- International students in Canada can work up to 24 hours per week off campus during academic sessions and full time on scheduled breaks
- UBC's 10-month Master of Data Science charges international tuition of CAD 59,767.92
- An eligible graduate can apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit valid for up to three years.
Data analytics is the process of inspecting, cleaning, modelling and interpreting data to uncover useful information and support decision-making. Demand for skilled analysts is strong across Canada and worldwide, making a Canadian masters an attractive route into the field.
Canada hosts several globally ranked universities offering postgraduate degrees in data science and analytics, backed by affordable tuition relative to peers, strong scholarship support and generous post-study work rights.
What Is a Masters in Data Analytics in Canada?
A masters in data analytics in Canada is a one to two year postgraduate degree that trains students to collect, clean, model and interpret large datasets. Programmes blend statistics, computer science and business, preparing graduates to turn raw data into decisions across finance, healthcare, retail and technology sectors.
The degree is designed to meet the growing need for highly skilled analysts who can work with the expanding volume of data across industries. Coursework typically covers statistical analysis, machine learning, databases and data visualisation, tied to interdisciplinary, real-world applications.
Why Study Data Analytics in Canada?
Canada combines globally ranked universities, comparatively affordable tuition and strong post-study work rights. International students can work up to 24 hours per week off campus during term, and an eligible graduate qualifies for a Post-Graduation Work Permit of up to three years, creating a clear pathway toward Canadian work experience and permanent residence.
- Multiple universities ranked among the world's best for data science and computer science.
- Tuition and living costs are generally lower than comparable programmes in the US or UK.
- Eligible students can work up to 24 hours per week off campus during study terms.
- A Post-Graduation Work Permit of up to three years supports Canadian work experience.
- Clear immigration pathways link study, work experience and permanent residence.
Which Are the Top Universities for Data Analytics in Canada?
Leading options include the University of British Columbia's Master of Data Science, the University of Waterloo's Master of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, Simon Fraser University, the University of Alberta, Carleton University and Toronto Metropolitan University, formerly Ryerson. Each pairs strong computing and statistics faculties with co-op or industry project opportunities for graduates.
- University of British Columbia: Master of Data Science (10-month, Vancouver and Okanagan).
- University of Waterloo: Master of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (MDSAI).
- Simon Fraser University: Professional Master's Program in Computer Science, Big Data specialisation.
- University of Alberta: MSc in Computing Science, Statistical Machine Learning.
- Carleton University: Master of Computer Science with a Data Science specialisation.
- Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson): MSc in Data Science and Analytics.
How Much Does a Masters in Data Analytics in Canada Cost?
Tuition varies widely by university and programme length. The University of British Columbia's ten-month Master of Data Science charges international students CAD 59,767.92, while domestic students pay CAD 36,569.73, per UBC's official fees. Most one to two year programmes range from roughly CAD 30,000 to CAD 60,000 in total international tuition, excluding living costs.
| UBC Master of Data Science 2026 | Fee (CAD) |
|---|---|
| International tuition (10-month programme) | 59,767.92 |
| Domestic tuition (10-month programme) | 36,569.73 |
| Application fee (international) | 168.25 |
| Acceptance deposit | 3,000.00 |
| Annual student fees (approx.) | 1,203.20 |
Beyond tuition, budget for accommodation, food, health insurance, transport, textbooks and personal expenses. UBC estimates the full year, including living costs, at roughly CAD 78,000 to CAD 80,000 for international Master of Data Science students.
Jobs in CanadaRead →What Are the Eligibility and Admission Requirements?
Most programmes require a recognised bachelor's degree in a quantitative field such as computer science, statistics, mathematics or engineering, typically with a strong grade average. Applicants usually need prior coursework in programming and statistics, English proficiency through IELTS or TOEFL, a statement of purpose and two or three letters of recommendation.
- A recognised bachelor's degree, usually in computer science, statistics, mathematics or engineering.
- A competitive grade average; Waterloo's MDSAI, for example, expects around a 78% overall average.
- Prerequisite coursework or experience in programming and statistics.
- English proficiency, commonly IELTS around 6.5 to 7.0 or an equivalent TOEFL score.
- A statement of purpose and two or three academic or professional references.
Do You Need GRE for Data Analytics in Canada?
Most Canadian data analytics masters do not require the GRE. Universities such as UBC, Waterloo and Toronto Metropolitan focus on your undergraduate transcript, quantitative background and references rather than a GRE score. A few programmes still recommend it to strengthen borderline applications, so always confirm each university's current admission page before applying.
Because policies change each admission cycle, treat GRE requirements as programme-specific. Where a GRE is optional, a strong quantitative transcript, relevant projects and solid references usually matter far more to Canadian admissions committees.
Study in CanadaRead →What Jobs and Salaries Follow a Data Analytics Masters?
Graduates work as data analysts, data scientists, business intelligence analysts, data engineers and machine learning specialists across banking, healthcare, retail, technology and government. Demand remains strong nationwide, and data roles in Canada typically command competitive salaries well above the national average, with earnings rising sharply for senior and managerial positions.
- Data Analyst
- Data Scientist
- Business Intelligence Analyst
- Data Engineer
- Machine Learning Specialist
- Data Architect
- Analytics Manager
Can You Work and Stay in Canada After Studying?
Yes. While studying, eligible international students may work up to 24 hours per week off campus during academic sessions and full time during scheduled breaks. After graduating from an eligible programme, you can apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit valid for up to three years, which supports pathways to Canadian permanent residence.
The length of your Post-Graduation Work Permit generally matches the length of your study programme, up to a three-year maximum. This Canadian work experience is valuable in its own right and can strengthen applications to permanent residence programmes such as Express Entry.