Topic:

Introduction

Data is the new monetary unit. However, simply having access to it is meaningless if we can’t use it to draw actionable insights. We need skilled data scientists to comprehend and evaluate the data, produce and share significant insights, as well as use the data ethically and recognise its limitations. Managing the influx of new data, which is increasingly being utilised to make choices, is a big and growing challenge for modern companies. 

Data science recognises the growing relevance of data-driven discovery in science and technology as computational and simulation science, which will prepare you to work at the cutting edge of this sector. 

Why study Data Science in Australia?

Courses in Australia are structured to help you make a successful transition into your chosen career. Australian education institutions focus on supporting you in your professional and personal growth, so you have the appropriate skills and experiences when you graduate.  

No background needed: 

  • If you are a high school graduate, you can start with a Bachelor’s degree in a Data Science program 
  • If you have already completed a Bachelor’s degree in related disciplines such as Mathematics, Statistics or Computer, you can apply for a Master of Data Science. However, if your bachelor study is not related to these disciplines, you still can apply for a data science course. 

Contact us at [email protected] or fill out the inquiry form to know which universities you can apply for – Our team will give you free consultation and free application process.  

 Multiple start dates:

  • Australian universities will normally have 2 or 3 intakes each year, which makes it more flexible for international students to commence their program based on their individual situation. Multiple start dates also mean more flexibility with the different units and payments. 

Stay longer in Australia:

  • By studying Data Science for 2 years or more in higher education (a Bachelor, Master, or PhD degree), students will be eligible for a 2-4-year Postgraduate Visa (485). For Data Science graduates, they can also use this working visa to prepare for their future migration options.  

What data science programs might you study in Australia?

  • Bachelor of Data Science: The Bachelor of Data Science is an undergraduate degree program that immerses students in the world of data-driven knowledge. Graduating from this course, students can be equipped with essential skills in data analysis, programming, machine learning, and data visualisation. 
  • Graduate Certificate in Data Science: The program is ideal for individuals looking to upskill or transition into the field of data science without committing to a full master’s degree. It’s also suitable for those already working in related fields who want to expand their data science capabilities. 
  • Graduate Diploma of Data Science: The Graduate Diploma of Data Science is a comprehensive postgraduate program designed to provide a deeper and more extensive understanding of data science principles and applications. Building upon the foundational knowledge from a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, this diploma program steps into advanced topics in data analysis, machine learning, data mining, and statistical modelling. 
  • Master of Data Science: The Master of Data Science is an advanced and specialised postgraduate program that equips students with a comprehensive understanding of data science theory and practice. This intensive program is designed for individuals seeking to become experts in data analytics, machine learning, artificial intelligence, and other data-driven disciplines. Upon completion, they are qualified for roles such as Data Scientist, Machine Learning Engineer, Data Analyst, AI Specialist, and more. 

 If you want to know which program/s is best for your future career and for your migration plan, contact SOL Edu today at [email protected] or fill in the inquiry form. We will offer you free consultation and free application process.  

 

Entry Requirements

  • For a Bachelor’s course, normally applicants are required to have completed  Year 12 or a Diploma and attained IELTS between 6.0 / 6.5.  
  • For a Master’s course, normally applicants are required to have completed a Bachelor’s degree and attained IELTS between 6.0 / 6.5.  

Which university or institution offer data science courses in Australia?

Bachelor Level:  

Monash University – Bachelor of Data Science 

Queensland University of Technology QUT – Bachelor of Data Science 

University of Wollongong – Bachelor of Data Science and Analytics 

University of New South Wales – Bachelor of Data Science and Decisions 

University of South Australia – Bachelor of Mathematics (Data Science) 

 

Graduate Diploma Level  

University of South Australia – Graduate Diploma in Data Science 

Flinders University – Graduate Diploma in Data Science 

University of Adelaide – Graduate Diploma in Data Science 

University of New South Wales – Graduate Diploma in Data Science 

La Trobe University – Graduate Diploma in Data Science 

 

Master’s Level  

Flinders University – Master of Data Science 

Federation University – Master of Data Science 

University of Adelaide – Master of Data Science 

University of Queensland – Master of Data Science 

Queensland University of Technology – Master of IT Data Science 

University of Western Australia – Master of Data Science 

University of South Australia – Master of Data Science 

Monash University – Master of Data Science 

University of Canberra – Master of Data Science 

Swinburne University of Technology – Master of Data Science 

University of Southern Queensland – Master of Data Science (MADS) 

James Cook University – Master of Data Science (Professional) 

The University of New South Wales – Master of Data Science and Decisions

What are entry requirements for international students to study data science courses?

