Masters in Data Science in Canada: Universities, Fees and Entry

Good news for Nepali graduates: a masters in data science in Canada doesn’t always need a computer science degree. Some programs are built for students from other subjects, if you have some coding and statistics. This guide shows real entry rules and fees from three universities, and how to choose.

This is one course option if you plan to study in Canada from Nepal. For the general picture, read our guide to a master’s in Canada. Amounts are in Canadian dollars, and you can see today’s value on our CAD to Rs forex converter.

Can Nepali Students Do a Masters in Data Science in Canada?

Yes, Nepali students can do a masters in data science in Canada with a bachelor’s degree, usually about a B average, and basic courses in coding and statistics.

UBC even says its program is meant for students without a computer science or statistics degree. So a BSc, BE or BBS background isn’t ruled out. What matters is whether your transcript shows the 3 required kinds of course.

Check your subject list first. If you did your bachelor’s in Nepal, your transcripts need to show these courses by name. Our degree equivalence guide helps if your degree needs review.

Which Universities Offer an MS in Data Science in Canada?

UBC, Memorial and Thompson Rivers all offer an MS or master’s in data science in Canada, with very different lengths and fees.

A short program costs less living money, but it gives you less time to learn. Memorial’s fee looks small, so ask for the special fee in writing before you compare it. All these fees can change each year.

What Are the Entry Requirements for Data Science Masters in Canada?

Most data science masters programs in Canada ask for a bachelor’s degree with good marks, and one course each in programming, statistics and mathematics.

• UBC: Its prerequisites are one course each in programming, in probability or statistics, and in calculus or linear algebra.
• Memorial: You need at least a second class bachelor’s. You also need a course each in calculus, statistics and programming. Three online prep courses come before you start.
• Thompson Rivers: You need a four-year bachelor’s with a B (3.00 out of 4.33) for the project option, or a B+ (3.33) for the thesis option. It looks at your last 60 credits.

Thompson Rivers also asks for IELTS 6.5 with no band below 6.0. Our guides to the GPA required to study in Canada and the minimum IELTS and PTE for Canada show more examples. A three-year Nepali bachelor’s can be a problem at schools asking for four years, so check early.

How Much Does a Masters in Data Science in Canada Cost?

It can cost from CAD 1,074 a semester at Memorial to about CAD 59,768 at UBC, and the national average is CAD 24,693 a year.

That average comes from Statistics Canada’s 2026/27 table, and it covers all subjects. UBC also asks for a CAD 3,000 deposit on acceptance that can’t be refunded. It goes toward your September tuition.

You must also show CAD 23,448 for living costs outside Quebec, plus first-year tuition. For UBC, that adds up to CAD 83,216 or about Rs 89 lakh. Read our Canada proof of funds guide and our guide to the cost to study in Canada from Nepal.

UBC offers entrance scholarships of up to CAD 25,000 for an international student in each of its programs. These are very limited, so don’t count on one. Our scholarships to study in Canada page has more options.

Do You Need a PAL for Data Science Masters in Canada?

No, you don’t need a provincial letter for a master’s degree program at a public school, and that makes applying from Nepal simpler.

This comes from IRCC’s provincial attestation letter page. A private school or a non-degree course is different, so check your own case. Our PAL guide explains this.

A master’s degree also has no field-of-study rule for the work permit after study, which can run up to 3 years. A program must last at least 8 months, and our PGWP guide has the full rules. UBC’s 10-month format clears that minimum.

How Do You Choose the Right Data Science Masters in Canada?

Choose by your background first, then compare 2 or 3 programs on length, cost and project or thesis options.

• Your background: Without coding at university, take a course first, or look at a PG diploma in Canada.
• Your aim: Pick a project or course-based route for industry work, and a thesis route if a PhD is possible.
• Your story: Explain why data science follows from your past study in your SOP for a Canada student visa.

Still after your first degree? See our guides to a bachelor’s in data science and computer science in Canada. If business is closer to your plan, read about MBA specializations in Canada.

Which Other Universities Should You Check for Data Science?

Nepali students also ask about these 9 universities, so confirm each data science program on its own site.

Program names and fees change, so we list no details here. Open each site and search its graduate programs. Then read the entry rules.

University of Toronto

McGill University

University of Alberta

Simon Fraser University

Concordia University

York University

Carleton University

Toronto Metropolitan University

University of Windsor

For help shortlisting, talk to a counselor at our Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Chitwan, Itahari or Pokhara branch through our contact page. You can also read about the best consultancy for Canada.