Data Science and Analytics in Canada: Universities and Admissions 2026
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Priya Vimal

Study Abroad Content Writer | Updated on - Jun 9, 2026

Data Science and Analytics is a rapidly growing STEM field, with programs in Canada available at the certificate, diploma, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels. Top Canadian universities like the University of Toronto and UBC help students develop practical skills in data analysis, AI, and machine learning, opening doors to careers in technology, finance, healthcare, and other growing sectors.

International students can expect to pay anywhere between CAD 7,000 and CAD 80,000+, depending on the university and level of study. Students can also apply for fully funded scholarships, research assistantships, and teaching assistantships that may cover a significant portion of tuition fees and living expenses.

Many programs include co-op or internship opportunities, allowing students to gain valuable industry experience before graduation. After completing the course, graduates can pursue careers in data science, analytics, AI, machine learning, and business intelligence across Canada's expanding technology sector. Data scientists in Canada earn between CAD 60,000 and CAD 156,750 per year (approximately INR 41.4 lakh to INR 1.08 crore).

What’s new in 2026?

In 2026, Canada has a limit on new student visas, so there is more competition for undergraduate programs. Master's and PhD students at public universities usually get easier and faster processing.

Also Read: Study in Canada for Indian Students

Table of Contents
  1. Top Data Science and Analytics Colleges in Canada
  2. Data Science and Analytics Degree Types and Specialisations

    2.1 Undergraduate Programs (4 Years)

    2.2 Postgraduate Programs (10-24 Months)

    2.3 Doctorate / PhD Programs (4–5 Years)

    2.4 Key Specialisations

    2.5 Graduate Certificate Programs in Data Science

  3. Bachelor’s in Data Science & Analytics Programs and Fees
  4. Master's Data Science Programs and Fees
  5. Doctorate Programs in Data Science 2026
  6. Admission Requirements for Admission in Data Science

    6.1 Documents Required For Admission to Data Science in Canada

  7. Scholarships for Data Science Students in Canada

    7.1 Other Funding Opportunities in Canada

  8. Career Scope and Salaries After Data Science in Canada
  9. Canada Visa for Indian Students 2026

    9.1 Documents Required for a Canadian Student Visa

  10. FAQs

Top Data Science and Analytics Colleges in Canada

The universities listed below are among the leading destinations for Data Science and Analytics in Canada. They offer a combination of strong academics, industry connections, research facilities, and career opportunities for international students. There are 4 Canadian universities ranked in the QS World Top 100 in 2026.

University Collegedunia Ranks 2026 QS Ranks 2026
University of Toronto #18 #29
University of British Columbia #30 #40
University of Waterloo #91 #119
University of Montreal #120 #168
Queen's University #166 #191
University of Calgary #140 #211
University of Ottawa #142 #219
Simon Fraser University #230 #308

Check out: Data Science and Analytics Universities in Abroad


Data Science and Analytics Degree Types and Specialisations

Canada offers data science programs at every study level. Choose the level that matches your academic background and career goals.

Undergraduate Programs (4 Years)

  • BSc in Statistics - Machine Learning and Data Mining
  • BSc in Mathematics and Computer Science - Data Science
  • BSc in Statistics - Quantitative Finance
  • BA in Computing Systems - Data Analytics
  • BSc - Data Science
  • BSc in Computer Science - Data Science

Check out: Bachelor’s in Data Science and Analytics

Postgraduate Programs (10-24 Months)

  • MSc in Applied Computing -Data Science
  • MSc - Data Science and Business Analytics
  • Master of Data Science
  • Master of Mathematics in Data Science
  • MSc in Computer Science - Statistical Machine Learning
  • Master of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence
  • Master of Science in Data Processing
  • Master's of Management in Artificial Intelligence
  • Master of Computer Science - Applied Artificial Intelligence

Check out: Master’s in Data Science and Analytics

Doctorate / PhD Programs (4-5 Years)

  • PhD in Computer Science - Machine Learning
  • PhD in Data Processing
  • PhD in Administration - Data Science

Key Specialisations

Data science connects with multiple business and tech domains. Core specialisation areas include:

  • Data Mining
  • Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
  • Statistical Analysis
  • Business Intelligence
  • Operations-Related Data Analytics
  • Market-Related Data Analytics

Graduate Certificate Programs in Data Science

Certificate and diploma programs are shorter and more affordable than full degrees. Students can complete these programs in as little as 8 months, making them a quicker and more affordable alternative to a full degree.