For a Bachelor’s course, normally applicants are required to have completed Year 12 or a Diploma and attained IELTS between 6.0 / 6.5.  

For a Master’s course, normally applicants are required to have completed a Bachelor’s degree and attained IELTS between 6.0 / 6.5.  

What are career outcomes after graduation from data science courses?

  • Analytics Consultant 
  • Analytics Manager 
  • Analytics Programmer 
  • Business Analyst 
  • Business Intelligence Specialist 
  • Business Strategist 
  • Data Analyst 
  • Data Architect 
  • Data Engineer 
  • Data Scientist 
  • Data Strategist 
  • Data Systems Developer 
  • Data-Driven Decision Maker 
  • Energy Auditor 
  • Information Analyst 
  • Information Manager 

How to pass skills assessments for data science degree holders in Australia?

Due to a high demand in the force market, data related occupations are recognised as skilled occupations that are nominated for permanent visas in Australia. For immigration purposes, data science degree holders need to pass a skill assessment assessed by one of approved authorities in Australia.  

If your occupation title is Analyst Programmer, Data Scientist, Software engineer or Systems Analyst, the organisation to assess your skills is Australia Computer Society (ACS). There are clear criteria that graduates must meet to be considered for a positive assessment. 

(1) For those who have completed an Australian bachelor’s degree or higher with an ICT major 

  • If you obtain a bachelor’s degree or higher from an Australian university, with a ICT major which is closely related to your nominated occupation, then you only need 1-year relevant work experience after the completion date in order to apply for Post Australian Study Skills Assessment. Or applicants could choose to complete a ACS Professional Year program to replace the 1-year relevant work experience requirement. 

(2) For those who have completed a bachelor’s degree or higher with an ICT major overseas 

  • If the ICT courses you took are closely related to your nominated occupation, then you need a minimum of 2 years of relevant work experience within the past 10 years, or you must have 4 years of relevant work experience in your previous employment history. 
  • If the ICT courses you took are not closely related to your nominated occupation, then you must get at least 4 years working to be eligible for general skilled assessment. 

(3)    For those who have completed a bachelor’s degree or higher with an ICT minor 

  • If you have completed a course with an ICT minor that is closely related to your nominated occupation, then you must meet one of the following requirements: (1) you must have at least 5 years working in the relevant field in the past 10 years, or (2) you must gain 6 years of work experience in the industry any time previously. 
  • If you have completed a course with an ICT minor which is not closely related to your nominated occupation, then you are required to have at least 6 years working in the relevant field. 

(4)    For those who complete a Diploma/Advanced Diploma/Associate Course 

  • If the applicant has completed Diploma, Advance Diploma or Associate Diploma courses with an ICT Major that is closely related to the nominated occupation, then they are required 5 years relevant work experience completed within the past 10 years; or 6 years relevant work experience completed anytime in their previous work history. 
  • If the applicant has completed a course with an ICT Major that is not closely related to your nominated occupation, they must have 6 years relevant work experience completed anytime in their previous work history. 

 It is important to note that data science courses cover broad knowledge and skills, so you can apply for numerous occupations after graduation. For skill assessment and migration purposes, you should choose a major and occupation that are listed on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).  

 

Want to know which data science courses and which data science related occupations are eligible for a migration skill assessment? Contact SOL Edu today at [email protected] or fill out the inquiry form. Our team will reach out to you within 24 hours at the latest!  

What is the PR pathway for a Data Science degree holders?

Step 1: Apply for a 485 visa 

After completing a at least 2 years Computer Science Course, you are eligible to apply for visa 485 (Post-Higher Education Work stream). You are required to have at least IELTS 6.0 (no band less than 5) to apply for this visa.  

