Course guide · updated Oct 2026

Data Science & Analytics abroad

Statistics, machine learning and business analytics, for students who like turning messy data into decisions. Degree routes, STEM rules, entry requirements and live program counts.

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What you study

Half statistics, half computing, all about decisions

Data science sits between statistics and computer science. You learn probability and statistical inference, programming in languages such as Python or R, databases and SQL, machine learning, and how to explain results to people who don’t read code.

Business analytics programs add optimisation, forecasting and management context. Statistics programs go deeper into theory. Many master’s programs include a capstone project with real data, sometimes from an industry partner.

Popular specialisations

Where you can take it

Each card opens matching programs in the explorer, where you can filter by country, level and fees.

01

Data science

Modelling, machine learning and the engineering to run it.

Browse programs →02

Business analytics

Forecasting, optimisation and decisions inside organisations.

Browse programs →03

Statistics

Inference, modelling and the theory behind the methods.

Browse programs →04

Machine learning & AI

Algorithms that learn from data, from regression to deep learning.

Browse programs →05

Operations research

Optimisation and modelling for better decisions.

Browse programs →06

Health data & informatics

Analytics for hospitals, public health and life sciences.

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Degree routes by country

How long it takes, and what comes after

Typical lengths and post-study work rules as of October 2026. Individual programs vary, so check the course page before you apply.

USAStudy in the USA →
Bachelor’s
A bachelor’s is usually a four-year degree, and you often take a broad mix of courses before you declare a major.
Master’s
Master’s programs commonly run one to two years, depending on the program and whether it includes a thesis or internship.
After you graduate
OPT gives up to 12 months of work at each degree level. Graduates of degrees on the DHS STEM list can apply for a further 24 months (STEM OPT). New OPT fees proposed by DHS in October 2026 are not in effect.

Data Science (CIP 30.7001), Business Analytics (30.7102) and Statistics (27.0501) are all on the DHS STEM list. Check the CIP code printed on your Form I-20 before you accept an offer.

UKStudy in the UK →
Bachelor’s
Three years in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, four in Scotland. A placement (sandwich) year, where offered, adds a year in industry.
Master’s
A taught master’s usually takes one full-time calendar year. Integrated master’s degrees (MEng, MSci) take four years, five in Scotland.
After you graduate
Graduate Route: 2 years if you apply on or before 31 December 2026, 18 months if you apply on or after 1 January 2027, and 3 years after a PhD.

Official UK course data groups subjects broadly, so in our explorer UK data science sits under Computing or Mathematical sciences. See our guide to UK data science MSc programs that accept IELTS 6.0.

CanadaStudy in Canada →
Bachelor’s
Bachelor’s degrees take three to four years. Colleges also offer diplomas (two to three years) and certificates (one to two years).
Master’s
Master’s degrees take one or two years after a bachelor’s. Co-op programs add paid work terms in your field.
After you graduate
A post-graduation work permit (PGWP) of up to 3 years. Bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral graduates are exempt from the PGWP field-of-study rule; college programs must be in an eligible field.

Options range from course-based or thesis master’s at universities to graduate certificates in analytics at colleges. College programs must be in an eligible field of study for a PGWP; university degrees are exempt.

Live from official data

Data Science & Analytics programs you can apply to

Counts by country from our database of official course data, updated as the data changes. Pick a country to see a sample, then browse and filter the full list.

Explore all →
🇺🇸programs in the USBrowse →🇬🇧Listed by subject areaUK data groups data science under Computing and Mathematical sciencesBrowse →🇨🇦programs in CanadaBrowse →

Live program numbers couldn’t load just now. You can still browse every program in the explorer.

Typical entry requirements

What universities usually look for

In general terms. Every university sets its own requirements, and they differ between programs at the same university.

Academics

For a master’s: a bachelor’s with quantitative coursework, usually some mathematics or statistics and some programming. Graduates in engineering, computing, maths, statistics, economics and commerce commonly apply. For a bachelor’s: Class 12 with Mathematics.

English

Most universities accept IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT or PTE Academic, each setting its own minimum. For a UK Student visa your English must be at least CEFR B2 for degree-level study, and your university can assess this. See our IELTS, TOEFL and PTE guides.

Tests

Some US programs ask for the GRE (or accept the GMAT for business analytics). Many UK and Canadian programs don’t. Check each program page.

Your application

Show why data: projects, internships, competitions or analysis you have published. Recommendations from people who have seen you work with numbers carry weight.

Career paths

Where graduates often go

Common roles for graduates of this field. Where you end up depends on your university, experience, work rights and the job market.

Data analystAnswers business questions with data.
Data scientistBuilds models to predict and explain.
Business intelligence analystBuilds dashboards and reporting.
Machine learning engineerPuts models into production.
Analytics consultantSolves data problems for clients.
Product analystMeasures and improves digital products.
Data engineerBuilds data pipelines and platforms.
Quantitative analystModels risk and markets in finance.

We don’t quote salary figures on this page: they vary widely by city, employer and visa status. Ask a counsellor for current, sourced numbers for the roles you are considering.

Ready to shortlist Data Science & Analytics programs?

Answer a few questions and the finder ranks universities by how well they fit your grades, budget and goals. Or talk it through with a counsellor who studied abroad.

Sources

Rules, durations and STEM codes on this page were checked against these official sources in October 2026. Live program counts come from our database of official course data; see credits and data sources. Always confirm details on the university’s own course page.

  1. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List (last updated 22 July 2024) (checked Oct 2026)
  2. Study in the States (DHS), F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT) (checked Oct 2026)
  3. Study in the States (DHS), STEM OPT Extension Overview (checked Oct 2026)
  4. Study in the States (DHS), DHS publishes proposed rule establishing fees for Optional Practical Training (7 October 2026) (checked Oct 2026)
  5. QAA, The Frameworks for Higher Education Qualifications of UK Degree-Awarding Bodies (2024) (checked Oct 2026)
  6. QAA, Master’s Degree Characteristics Statement (checked Oct 2026)
  7. GOV.UK, Graduate visa (checked Oct 2026)
  8. EduCanada (Global Affairs Canada), Common pathways to college and university (checked Oct 2026)
  9. EduCanada (Global Affairs Canada), Graduate studies (checked Oct 2026)
  10. EduCanada (Global Affairs Canada), Work while studying (co-op) (checked Oct 2026)
  11. IRCC, Post-graduation work permit: field of study requirement (checked Oct 2026)
  12. IRCC, Post-graduation work permit: about (length of the permit) (checked Oct 2026)
  13. GOV.UK, Student visa: knowledge of English (checked Oct 2026)