Summary
- With globally ranked colleges offering Master’s in Data Science, a booming data science industry, and great job prospects, pursuing a career in data science in Australia in the future holds vast potential.
- What’s more, due to a significant skill gap in the data science field, there’s an increasing need for professionals with a Master’s in data science.
- A degree in data science jobs offers a lot of versatility since it is not specific to a single industry.
Feeling uncertain about your career path after your graduation? Wanting to pursue a Master’s in Data Science abroad, but confused about which country to choose?
You have come to the right page.
The data science market is growing fast:
- Its market size is expected to grow from USD 95.39 billion in 2021 to USD 322.9 billion by 2026.
- The average salaries of data scientists are in the USD 101,527 – USD 107,446 range in Canada and Australia.
- Almost 80% of the companies across the globe are investing in a data analytics division.
There is no better time than now to tap into this booming field.
Both Canada and Australia are good options to pursue a Master’s in Data Science.
Canada is renowned for being multicultural, with relatively lower costs of education. It also has more inclusive immigration policies, with an added probability of getting PR status within 6 months of application through CEC.
However, opting for a Master’s in Data Science in Australia is also a great choice. With globally ranked colleges offering Master’s in Data Science, a booming data science industry, and great job prospects, pursuing a career in data science in Australia in the future holds vast potential.
So which country should you choose for your Master’s in data science? Let’s find out.
Why choose Data Science as a career path?
There has been a surge in demand for data scientists in recent years.
According to recent studies, in 2019 there was about 88.3% growth in job postings for data engineering within 12 months. The future looks equally promising, with a 36% projected increase in data science jobs by 2033.
Compared to several other fields, data scientists are among the highest-paid professionals around the world. Hence, if you’re seeking a well-compensated position, a Master’s in Data Science will surely get you there.
A degree in data science jobs offers a lot of versatility since it is not specific to a single industry. A Master’s in Data Science will guarantee you career opportunities in several sectors.
Technology makes up about 28% of the data science jobs. However, other sectors like e-commerce, healthcare, and finance also present viable options. This gives you flexibility, allowing you to change sectors if needed.
With the rise of AI, machine learning, and automation, a career in data science is future-proof. What’s more, due to a significant skill gap in the data science field, there’s an increasing need for professionals with a Master’s in data science.
Overview of Data Science education in Canada and Australia
Let’s break down the educational opportunities in Canada and Australia to get a better understanding.
| Canada | Australia | |
| Curriculum Overview | Focus on theoretical foundations and practical applications of data science.
Key courses include:
|
Focuses on the technical and business aspects of data science.
Key topics include:
|
| Research and Innovation |
e.g. University of Toronto, McGill University |
e.g. ANU, University of Sydney |
| Industry Exposure | Developed IT hubs in Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal. | Developed tech sector in Sydney, Melbourne. |
Also Read: List of Top Management Courses in Canada with Best Colleges and Fees
Top 5 universities for Master’s in data science in Canada:
| University | QS World Ranking | Location |
| University of Toronto | 10 | Toronto |
| University of British Columbia | 23 | Vancouver |
| McGill University | 30 | Montreal |
| University of Waterloo | 34 | Waterloo |
| University of Montreal | 37 | Montreal |
Top 5 universities for Master’s in data science in Australia:
| University | QS World Ranking | Location |
| University of Melbourne | 33 | Melbourne |
| University of Technology | 36 | Sydney |
| Monash University | 40 | Melbourne |
| Macquarie University | 51-100 | Sydney |
| Australian National University | 51-100 | Canberra |
Job market analysis: Canada vs. Australia
It is equally vital to understand the implications of job markets on your career prospects in data science. So let’s explore the job market scenario in Canada and Australia in further detail.
Data Science Job Market in Canada
Here are some statistics for you to consider:
- There has been a 37% surge in core AI skills demand in Canada since 2018.
- Canadian data scientists earn up to CAD 136,351 annually.
- Studies validate that by this year, i.e. 2025, 20% of Canadian jobs will be affected by automation.
What all these numbers mean is that Canada is going to be a dream space to land a high-paying data science job.
The data science industry in Canada has been increasing rapidly in the major IT hubs of the country. Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver are some of the top cities to land a data science job after graduation. Average salaries for data scientists in these cities range between CAD 70,000 and CAD 120,000 per year.
Some of the most promising sectors in Canada for data science are technology, healthcare, and finance.