Popular programs include:

  • Diploma in Data Analytics
  • Graduate Certificate in Data Analytics for Business Decision Making
  • Certificate in Data Science and Analytics
  • Graduate Certificate in Data Analytics
  • PG Diploma of Artificial Intelligence in Interactive Digital Entertainment
  • Graduate Certificate in Big Data Analytics
  • Graduate Certificate in Big Data Solution Architecture
  • Graduate Certificate in Cloud Computing for Big Data

Check out: Data Science Courses in Canada


Bachelor’s in Data Science & Analytics Programs and Fees

A bachelor’s degree in Data Science trains students in programming, statistics, machine learning and data visualisation. Most programmes are four years in length and often include opportunities for research, co-op, or internship.

University Program Program Fees (CAD) Approx. INR
University of Toronto BSc Data Science CAD 63,570 INR 43.8 lakh
University of British Columbia BSc Data Science CAD 53,082 INR 36.6 lakh
Queen’s University B. Comp Data Analytics CAD 54,808 INR 37.8
University of Ottawa BSc in CS- Data Science CAD 42,000 - 55,000 INR 29-38 lakh
Simon Fraser University BSc Data Science CAD 38,994 INR 25-27 lakh
Trent University BSc Data Analytics CAD 32,993 INR 22.77

Master's Data Science Programs and Fees

A master's in data science takes 10-24 months to complete. It is the most popular choice for Indian students targeting data science careers. The fees range from CAD 11,185 - 65,570/year (INR 7.72 lakh - 45.24 lakh).

University Program Program Fees (CAD) Approx. INR
University of Toronto MS Applied Computing Data Science CAD 90,050 INR
University of Waterloo MSc Data Science and AI CAD 62,100 INR 41.4 lakh
University of British Columbia Master of Data Science CAD 59,767 INR 32.44 lakh
University of Montreal Master of Science in Data science and analytics CAD 16,750/year INR 11 lakh
University of Calgary MS Data Science and Analytics CAD 55,506 INR

Doctorate Programs in Data Science 2026

A PhD in Data Science typically takes 4–5 years to complete and is research-focused. Most students work closely with faculty on projects in artificial intelligence, machine learning, big data, and analytics, while receiving funding through scholarships, research assistantships, or teaching assistantships.

University Program Duration (Years) Annual Fees (CAD) Approx. INR
University of Alberta PhD in Computer Science - Machine Learning 4 CAD 10,518 INR 6.96 lakh
University of Montreal PhD inComputer science 5 CAD 23,367 INR 11.33 lakh

Check out: Grading system in Canada


Admission Requirements for Admission in Data Science

Meet these requirements before applying to data science programs in Canada. Students can apply through ouac.on.ca (Ontario), applyalberta.ca (Alberta), educationplannerbc.ca (BC), or the university's official website.

Requirement Bachelor's Master's Graduate Certificate Doctorate
Academic Requirements 75% in 10+2 4-year Bachelor's; min GPA 3.0 (75%) College degree or diploma GPA 3.0-3.3 / 80%+
IELTS 6.5–7.0 7.0 6.5 7.0
TOEFL iBT 100 100 88 100
PTE - - 65 60
Other SAT (avg 1200) at select universities GRE/GMAT (600) at select universities 2-4 years of work experience Research proposal required

Students can check out: Canadian Universities and entrance exam requirements

Documents Required For Admission to Data Science in Canada

The document requirements for Data Science and Analytics admissions in Canada are mentioned in the table below.

