Best Universities for Data Science in the USA and Canada

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IDP Education , IndiaCounsellor
  • 5 min
  • Published: 18 August 2025
  • Updated: 17 August 2025

The top universities preferred by international students for pursuing Data Science courses in the USA are Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Stanford University, UC Berkeley, and Harvard University, among others. In Canada, the best choices include the University of Waterloo, the University of Toronto, and the University of British Columbia. These universities are regarded as the best in the field of data science because of the expertise of their faculty, the structure of the programs designed, the cost of studying, and the rank of the university. This blog takes a deeper look at why to choose the USA and Canada for data science courses, the key factors to take into account when opting for the best university, and the top universities for data science in both the USA and Canada. We also share the top scholarships and potential career prospects after completing a Master's in Data Science in the USA and Canada.

Why Study Data Science in the USA and Canada?

The USA and Canada are two widely preferred study-abroad destinations for Data Science among international students. These countries are top choices because of the presence of top-ranked universities, potentially strong career prospects, and future opportunities for growth.

Listed below are some top reasons for studying Data Science in these two countries:

  • The USA is home to some of the best-ranked universities for data science courses.

  • Canada provides a Post-Graduation Work Permit to international graduates after completing their course, thus paving the way for numerous jobs in data science in Canada.  

  • Canada offers more affordable education than the other top study-abroad countries.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Data Science University

Some of the key factors to consider when choosing the best university abroad for data science courses are university rankings, course curriculum and duration, and cost of studying and living in the country.

  • Explore internationally-renowned universities: Research study institutions that have high rankings on the global platform. Also, make sure that their data science degrees are recognised worldwide.

  • Prioritise course curriculum: Look for the course design, structure, duration, and the core concepts covered. Focus on programs that offer a blend of academic excellence with practical application.

  • Consider the cost involved: The cost of studying and living abroad is a primary consideration. Look for more affordable options, both in terms of tuition fees and living expenses.

Top Universities for Data Science in the USA

Stanford University, MIT, and UCB generally figure in the top list of universities offering data science courses in the USA. These universities are renowned for their brilliant research facilities, academic excellence, and strong networking opportunities for students. Listed below are some of the best Data Science universities in the USA:

University 

QS World University Rankings 2025 for Data Science

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

1

University of California, Berkeley

4

Harvard University

6

Yale University

9

New York University

=13

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

Top Canadian Universities for Data Science 

Canada offers a host of options for learning data science courses at its top institutions, such as the University of Waterloo, the University of British Columbia, and the University of Toronto. The table below shares the best data science universities in Canada for the program, along with their respective QS rankings.

University 

QS World University Rankings 2025 for Data Science

University of Toronto

10

University of British Columbia

23

McGill University (Continuing Education)

30

University of Waterloo

=34

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

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Comparison: Data Science in the USA vs Canada

To make an informed decision, it is essential to carefully review the data science courses in both the USA and Canada. Listed below are some key factors to help. 

Parameters 

USA 

Canada

Eligibility 

Standardised test scores for UG programs

IELTS proficiency test score

Completion of 10+2 with Physics, Math, and Chemistry

GPA of 3.0 on a scale of 4.33

Background in Statistics, Math, and Computer Science

GRE/GMAT (if required)

Cost 

USD 21,000 - USD 75,000 per annum

CAD 15,000 - CAD 30,000 per annum

Work opportunities

Data Engineer, Data Analyst, Statistician

Lead AI Engineer, Data Scientist, Senior Analytics Engineer

Source: https://www.idp.com/india/study-in-canada/masters-in-data-science/
https://www.idp.com/india/study-in-canada/masters-in-data-science/ 

Eligibility and Admission Requirements

The universities offering data science programs in Canada and the USA may have varying admission requirements. 

USA:

  • Standardised test scores like ACT or SAT for Bachelor’s degrees

  • Completion of 10+2 with core subjects as Physics, Math, and Chemistry for Bachelor’s degrees

  • GRE test scores (if required)

  • Statement of Purpose (SOP) for MS in Data Science programs in the USA

  • 3 Letters of Recommendation (LOR) from professionals in the same or related/relevant fields

  • IELTS test score (as required by the university being applied to)

  • CV/resume

Canada:

  • GPA with an average of 3.0 on a scale of 4.33 for MS programs

  • IELTS score of at least 6.5 overall or 110 for a Master’s in Data Science in Canada

  • Background in Statistics, Engineering, Math, and Computer Science is mandatory

  • GRE/GMAT (if applicable)

Source: https://www.idp.com/india/study-in-canada/masters-in-data-science/ 

Scholarship Opportunities for Studying Data Science Abroad

Some of the top scholarships for data science available for international students wanting to study data science abroad are the Fulbright International Scholar Program in the USA and Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships.

  • Ontario Graduate Scholarship Canada (OGS)

  • University of Waterloo David R. Cheriton Graduate Scholarships in Computer Science

  • National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship

  • MinneAnalytics Data Science Scholarship

  • Harvard University Scholarship

Career Prospects After Studying Data Science in the USA and Canada

International students graduating with a Data Science degree in the USA or Canada can opt for job roles like Data Engineer, Machine Learning Engineer, and Data Architect, among many others.

The table below lists some more data science jobs in the USA and Canada for graduates in the field:

Job Role

Annual Salary (Approx) in the USA

Yearly Salary in Canada (Approx)

Data Analyst

USD 83,884 

CAD 72,020

Database Administrator

USD 102,621

CAD 78,589

Statistician 

USD 92,912

CAD 97,241

Data Architect

USD 132,862

CAD 118,613

Data Scientist

USD 128,115

CAD 96,870

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

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

https://www.indeed.com/career/database-administrator/salaries

https://ca.indeed.com/career/database-administrator/salaries

https://www.indeed.com/career/statistician/salaries

https://ca.indeed.com/career/statistician/salaries

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

https://ca.indeed.com/career/data-architect/salaries

https://ca.indeed.com/career/data-architect/salaries

https://ca.indeed.com/career/data-scientist/salaries

How Can IDP Guide You With University Selection?

Confused about the best universities to choose for Data Science courses abroad? IDP Education consultants can help. We help you identify the best university in both the USA and Canada offering data science degree programs. We also shortlist the various universities in both these countries based on their overall global rankings. Our experts understand your requirements and present you with the best university options in both countries. 

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