Study Data Science in Australia

Looking to study data science in Australia? Explore top courses, fees and career pathways in our comprehensive guide.

Why study data science in Australia?

Australia has a world-class reputation for educational standards, with Australian universities ranked among the best globally. Our data science courses are designed to meet international standards, so you’ll graduate with a qualification that you can take anywhere.

Learning in Australia is characterised by cutting-edge technologies, the ability to personalise your degree with a wide range of majors and minors, and work-integrated learning that helps you gain practical experience and build a professional network.

Beyond hands-on data science skills, Australian data science courses teach you to effectively communicate to both technical and non-technical audiences, work in a team and pay attention to relevant legal and ethical issues. These are transferable skills that are useful in many industries.

To assist you in making a well-informed decision about studying data science in Australia, we will explore the following topics on this page

Top data science courses in Australia

Here are the top data science courses that can be undertaken across Australia, with a spotlight on the offerings at RMIT University. Learn everything you need to know about the courses, admission requirements and associated costs.

1. Bachelor of Data Science

A Bachelor of Data Science is a four-year undergraduate course that covers the analysis and management of large amounts of data from various sources, as well as the skills to evaluate insights and solutions. This includes data analytics, statistics, computer science, machine learning, programming, mathematics and data wrangling. At RMIT, you have access to experts with strong industry connections, as well as programming bootcamps for Python and R, and studios to develop your relevant skills.

2. Master of Data Science

A Master of Data Science is a two-year postgraduate course that helps you further develop the ability to extract insights and opportunities from vast masses of data collected by different organisations around the world. At RMIT, we focus on giving you hands-on experience analysing data in live business settings. You’ll also gain access to RMIT’s Centre for Information Discovery and Data Analytics, which connects you with data scientists, project partners and field researchers.

3. Graduate Certificate in Data Science

A Graduate Certificate in Data Science is a six-month postgraduate course that adds vital data skills to your repertoire. These include the ability to handle data through the analysis lifecycle, from access and processing to modelling and visualisation. You’ll also learn how to turn complex, real-world data into meaningful information. At RMIT, you study with active professional experts, under the guidance of our Industry Advisory Committee, who guarantee course material evolves according to sector needs.

English language requirements

To study design at RMIT, you’ll need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:

  • IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 6.5 (with no individual band below 6.0)
  • TOEFL (Internet Based Test – IBT): minimum overall score of 79 (with minimum of 13 in Reading, 12 in Listening, 18 in Speaking and 21 in Writing)
  • Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum score of 58 (with no communication band less than 50)
  • Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): minimum of 176 with no less than 169 in any component.

*Please use this as a guide only. You are strongly advised to check the minimum English requirements required for your preferred course.

Career pathways

There are data science roles available across many industries, whether you’re interested in future-focused work such as building prediction models, or finding elegant solutions to problems backed by statistical evidence. Data science courses provide in-demand, transferable skills, which can lead to employment in roles such as:

  • scientific data engineer
  • online data analyst
  • machine learning engineer
  • business intelligence developer
  • data miner
  • principal data engineer
  • data analytics specialist
  • data consultant.

Other factors to consider before studying abroad

Location

When thinking about the place that will be your home for the next few years, consider factors such as safety, culture, infrastructure and more. Think about how far away from home you want to live and whether you have a dream university in mind. Additionally, consider the reputation of the city among future employers. For example, Melbourne is widely recognised as Australia’s best city for students and consistently ranks among the Most Liveable Cities in the World.

Course academic requirements

Academic requirements can vary between different business courses, so it’s important to review the specific details of your preferred course before applying. For instance, the Bachelor of Data Science degree will have different academic requirements to a Master of Data Science, due to the variations in the level of study or equivalent experience required for certain postgraduate courses.

Tuition fees

Tuition fees are also course-specific, so make sure to check the annual fees listed on your preferred course’s page. Most universities display these fees on their course pages, providing the most accurate and up-to-date information. The range of tuition fees can significantly change based on the level of study, making the course pages the most reliable source for tuition fee details.  

Cost of living

A city’s cost of living is another vital factor to consider. Manage your costs by considering factors such as accommodation options (on-campus vs off-campus), transportation expenses and potential work options while studying. In addition to everyday living expenses, remember study-related costs beyond course fees. This may include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) and other fees associated with your course. Conducting thorough research will help you create a realistic budget and make informed financial decisions.

University academic rankings

When shortlisting universities, research academic rankings to gain a comprehensive view of a university’s strengths. Influential rankings such as QS World University Rankings, Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU) and Times Higher Education (THE) World Rankings evaluate universities based on criteria like teaching, academic reputation, research impact, student satisfaction and employability. While rankings provide insights, they should be considered alongside other factors such as course offerings, faculty expertise and location. 

Why study data science at RMIT?

Industry input

Learn from industry leaders, who help shape the curriculum for maximum relevance.

Practical learning

Immerse yourself in hands-on data analysis from the very beginning of your studies.

Grow your network

Connect with experts and project partners, as well as analysts working in the field.

Book a session

Book a session

You can also book an 1-on-1 online or phone consultations with our team about your study options, entry requirements, eligibility, scholarships and much more. 

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.