Data Science Job Market in Australia
The Australian data science job market is on the rise, especially in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne. According to the Australian government report, data science jobs have increased by 28% in 2024, compared to the previous year. This rate exceeds the average growth of all other sectors in the country, which is 15%.
Major cities like Sydney and Melbourne account for about 60% of data science jobs. However, even smaller cities and regions have seen a 20% increase in demand for data science roles.
Now let’s compare data scientists’ average salaries in different Australian cities:
| Cities | Average Salary for Fresher | Average Salary with 5 yrs Exp |
| Sydney | AUD52k – AUD94k | AUD79k – AUD147k |
| Melbourne | AUD15k – AUD94k | AUD77k – AUD143k |
| Canberra | AUD51k – AUD94k | AUD78k – AUD148k |
| Brisbane | AUD49k – AUD90k | AUD77k – AUD143k |
| Perth | AUD51k – AUD94k | AUD81k – AUD155k |
Sectors that have major opportunities for data scientists are technology, finance, and healthcare. The healthcare sector has seen the adoption of data analytics increase by 35% in 2024. The future looks bright, as demand for data scientists is projected to increase by 25% annually in the next five years.
Post-study work visa opportunities
Post-graduation work visa opportunities and long-term stay options determine the intrinsic value of a study abroad program.
Canada
To position itself as a popular study destination, Canada has introduced a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). This allows international students to remain in Canada and work after their studies. Coupled with the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), it boosts your chances of getting permanent residency.
PGWP:
Canada’s key program for post-study work visas is the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). The PGWP allows graduates to work in Canada for a period of 2 to 3 years (depending on your course duration).
Eligibility requirements for PGWP:
- You must have completed a full-time program at a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada.
- The program must be a minimum of 8 months in duration.
- A legally recognized degree, diploma, or certificate should be awarded upon course completion.
- The application should be submitted within 180 days (6 months) from the receipt of the transcript.
Valid PGWP Duration:
- For the degrees whose duration is between 8 months and 2 years, the PGWP will be valid for the same time as your program.
- Work permit for up to 3 years if you have completed a program length of more than 2 years.
- Uninterrupted work will be granted when the PGWP is issued.
Canadian work experience shall allow PGWP holders to apply for permanent resident status through Express Entry, Canadian Experience Class (CEC), or Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP).
CEC:
The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is a key immigration option under the Express Entry system. This path is best suited for students who have one year of work experience in Canada through the PGWP and seek permanent residency.
Eligibility for CEC:
- Minimum of 1 year full-time (or equivalent part-time) skilled work experience in Canada within the last 3 years.
- Must meet the language benchmarks for either English or French (CLB 7 for NOC 0 or A occupations or CLB 5 for NOC B occupations).
- You need to reside outside Quebec as Quebec has a separate immigration programme.
If you qualify and turn in a complete application, PR status can be achieved in roughly six months. Having a strong CRS score increases the likelihood of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency.
Australia
Australia has very favourable post-study work visa options. These visas provide opportunities to gain work experience and apply for permanent residency later on. Below is a summary explaining the major post-study work visa options in Australia.
Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)
The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) lets graduates remain in Australia and work. The duration depends on the field of study.
Eligibility Requirements for Subclass 485:
- You must have undertaken and passed at least a 2-year qualifying course. The course should be registered under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). It should be done at a recognized educational institution in Australia.
- Applications need to be submitted within six months of completing the course.
- You must possess a current student visa when you are submitting your application. You can apply for the 485 visa up to six months after your student visa has expired.
Duration of Subclass 485:
- Graduates holding a degree relevant to a Skilled Occupation on Australia’s Skilled Occupation List may be issued a visa for 18 months.
- A Master’s or Bachelor’s degree grants a visa for two to four years, depending on the specific degree held and the place of study.
The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) boosts your chances of getting a Permanent Residency later on. The two pathways that help in this are the Skilled Migration Programme and Express Entry.
The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) has two streams:
- The Graduate Work Stream
- The Post-Study Work Stream is intended for specific cohorts of students.
Also Read: Best Courses to Study in Australia for Indian Students in 2025
Graduate Work Stream
Eligibility:
This category applies to international students who relate to any role on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL).
Duration:
The maximum duration for this visa is 18 months.
This pathway is for graduates to gain work experience in their chosen field of study. It increases their chances of securing permanent residency through the Skilled Migration Programme.
Post-Study Work Stream:
Eligibility:
Students who have completed an advanced level qualification like a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or PhD in Australia.
Duration:
The duration of the visa is directly linked to the qualification completed:
- Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree: 2 years
- Master’s by research: 3 years
- PhD: 4 years
This pathway allows students to accept any employment offer in Australia. It is beneficial for later PR applications.
