts, graphs, and interactive visualizations.
Big Data Analytics	Examines the challenges and techniques for processing and analyzing large-scale datasets. Students learn about distributed computing, data storage systems, and technologies such as Hadoop and Spark.
Data Ethics and Privacy	Explores the ethical considerations and legal frameworks surrounding data science, including privacy, security, bias, and fairness. Students learn to navigate ethical dilemmas and develop responsible data practices.
Capstone Project	Involves a significant research or industry-focused project where students apply their skills and knowledge to solve a real-world data science problem.

Masters in Data Science in Canada typically span 1.5 to 2 years, depending on the university and program structure. The coursework provides a balance between theoretical concepts and hands-on practical experience. 

Students often have the opportunity to work on industry projects, internships, or research collaborations, allowing them to gain valuable insights and establish connections within the data science community. 

The curriculum is designed to equip graduates with the expertise needed to thrive in diverse roles such as data scientist, data analyst, machine learning engineer, and business intelligence analyst.

Career Outcomes for Masters in Data Science in Canada

Upon completing Masters in Data Science in Canada, graduates have a wide range of career opportunities available to them. The program equips them with the skills and knowledge required to excel in various data-driven roles across industries. Here are some common roles that graduates can pursue:

1. Data Scientist: Data scientists analyze and interpret complex datasets to extract actionable insights and develop predictive models.
2. Data Analyst: Data analysts focus on collecting, cleaning, and organizing data to provide meaningful insights and support decision-making processes.
3. Machine Learning Engineer: Machine learning engineers design and implement algorithms and models that enable machines to learn from data and make accurate predictions or decisions.
4. Business Intelligence Analyst: Analysts use data visualization and reporting tools to analyze and present data to support strategic business decisions.
5. Data Engineer: Data engineers design and maintain the systems and infrastructure required to collect, process, and store large volumes of data.
6. AI Research Scientist: AI research scientists work on cutting-edge research and development of artificial intelligence technologies, including natural language processing and computer vision.

Here’s a table showcasing some common data science roles along with their average salaries (figures are approximate and may vary):

Designation	Average Salary (CAD)
Data Scientist	$90,000 – $120,000
Data Analyst	$65,000 – $85,000
Machine Learning Engineer	$100,000 – $130,000
Business Intelligence Analyst	$70,000 – $95,000
Data Engineer	$80,000 – $110,000
AI Research Scientist	$100,000 – $150,000
Data Consultant	$90,000 – $120,000
Data Product Manager	$95,000 – $125,000
Predictive Analyst	$75,000 – $100,000
Quantitative Analyst	$90,000 – $120,000

Top Companies that Recruit Graduates of Masters in Data Science in Canada

Regarding employment, numerous top companies in Canada actively seek graduates with expertise in data science. Some notable employers include:

1. Shopify
2. Amazon
3. Microsoft
4. IBM
5. Google
6. RBC (Royal Bank of Canada)
7. TD Bank
8. Deloitte
9. Accenture
10. NVIDIA

Please note that salaries can vary based on factors such as location, years of experience, and the specific industry or company.

Conclusion

In conclusion, pursuing a Masters in Data Science in Canada offers a pathway to a rewarding and in-demand career. The programs in Canada provide a comprehensive curriculum that covers essential topics such as statistics, machine learning, data visualization, and big data analytics. 

Graduates of these programs can expect a wide range of career opportunities, including roles such as data scientists, data analysts, machine learning engineers, and business intelligence analysts. 

Canada’s post-graduate work visa and permanent residence options are highly encouraging to international students. Most graduates who study Masters in Data Science in Canada stay back in the country to pursue a fulfilling career. 

Planning to move to Canada to study? Here’s how Leap can help you: 

• Do a detailed profile analysis, and match you with a list of universities 
• Apply to the universities, including SOP and LOR writing
• Track the progress of the application and keep you informed
• Help you secure a student visa 

All you have to do is book a free call with us. Schedule today! 

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