In today’s fast-paced digital world, data is everything. From your social media feeds to the way businesses operate, data is the new oil. That’s where the exciting fields of data science and big data come in. More students than ever before are choosing to study data science abroad or explore master's programs in big data at top-ranked universities. Big data and data science are also transforming industries like healthcare, finance, marketing, and tech around the world.
Studying abroad gives you access to advanced research tools, diverse perspectives, and global job markets. Whether you want to pursue a bachelor's degree in data science or explore master's programs in big data, universities abroad offer specialised curricula, advanced labs, and strong industry links. The experience also gives you a chance to build global networks and gain cultural awareness skills which is highly valued by employers today.
Studying abroad not only strengthens your technical skills but also helps you become adaptable and independent. Studying data science and big data abroad comes with many advantages.
Here’s a quick look at the best places to study data science and big data abroad, and what they offer:
Country | Highlights | Average tuition fees (per year) |
US | Research-heavy, tech industry connections | USD 30,000 – USD 55,000 |
UK | Prestigious universities, 1-year master’s programs | GBP 15,000 – GBP 30,000 |
Germany | Low or no tuition, English-taught courses | EUR 0 – EUR 3500 |
Canada | Work-friendly visas, excellent teaching | CAD 17,000 – CAD 40,000 |
Australia | High demand for data professionals | AUD 27,000 – AUD 63,000 |
United States
In the United States, top universities such as Troy University, Arizona State University and New York Institute of Technology are known for their strong focus on computer science and data-related fields.
United Kingdom
In the United Kingdom, universities such as Cardiff University and Sheffield Hallam University offer excellent programs.
Canada
Canada is another great destination, with universities like Trent University and Crandall University leading the way.
Germany
Germany offers an affordable education, especially in public universities such as the Technical University of Munich and the University of Mannheim.
Australia
Australia also offers strong educational programs in this field. The University of Southern Queensland and the Australian National University are among the top choices.
The programs below include modules in machine learning, artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and data visualisation, all of which prepare you for a wide range of roles after graduation. From foundational undergraduate degrees to research-intensive PhDs, there's something for everyone. These are some of the best data science and big data courses abroad.
Undergraduate (UG):
Postgraduate (PG):
Doctorate (PhD):
To apply for an undergraduate program in data science or big data, you need to:
For postgraduate programs, you must have:
As requirements may vary based on the university, it is advisable to check the official admissions page for the latest information. You are often expected to:
A degree in data science or big data can lead to a wide range of well-paying and in-demand jobs around the world. After graduation, you could land exciting roles like:
When choosing to study data science and big data, there are many courses that offer further specialisation in this topic. The list below identifies popular courses where you can narrow down your study even further.
Top countries include the US, UK, Germany, Canada, and Australia. Each country offers excellent education, career prospects, and international exposure.
Graduates enjoy high employability and strong starting salaries, especially in tech hubs like the US and Europe. Roles in AI, data engineering, and analytics are particularly in demand.
It depends on your interest. Data science is broader and includes statistics, coding, and AI. Big data focuses on managing and analysing massive datasets. Both are valuable and often overlap.
Big data is a program that combines techniques from both fields to teach you how to process, analyse, and gain insights from large, complex datasets.
Not entirely. While coding is important, data science also involves statistics, problem-solving, and business understanding.
Anyone with a background in science, technology, maths, or engineering can pursue it. Some universities also offer conversion courses for students from non-tech backgrounds.