Master of Data Science
Canada is one of the top destinations for international students pursuing data science — and UBC's Master of Data Science (MDS) is one of the most sought-after programs in the country.
In just 10 months, the program takes you from foundational theory to real-world data science practice, with a curriculum built around lab work, industry projects, and career readiness. But before you apply, you need the full picture: what the program costs as an international student, what prerequisites you need, what English scores are required, and when to apply.
This guide covers all of it — tuition fees, IELTS and TOEFL requirements, academic prerequisites, intake dates, and the latest study permit updates that directly affect MDS applicants from 2026 onward.
Whether you're comparing programs or ready to start your application, this is the information you need to make a confident decision about one of Canada's most competitive data science master's degrees.
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British Columbia, Canada
Master's Degree
10 Months
CAD $54,733
IELTS 7(6.5)
What Is the UBC Master of Data Science Program?
The UBC Master of Data Science is a professional graduate degree designed to build job-ready data scientists in just 10 months. It's not a research degree — it's a career accelerator.
The program is available at two campuses:
- MDS Vancouver — industry-focused, with strong ties to Vancouver's growing tech sector
- MDS Okanagan — similar curriculum with a stronger emphasis on optimization and statistics
- MDS Computational Linguistics — a specialized stream for students interested in natural language processing
The curriculum includes 24 one-credit courses, structured across four-week segments. Most courses are lab-oriented and delivered in-person, with some blended online content. The program ends with a capstone project where students work with a real-world partner organization to solve an actual data science problem.
This is an intensive program. UBC explicitly advises students not to work while enrolled.
Prerequisites: What You Need Before You Apply
To be eligible for any UBC MDS program, you must have completed — or be enrolled in — the following prerequisite courses at a recognized post-secondary institution.
1. One Course in Programming (3 credits)
Your programming course should cover:
- Writing and executing code in a development environment (e.g., Jupyter Lab, VS Code)
- Fundamental data types — integers, strings, etc.
- Branching logic using if statements
- Loops or recursion for repetition
- Functions — reading and writing them
- Code documentation and commenting
Equivalent to UBC's CPSC 103, CPSC 110, or APSC 160.
2. One Course in Probability and/or Statistics (3 credits)
Your stats or probability course should cover concepts like probability distributions (Normal, Binomial, Poisson), expected values, hypothesis testing, and confidence intervals.
Equivalent to UBC's STAT 200, STAT 241/251, or STAT 302.
3. One Course in Calculus (3 credits)
Differential calculus is required, covering limits, derivatives, and their applications.
4. One Course in Linear Algebra (3 credits)
Covering vectors, matrices, linear systems, and related operations.
Important: Your courses don't need to match UBC's syllabi exactly — but there should be significant content overlap. You can use UBC's Transfer Credit Search Tool to check how courses from your institution transfer.
English Language Requirements
All international applicants whose first language is not English must submit proof of English proficiency. UBC accepts the following:
Tuition and Fees for International Students
Program Tuition
The total tuition for the 10-month UBC Master of Data Science program for international students is CAD $59,767.92.
For comparison, domestic students (Canadian citizens and permanent residents) pay CAD $36,569.73 for the same program.
All fees are in Canadian dollars (CAD) and are subject to annual review by UBC's Board of Governors.
Acceptance Deposit
Upon receiving an offer of admission, all students must pay a CAD $3,000 non-refundable deposit. This deposit is credited toward your September tuition installment.
Additional Fees
Beyond tuition, all students pay:
- UBC Student Fees — includes the mandatory transit U-Pass
- AMS/GSS Extended Health Plan fees
International students also pay an annual i-Med fee (international student medical insurance). You may be able to opt out if you have equivalent personal coverage.
Payment Schedule
Tuition and student fees are charged in three equal installments, due in September, January, and May.
Total Cost of Attendance
When you factor in living costs — accommodation, food, transportation, books, and personal expenses — the estimated total cost for international students is approximately CAD $78,000–$80,000 for the full program year. This varies depending on campus (Vancouver tends to have higher living costs than Kelowna/Okanagan) and individual lifestyle choices.
Scholarships
MDS offers entrance scholarships of up to CAD $25,000 annually to both domestic and international students across the Vancouver, Okanagan, and Computational Linguistics programs. Scholarship selections are made by the admissions committee — no separate application is required.
Intake and Application Deadlines
The UBC MDS program has one intake per year: September.
There are no deferred admissions. If you receive an offer and cannot start in September, you will need to reapply for the following year.
Application Deadlines (September 2027 Intake — indicative based on prior cycles)
- International students: Typically mid-to-late February
- Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and US citizens: Typically mid-April
Check the official MDS admissions page for confirmed deadlines for the next cycle, as these are announced several months before the intake.
Study Permit: What International Students Need to Know
PAL Requirement — Removed for Graduate Students
Effective January 1, 2026, most graduate students are exempt from the Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) requirement. If you are applying to UBC's MDS Vancouver or MDS Okanagan, you will not need a PAL when applying for a study permit.
Apply Early
Study permit processing times vary significantly depending on your country. Since MDS does not allow deferral, you must secure your permit in time for the September start date. UBC recommends checking Citizenship and Immigration Canada's processing time estimates as early as possible — ideally before you apply to the program.
Application Fees Are Non-Refundable
UBC's application fee is not returned if your study permit is denied. Plan your application timeline accordingly.
Academic Requirements and What Makes a Strong Application
Beyond prerequisites, the MDS admissions committee looks for:
- A strong undergraduate academic record (typically a B+ average or higher)
- Genuine interest in data science — demonstrated through coursework, projects, or work experience
- Strong communication and technical writing skills
- Intellectual curiosity and a serious work ethic
The program does not require GRE scores. Letters of reference and a statement of intent are part of the application package.
Is the UBC MDS Program Right for You?
The UBC MDS program is best suited for international students who:
- Have a quantitative undergraduate background (computer science, mathematics, statistics, engineering, or related fields)
- Want a career-focused credential rather than a research degree
- Can commit fully to an intensive, in-person, 10-month program
- Are prepared to invest in one of Canada's top professional master's programs
If you're weighing your options across Canadian programs, UBC MDS stands out for its lab-heavy curriculum, capstone industry project, and the career placement support available at both campuses.
Quick Reference: UBC MDS for International Students
Next Steps
If you meet the prerequisites and are considering applying, here's what to do:
- Verify your prerequisite courses using UBC's Transfer Credit Search Tool
- Check your English proficiency — book your IELTS or TOEFL test early if needed
- Review the official admissions page at masterdatascience.ubc.ca for the most current deadlines and requirements
- Start your study permit research early — processing times can be unpredictable
All fees and requirements listed here are accurate as of the time of writing but are subject to change. Always confirm details directly on UBC's official program website before applying.
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