Master of Science [MS] (Data Science)
Field of Study:
$38,990 /Yr
Master of Data Science at Monash University: Fees, Eligibility and Career Outcomes for Indian Students
The Master of Data Science at Monash University (course code C6004) is a 2-year full-time programme based at the Clayton campus in Melbourne, Australia. Monash ranks #37 globally (QS World University Rankings 2026) and is placed in the top 50 worldwide for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (QS Subject Rankings 2025) — making it one of the highest-ranked Data Science programmes in the Asia-Pacific region. The programme is accredited by the Australian Computer Society (ACS) and offers two capstone pathways: an industry experience project or a research thesis.
The total cost for Indian students is approximately AUD 1,17,000–1,32,000 (~₹76.9–86.8 lakhs) including tuition and living expenses over 2 years. Graduates are eligible for Australia's Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) for 2 years of post-study work. Entry-level data science salaries in Australia range from AUD 70,000–90,000 (~₹46–59 lakhs/year).
Admission Status (April 2026): Applications for the July 2026 intake are open. The recommended deadline for international students is December 17, 2026 for the July 2027 intake. Apply early — offers are made on a rolling basis and popular intakes fill quickly.
- Why Study MS Data Science at Monash University?
- Monash MS Data Science Fees for Indian Students (2026)
- Cost of Living in Melbourne for Indian Data Science Students
- Monash MS Data Science Admissions for Indian Students
- Curriculum Overview
- Monash University Data Science Rankings
- Scholarships for Indian MS Data Science Students at Monash
- Placements and Career Outcomes
- ROI: Is the Monash MS Data Science Worth It for Indian Students?
- FAQs
Why Study MS Data Science at Monash University?
- Top 50 globally for Data Science & AI: QS Subject Rankings 2025 — one of the highest-ranked programmes in Australia.
- Two capstone options: Choose between an industry experience project (with a real company) or a research thesis — both count toward ACS accreditation.
- Open to non-IT backgrounds: Entry Level 1 accepts students from any bachelor's degree with foundation units included in the programme.
- Post-study work rights: 2-year Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) with unrestricted work rights after graduation.
- Melbourne tech ecosystem: Home to major employers including Deloitte, ANZ, NAB, Telstra, REA Group and CSIRO Data61.
Monash MS Data Science Fees for Indian Students (2026)
Exchange rate used: AUD 1 = ₹65.74 (as of April 13, 2026 — Wise/Investing.com). All INR figures are approximate and subject to rate fluctuations.
| Fee Component | Per Year (AUD) | Per Year (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition Fee (2026, international) | AUD 43,600 | ₹28.7 lakhs |
| Total — Entry Level 1 (2 years) | AUD 87,200 | ~₹57.3 lakhs |
| Total — Entry Level 2 (1.5 years) | AUD 65,400 | ~₹43 lakhs |
Entry Level 1 (96 credit points, 2 years) is for students without a prior IT/computing background. Entry Level 2 (72 credit points, 1.5 years) is for students with a relevant IT or computing undergraduate degree. Indian students from engineering, computer science or IT backgrounds typically qualify for Entry Level 2.
Cost of Living in Melbourne for Indian Data Science Students
Monash University officially estimates AUD 30,000–45,000/year for a single international student's living expenses (excluding tuition).
| Expense Category | Monthly (AUD) | Monthly (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Food & groceries | AUD 250–400 | ₹16,400–₹26,300 |
| Transport (Myki card) | AUD 100–150 | ₹6,600–₹9,900 |
| Utilities & phone | AUD 80–120 | ₹5,300–₹7,900 |
| Books & materials | AUD 50–80 | ₹3,300–₹5,300 |
| Recreation & social | AUD 150–250 | ₹9,900–₹16,400 |
| Total (excl. accommodation) | AUD 630–1,000 | ₹41,400–₹65,700 |
On-Campus Accommodation (Clayton Campus, 2026 official rates):
| Room Type | Annual Cost (AUD) | Annual Cost (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Shared flat (3–5 bed) | AUD 14,377 | ₹9.45 lakhs |
| Standard bedroom with private bathroom | AUD 16,185 | ₹10.6 lakhs |
| Studio apartment (Urban Community) | AUD 19,824 | ₹13 lakhs |
| 1-bedroom apartment | AUD 21,202 | ₹13.9 lakhs |
All on-campus rooms include electricity, gas, water, internet and laundry. Off-campus private rentals near Clayton typically cost AUD 900–1,400/month (~₹59,200–₹92,000).
