10 Best Countries To Study Data Science: Top Universities, Fees, & Starting Salaries

The best countries to study data science are the United States of America, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, Singapore, Switzerland, France, Italy, Germany, and the Netherlands.

These countries are renowned for having some of the top-ranked universities in the world and for offering the best quality of education and career opportunities in this stream. Careers specialised in data analysis are expected to have a higher growth potential owing to the increased demand across the different sectors.

If you are curious about which country is best for data science, here is a quick guide detailing the best countries with their top-ranked universities, top courses, average tuition fees, and more.

Do you know?

• According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics employment opportunities for data scientists are projected to grow by 35% from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations[1].
• The ratio of unique data to replicated data is expected to increase from 1:9 to 1:10 from 2020 to 2024. In the global data sphere, 90% is replicated data and only 10% is unique data[2], there is a growing demand for data scientists  skilled in advanced analytics and other aspects of data.
• The global market for big data analytics is expected to grow with a CAGR of nearly 30% in the next few years, with revenue reaching USD 68 billion by 2025 from about USD 15 billion in 2019[3].

Why do students pursue studying Data Science abroad?

• Data is the Master – Various businesses, especially those driven by digital technologies, are highly driven by data to focus on their growth initiatives. Pursuing data science in foreign countries from top-ranked universities across the globe can help you leverage the power of data to prosper high in the dynamic landscape. 
• Accepts diverse educational backgrounds – Whether you are from an engineering or non-engineering background, you can find a way to apply for an education programme in data science in countries to study abroad. 
• High in-demand career options – With the recent developments in the digital world, highly educated and skilled professionals in data science have massive opportunities in some of the highest-paying job options.
• Access to cutting-edge tools – When you pursue an education in data science at a foreign university, you can access industry-leading tools to master technical skills and enhance your analytical understanding. 

10 Best Countries to Study Data Science

Notes: 

• The cost of living includes average transportation costs and basic amenities like food and grocery bills, but it excludes rent.

Source:

• Cost of Living: https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/

1. United States of America

The United States of America, considered one of the best countries to study data science, has some of the top-ranked universities in the world. Additionally, it offers students diverse job opportunities with high earning potential.

Top Universities

Top Courses

• Bachelor’s in Data Science
• Bachelor’s in Data Analytics
• MS in Data Science

Average Fees

The tuition fee for a Bachelor’s degree in data science can differ between the universities based on the education programmes offered. For example, the tuition fee for an undergraduate programme at MIT is USD 29,875. 

Pursuing a Master’s degree in data science in the US is more common, and the average annual tuition fees can range between USD 25,700 and USD 62,400. 

Student Visa Cost

The visa types applicable for a student to enter the US are F and M. The cost is USD 185 for the DS-160 application form and USD 350 for the I-901 SEVIS fee.

Part-Time Jobs

During the course, you can work part-time, with hours not exceeding 20 per week, and full-time during vacations. Some of the top and highest-paying part-time jobs in the US are Department Assistant, Research Assistant, Library Assistant, and Sales Assistant. 

Starting Salary

The average base salary for a data scientist in the US is USD 1,23,182 per annum. 

2. United Kingdom

International students who pursue a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in data science in the UK have access to advanced facilities for enhanced learning experiences. 

Top Universities

Top Courses

• BSc in Data Science
• BSc in Data Science and Analytics
• MSc in Data Science

Average Fees

The average fees for pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in data science in the UK can vary across universities. For example, the tuition fee for a BSc in Data Science at UCL, London, is GBP 9,250.

Pursuing a Master’s degree, such as an MSc in Data Science or an MSc in Data Analytics, is very popular among the top universities in the UK. The average tuition cost ranges between GBP 25,000 and GBP 35,000.  

Student Visa Cost

The visa cost to apply for a student visa to enter the UK will differ between countries. To find out the cost for your country, click here. 

Part-Time Jobs

You can work part-time for up to 20 hours per week during the course time and up to 40 hours per week during session breaks. Some of the highest-paying part-time jobs in the UK include Library Assistant, Customer Service Representative, Tutor and Translator.

Starting Salary

The average base salary for a data scientist in the United Kingdom is GBP 51,075.

3. Australia

If you want to study data science abroad in a country that enjoys a pleasant climate throughout the year, Australia is undoubtedly the right place for you. It is also home to some of the world’s best-ranked universities. 

Top Universities

Top Courses

• Graduate Diploma of Science (Applied Data Science)
• Bachelor of Science in Data Analytics
• Bachelor of Information Technology (Artificial Intelligence and Data Science)

Average Fees

The tuition fee for pursuing a degree course in data science in Australia can differ among top universities. For instance, the tuition fee at The University of Melbourne for the Graduate Diploma in Data Science is AUD 51,776, and the indicative total course fee for the Master of Data Science is AUD 80,622.

Student Visa Cost

The base charge for a student visa to Australia, Subclass 500, is AUD 710.