Bachelor's Master's Graduate Certificate Doctorate
  • 10+2 transcripts
  • 2–3 references
  • SAT scores (if required)
  • Personal statement
  • English proficiency proof
  • Valid passport and photographs
  • Proof of finances
  • All academic transcripts
  • 2–3 LORs
  • Updated CV
  • SOP
  • Work experience certificates (if any)
  • English proficiency proof
  • Valid passport and photographs
  • Proof of finances
  • Academic transcripts
  • Updated resume
  • Work experience certificates
  • English proficiency proof
  • Valid passport and photographs
  • Proof of finances
  • All academic transcripts
  • 2–3 LORs
  • SOP
  • Research proposal
  • Updated resume
  • English proficiency proof
  • Valid passport and photographs
  • Proof of finances

Scholarships for Data Science Students in Canada

Canadian universities and external organizations offer several scholarships for international students pursuing data science and related programs. These awards can help reduce tuition costs and are available at undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral levels. Since many scholarships have limited seats and early deadlines, students should begin their applications well in advance.

Scholarship Name Amount (CAD) Approx. INR Study Level
BrokerFish International Scholarship CAD 1,420 INR 98,000 Undergraduate, Postgraduate & Doctoral
Go Clean Scholarship CAD 4,971 INR 3.43 lakh Undergraduate, Postgraduate & Doctoral
Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award Variable (Renewable for up to 3 years) Varies Undergraduate
Debesh Kamal Scholarship CAD 1,967 INR 1.36 lakh Undergraduate, Postgraduate & Doctoral
Paul Foundation Scholarship CAD 28,654 INR 19.77 lakh Postgraduate & Doctoral
University of Alberta India First Year Excellence Scholarship CAD 5,000 INR 3.45 lakh Undergraduate
University of Alberta India Centenary Scholarship CAD 20,000 (over 4 years) INR 13.8 lakh Undergraduate
National Overseas Scholarship CAD 20,290 INR 14 lakh Undergraduate, Postgraduate & Doctoral

Also Read: Scholarships in Canada for Indian Students

Other Funding Opportunities in Canada

In addition to scholarships, many Canadian universities offer financial support through teaching assistantships, research assistantships, and merit-based awards. These opportunities can help students manage living expenses while gaining valuable academic and research experience.

Funding Option Amount (CAD/Year) Approx. INR Open to International Students
Teaching Assistantship (TA) Up to CAD 10,000 Up to INR 6.9 lakh Yes
Research Assistantship (RA) Varies by department and project Varies Yes
Donor-Funded Awards Up to CAD 20,000 Up to INR 13.8 lakh Yes
Merit Awards CAD 1,000–12,000 INR 69,000 - 8.28 lakh Yes

Tip: Teaching and research assistantships are especially common in master's and doctoral programs and can provide both financial support and hands-on industry-relevant experience.


Career Scope and Salaries After Data Science in Canada

A degree in data science can open doors to some of Canada's highest-paying careers. From data analytics and business intelligence to machine learning and AI, employers across industries are actively hiring professionals who can turn data into business insights. Popular job roles and their salaries are mentioned in the table below.

Job Roles Annual Salary (CAD) Approx. INR
Data Analyst CAD 41,000 - 76,000 INR 28.29 - 52.44 lakh
Data Scientist (Entry Level) CAD 60,000 - 80,000 INR 41.4 - 55.2 lakh
Data Scientist (Mid Level) CAD 86,000 - 1.04 lakh INR 59.34 - 71.76 lakh
Senior Data Scientist CAD 1.04 - 1.5 lakh INR 71.93 - 1.08 crore
Machine Learning Engineer CAD 1.0 - 1.7 lakh INR 69 - 1.17 crore
AI Engineer CAD 1.01 - 1.5 lakh INR 69.95 - 1.035 crore+
Data Engineer CAD 95,000 - 1.55 lakh INR 65.5 - 1.07 crore
Business Intelligence Analyst CAD 65,000 - 95,000 INR 44.85 - 65.55 lakh

Source: Robert Half 2026 Canada Salary Guide, Cybotrix 2026 Canada Tech Salary Report, Indeed Canada. INR at 1 CAD ? ?69 (June 2026).

