Emerging Courses in Data Science and AI Across Top Abroad Universities

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IDP Education , IndiaCounsellor
  • 5 min
  • Published: 22 August 2025
  • Updated: 5 August 2025

Some of the newly popular courses in the field of Data Science and AI at various international universities are Robotics, Machine Learning, and Data Analytics. These fields are emerging strongly in the main domains of AI and data science and thus hold immense potential for the future. This explains the growing demand for these programs among international students worldwide. It is for this reason that global universities are catching up to the trend and offering these programs to students from around the world. Learn more about the top international universities offering emerging courses in AI and Data Science, why study data science, admission criteria for data science programs, cost of studying, and the potential career prospects upon course completion.

Why Study Data Science and AI Abroad?

International students aspiring to study overseas are increasingly choosing courses in Data Science and AI due to the excellent career prospects upon graduation, competitive research facilities, and top-ranked universities abroad. Here are some reasons as to why to study AI and Data Science overseas:

  • Potential career growth opportunities: Students graduating with a degree in AI and Data Science are highly likely to find good job roles in these sectors and other related industries. This is attributed to the high demand for skilled professionals in these domains globally. The average salary packages for these roles are also rather lucrative abroad.

  • Academic excellence: International universities are renowned for offering top-class education and research access to students. Their programs in AI and Data Science consist of an advanced curriculum coupled with real-world projects and hands-on learning opportunities.

  • High Return on Investment (ROI): The prospective ROI on these courses is relatively higher. This surpasses the high cost involved in pursuing Data Science and AI programs abroad. The attractive pay packages available for job roles after completing these courses attract international students.

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Top Emerging Courses in Data Science and AI

Some of the best emerging courses in the field of Data Science and AI are Generative AI, Machine Learning Engineering, and AI-powered business applications. 

Top Emerging Data Science Courses:

  • Cloud Computing

  • Generative AI

  • Business Applications of AI/ML

  • Python

  • SQL

Emerging AI Courses Abroad:

  • Neurotechnology and Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCI)

  • Human-centred AI and Ethics

  • Digital Health and Bioinformatics

  • Creative Coding and Generative Design

  • Digital Psychology and Online Behaviour

Top Universities Offering Emerging Courses in AI and Data Science Abroad

Some of the top data science universities abroad include Stanford University, MIT, and the University of California, Berkeley. Similarly, the top universities for emerging tech courses like AI are the University of Oxford, the  University of Washington, and Georgia Institute of Technology.

The table below highlights the top universities for Data Science and AI abroad:

University 

QS World University Rankings 2025 for Data Science and AI

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

1

University of Oxford

3

University of California, Berkeley (UCB)

4

Harvard University

6

Yale University

9

University of Toronto

10

Imperial College London

12

New York University (NYU)

=13

University of Washington

=13

Cornell University

=15

Related Source: https://www.topuniversities.com/university-subject-rankings/data-science-artificial-intelligence

Eligibility Criteria and Admission Requirements

The commonly accepted admission criteria for data science and AI courses abroad include completion of a relevant qualification for entry into the desired level of study, a strong GPA of 3.0 or higher, and sufficient proficiency in the English language. 

Eligibility for a Data Science Course Abroad

  • Completion of a relevant qualification (10+2) or a Bachelor’s in a related or applicable discipline with at least 65% aggregate 

  • An overall score of 6.5 on the IELTS test as proof of English proficiency, with no band lower than 6.0

Note: The entry requirements for Data Science courses abroad may vary from one country, university, and study level to another.

Related Source: https://study.unimelb.edu.au/find/courses/graduate/master-of-data-science/entry-requirements/#admission-criteria

Eligibility for an AI Course Abroad

  • First class distinction or a minimum of 65% in BSc Eng, B.Eng, and B.Tech from a recognised university overseas

  • A strong academic background in the field of computer science, such as programming and software development

  • An overall score of 7.0 on the IELTS test report form, not lower than 6.5 in each band of the test

Note: The entry requirements for AI courses abroad may vary from one country, university, and study level to another.

Source: https://www.idp.com/india/study-in-uk/masters-in-artificial-intelligence-in-uk/

Cost of Studying Data Science and AI Abroad

The cost of an AI and data science course at an international university is estimated at USD 23,490. This figure is indicative and reflects the AI and data science course fees abroad at one university in one country. The fee structure for the same program may vary across universities and governments. It is thus best to check with the specific institution at the time of applying.

Career Opportunities after Completing Emerging Courses in Data Science and AI

Students graduating with a study program in Data Science and AI from a recognised international university can look forward to a lucrative career in data science. A rewarding career in AI is equally possible after completing a course at a leading university abroad.

The table below shares the list of possible careers in artificial intelligence and data science after graduation for eligible candidates abroad:

Job Role

Average Annual Salary (Approx)

Data Scientist

USD 78,611 

Data Analyst

USD 83,884 

ML Engineer

USD 171,774

AI Specialist

USD 22,859

Data Engineer

USD 130,917

Related Sources: https://www.iu.org/blog/career-guides/data-scientist-salary/

https://www.indeed.com/career/data-analyst/salaries

https://www.indeed.com/career/machine-learning-engineer/salaries

https://www.payscale.com/research/IN/Skill=Artificial_Intelligence_(AI)/Salary

https://www.indeed.com/career/data-engineer/salaries

Student Essentials Services (SES) by IDP for Studying Abroad

IDP Education, the best study-abroad consultants, helps millions of students worldwide find suitable placements overseas. To help students comfortably settle in the first weeks of arrival in the new country, we provide a host of Student Essentials Services, which make the transition easier for them.

Some of our widely preferred SES include:

  • Affordable accommodation options

  • Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)

  • Banking facility

  • Student loans

  • Money transfers to the home country

FAQs on Emerging Courses in Data Science and AI Across Top Abroad Universities

1. Which countries are the best for studying AI and data science?

Some of the best study-abroad destinations for pursuing courses in AI and Data Science are the USA, Canada, the UK, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand.

2. How to choose between AI and data science courses?

When deciding which course to pursue - AI or Data Science, consider your personal and academic interests and your career goals. Aligning the course with these elements would help make an informed decision.

3. What is the average duration of a Master's in Data Science?

A Master’s in Data Science program abroad is generally a two-year program. However, the duration may vary from one university to another. It’s best to check the specific details at the time of application.

4. Are there AI courses with full scholarships abroad?

Yes, several AI courses abroad are available with complete scholarship options to international students. Universities, governments, and private organisations provide these scholarships.

5. Which industries use AI and Data Science the most?

Some of the key industries demanding skilled professionals in the fields of AI and Data Science are Finance, Healthcare, Retail, Technology, and Manufacturing sectors.

6. How much coding do I need for AI and data science?

The amount of coding required may vary for different job roles and the level of expertise needed for the role. It is recommended that you enquire about the coding expertise requirement at the time of applying for the role.

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