Part-Time Jobs

You can work part-time for about 48 hours a fortnight in Australia. Examples of highest-paying part-time jobs in Australia include Tutors, Fitness Trainers, Customer Service Representatives, Servers, and Aged Care Workers.

Starting Salary

The average base salary for a data scientist in Australia is AUD 95,147. 

4. Canada

Whether you want to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in data science or a Master’s degree in the same or related field, Canada is yet another suitable option. It is popular for providing outstanding educational and professional training for the students.

Top Universities

Top Courses

• BSc Data Science
• MSc Computer Science – Data Science
• MSc Data Science and Business Analytics

Average Fees

The average tuition fee for pursuing an undergraduate programme in data science in Canada can range from CAD 20,000 to CAD 50,000. On the other hand, a Master’s degree in data science can cost between CAD 30,000 and CAD 40,000. 

Student Visa Cost

The cost to apply for a student permit in Canada is CAD 150. Restoring the status and applying for a new study permit costs CAD 379. 

Part-Time Jobs

Canadian students can also work part-time for 20 hours per week and full-time during vacation while pursuing their studies in data science in Canada. Some of the highest-paying part-time jobs in Canada are Sales Assistant, Administration, Tutor, Freelancer, and Bookkeeper.

Starting Salary

The median salary for a data scientist in Canada is CAD 45.96. Depending on location the salary can range between CAD 22.67 and CAD 83.56.

5. Singapore

Singapore houses two of the top-ranked universities in the world for data science. In addition, Government initiatives, such as SkillsFuture and the SkillsFuture Career, extend a conducive learning environment to specialise in and expand in jobs with a higher earning potential in data science. 

Top Universities

Top Courses

• BSc Data Science and Analytics
• BSc Business Analytics
• MSc Data Science and Machine Learning

Average Fees

The tuition fees for the different courses of study in data science vary between the universities. For example, at The National University of Singapore, the average tuition fee for an MSc in Data Science and Machine Learning is SGD 51,000. 

Student Visa Cost

A processing fee of SGD 30 and an issuance fee of SGD 60 applies to a Singapore student visa. 

Part-Time Jobs

You can work part-time for up to 16 hours per week during the course time and for unlimited hours during vacations in Singapore. Some of the top and highest-paying part-time jobs in Singapore are Cashier, Waiter, Office Assistant, and Tutor. 

Starting Salary

The average salary for a data scientist in Singapore is SGD 7,506 per month. 

6. Switzerland

For affordable data science education abroad, consider Switzerland. It hosts top-ranked universities providing world-class education and a supportive learning environment for success.

Top Universities

Top Courses

• Master’s in Data Science
• Master’s in Digital Humanities

Average Fees

The average fees can vary depending on the degree level and programmes offered. For example, the tuition fee for pursuing a course of study in data science at ETH, Zurich, Switzerland, is CHF 730 per semester. 

Student Visa Cost

To pursue an education programme in Switzerland, you must apply for a student visa and a permanent residence permit. A student visa costs CHF 90 and a permanent residence permit costs CHF 160. If you need it on priority, it may cost an additional fee of CHF 50.

Part-Time Jobs

On average, a part-time worker in Switzerland can earn CHF 23 per hour and between CHF 2,200 and 2,800 per month. Students can work 15 hours per week during their studies and full-time during vacation.  and highest-paying part-time jobs in Switzerland are Teaching Assistant, Security Guard, Delivery Person, Tutor, and Call Centre Agent. 

Starting Salary

The average salary for a data scientist in Switzerland is CHF 1,16,450 per year.

7. Italy

Italy is known for its renowned education system for affordable programmes of study. In addition, you can benefit from exceptional career opportunities to lead a successful life abroad. 

Top Universities

Top Courses

• Bachelor’s in Data Science
• Bachelor’s in Statistical Science
• Master’s in Data Science

Average Fees

Italy is a popular destination for students seeking a Master’s in data science abroad. The average tuition fee for pursuing a Master’s degree in data science in Italy ranges between EUR 4000 and EUR 20,000 per annum.  

Student Visa Cost

A type D student visa is required to pursue an education programme in Italy that requires a stay of more than 90 days. For non-EU/EEA students, the cost of this type D visa ranges between EUR 50 and EUR 116. A residence permit, which costs between EUR 30 and EUR 200, will also be required, 

Part-Time Jobs

If you are pursuing an education programme in Italy, you can also work part-time for about 20 hours a week. On average, you can earn EUR 350 per month and some of the top and highest-paying part-time jobs are Delivery Boy, Customer Services, Sales Advisor, Cashier, and Receptionist. 

Starting Salary

The average salary for a data scientist in Italy is EUR 36,000 per year. 

8. France

France is renowned for its esteemed education system, distinguished faculty, skill development aligned with market demands, and diverse job prospects.

Top Universities

Top Courses

• Bachelor’s in Data Science
• Master’s in Artificial Intelligence, Systems, Data

Average Fees

The tuition fees can differ depending on the degree level and education programme among universities. To study Masters in data science in France, the average tuition fees range between EUR 5,000 – 24,900  per year.