Part-time work: On an Australian Student visa (subclass 500), you can work 48 hours per fortnight during term time. At Australia's minimum wage of AUD 24.10/hour (2025), this allows you to earn approximately AUD 1,157/fortnight (~₹76,100) to offset living costs.
Monash MS Data Science Admissions for Indian Students
Intakes and Deadlines:
| Intake | Start Date | Recommended International Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| February 2026 | February 2026 | Applications ongoing — apply immediately |
| July 2026 | July 2026 | Apply now — rolling offers |
| February 2027 | February 2027 | ~October 2026 (recommended) |
| July 2027 | July 2027 | December 17, 2026 |
Eligibility (Indian Equivalents):
- Entry Level 1 (2 years): Any bachelor's degree from a recognised Indian university with a minimum credit average (60%+). No prior IT background required.
- Entry Level 2 (1.5 years): Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, IT, Engineering or a related field with a minimum credit average (60%+). Prior programming and mathematics knowledge required.
- GRE/GMAT not required
Application Process:
- Apply online via the Monash University international application portal
- Submit academic transcripts (with certified English translation if applicable)
- Proof of English language proficiency
- Proof of identity (passport)
- Apply for credit transfer if eligible (to reduce duration from 2 years to 1.5 years)
- No application fee for direct applications via Monash portal
English Language Proficiency (ELP):
| Test | Minimum Score |
|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | 6.5 overall, no band below 6.0 |
| TOEFL iBT | 79 overall |
| PTE Academic | 58 overall |
Indian students who completed their undergraduate degree taught in English at a recognised Indian institution may be eligible for an ELP waiver — confirm directly with Monash IT admissions.
Curriculum Overview
The Master of Data Science has two entry levels and two capstone pathways. International students must enrol in 4 units per semester.
Entry Level 1 — Foundation Units (Year 1, Semester 1):
- FIT9132 Introduction to Databases
- FIT9136 Algorithms and Programming Foundations in Python
- FIT9137 Introduction to Computer Architecture and Networks
- MAT9004 Mathematical Foundations for Data Science and AI
Core Master's Units (Year 1, Semester 2 — Year 2, Semester 1):
- FIT5145 Introduction to Data Science
- FIT5197 Statistical Data Modelling
- FIT5147 Data Exploration and Visualisation
- FIT5196 Data Wrangling
- FIT5202 Data Processing for Big Data
- FIT5125 IT Research and Innovation Methods
- FIT5057 Project Management
Capstone (Year 2, Semester 2) — choose one:
- Industry Experience Stream: FIT5120 Industry Experience Studio Project (12 credit points) — work with a real industry partner
- Research Stream: FIT5126/5127/5128 Masters Thesis (Parts 1–3) — requires 80%+ average in Level 5 units
Data Science Elective options include: Machine Learning (FIT5201), Applied Data Analysis (FIT5149), Malicious AI (FIT5230) and Data Analysis for Semi-Structured Data (FIT5212).