Under visa 485, you can stay in Australia for 2-5 years depending on your degree and nationality. However, if you undertook and completed at least  2 years of study in a ‘Regional Area’ such as the Gold Coast, Adelaide or Perth, you can be eligible for an additional 1 or 2 years of the 485 Visa Thus, you will have more time to prepare yourself for permanent residence (PR) or a temporary visa that can lead to a PR. 

Step 2: Apply for a PR or a visa that can lead to a PR 

There are plenty of pathways that can help you migrate to Australia after you have completed an accredited computer science course in Australia. Below are the common options:  

Skilled visas    

  • 189 – Skilled Independent (subclass 189) – is a points-tested visa, allowing you to live and work permanently in any state or territory in Australia. The minimum score that you are required to be considered for a visa invitation is 65, but you may need a higher score to increase your chance of getting an invite.   
  • 190 – Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) – is a permanent residence visa but you need a nomination from one of Australian states or territories to apply for this visa. Each state may have its own occupation list and additional requirements, so you must investigate if you meet all the state’s eligibility criteria before asking for a nomination.   
  • 491 – Skilled Work Regional (provisional) visa (subclass 491) is not permanent, but it can lead to a PR (visa 191). You must commit to stay and work in your nominating regional Australia for a minimal period of time and achieve at least 65 points to be apply for this visa.    

Employer Sponsored visas   

  • 186 – Employer Nomination Scheme visa (subclass 186) – allows you to work and stay indefinitely in Australia. To be eligible for this visa, you must be nominated by an approved employer and have at least 3 years of work experience and pass the skill assessment as a civil engineer.   
  • 482 – Temporary Skilled Shortage (subclass 482) Medium Term Stream – allows you to stay and work in Australia for up to 4 years. To apply for this visa, you must have an employer who is willing to sponsor you. You will have a high chance of getting a PR after a 482 visa.   
  • 494 – Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (provisional) (subclass 494) is applicable for you if you have a regional employer who is willing to sponsor you. You must accumulate at least 3 years working as a civil engineer and obtain a relevant skills assessment.  

 

Contact SOL Edu today at [email protected] to know which visa option is best for you! 

FAQs

What is Data Science?

Data Science is an interdisciplinary field that involves the extraction of insights, knowledge, and valuable information from data through various methods, algorithms, and processes. It combines elements of statistics, mathematics, programming, and domain expertise to analyse and interpret big and complex datasets. 

What is the entry requirement for graduate certificate in data science?

To be eligible for enrollment in a graduate certificate in data science course, you must have successfully completed a Bachelor’s degree or its equivalent. Additionally, meeting the English language proficiency requirement, which is typically an IELTS score of 6.5, is essential for international students. However, some universities may accept the IELTS 6.0.  

While some universities specifically ask for a Bachelor’s degree in information technology, computer science, or a mathematics-related field, others may not have such requirement. If you wish to know if your bachelor’s degree and English level meet the entry requirements for the course of your choice, contact SOL Edu today for free consultation!  

How much does it cost to study Master of Data Science?

The cost of studying data science in Australia can vary depending on the level of education and the specific university or institution. If you apply for a G8 Australian university, the tuition fee may be around 45,000 – 50,000 per year. However, the tuition fees of lower ranking universities should be more affordable, around 30,00 – 40,000 per year.  

What is the difference between computer science and data science?

  • Computer Science: is a broad discipline that covers the theoretical foundations of computation, algorithms, data structures, software development, computer hardware, networking, and more. It deals with designing and building software and hardware systems, and it explores topics like artificial intelligence, computer graphics, and computer theory. 
  • Data Science: on the other hand, focuses specifically on extracting knowledge and insights from data. It involves data analysis, data visualization, statistics, machine learning, and data mining. Data Science aims to uncover patterns, trends, and valuable information from large datasets to make data-driven decisions and predictions. 

In term of application  

  • Computer Science: has applications in various areas, including software development, system administration, web development, mobile app development, gaming, and computer engineering. 
  • Data Science: finds applications in fields like business analytics, finance, healthcare, marketing, social sciences, natural sciences, and many more, where data-driven insights are used to optimise processes, solve problems, and make informed decisions. 

What is expected salary in Data Science in Australia?

The medium base annual salary for a graduate in Data Science is between AU$53,000 and AU$105,000 (Statistics from PayScale Australia)  

Interested in studying Data Science in Australia?

Contact SOL Edu today for free counselling, and a free application process!