Student Visa Cost

The student visa cost to pursue an education programme in France is EUR 50 for countries or territories applicable to the EEF procedure and EUR 99 for other countries.

Part-Time Jobs

Students pursuing a degree in data science can work up to 20 hours per week part-time. The top and highest paying job options for part-time workers are Tutor, Translator, Teaching Assistant, Salesman, and Waiter.

Starting Salary

The average salary for a data scientist in France is EUR 54,400 per annum. 

9. Germany

If you are looking for the cheapest and best country for a Master’s in data science, Germany is certainly a suitable choice. It has some of the top-ranked universities offering less expensive education programmes, with a good standard of living, and career prospects. 

Top Universities

Top Courses

• Bachelor’s in Data Science
• Master’s in Data Science
• Master’s in Statistics and Data Science

Average Fees

While public universities generally don’t charge a tuition fee, the applicable cost ranges between EUR 1000 and EUR 20,000 in private universities. 

Student Visa Cost

The fee to obtain a student visa in Germany is approximately EUR 75.

Part-Time Jobs

If you are pursuing a course in data science in Germany, you can also work part-time to fund your necessities. You can work up to 20 hours per week, and some of the highest-paying part-time jobs in Germany are Waiter, Tutor, and Student Assistant.  

Starting Salary

The average salary for a data scientist in Germany is EUR 73,100 per annum.

10. Netherlands

The Netherlands, an upcoming and emerging country offering education programmes in data science, is known for its best quality of education, research facilities and career development.

Top Universities

Top Courses

• Bachelor’s in Computational Social Science
• Master’s in Business Analytics
• Master’s in Data Science

Average Fees

The tuition fees for pursuing a course of study in the Netherlands can vary between universities based on the degree level and education programme. For instance, at the University of Amsterdam, there are two types of fees: statutory fees and institutional fees. The statutory fee for full-time students is EUR 2,530, and the institutional fee for a Master’s in Business Data Science is EUR 17,000.

Student Visa Cost

The cost of obtaining a Schengen visa for a Netherlands student ranges between EUR 80 and EUR 150 and the cost of a long-term Netherlands student permit ranges between EUR 207 and EUR 300. 

Part-Time Jobs

You can work part-time for up to 16 hours per week in the Netherlands. The top and highest-paying part-time jobs are Student Assistant, Research Assistant, Teaching Assistant, and Tutor. 

Starting Salary

The average salary for a data scientist in Amsterdam, Netherlands, is EUR 74,000 per annum.

Other Upcoming Emerging Countries

Some of the other upcoming emerging countries to study data science abroad apart from the best countries that we have discussed are as follows: 

• Denmark
• Sweden
• Norway
• New Zealand
• Finland
• United Arab Emirates
• China
• India

Top 10 Highest Paying Jobs In Data Science

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Before you go

Studying data science abroad offers excellent opportunities for students to ensure quality education and career development. You can prepare for your Bachelor’s or Master’s in data science abroad with scholarships to make it affordable. With the ever-growing global demand for data scientists, these countries have offered competitive education programmes that provide diverse job opportunities. 

If you are looking forward to pursuing a career in data science, evaluate the different factors and make a well-informed decision to seek the right opportunity. 

FAQs

Q. Which is the best place to study data science?

The United States of America is regarded as the best country to pursue a data science education programme.

Q. Which country offers the highest salary for a data analyst?

The United States offers diverse career opportunities with higher earning potential. The average salary for a data analyst in the US is USD 1,07,768 per annum. 

Q. Which branch is best for data science?

Computer Science, Mathematics, and Statistics are some of the best fields of study in data science.

Q. Which country is the best to study data science for Indian students?

The best country to study data science depends on individual preferences related to the degree, field of study, and budget. Some of the best countries to study are the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and Singapore.

Q. Which are the best industries for data science specialists in 2024?

The best industries for data science in 2024 are Healthcare, Big Tech Companies, Telecom, Retail, Cybersecurity, Oil and Gas and Insurance.

Q. Can I study data science after 12th abroad?

Yes, you can study data science abroad. Top universities offer a Bachelor’s in data science, such as the BSc Data Science and BSc Data Science and Analytics. 

Q. Which are the cheapest countries to study data science?

Germany, Norway, Denmark, India, Finland, and Japan are some of the cheapest countries for data science education. 

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Disclaimers:

This article is intended for informational purposes only. All details are accurate at the time of publishing. Instarem has no affiliation or relationship with the products or vendors mentioned.

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Note: Fees, student visa cost, starting salary, rankings, and average cost of living are taken from different websites on 31st May 2024 and 3rd June 2024 and are subject to change.

Citations:

[1]https://www.bls.gov/ooh/math/data-scientists.htm

[2]https://www.statista.com/statistics/1185888/worldwide-global-datasphere-unique-replicated-data/

[3]https://www.statista.com/statistics/947745/worldwide-total-data-market-revenue/