Also Read: New F1 Visa Rules for USA: All You Need To Know
Key employers in Canada and Australia for Data Science graduates
Both countries have seen a surge in data science, engineering, and IT fields, fueling the demand for skilled professionals. Some of the top industries and employers hiring graduates are:
Top Companies for Data Science Jobs in Canada:
- ChrysaLabs
- Acerta
- CityScan
- Fiddlehead Tech and various tech start-ups.
Top Companies for Data Science Jobs in Australia:
- Atlassian
- Commonwealth Bank of Australia,
- Qantas and other emerging tech firms.
Pathways to permanent residency: Canada vs. Australia
Canada: Transitioning from PGWP to permanent residency
Obtaining permanent residency in Canada is the ultimate goal for most international students. Leverage the experience gained through the PGWP for a smoother transition to permanent residency.
Express Entry:
The Express Entry system is one of the most popular ways to apply for permanent residency in Canada. Applicants with Canadian work experience under the PGWP get extra scores in CRS.
Provincial Nomination Programs (PNP):
Certain regions have pathways to permanent residency for candidates who have worked in the province and its region for some time. If you are currently working in an area that has a PNP, you can be nominated by that region for permanent residency.
Australia: Steps of Applying for Permanent Residency
- General Skilled Migration (GSM)
This option allows you to get permanent residency based on your qualifications and working experience. The following visa subclasses have been categorized under GSM for the achievement of this goal:
- Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189): For skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer or a family member.
- Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190): Those nominated by a state or territory government can apply for this visa subclass.
- Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491): For those who have received nominations from the state or territory government. Meant for those who live and work in the regional areas of Australia.
- Skilled Employer-Sponsored Visas
- Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) (Subclass 186): For those who have an Australian employer willing to sponsor them. This subsection enables them to live and work in Australia indefinitely after being specified as a skilled worker.
- Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 494): For workers who are sponsored by an employer in a specific region. This also leads to the possibility of obtaining permanent residency.
Which country offers better ROI for Data Science graduates?
The ROI of your Master’s in data science depends on several key indicators. Key factors include potential tuition fees, cost of living, and salary expectations.
Tuition Fees: You are likely to incur lower tuition fees in Canada relative to Australia. Average tuition fees for a Master’s in data science range from CAD 20,000 to CAD 50,000 pa. Hence it’s a better option for cost-sensitive students. In Australia, the average tuition fees range from AUD 35,500 TO AUD 50,000 pa.
Salary: The estimated salary range for data scientists in Canada is CAD 65,000–85,000, while the average figure in Australia is pegged at AUD 70,000–90,000.
Cost of Living: Both countries’ major cities are expensive in terms of cost of living. However, Canadian cities such as Toronto are relatively less expensive than Sydney or Melbourne.
Prospective ROI and opportunities for career advancement are strong in both countries. However, for those with financial constraints, Canada seems to be the better option.
Conclusion
Studying abroad is an exciting opportunity. But choosing the right country for education and career prospects is important. Factors like educational quality, cost of living, job potential, and visa policies impact your career goals.
It is quite evident that both countries are equally good choices for doing a Master’s in data science. Both countries offer great education programs. They also have robust job markets and pathways to permanent residency.
Canada offers lower living costs alongside a multicultural society. It offers excellent ROI for obtaining your Master’s. On the other hand, Australia shines through its better-paid jobs. Moreover, Data science career growth in Australia is predicted to see a spectacular rise.
Set your preferences and career goals to make an informed decision. If you are looking for the best compensation and can manage higher living costs, Australia certainly is the best fit for you. But with the recent expansion of Canadian IT hubs, the choice is tough. Which country will you choose?
FAQs
1. Which country has more demand for data scientists, Canada or Australia?
The demand for data scientists is on the rise in both countries. However, Canadian IT hubs such as Toronto and Montreal have experienced significant expansion lately.
2. What is the average starting salary for data science graduates in each country?
In Canada, the average starting salary is CAD 65,000 – 85,000, while Australia offers AUD 70,000 – 90,000 annually.
3. Can international students easily transition to permanent residency after working in data science?
Yes, both Canada and Australia offer clear provisions for permanent residency as long as there is work experience.
4. What are the key industries hiring data scientists in Canada and Australia?
Important sectors in Canada include information technology, finance, healthcare, and government. In Australia, demand is high for data scientists in the IT, finance, healthcare, and mining sectors.
