Data Science is a rapidly growing field that continues to evolve with the development of new technology. As a result, data Science has been named the hottest profession of the 21st century.
Products in Big Data, technology, and analytics have given rise to millions of exciting new job opportunities in data science.
According to LinkedIn, demand for data scientists has risen by 75 percent since last year, far greater than any other role.
Every day, we learn more about what data science can do, and students who study it are already prepared to be at the cutting edge of modern tech. With increasing awareness about the importance of data science and its scope in the future, the demand for data scientists has also seen a rise.
This has resulted in increased traffic in the field of data science. If you are one of the people who aspire to be a successful data scientist in the future, you must figure out where to get the best education for the same.
You must be wondering that does my country has what it takes to get me prepped to be able to stand equal to modern world data science experts.
Studying abroad is an exciting and wonderful experience, especially in the field of data science. Data science is a field that offers plenty of career opportunities; however, finding the right job after completing your degree in data science can be both daunting and challenging.
The best place in the world to study data science depends on what kind of data science you want to do.
You need to consider several factors before coming to a final decision, such as which country provides the best education, which country has a good living atmosphere, which country I would fit in, and whether can you get a data science that is not hard on your pocket and yet give you a good education.
Let us help you with these queries and end your confusion about the best country for you to start your journey as a data science genius.
How to study Data Science abroad?
Before starting your data science study abroad, you have a long process.
You'll need to filter out which country you want to move to, which university provides the best curriculum, what is the admission procedure, what is the best time to apply, what documents would it require, what will be the VISA procedure, and will the atmosphere in that country suit my lifestyle.
Figuring all of this alone can be a vexatious task for you. So, let us help in making this long process a little less complex and much more delightful for you.
Eligibility Criteria for Master's in Data Science
Before deciding to study abroad in your desired country, you must meet the eligibility criteria for studying abroad. If you don't meet these criteria, you won't be able to study abroad.
The eligibility criteria for studying abroad can vary from country to country, but here are some general guidelines:
Some countries do not accept students with dependents or spouses. In addition, some countries do not allow students over a certain age. Others set minimum grades or require students to have proof of funds before applying for a visa.
Finally, some countries need students to have a different type of visa. If your first language is not English, then most countries will ask you to have some sort of English proficiency tests like IELTS or TOEFL so that you can interact and learn quickly in English, as in most countries, the course is taught in that language only.
Apart from this, some universities might also ask you to have a Letter of Recommendation(LOR) and even your CV.
Top Countries to Study Data Science
Data science as a whole is a broad term, encompassing many different skill sets from many different disciplines like statistics, computer science, management consulting, business administration, and even systems engineering.
The topic of which country to study data science comes up frequently on the Data Science subreddit, and it can be difficult to find a definitive list of countries.
This post is an attempt to address that problem by creating a comprehensive country-by-country list with information about the best places to live and work as a data scientist, along with available programs and conferences.
Some of these countries rank high in multiple areas, and others have a particular focus. We've included a description of each country's strengths and drawbacks based on input from industry professionals.
1. The United States of America
The United States is the most prominent location for MSc in Data Science students.
The United States is home to many of the top universities globally, including Harvard University, Stanford University, and MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology). In addition, many less prestigious but still excellent schools teach data science as well.
Another reason why people choose to pursue a Masters in Data Science in the United States is the abundance of career prospects and the high quality of life. A US degree is also very well-respected internationally.
As a bonus, the US is home to some of the largest and most well-known companies in the world—if your dream internship is at Facebook or Google, then going to school in America could get you there! Some area-specific possibilities for studying for this degree are Masters in Data Science New York programs, MS in Data Science California programs, and so on.
In the United States, a master's degree in data science takes one or two years to complete.
English Proficiency Test is one of the requirements for Masters in Data Science programs in the United States. Scores from the IELTS or TOEFL are allowed.
Although GRE scores are not required for admission to every institution, certain colleges may request them as part of their prerequisites. We advise you to contact colleges for more extensive information about requirements.
While many individuals believe that studying data science in the United States is perfect, there are some disadvantages to doing so.
First, while there may appear to be a large number of job openings based on statistics, there is far more competition for them, making work chances for graduates extremely restricted. While firms like Facebook and Twitter hire data scientists, there aren't enough positions for everyone interested in the field.