Also, check out:

Key facts about data science careers in Canada:

  • 60% of data science professionals receive annual bonuses
  • Bonuses range from 2-7% of annual salary
  • Top hiring cities are Toronto, Vancouver, and Waterloo
  • Graduates qualify for a 3-year Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)

Canada Visa for Indian Students 2026

Indian students need a Canada Study Permit to pursue higher education in Canada. Applications are submitted online through the IRCC portal. Master's and PhD students at public universities are generally exempt from Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) requirements, while most undergraduate applicants need one.

To apply, first secure admission from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) and obtain your Letter of Acceptance (LOA). Arrange proof of funds covering tuition fees and living expenses (minimum CAD 20,635 for living costs in 2026), prepare your Statement of Purpose (SOP), and submit your study permit application through the IRCC portal. After paying the application and biometric fees, complete biometrics at a VFS centre in India. Most applications are processed within 4-8 weeks, although students should ideally begin preparations 6-12 months before intake.

Note on LOA: This is an official letter from the college confirming you are admitted, the course name, and start date. This is the most important document for your visa.

Note on PAL: Provincial Attestation Letter. It shows your application is counted in Canada's yearly student limit. No PAL (when required) = visa refusal.

Also Check out: Canada Cuts Study Permit Wait to 3 Weeks for Indians

Documents Required for a Canadian Student Visa

Before applying for a Canada Study Permit, make sure you have all the visa required documents ready. Submitting complete and accurate documents can help avoid delays in visa processing.

Essential Documents:

  • Valid Indian passport (should remain valid throughout your study period)
  • Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from a Canadian institution
  • Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL)/TAL, if required for your program
  • Proof of funds (bank statements, education loan sanction letter, GIC, etc.)
  • Recent passport-size photographs
  • IELTS, PTE, or other accepted English language test score report

Additional Supporting Documents:

  • Academic mark sheets and certificates
  • Statement of Purpose (SOP)
  • Police Clearance Certificate (if requested)
  • Medical examination report (if required)
  • Proof of ties to India, such as family, assets, or future career plans

Also, check out:


FAQs

Ques. Can international students work while studying data science in Canada?

Ans. Yes. International students with a valid study permit can work part-time during academic sessions and full-time during scheduled breaks, subject to current Canadian regulations.

Ques. Is Canada better than the USA for data science studies?

Ans. Both countries offer excellent opportunities. Canada is often preferred for its comparatively lower tuition costs, post-study work opportunities, and immigration pathways, while the USA offers a larger technology market and higher salary potential.

Ques. What is the biggest mistake students make when applying for Data Science programs in Canada?

Ans. Many students focus only on university rankings and overlook factors such as co-op opportunities, curriculum structure, faculty expertise, research facilities, and graduate employment outcomes. These factors often have a greater impact on career prospects than rankings alone.

Ques. Do Canadian universities offer internships or co-op opportunities in Data Science?

Ans. Many universities offer co-op and internship options as part of their programs. These placements provide hands-on experience and often help students secure full-time jobs after graduation.

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Found 42 universities

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RankingCollege InfoTop CoursesFees & Cost of Living
#10/103 QS Ranking 2025(Data Science And Analytics)

University of Toronto, Toronto

6.0(Based on 82 User Reviews)Ontario, Canada43%Acceptance Rate
MS Applied Computing Data Science
Course duration:
16 months
Exams Accepted:
TOEFL4.5
View 2 Other Programs
Tuition:  
(CA$71,547/Yr)₹49.04L/Yr
Living
(CA$13,491/Yr)₹9.25L/Yr
Check Admission Requirements
#23/103 QS Ranking 2025(Data Science And Analytics)