Monash University Data Science Rankings
| Ranking Body | Subject / Category | Rank | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| QS World University Rankings by Subject | Data Science and Artificial Intelligence | Top 50 globally | 2025 |
| QS World University Rankings | Overall | #37 globally | 2026 |
| QS World University Rankings by Subject | Data Science and AI — Australia | #5 in Australia | 2025 |
| ShanghaiRanking (ARWU) | Computer Science | #1 in Australia (9 subjects) | 2025 |
| Accreditation | Australian Computer Society (ACS) | Accredited | Active |
Scholarships for Indian MS Data Science Students at Monash
| Scholarship | Value | Eligibility | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monash International Merit Scholarship | Up to AUD 10,000 (~₹6.6 lakhs) off tuition | GPA 95/100+ equivalent; automatic consideration | Rolling |
| Monash International Leadership Scholarship | Partial tuition support | Leadership potential; international students | May 10, 2026 (check 2027 dates) |
| Monash Graduate Research Scholarships | Full tuition + AUD 35,000 stipend/year | Research stream students; highly competitive | Round 1: March 31, 2026 |
| Monash-Data61 Scholarships | Full funding | Research stream; partnership with CSIRO Data61 | Check official IT faculty page |
The Monash Graduate Research Scholarship is only available to students who qualify for and enrol in the Research Stream capstone. It is highly competitive and requires an 80%+ average in Level 5 units.
Placements and Career Outcomes
Monash Data Science graduates are hired across:
| Role | Average Salary (AUD) | Average Salary (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Data Scientist (entry, 1–3 yrs) | AUD 81,000–117,000 | ₹53.2–76.9 lakhs |
| Data Engineer | AUD 110,000–125,000 | ₹72.3–82.2 lakhs |
| Machine Learning Engineer | AUD 110,000–130,000 | ₹72.3–85.5 lakhs |
| Business Intelligence Analyst | AUD 100,000–115,000 | ₹65.7–75.6 lakhs |
| Data Architect | AUD 120,000–140,000 | ₹78.9–92 lakhs |
Top employers of Monash IT graduates: Deloitte, ANZ Bank, NAB, Telstra, REA Group, CSIRO Data61, IBM, Accenture and various Melbourne-based tech startups.
Monash University ranks #41 globally for graduate employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings) with 95% of graduates employed within 4 months.
ROI: Is the Monash MS Data Science Worth It for Indian Students?
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Total cost — Entry Level 2 (1.5 yrs, tuition + living) | AUD 90,000–1,00,000 (₹59.2–65.7 lakhs) |
| Total cost — Entry Level 1 (2 yrs, tuition + living) | AUD 1,17,000–1,32,000 (₹76.9–86.8 lakhs) |
| Average starting salary (Australia) | AUD 81,000–90,000/year (~₹53–59 lakhs) |
| Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) | 2 years post-study work rights |
| Break-even period (at AUD 85,000 salary) | ~13–15 months of Australian employment |
Indian students with a CS/IT background who qualify for Entry Level 2 get the best ROI — completing the degree in 1.5 years at a lower total cost with a faster break-even timeline.
The Monash Master of Data Science is one of the strongest Data Science programmes in Australia for Indian students — particularly those from engineering or IT backgrounds who can enter at Level 2 and complete in 1.5 years. The ACS accreditation, top-50 global ranking for Data Science and AI, and the industry experience capstone make graduates highly employable. The 2-year Temporary Graduate visa provides a clear pathway to work and potential PR in Australia.
FAQs
Ques. Can Indian students without a computer science background apply for the Monash Master of Data Science?
Ans. Yes. The Master of Data Science at Monash has two entry levels. Entry Level 1 (2 years, 96 credit points) is open to students from any bachelor's degree — including engineering, mathematics, economics or science — with a minimum 60% average. The first year includes four foundation units covering Python programming, databases, computer architecture and mathematical foundations for data science. Entry Level 2 (1.5 years) is for students with a prior IT or computing degree.
Ques. What is the total fee for the Monash MS Data Science for Indian students and how does it compare to similar programmes?
Ans. The 2026 annual tuition fee is AUD 43,600 (₹28.7 lakhs). The total tuition over 2 years (Entry Level 1) is AUD 87,200 (₹57.3 lakhs) and over 1.5 years (Entry Level 2) is AUD 65,400 (~₹43 lakhs). Adding living costs of AUD 30,000–45,000/year, the total investment ranges from ~₹59–87 lakhs depending on entry level and lifestyle. This is comparable to similar programmes at UNSW and University of Melbourne but with a stronger Data Science & AI subject ranking (top 50 globally vs top 100 for most peers).