This indicates that there will be stiff competition for these positions, and a degree from a decent university may not be enough to secure a solid career in this industry.
2. Canada
When looking at your options for studying data science, it's important to consider the country's immigration laws or requirements.
Canada is renowned as one of the simplest countries to get a student VISA from. and this is a major factor to consider if you're thinking about going abroad to study.
If you want to be able to stay and work after graduation, it's always a huge plus if the government has already acknowledged your qualifications as an asset and wants you to stick around after getting your degree!
Another excellent incentive to study data science in Canada is that the cost of living is far lower than in the United States(or even other parts of Europe).
This will allow you to use more of your money towards education rather than just keeping a roof over your head and food on the table. Also, even after this friendly environment and comparatively lower cost for education, the quality of education is not compromised.
Canadian universities offer several options for learning data science and a wide range of specializations within the subject. Students have many choices when it comes to their educational path and can choose between full-time courses, part-time courses, online courses, or a combination of all three.
English proficiency exam, IELTS, or TOEFL scores are required for MS in Data Science in Canada. Some colleges may need GRE as a requirement. Secondary prerequisites will be listed on the university website.
There are also a few drawbacks that you should know before you consider pursuing data science in Canada.
First and foremost, if you're studying data science for work, many companies offer jobs in Canada but are headquartered in the US. For example, Toronto-based tech giants like Facebook and Google employ Canadians, but their offices are located in Silicon Valley.
It might take you a while to realize this while you're still in school since recruiters often come to campus without giving specifics about their clients' locations—but it's worth keeping in mind as you consider your options.
Second, no doubt the education in Canada is good in comparison to what most countries provide, but when it comes to finding a job after graduation or even during your degree program, it can be hard for Canadian data science students to compete with their American counterparts.
3. The United Kingdom
The UK offers some of the best opportunities for learning how to manipulate and analyze that data. Its prestigious universities (like Oxford University and Imperial College London) make it easy for you to find your way into a career as a data scientist.
One reason we've placed the United Kingdom on our list of best countries for studying data science is because of its many job opportunities for those with degrees in this field.
According to a 2017 study from the UK's Royal Statistical Society, 77% of graduates from their top 10 universities went on to work in jobs related to their degrees.
With such a high number of jobs available to them after university, it's no wonder that so many students choose to study there!
Another reason is the high rate of growth of data science education in the UK in the past few years. Back in 2014, Imperial College London was named one of the top 10 universities for data science in the world by KDnuggets; and just this year, QS World University Rankings placed it among the top five institutions for data science.
English proficiency tests, IELTS, or PTE scores are among the requirements for post-graduate study in Data Science. In the United Kingdom, taking the GRE is not required.
While studying data science in the UK is going to be a fantastic experience.
However, still, there are some very significant drawbacks that you'll face in the later phases of your graduation. Here are some:
Tuition fees are incredibly high compared with other countries like China, India, and Brazil.
Despite this, the salary you get after graduating from a university here is much lower than in other countries, such as China and Brazil.
Plus, you might not even be able to rely on that salary because the job market for data scientists is highly competitive.
4. Australia
Studying data science in Australia is an excellent choice if you want to pursue a knowledge-based career while enjoying a laid-back lifestyle. As one of the world's most developed yet laid-back countries, Australia is the perfect place to study data science.
The country has a strong academic program and is home to several well-known engineering schools. It is ranked third in the world for its software engineers, according to Forbes magazine.
It's not only home to some of the best universities in the world, but it's also a leader in data science research and development. It has been ranked as the most innovative country globally.
In addition to this, Australia has a few more advantages when it comes to data science studies:
- The University of Melbourne was ranked number 20 in the Times Higher Education ranking of top universities. This is an especially impressive feat considering it is one of the top 100 universities in the world for both arts and science.
- Australia ranks 3rd in the world for high-quality research papers per capita. 11 Australian universities rank in the top 200 for research papers per capita.
- Australia has more than 30 institutions with data science programs listed on sites like Coursera and edX.
- Australian government agencies are working hard to recruit people who have skills in coding and data analysis to keep up with the country's needs and desires.
English Proficiency Tests- IELTS or PTE scores are recognized as a qualifying requirement for Masters of Data Science programs in Australia. In Australia, GRE scores are not a prerequisite for studying Data Science.
