Master of Science [MS] (Data Science and Analytics)
Field of Study:
₹20.4 L/Yr
University of Calgary's Master of Science Data Science and Analytics (MDSA) is a 12-month, course-based program designed for international students seeking careers in data-driven industries. Located in Calgary, Alberta, the university ranks 211th globally in QS World University Rankings 2026 and 200th in Times Higher Education 2026. The program combines multidisciplinary education across science, business, and medicine, offering four specialization tracks. Total program cost ranges from CAD 30,279 to CAD 31,500 (INR 20.1 to 21 lakhs) with a 3-year post-graduation work permit available after completion.
Current Admission Status (IST Deadlines): Fall 2026 intake applications opened September 1, 2025, with the international student deadline of April 2, 2026. Spring/Summer 2026 intakes may be available; check the official website for exact dates.
- Why Study Master of Data Science and Analytics at University of Calgary
- Tuition Fees for Master of Data Science and Analytics at University of Calgary
- Cost of Living in Calgary for International Students
- Admissions for Master of Data Science and Analytics at University of Calgary
- Curriculum and Specializations
- University Rankings
- Scholarships and Financial Aid
- Placements and Career Outcomes
- Return on Investment (ROI)
- FAQs
Why Study Master of Data Science and Analytics at University of Calgary
- Strong ROI: Data scientists in Canada earn CAD 121,000 annually (INR 81.5 lakhs), with 96.3% placement rate within 3 months of graduation.
- 3-Year Work Permit: All master's graduates qualify for a 3-year post-graduation work permit (PGWP), enabling extended Canadian work experience.
- Affordable Tuition: At CAD 30,279 total (INR 20.1 lakhs), MDSA costs 30-40% less than comparable programs at University of Toronto or UBC.
- Flexible Specializations: Choose from Data Science, Business Analytics, Financial and Energy Markets Data Modelling, or Health Data Science and Biostatistics.
- No Co-op Work Permit Required: As of April 1, 2026, international students no longer need separate permits for internships included in the program.
Tuition Fees for Master of Data Science and Analytics at University of Calgary
Exchange Rate Note: 1 CAD = INR 67.60 (as of April 15, 2026). Rates fluctuate; verify before payment.
| Fee Component | Currency | INR Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition (2 terms, 30 units) | CAD 30,279 | INR 20.48 lakhs |
| Application Fee | CAD 145 | INR 9,802 |
| International Student Fee | CAD 1,200 (approx.) | INR 81,120 |
| Total First Year | CAD 31,624 | INR 21.37 lakhs |
Tuition is assessed at approximately CAD 7,350 per term for international students. The program runs for two consecutive terms (fall and winter) without scheduled breaks. Additional fees like technology and student services are included in the tuition assessment.
Cost of Living in Calgary for International Students
Calgary is one of Canada's most affordable cities for students. Monthly living expenses range from CAD 1,800 to CAD 2,500 (INR 1.22 to 1.69 lakhs).
On-Campus Accommodation
| Residence Type | Monthly Cost (CAD) | INR Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Graduate Studio (Crowsnest Hall) | CAD 2,726 | INR 1.84 lakhs |
| Graduate One-Bedroom | CAD 2,911 | INR 1.97 lakhs |
| Graduate Two-Bedroom Townhome | CAD 2,196 | INR 1.48 lakhs |
On-campus fees include furniture, utilities, internet, and resident insurance. Residence is available year-round but limited; apply early.
Off-Campus Accommodation
| Housing Type | Monthly Cost (CAD) | INR Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Shared Room (3+ bedroom) | CAD 600-900 | INR 40,560-60,840 |
| Studio Apartment | CAD 1,000-1,400 | INR 67,600-94,640 |
| One-Bedroom Apartment | CAD 1,200-1,600 | INR 81,120-108,160 |
Off-campus housing is 30-40% cheaper than residence. Popular student areas include Bridgeland, Inglewood, and Kensington, all within 15-20 minutes of campus via transit.