The University of British Columbia, Vancouver

9.0(Based on 107 User Reviews)British Columbia, Canada54%Acceptance Rate
Masters Data Science
Course duration:
10 months
Exams Accepted:
IELTS7
View 2 Other Programs
Tuition:  
(CA$57,539/Yr)₹39.44L/Yr
Living
(CA$16,536/Yr)₹11.33L/Yr
Check Admission Requirements
#34/103 QS Ranking 2025(Data Science And Analytics)

University of Waterloo, Waterloo

9.7(Based on 58 User Reviews)Ontario, Canada53%Acceptance Rate
MMath Data Science
Course duration:
2 years
Exams Accepted:
TOEFL5PTE63
View 2 Other Programs
Tuition:  
(CA$40,116/Yr)₹27.5L/Yr
Living
(CA$16,020/Yr)₹10.98L/Yr
Check Admission Requirements
--

Western University, London

8.3(Based on 25 User Reviews)Ontario, Canada58%Acceptance Rate
Master Data Analytics
Course duration:
1 year
Exams Accepted:
Duolingo115TOEFL92
View 2 Other Programs
Tuition:  
(CA$63,861/Yr)₹43.77L/Yr
Living
(CA$18,400/Yr)₹12.61L/Yr
Check Admission Requirements
#37/103 QS Ranking 2025(Data Science And Analytics)

University of Montreal, Montreal

8.2(Based on 15 User Reviews)Quebec, Canada57%Acceptance Rate
MS Data Science and Business Analytics
Course duration:
2 years
Exams Accepted:
TOEFL72PTE50
View 2 Other Programs
Tuition:  
(CA$18,429/Yr)₹12.63L/Yr
Living
(CA$12,000/Yr)₹8.22L/Yr
Check Admission Requirements
--

University of Calgary, Calgary

7.3(Based on 34 User Reviews)Alberta, Canada55%Acceptance Rate
MS Data Science and Analytics
Course duration:
12 months
Exams Accepted:
Duolingo125TOEFL4.5PTE59
View 1 Other Program
Tuition:  
(CA$31,839/Yr)₹21.82L/Yr
Living
(CA$16,119/Yr)₹11.05L/Yr
Check Admission Requirements
--

University of Ottawa, Ottawa

8.0(Based on 38 User Reviews)Ontario, Canada80%Acceptance Rate
BS Computer Science - Data Science
Course duration:
4 years
Exams Accepted:
Duolingo120TOEFL4.5
Programs
Tuition:  
(CA$63,164/Yr)₹43.29L/Yr
Living
(CA$15,758/Yr)₹10.8L/Yr
Check Admission Requirements
--

University of Quebec at Montreal, Montreal

Quebec, Canada50%Acceptance Rate
Certificate Quantitative methods
Course duration:
1 year
Exams Accepted:
TOEFL61
Programs
Tuition:  
(CA$24,600/Yr)₹16.86L/Yr
Living
(CA$4,320/Yr)₹2.96L/Yr
Check Admission Requirements
--

Simon Fraser University, Burnaby

7.5(Based on 13 User Reviews)British Columbia, Canada59%Acceptance Rate
BS Data Science
Course duration:
4 years
Exams Accepted:
Duolingo125TOEFL88PTE65
Programs
Tuition:  
(CA$36,430/Yr)₹24.97L/Yr
Living
(CA$16,002/Yr)₹10.97L/Yr
Check Admission Requirements
--

University of Victoria, Victoria

9.3(Based on 10 User Reviews)British Columbia, Canada63%Acceptance Rate
MEng Applied Data Science
Course duration:
1 year
Exams Accepted:
TOEFL4.5PTE65
View 1 Other Program
Tuition:  
(CA$42,560/Yr)₹29.17L/Yr
Living
(CA$9,653/Yr)₹6.62L/Yr
Check Admission Requirements
--

