PG Diploma in Data Science in Canada – Eligibility & Colleges for 2024 Admissions

Data science is an evolving field that can penetrate the power of data and empower organizations to run efficiently and effectively. Pursuing a PG Diploma in data science in Canada helps students learn data visualization, interdisciplinary data collection, and statistical and computational analytics, that are applicable across industries.

A PG diploma in data science is a specialized course usually spanning around 12 months. However, for students laddering from the certificate program, it can be around eight or four months. The maximum time to complete the course is three years.

The program would act as a benison for students aspiring to become Data Analysts. The average annual base salary of a Data Scientist in Canada is CAD99,824, as per Glassdoor. Read on to learn aboutthe PG diploma in data science eligibility, the admission process, and more.

Why Pursue PG Diploma in Data Science in Canada

There are several reasons to pursue a data science postgraduate diploma in Canada. The major ones include:

• Low Unemployment Rate: As of 2024, Canada's unemployment rate is only  6.1%, indicating a stable job market with potential employment opportunities for international students holding a PG diploma in data science.
• Immigration Opportunities: The Canadian government plans to take in 500,000 immigrants by 2025. This increases the scope of getting better opportunities for students pursuing data science.
• High Demand for Data Analysts: According to Job Bank, new job openings for data analysts in Canada are expected to total 29,300 by 2031.
• Top Hiring Companies: Several top companies, like IBM, Scotiabank, Capital One, and TD, are hiring data professionals for different roles. Hence, students pursuing a PG diploma in data science in Canadian colleges can use this opportunity to grab a job in these companies. 
• National Occupational Classification (NOC): Data scientist jobs are categorized under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021, which makes it easier for students pursuing a data science PG diploma in Canada to identify and apply for relevant positions within the country.

Also Check : Study in Canada

Course Overview of PG Diploma in Data Science Courses in Canada

It is indispensable for students to have a comprehensive idea about the PG diploma in data science in Canadian colleges. The table below encapsulates the crucial information for students to make an informed decision. 

Duration	12 months (maximum time to complete: 3 years)
Mode	Online / Offline
Type of Study	Full-time / Part-time
Top Universities	University of Waterloo  University of Calgary The University of Winnipeg
Specializations Offered	Business Analytics Financial and Energy Markets Health Data Science and Biostatistics Big Data Analytics Statistical Analysis Informatics
Average Annual Tuition Fee for International Students	CAD 15,000 to CAD 25,000

Popular Universities for PG Diploma in Data Science in Canada

Here are the leading options for PG diplomas in data science in Canadian colleges: 

Name of the Institution	Name of the Course	Course Tenure	Average Annual Tuition Fee for International Students
Douglas College	Data Analytics (Post-Degree Diploma)	1 year	CAD 21,891.57
Langara College, Vancouver	Post-Degree Diploma in Data Analytics	2 years	CAD 21,572
University of Calgary	Graduate Diploma in Data Science & Analytics	4 Months	CAD 4,852.44
The University of Winnipeg	Post-degree Diploma in Predictive Analytics	1 year	CAD 19,850
Southern Alberta Institute of Technology	Post-diploma Certificate in Data Analytics	18 weeks	CAD 15,216

Specializations in PG Diploma in Data Science Courses in Canada 

Students can expand their understanding of the subject by selecting from various specializations offered in PG diploma programs in data science in Canada.

• Artificial Intelligence

• Data Mining

• Supply Chain Analytics

• Big Data Analytics

• Statistical Analysis

• Informatics

• Health Data Science and Biostatistics

Best Colleges/Universities for PG Diploma in Data Science in Canada

Here are leading options for PG diplomas in data science in Canadian colleges: 

Name of the Institution	Name of the Course	Course Tenure	Average Tuition Fee for International Students
Douglas College	Data Analytics (Post-Degree Diploma)	One year	CAD 18,726 (30.00 credits)
Langara College, Vancouver	Post-Degree Diploma in Data Analytics	Two years	CAD 590/ credit (48 credits)
University of Calgary	Diploma in Data Science & Analytics	Four Months	CAD 4,080/ 3 terms
University of Waterloo	Graduate diploma in data analytics	Four Months	–
HEC Montreal	Graduate Certificate in Information Systems and Security Analysis	1 year	CAD 30,000 (total)

Source: University Official Website

PG Diploma in Data Science in Canada – Admissions

Admissions are held in three sessions – January, September, and May. Average program tenure ranges from 12 to 24 months, however, in some universities, it can be 24 months course.  A student has to apply directly at the online portals of their chosen university and submit all the documents.

Admission Requirements 

• A four-year baccalaureate degree or equivalent is paramount. The successful completion of the following undergraduate courses: computer programming or computer science, statistics or equivalent, and calculus or linear algebra.

• Students should have qualified for one of the following English Language Proficiency Requirements :-

1. Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL ibt)

2. International English Language Testing System (IELTS)

3. Pearson Test of English (PTE)

4. Canadian Academic English Language Test (CAEL)

5. Academic Communication Certificate (ACC) 

• Some universities might require GRE or GMAT Scores.

Documents Required 

• Transcripts

• Statement of Purpose 

• Resume

• LORs

• Proof of Work Experience

• Proof of score card of English Language Proficiency Test

Application Process to Study PG Diploma in Data Science Courses in Canada

Before applying for the course, a student must check the PG diploma in data science eligibility criteria. Moreover, the eligibility criteria might differ from university to university. A student should have a minimum of 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 point system, over the past two years of full-time study (a minimum of 10 full-course equivalents or 60 units) of the undergraduate degree.