Other Monthly Expenses
| Expense Category | Monthly Cost (CAD) | INR Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Food and Groceries | CAD 300-400 | INR 20,280-27,040 |
| Transportation (Transit Pass) | CAD 110 | INR 7,436 |
| Health Insurance | CAD 52 (monthly avg.) | INR 3,515 |
| Phone and Internet | CAD 80-100 | INR 5,408-6,760 |
| Entertainment and Misc. | CAD 200-300 | INR 13,520-20,280 |
Part-Time Work: International students can work up to 24 hours per week during studies. Alberta's minimum wage is CAD 15/hour (INR 1,014/hour), allowing students to earn CAD 1,440 monthly (INR 97,344) from part-time work.
Admissions for Master of Data Science and Analytics at University of Calgary
Intake and Deadlines
| Intake | Application Opens | International Deadline | Start Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall 2026 | September 1, 2025 | April 2, 2026 | September 2026 |
| Spring 2027 | TBD | TBD | January 2027 |
Note: Iranian applicants receive an extended deadline of December 1 to accommodate study permit processing times.
Eligibility Requirements
Academic: Minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale over the last two years of undergraduate study (equivalent to 60% in Indian grading systems). Four-year bachelor's degree from a recognized institution required.
Prerequisites: Successful completion of three undergraduate courses with minimum "B" grade or equivalent:
- One course in computer programming
- One course in statistics
- One course in calculus or linear algebra
English Language Proficiency (ELP):
- IELTS: 6.5 band minimum
- TOEFL iBT: 86 minimum
- PTE: 61 minimum
- Duolingo: 120 minimum
No GRE or GMAT required. Work experience can strengthen applications but is not mandatory.
Application Process
- Submit online application through University of Calgary graduate portal
- Upload unofficial transcripts from all post-secondary institutions with grade scales
- Provide proof of prerequisite completion (official course descriptions or transcripts)
- Submit GPA calculation worksheet (provided by university)
- Pay non-refundable application fee of CAD 145 (INR 9,802)
- No reference letters or work samples required
Processing time: 4-6 weeks after deadline.
Curriculum and Specializations
The MDSA curriculum combines core data science foundations with specialized electives. All students complete four mandatory core courses covering data visualization, statistical analysis, statistical modeling, and big data management. Students then select four courses from one specialization area and complete an integrated topics course plus a professional or research internship.
Specialization Options:
- Data Science: Machine learning, predictive modeling, advanced analytics
- Business Analytics: Business intelligence, customer analytics, optimization
- Financial and Energy Markets Data Modelling: Time series analysis, risk modeling, market forecasting
- Health Data Science and Biostatistics: Clinical data analysis, epidemiology, health informatics
The program emphasizes hands-on learning with real-world datasets and industry projects. Internship placements occur in tech companies, financial institutions, healthcare organizations, and government agencies across Canada.
University Rankings
University of Calgary ranks 211th in QS World University Rankings 2026 and 200th in Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026. The university ranks 9th nationally in Canada (THE 2026) and is recognized as one of Canada's top 50 research universities. For data science specifically, the university ranks 54th in North America and 9th in Canada according to EduRank 2026.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
| Scholarship | Eligibility | Amount | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Be the First Scholarship | Canadian citizens/PR only; laddered pathway students | CAD 6,000 per term | Automatic upon admission |
| International Entrance Scholarship | International students; strong academic record | CAD 5,000-15,000 | Rolling basis |
| Faculty of Science Awards | All admitted students; merit-based | CAD 2,000-8,000 | Varies by award |
International students are not eligible for the Be the First Scholarship. Merit-based awards are limited and highly competitive. Most international students rely on personal funding or employer sponsorship.
Placements and Career Outcomes
| Metric | Data |
|---|---|
| Overall Placement Rate | 96.3% within 3 months |
| Average Starting Salary | CAD 75,000-95,000 (INR 50.7-64.2 lakhs) |
| Top Hiring Sectors | Technology, Finance, Healthcare, Energy |
| Top Employers | TD Bank, RBC, Scotiabank, Deloitte, IBM Canada, AltaLink |
Graduates work as data scientists, business analysts, data engineers, and analytics consultants. The university's Career Centre provides resume reviews, interview coaching, and employer networking events. Alumni network spans major Canadian tech hubs including Toronto, Vancouver, and Calgary.