Laval University, Quebec City

Quebec, Canada59%Acceptance Rate
Certificate Financial Analysis
Course duration:
1 year
Exams Accepted:
TOEIC680
Programs
Tuition:  
(CA$26,627/Yr)₹18.25L/Yr
Check Admission Requirements
--

Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto

7.2(Based on 16 User Reviews)Ontario, Canada80%Acceptance Rate
MS Data Science and Analytics
Course duration:
1 year
Exams Accepted:
IELTS7PTE63
Programs
Tuition:  
(CA$28,043/Yr)₹19.22L/Yr
Living
(CA$20,474/Yr)₹14.03L/Yr
Check Admission Requirements
--

University of Guelph, Guelph

4.0(Based on 25 User Reviews)Ontario, Canada66%Acceptance Rate
MDS
Course duration:
1 year
Exams Accepted:
Duolingo120TOEFL4.5PTE60
Programs
Tuition:  
(CA$46,305/Yr)₹31.74L/Yr
Living
(CA$3,070/Yr)₹2.1L/Yr
Check Admission Requirements
--

University of Manitoba, Winnipeg

9.7(Based on 16 User Reviews)Manitoba, Canada52%Acceptance Rate
BS Data Science
Course duration:
4 years
Exams Accepted:
Duolingo120TOEFL4.5PTE58
Programs
Tuition:  
(CA$24,100/Yr)₹16.52L/Yr
Living
(CA$13,600/Yr)₹9.32L/Yr
Check Admission Requirements
--

Trent University, Peterborough

10.0(Based on 14 User Reviews)Ontario, Canada33%Acceptance Rate
MS Big Data Analytics Applied Modelling and Quantitative Methods
Course duration:
16 months
Exams Accepted:
TOEFL93
View 6 Other Programs
Tuition:  
(CA$20,924/Yr)₹14.34L/Yr
Living
(CA$16,500/Yr)₹11.31L/Yr
Check Admission Requirements
--

University of Windsor, Windsor

8.5(Based on 23 User Reviews)Ontario, Canada30%Acceptance Rate
MMgmt Business Data Analytics
Course duration:
16 months
Exams Accepted:
TOEFL5PTE70
Programs
Tuition:  
(CA$35,235/Yr)₹24.15L/Yr
Living
(CA$8,458/Yr)₹5.8L/Yr
Check Admission Requirements
--

University of Regina, Regina

3.5(Based on 5 User Reviews)Saskatchewan, Canada90%Acceptance Rate
M.A Computer Science-Data Science
Course duration:
1 year
Exams Accepted:
TOEFL70PTE59
Programs
Tuition:  
(CA$16,733/Yr)₹11.47L/Yr
Living
(CA$7,185/Yr)₹4.92L/Yr
Check Admission Requirements
--

Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo

9.0(Based on 12 User Reviews)Ontario, Canada89%Acceptance Rate
B.S Data Science
Course duration:
4 years
Exams Accepted:
Duolingo120TOEFL83PTE59
Programs
Tuition:  
(CA$35,796/Yr)₹24.53L/Yr
Living
(CA$15,124/Yr)₹10.37L/Yr
Check Admission Requirements
--

University of Ontario Institute of Technology, Oshawa

5.8(Based on 8 User Reviews)Ontario, Canada70%Acceptance Rate
M.S Modelling and Computational Science
Course duration:
2 years
Exams Accepted:
IELTS6.5PTE58
View 3 Other Programs
Tuition:  
(CA$26,158/Yr)₹17.93L/Yr
Check Admission Requirements
--

AlgomaU-Sault Ste. Marie, Sault Ste. Marie

1.5(Based on 7 User Reviews)Ontario, Canada65%Acceptance Rate
Master of Science [M.Sc] Data Science and Artificial Intelligence
Course duration:
2 years
Exams Accepted:
Duolingo110TOEFL79
Programs
Tuition:  
(CA$21,360/Yr)₹14.64L/Yr
Living
(CA$8,410/Yr)₹5.76L/Yr
Check Admission Requirements