Individuals should go to the university's website to learn about secondary requirements.
No doubt Australia is a good place to study data science. However, before you make a decision, take time to consider some of the drawbacks of studying data science in Australia:
- Australia's startup culture is not as strong as that of other countries like Canada. This means it can be hard to find a good job if you want to stay in Australia after graduation.
- Australia has an expensive cost of living. The average rent for an apartment in Sydney is $1,500 AUD per month, with internet service costing an additional $40 AUD per month on average. Data science degrees are expensive, and this can make it particularly challenging for international students to attend university there.
5. Ireland
Ireland is going to be the last country that we'll be including in this list, but it's certainly, no less than any other on the list. Ireland might be a very small nation compared to the rest on this list.
But in, the field of data science is an absolute giant. The country has a strong reputation for high-quality education.
Some of its universities are ranked within the top 50 in the world. Studying data science in Ireland will help you build your international profile, as the degree will be recognized worldwide.
The country has a low cost of living without sacrificing the quality of life. A pint at a local pub may cost $5, but rent costs are comparatively much lower than they are in other big cities like London or New York City.
Data science is acknowledged as a priority by the Irish government, and there is a lot of funding available for research.
The Irish Data Science Academy (IDS) was founded with this purpose—to grow and support the data science industry in Ireland. IDS has been supported by companies like Google, Facebook, and Microsoft, as well as organizations like Enterprise Ireland (a government agency that supports entrepreneurship).
The country's tech industry has grown dramatically in recent years and is now worth $4.7bn. Many companies are located in Dublin, which is home to Google's European headquarters and more than 200 startups.
As a result, you'll learn about technology from industry leaders who are helping to drive the tech world forward.
The eligibility criteria for doing a master's in data science in Ireland is that you need to have a bachelor's degree, preferably in engineering, science, or commerce, with scores of more than 60%; also, you'll need to prove your proficiency in the English language by scoring 6.5 or above in IELTS and 90 or above in TOEFL.
There are many reasons why someone might decide to study data science in Ireland, but the country has two drawbacks that can make it difficult for immigrants.
- The first issue is the language barrier. English is not Ireland's native tongue, so when you move there, you'll have to learn a new language on top of everything else you're trying to accomplish.
For example, it's often difficult to get around in other countries because directions and signs are only in the local language. - The second one is quite complicated and sometimes a little too disturbing if it gets out of hand. In Ireland, there is an increasing danger of racism and discrimination due to the growing popularity of ultra-nationalist groups.
Students from migrant backgrounds can be targets for racist attacks because they are seen as taking away jobs from the Irish or because they may be viewed as having little social value due to their ethnic differences.
Many migrant students who come to Ireland to study face discrimination in housing because many landlords refuse to rent property to them, or their legal status may mean that they are forced into substandard accommodation, which puts their right to education at risk.
How do you make the best choice for you?
We have told you about the best places to study data science across the globe. Now to choose for yourself, you have to consider a few important points that you will have to think about by yourself.
Don't worry, and we'll give you the layout of what to expect before you start to pack your bags and embark on your journey as a data science student abroad.
- You need to stop focusing on which country has more top-ranked institutions for data science. You need to realize that you will only be studying at one university, not all of them.
So, consider more on what is the best institute whose curriculum attracts you to join that university, that'll help you in making a better choice rather than an attractive looking one. - You need to realize that you are not a machine and that you can adjust anywhere. So before moving, most people just dive into that where the education is best, and the university has a great campus.
If you are distracted by bad surroundings, then you won't be able to focus on your studies, and your productivity will be hindered. So, instead of making a reckless decision without considering whether or not you'll be able to fit into the environment or not, it is going to come back later and pinch you in the back. - You should know that education in a foreign country can cost you a pretty penny. Be aware of your budget and choose your university accordingly.
Otherwise, you might end up spending hours figuring out which country or university you like, only to find out it is outside of your budget and you cannot afford to move there.
Conclusion
I hope our blog was of help to you and got you steps closer to deciding which country you'll start your data science country. Unfortunately, there's no one-size-fits-all approach to choosing an ideal destination for studying data science.
The best part about studying abroad is that you can choose any country you like. So, we hope you have fun doing it.