Ques. What are the post-study work rights and PR pathway for Indian students after completing the Monash MS Data Science?
Ans. After completing the programme, Indian graduates are eligible for Australia's Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485), which provides 2 years of unrestricted work rights in Australia. Data Science and related roles (SOC codes for ICT professionals) are on Australia's Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), making graduates eligible to apply for Permanent Residency through the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) or State Nominated visa (subclass 190) after gaining relevant work experience in Australia.
Tuition Fees
| Year | 1st Year Fees |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fees | $38990 (AUD 55700) |
Other Expenses
| Head | Avg Cost Per Year |
|---|---|
| Housing | $11088 (AUD 15840) |
| Food | $7000 (AUD 10000) |
Per Credit Cost: $1102
Previous Year Tuition Fees
| Year | 1st Year Fees |
|---|---|
| 2024 | $37030 (AUD 52900) |
| 2023 | $32690 (AUD 46700) |
| 2021 | $22759 (AUD 32513) |
Important Dates
This course commences in February 2026 and July 2026. We recommend applying early for the best chance of admission.
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TOP Scholarships
| Scholarship name | Award amount | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Dean Study Grant | $10,000 | All Admitted Students |
Key Resources for Your Study Abroad Journey
Course Guides
Masters in Data Science in Australia: Fees 2025, Top Colleges, Admissions, Placements & Salaries
MS in Australia: Top Universities, Application Process, Cost, Scholarships and Job Prospects
Programs Comparison
| ranking | # 40 for Data Science and Analytics by QS World University 2025 | # 51 for Data Science and Analytics by QS World University 2025 | - | - | # 141 for Sciences by Times Higher Education 2022 # 201 for Sciences by Academy Ranking of World Universities 2022 |
| application | - | - | - | - | - |
| exam scores | IELTS - 6.5/9PTE - 58/90TOEFL - 79/120 | IELTS - 6.5/9TOEFL - 90/120 | IELTS - 6.5/9PTE - 64/90TOEFL - 87/120 | IELTS - 6.5/9PTE - 58/90TOEFL - 79/120 | IELTS - 6.5/9PTE - 71/90TOEFL - 90/120 |
| cost to study | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -USD 58690.1 | - | - | - | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -USD 22680 |
| documents required | #Letter of Recommendation + Statement of Purpose | #Letter of Recommendation + Statement of Purpose | #Letter of Recommendation + Statement of Purpose | #Letter of Recommendation + Statement of Purpose | #Letter of Recommendation + Statement of Purpose |
| application dates | - | Nov 6, 2025 (Application Deadline for Term 3 Grouped round 1 2026 Intake) Dec 25, 2025 (Application Deadline for Term 3 Grouped round 2 2026 Intake) Feb 12, 2026 (Application Deadline for Term 3 Grouped round 3 2026 Intake) | - | Dec 31, 2026 (Application Deadline for La Trobe High Achiever Scholarship) | Aug 3, 2026 (Application Deadline For Fall 2026 Intake) Sep 21, 2026 (Course Start Date for Fall 2026 Intake) |
| Admission Criteria/Better to Have | - | For entry into this degree, you must have one of the following:
| - | - | - |
| - | Read Full Comparison | Read Full Comparison | Read Full Comparison | Read Full Comparison |
College Student Profiles
Scholarship Grants & Financial Aids
| Name | Scholarship Per Student | Level of Study | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Axol Science Scholarship | Scholarship per student$ 1,400/Yr$2,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeCompany-Sponsored | |
| Business Administration Scholarships | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam International Postgraduate Scholarships 2020 | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyMaster | TypeCollege-Specific | |
| VueVille Future Technology Scholarship | Scholarship per student$ 700/Yr$1,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Go Clean Scholarship | Scholarship per student$ 2,450/Yr$3,500 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Bharat Petroleum Scholarship | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyMaster | TypeMerit-Based |
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