During the age of digital revolution, data is the new oil that runs all spheres and industries, such as finance and healthcare, to retail and logistics. The need to have and employ a qualified data scientist keeps rising as companies increasingly use data to make critical business decisions. Australia is becoming a competitive place to pursue a Master’s in Data Science owing to its world-ranked universities, research-oriented learning, and industry links to international students and prospective professionals.
In case you are planning to obtain a Master’s degree in Data Science, this blog can present the best 10 universities in Australia to study Data Science in 2025, their peculiarities, their programs, and the prospects to study at these universities as an international student.
1. University of Melbourne
- Program: Master of Data Science
- Duration: 2 years
- Location: Melbourne, Victoria
- QS World University Ranking 2025: #14 globally
The University of Melbourne also has a globally recognised Master of Data Science that integrates the power of its School of Computing and Information Systems with the Mathematics and Statistics department. The course gives a sound background on statistics, machine learning, and data management.
Why Choose Melbourne?
- Emphasis on practical data analysis using real-world datasets.
- Access to the Melbourne Data Analytics Platform.
- Strong industry collaborations, including internships and projects.
2. Australian National University (ANU)
- Program: Master of Machine Learning and Computer Vision / Master of Applied Data Analytics
- Duration: 1.5 – 2 years
- Location: Canberra, ACT
- QS World University Ranking 2025: #30 globally
ANU provides a liberal and interdisciplinary program during which students select one specific route of either pure data science or applied analytics. The Master of Applied Data Analytics is also a suitable option in the case of professionals who need to upskill.
Why Choose ANU?
- Government-backed research opportunities.
- Leading research centres in AI and machine learning.
- Proximity to federal government and public-sector analytics jobs.
3. University of Sydney
- Program: Master of Data Science
- Duration: 1.5 – 2 years
- Location: Sydney, New South Wales
- QS World University Ranking 2025: #18 globally
The University of Sydney course is well known for providing a balance between computer science, statistics, and business decision-making. Students get practical exposure to industry tools such as R and Python, SQL, and Tableau.
Why Choose Sydney?
- Strong industry engagement through capstone projects.
- Data Science Innovation Hub for startups and research.
- Vibrant tech and financial services industries in Sydney.
4. University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney)
Program: Master of Data Science and Decisions
Duration: 1.7 years
Location: Sydney, New South Wales
QS World University Ranking 2025: #19 globally
UNSW Sydney has an interdisciplinary degree based in Mathematics & Statistics, Computer Science, and Business. The program equips students with complicated decisions based on data analytics tools.
Why Choose UNSW?
- Ranked among the top engineering and technology faculties globally.
- Flexible course structure with electives in AI, finance, and operations.
- Access to the AI Institute and extensive industry links.
5. Monash University
- Program: Master of Data Science
- Duration: 2 years
- Location: Melbourne, Victoria
- QS World University Ranking 2025: #42 globally
Monash has an extended applied data science program where the specialization streams are Big Data, Machine Learning, and Data Engineering. The learning model tailored towards the industry is perfect in the case of career changers and technologists.
Why Choose Monash?
- Integrated internship opportunities.
- Strong international partnerships and global campuses.
- Access to Monash Data Futures Institute.
6. University of Queensland (UQ)
- Program: Master of Data Science
- Duration: 1.5 – 2 years
- Location: Brisbane, Queensland
- QS World University Ranking 2025: #40 globally
UQ data science degree combines computer, mathematics, and statistics to enable students to develop a technical and problem-solving understanding. The program pays much attention to responsible AI and data ethics.
Why Choose UQ?
- Brisbane’s growing tech industry.
- Opportunity to collaborate with research organisations like CSIRO.
- Access to state-of-the-art facilities and labs.
7. University of Technology Sydney (UTS)
- Program: Master of Data Science and Innovation
- Duration: 2 years
- Location: Sydney, New South Wales
- QS World University Ranking 2025: #90 globally
UTS has a reputation for industrial-relevant education. So This Master of Data Science and Innovation combines design thinking, innovation, and entrepreneurship with core data science.
Why Choose UTS?
- Flexible and future-focused curriculum.
- Industry mentors and networking events.
- Located in Sydney’s innovation and startup precinct.
8. RMIT University
- Program: Master of Data Science
- Duration: 2 years
- Location: Melbourne, Victoria
- QS World University Ranking 2025: Top 150 globally in Computer Science
RMIT Master of Data Science revolves around Big Data analytics, cloud computing, and business intelligence. Having firm connections with the industry, there are several possibilities to work on the project in real life in the program.
Why Choose RMIT?
- Industry placement and work-integrated learning.
- Courses co-designed with companies like IBM and Microsoft.
- Strong focus on employability and entrepreneurship.
9. Deakin University
- Program: Master of Data Science
- Duration: 1.5 – 2 years
- Location: Melbourne, Victoria
- QS World University Ranking 2025: Top 250 globally
However, Deakin provides a professional and vocational course with specialisations in data analytics and business intelligence, and AI. The course will establish excellent computational thinking and data visualisation.
Why Choose Deakin?
- Access to Deakin’s Applied Artificial Intelligence Institute.
- Flexible learning with online and on-campus options.
- High graduate employment rate.
10. Macquarie University
- Program: Master of Data Science
- Duration: 2 years
- Location: Sydney, New South Wales
- QS World University Ranking 2025: Top 200 globally
However, The structure of the program developed by Macquarie aims at having a profound grasp of data mining, cloud computing, machine learning, and advanced statistical methodologies. The school is also the first of its kind to deal with the study of actuary in Australia and offers a firm mathematical basis.
Why Choose Macquarie?
- Located in Sydney’s Macquarie Park Innovation District.
- Opportunities for research and co-op programs.
- Competitive tuition fees and scholarship options for international students.
Career Opportunities After a Master of Data Science in Australia
A Master of Data Science from a top Australian university can open doors to roles like:
- Data Scientist
- Data Analyst
- Machine Learning Engineer
- Business Intelligence Analyst
- Data Engineer
- AI Specialist
- Quantitative Analyst
Industries Hiring Data Scientists in Australia:
- Banking & Finance
- Healthcare
- E-commerce
- Government & Policy
- Telecommunications
- Energy & Utilities
- Education and Research
According to job market trends, the average salary for data scientists in Australia ranges from AUD 90,000 to AUD 130,000 per year, depending on experience and specialization.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
Most top Australian universities offer merit-based scholarships and need-based financial assistance for international students. Some notable options include:
- Australia Awards Scholarships
- Destination Australia Scholarships
- University-specific scholarships (e.g., Melbourne International Graduate Scholarship, UQ International Scholarship)
- Research Training Program (RTP)
Students are also allowed to work part-time (up to 48 hours per fortnight), which can help cover living expenses and build professional experience.
Final Thoughts
Studying Data Science at the Master’s level in Australia in 2025 is a prudent choice for international students who want to pursue a career having high growth and being technology-oriented. Australia has an ideal environment due to its world-renowned faculty and curriculum, close connections in the tech sector, and multicultural campuses that would allow any aspiring data professional to thrive in their practice.
Be it that you want to shift into the domain of data or broaden your already existing talent pool, the 10 best colleges in our ranking provided in this guide will serve as a decent foundation to start your career flow in the sphere of data science.
Planning Your Application?
At Cliftons Study Abroad, we help you find the right university, prepare compelling applications, secure scholarships, and assist with your visa process — all under one roof.
Contact us today to take the first step toward your Data Science career in Australia!