• Students need to choose the specialization they would like to pursue. 

• Submit the application form and the application fee.

• Then, a student is required to submit all the required documents to the university. 

• Students might be asked to give an interview.

• They can also look for scholarships or financial aid, if available at the university.

• Then, the university will contact the student with an admission offer, most likely via email. They should confirm their acceptance in order to be admitted to the university.

• After receiving the admission offer, the student needs to apply for a study permit in Canada.

Eligibility Criteria for PG Diploma in Data Science in Canada

Here are the eligibility criteria for a data science PG diploma in Canada:  

• Bachelor’s degree in any subject with a GPA of at least 3.0 in the last couple of years. 

• Some institutions insist on statistics, computer programming, linear algebra, technology, science, calculus, computer science, and others. 

• Those without degrees in these subjects may demonstrate their proficiency with work experience or through an additional course. 

• The undergraduate degree should span four years in total. 

• English language proficiency scores such as IELTS -6.5 /PTE- 59 or higher /TOEFL- 80 /CAEL- 70 overall/ACC  - minimum B+ in each course.

Cost of Studying PG Diploma in Data Science Courses in Canada

The average fees for a diploma in data science in Canada should range between CAD 15,000 to CAD 25,000 per year, for a PG diploma in data science courses in Canada. Apart from paying the tuition fee, a student needs to pay other expenses as well. It would add up to the cost of studying the course. 

Category	Yearly Expenses (estimated)
Books and supplies	CAD 479.70 to CAD 749.19
Health and Dental Insurance: International	CAD  200 to CAD 500
Public transportation	CAD 1.61 to CAD 104.90
Accommodations (rent and food)	CAD 1,692.52 to CAD 3,089.46

Note: The expenses can vary based on the province/ university chosen by the student. 

Syllabus for PG Diploma in Data Science in Canada

The syllabus for a PG diploma in data science in Canada usually includes the following modules:  

First Semester- 

1. Mathematics for Data Analytics

2. Working with Data and Visualization

3. Modeling with Data

4. Computing for Data Analytics

5. Data Analysis and Statistical Interface

6. Big Data Management

Second Semester- 

1. Machine Learning

2. Predictive Analysis

3. Statistical Methods in Data

4. Communications for Data Profession

5. Decision Analytics

Third Semester-

1. Project Management

2. Advanced Exploration and Visualization in Health

3. Predictive Analytics II

4. Employment Search Strategies

5. Health Data Science

6. Advanced Statistical Modelling

7. Big Data in Health 

Fourth Semester-

1. Data Mining for Data Analytics

2. Actionable Visualization and Analytics

3. Developing Big Data Applications

If the program comprises internships or work experience, this is included after the fourth term or semester. Any practical experience will give you an edge over others.

Trending Blogs for Studying in Canada
Do’s and Dont’s of Applying for a Canadian Student Visa	Student Accommodation in Canada
Best City in Canada for Indian Students	Ontario Trillium Scholarship

Scholarships to Study Data Science Courses in Canada

Apart from looking for the best colleges in Canada for a PG diploma in data science, students should know the gamut of scholarships offered by the universities. Students can avail the benefits of university-specific, privately funded, and government-funded scholarships. 

University/ College	Scholarships	Eligibility	Value
HEC Montreal	International Entrance Scholarships	International students showing high academic performance	upto $15,000
University of Waterloo	Ontario Trillium Scholarship	Merit-based; offered to students with exceptional performance	CAD 40,000
University of Waterloo	President’s Graduate Scholarship	Offered to outstanding graduate students	up to $10,000
Douglas College	Douglas International Regional Entrance Awards & Education Entrance Scholarships	Automatic assessment (only international students)	offers nearly $100,000

Source: University Official Website

Difference Between PG Diploma and Master in Data Science in Canada

When a student opts for a master’s degree in data science in Canada, it would cost them more in terms of the tuition fee, as well as the duration. An MS in data science is for two years whereas a PG diploma in data science in Canada is a short-term 1-year course, and would cost a student less. 

The MS in data science in Canada fees for PG level programs lie somewhere $7,696 per term and $5,877 per term for the complete PG Diploma and Graduate Certificate courses.

Both the courses have equal scope in the future, a master’s degree might help the student get a better return on investment by offering a higher salary. Moreover, it would offer a student the chance to opt for doctoral and research programs as well. 

Jobs after PG Diploma in Data Science in Canada

After completing a PG diploma in data science in Canada, getting a job is not difficult. If a student has achieved their certification, they can start working as a data scientist, data administrator, data analyst, data engineer, database architect, and database administrator, to name a few job roles. 

The minimum salary is roughly CAD 31,000 annually, while experienced professionals earn up to CAD 137,000 annually. There are innumerable job opportunities available for data science professionals in Canada.

Conclusion

In conclusion, pursuing a PG Diploma in Data Science in Canada for the 2024 admissions presents a promising pathway as the demand for skilled data science professionals continues to surge globally, the opportunity to study in Canada—a country celebrated for its high-quality education, multicultural environment, and strong job market—represents a significant step towards a successful and fulfilling career in data science.

The colleges and universities in Canada, renowned for their cutting-edge curriculum and industry partnerships, provide an ideal environment for aspiring data scientists to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in a data-driven world. 

 

Read More
Top Universities in Canada for MS	Masters in Pharmacy in Canada	Education System in Canada
Summer Intake in Canada	Masters in Economics in Canada	MS in MIS in Canada
Spring Intake in Canada	Best Universities in Canada	MBA in Marketing in Canada