Return on Investment (ROI)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Program Cost | CAD 31,624 (INR 21.37 lakhs) |
| Average Starting Salary | CAD 85,000 (INR 57.46 lakhs) |
| Break-Even Period | 5-6 months |
| 5-Year Earnings Potential | CAD 500,000+ (INR 3.38 crores+) |
With a 3-year PGWP, graduates can earn CAD 255,000-285,000 (INR 1.72-1.93 crores) during work authorization alone, making the program highly cost-effective. Many graduates transition to permanent residency through Canadian experience-based immigration pathways.
FAQs
Ques. Can I apply for the Master of Data Science and Analytics at University of Calgary if my bachelor's degree is from India?
Ans. Yes, Indian bachelor's degrees are recognized if from accredited institutions. You must submit official transcripts with grade scales, proof of prerequisite completion, and meet the 3.0 GPA requirement (equivalent to 60% in Indian grading). The university evaluates credentials on a case-by-case basis.
Ques. What is the difference between the MDSA and the Graduate Diploma in Data Science at University of Calgary?
Ans. The Graduate Diploma is 8 months and covers core data science concepts. The MDSA is 12 months and includes specialization courses plus an internship. Students can ladder from the Diploma to the Master's, receiving credit for completed coursework. The Master's is preferred for international students seeking longer work permits and higher-level positions.
Ques. Can I work full-time while studying the Master of Data Science and Analytics?
Ans. No, the MDSA is a full-time, intensive program with no part-time option. International students must maintain full-time status (minimum 9 units per term) to keep valid study permits. However, you can work up to 24 hours per week during scheduled breaks and between terms without violating study permit conditions.
Tuition Fees
| Year | 1st Year Fees |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fees | ₹2037777 (CAD 30279.24) |
Other Expenses
| Head | Avg Cost Per Year |
|---|---|
| Housing and food | ₹1009500 (CAD 15000) |
| Health Insurance | ₹45495 (CAD 676) |
International Tuition per 3-unit course is CAD $5,046.54
Previous Year Tuition Fees
| Year | 1st Year Fees |
|---|---|
| 2024 | ₹2202998 (CAD 32734) |
| 2023 | ₹616064 (CAD 9154) |
| 2021 | ₹699718 (CAD 10397) |
Important Dates
| Event | Application Date |
|---|---|
| Application Deadline For Fall 2026 Intake | |
Scores Required
IELTS: Score of 6.5 with no section less than 6.0 (Academic version).
TOEFL: Score of 86 with no section less than 20 (Internet-based).
Key Resources for Your Study Abroad Journey
Course Guides
Best Post-Graduate Courses in Canada in 2025
Masters in Canada: Fees 2024, Top Colleges, Placements & Salaries
Masters in Data Science in Canada: Top Universities, Eligibility & Job Prospects
College Student Profiles
Scholarship Grants & Financial Aids
| Name | Scholarship Per Student | Level of Study | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jared J. Davis Grant | Scholarship per student₹ 67,300/Yr$1,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Golden Key Graduate Scholar Award | Scholarship per student₹ 1 L/Yr$1,500 | Level Of StudyMaster | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Axol Science Scholarship | Scholarship per student₹ 1.3 L/Yr$2,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeCompany-Sponsored | |
| Bharat Petroleum Scholarship | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyMaster | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Business Administration Scholarships | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| University of Montreal Scholarships | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeCollege-Specific |
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Comments
Found 9 Comments
To be eligible for admission to the MSc in Data Science program at the University of Calgary, you must have a four-year bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as computer science, mathematics, statistics, or engineering, with a minimum GPA of 3.0 out of 4.0, or an equivalent degree from a recognized institution. And if English is not your first lamguage, a valid ELP test score is necessary.
You can apply for the M.Eng Chemical and Petroleum Engineering proghram of the University of Calgary if you have completed a four-year bachelor’s degree in chemical or petroleum engineering with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a scale of 4.0. You must submit your official transcripts as well as a copy of your cetificate. International students must also submit a valid ELP test score unless eligible for exemption.
The University of Calgary offers Masters programs in various academic disciplines. However, the university does not offer masters program in International Relations.