Top Data Science Courses Abroad: Top Universities, Eligibility, Tuition Fees, Jobs and Salary

Some of the best data science course options abroad are available at leading international universities, namely Stanford University, MIT, and UCB. These universities offer excellent learning to students worldwide in the field of data science and its varied specialisations, such as ML, AI, Big Data, and Data Management. 

The field of data science is rapidly evolving globally and thus continues to remain one of the best-paid professions overseas. Explore some of the best universities for data science abroad, the eligibility criteria to gain admission into these institutions, and their total cost. Also, learn more about the job prospects and salaries of graduates in data science abroad.

Why Study Data Science Courses Abroad?

Indian students aspiring to pursue data science studies abroad are inclined towards the instant access to world-class technologies in the field available at international universities and the booming career prospects overseas.

Listed below are some of the top reasons that compel international students to take up a data science course in foreign countries:

• Strong career growth: The field is in high demand overseas, which makes the demand for skilled professionals in the domain of data science consistently high. Students graduating with data science courses from a top international university stand a high chance of landing a lucrative job opportunity in the field.

• Access to advanced course curriculum: Students choosing to pursue data science courses overseas gain access to cutting-edge software, tools, and advanced course content, which helps them gain a competitive edge over their peers.

• Industry-relevant training: Data science courses abroad also offer students the exclusive opportunity to gain practical training in the area via projects and internships with tech firms. This enables the students to gain sufficient experience and exposure to the real-world work environment.

Top Data Science Courses Abroad for Indian Students

Indian students aspiring to study the best data science courses overseas are likely to find popular options at MIT, Stanford University, and Harvard University, among others. The USA is one of the widely preferred study-abroad destinations among Indian and other international students for data science programs. The country’s reputation for excellence in technology and top-ranked universities makes it the obvious choice among students.

Listed below are the top courses for data science that you can consider pursuing overseas:

List of Top Colleges/Universities Offering Data Science Courses Abroad

Stanford University, MIT, and the University of Melbourne are often counted among the best data science universities in the world. They are highly regarded for their data science programs, excellent infrastructure, and research facilities. 

The table below highlights some of the top data science universities globally to pursue data science:

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

Eligibility Criteria and Admission Requirements to Study Data Science Courses Abroad

Most universities overseas offering courses in data science require students with a strong academic background, especially in quantitative areas. A background in Mathematics, Computer Science, or Engineering is generally preferred. Additionally, English proficiency as demonstrated by tests like IELTS is a must.

Note that the data science course eligibility criteria may vary for different levels of study, universities, and countries. Listed below are the key data science eligibility criteria required by most universities abroad offering the study program at the Master’s level to international applicants (for reference only):

• An undergraduate qualification (Bachelor’s) or equivalent in any subject with an aggregate score of at least 65% is a required criterion for eligibility for the data science course.

• A preferred background in Computer Science at the university level, or equivalent, with core content focused on computer programming, is yet another data science eligibility criterion.

• An overall score of at least 6.5 on the IELTS test as proof of English proficiency

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

Cost of Studying Data Science Courses Abroad for Indian Students

The average data science course fees at a leading university abroad for international students are approximately in the range of USD 21,000 - USD 75,000 per annum. Note that the figures are indicative only and refer to the data science cost for a Master’s program in the USA. The cost may vary from one country and university to another for different levels of study (undergraduate and postgraduate).

_Source: https://www.idp.com/india/study-in-usa/masters-in-data-science/

Visa Requirements for Indian Students to Study Abroad    

A study visa is a prerequisite for studying overseas, in addition to having a valid passport, a letter of confirmation from the university to which you have applied, and proof of English proficiency and finances. Listed below are the general requirements for a student visa for Indian students aspiring to study overseas:

• A valid passport

• A non-immigrant visa application

• Recent passport-sized photographs of the applicant

• Receipt of payment of the visa application fee

• Official academic transcripts

• Proof of intent to depart for the home country upon course completion

• Proof of finances

• Proof of English language proficiency, such as the desired IELTS score

_{Note: The requirements for a study visa abroad may vary from one country to another. Hence, check with the immigration authorities of the specific country you intend to apply to for its particular requirements.}

Career Opportunities after Completing Data Science Courses Abroad

Students graduating with a study program in the domain are eligible to pursue a professional data science career path. Several key roles, such as Data Analyst, Data Engineer, and Data Scientist, become available to qualified applicants. Check for data science courses with placement abroad, which provide job opportunities to eligible students upon completing the program, making it easier for them to enter the industry.   

The table below highlights some of the best data science job opportunities for graduates in the area, along with their approximate salary figures:

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

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

_{https://www.indeed.com/career/statistician/salaries}

_{https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Application_Architect/Salary}

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

Student Essentials Services (SES) by IDP for Studying Abroad

Studying abroad can be both exciting and overwhelming. With several things to consider before moving, it helps to have at least some in place to make the transition seamless and comforting. This is why IDP Education, one of the best study-abroad consultants, helps Indian students wanting to study abroad by offering a host of Student Essentials Services. 

These services are designed to ensure that students can comfortably settle in the first few weeks of their move-in into the new country, and include:

• Affordable accommodation options

• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)

• Student banking facility

• Study loans

• Forex card, and more

Speak to our experts today to know more about SES and how we can help you! 

FAQs on Top Data Science Courses Abroad

1. Are scholarships available for data science studies abroad?

Of course! Several international universities make studying abroad easier for international students by offering a wide range of scholarship options from both the respective universities and the government of the country they are applying to.

2. What is the duration of top data science courses abroad?

The exact duration may vary from one university to another, and also according to the level of study pursued. For instance, the average duration of a Master of Data Science program at the University of Queensland, Australia, is 1.5 years (full-time).

_{Related Source: https://study.uq.edu.au/study-options/programs/master-data-science-5660}

3. Can I apply for data science abroad without coding skills?

Yes, students with no skills or experience in coding can apply for data science courses abroad. Several online platforms and tools offer no-code or low-code solutions, which enable students to visualise data without extensive knowledge of programming.

4. What is the role of data science in global tech careers?

Data Science is emerging as a highly-demanded area in tech careers globally, enabling businesses to make informed and improved decisions based on data. It is particularly of use in sectors like healthcare, e-commerce/retail, and finance.

5. What programming languages are taught in Data Science courses?

Some of the most common languages that students of data science abroad learn are:

• R

• Python

• SQL

• Scala

• Java

6. Are PhD options available in data science courses abroad?

Of course! Students aspiring for advanced knowledge in the data science domain can choose to pursue a PhD in the domain, readily available at several international universities globally.

7. Can I apply to multiple data science courses simultaneously?

Yes, there is no limitation to the number of data science courses you can apply to, and you can even apply to multiple programs in different international universities at the same time.

_{Updated on Sep 22, 2025}