Comprehensive Guide to Data Science Course Fees and Career Roadmap for 2025

The data science course fees are closely linked to the reputation of the institution. For instance, a full-time master’s in Data Science at IIT Bombay can cost upwards of INR 2-3 lakhs per year, whereas upGrad may offer online programs with fees ranging from INR 50K to INR 2L.

The increasing demand for data science professionals is visible, with the number of jobs requiring data science skills expected to grow by 27.9% by 2026.

This justifies investment in data science courses as it opens up career opportunities in data analytics, machine learning, and business intelligence.

Stay ahead in data science, and artificial intelligence with our latest AI news covering real-time breakthroughs and innovations.

Understanding Data Science Course Fees: What to Expect?

Data science course fees vary based on factors like the institution's reputation, course type (online or in-person), and duration. Private colleges, such as BITS Pilani, often charge higher fees for specialized programs, while public universities, like IIT, offer more affordable fees with a well-established curriculum.

Here’s an overview of fees for data science courses across colleges and specializations (Master's or Diploma), helping you make an informed decision.

Data Science Course Fees at IITs: An Overview

The data science course fees at Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) depend on the type of degree, the mode of delivery (online or offline), and whether the IIT is a top-tier institution or not.

Here’s a look at the different courses and fees at IIT.

Having explored the data science course fees at IITs, let's now look at the data science programs offered at IIMs.

Data Science Course Fees at IIMs: Key Insights

Data science courses offered by Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) have higher fees, with certifications costing INR 1L to INR 3L, depending on the institution and duration.

Here’s the data science course fees for IIMs.

Now that you’ve explored data science course fees for IIMs, let’s look at some undergraduate data science courses.

Data Science Course Fees for Undergraduate Programs: Breakdown

Fees for data science undergraduate programs vary from INR 50K to INR 5L, depending on the duration, such as a 4-year B.Tech course or a 3-year BSc (Hons) course. Additionally, online programs are generally more cost-effective than in-person courses.

Now that you’ve seen data science course fees for undergraduate programs, let’s move on to postgraduate programs. 

Postgraduate Online Data Science Course Fees: Detailed Guide

Postgraduate online data science courses include Executive Programs, Master’s degrees, MBA with a specialization in Data Science, and Ph.D. programs. To enroll in these courses, you need a valid graduate degree in a relevant field.

Here’s the detailed course structure for online data science courses for postgraduate programs.

Data Science Course Fees at International Colleges: Global Comparison

Master’s in Data Science in the United States can range from INR 25L to INR 60L per year, with top universities like Stanford or MIT charging higher amounts. In Europe, fees are generally more affordable, with programs in countries like the UK costing between INR 10L to INR 43L.

Here are the different data science courses offered by international colleges.

Apart from the course fees, you need to bear additional charges like software licences and examination fees. Let’s look at these charges.

Additional Costs of Data Science Courses: Key Considerations

While the tuition fee forms the major part of your cost, there are additional monetary requirements like software license fees and project costs.

Here are the additional costs involved with data science courses.

• Learning Materials

Many data science courses need textbooks, research papers, or access to online resources. You may need to spend anywhere from INR 5K to NR 20K annually, depending on the program and course structure.

• Software Licenses

Common data science tools like Python, R, Matlab, or SAS may require paid licenses. Individual students may need to purchase licenses for personal use, which may cost between INR 10K and INR 50K annually.

• Hardware

A powerful laptop or desktop with sufficient RAM, storage, and processing power is essential for data science. It can cost anywhere between INR 40K to INR 150K.

• Networking and Conference Fees

Attending industry conferences, networking events, or workshops comes with additional costs, such as registration fees, travel, and accommodation. Depending on the event, you could spend anywhere from INR 5K to INR 30K.

• Project Costs

In some cases, you may be required to pay for specialized industry data sets or cloud computing resources needed for your projects. This could add another INR 10K to INR 20K to the total cost of the program.

The additional costs may add to your financial burden, but given the career opportunities in data science, they can be a worthwhile investment. 

Now that you’ve considered the total cost of your data science course, let’s explore the syllabus and key topics you’ll need to study.

Overview of the Data Science Course Syllabus

As part of your data science course syllabus, you need to study topics like statistics, programming, machine learning, and data visualization. In addition, mastering essential data science tools like Hadoop for big data, Matplotlib for visualization, SQL for databases, and AWS for cloud storage is crucial.

Here’s a look at the data science course syllabus. 

Also Read: Data Science Course Syllabus: Everything You Need to Know

Now that you’ve explored the syllabus and key details of data science courses, let’s take a look at the career opportunities in this field.

Top Career Opportunities in Data Science After Completing the Course

A data science course opens job opportunities like data scientist and data engineer, roles which are focused on analyzing data to extract insights.

Here’s the data science career after completing a data science course.

Source: Glassdoor

Also Read: Career in Data Science: Jobs, Salary, and Skills Required

Now that you’ve explored the data science career after completing your course, let’s take a look at how to choose the right data science course.

How to Select the Perfect Data Science Course for Your Goals?

You should consider factors such as duration (short 3-month certification or a 2-year specialization) and flexibility (online or in-person) before choosing a data science course. 

Here are the key factors to help you select the right course.

• Course Reputation and Accreditation

Accredited programs from well-known institutions, such as IIT Madras, ensure the curriculum is up-to-date with industry standards, helping with employment prospects.
Example: Master’s in Data Science from IIM Bangalore provides strong industry recognition, opening doors to roles at leading companies Amazon. 

• Course Content & Specializations

A focus on real-world applications, such as natural language processing or big data analytics, ensures you can work with tools for roles like Machine Learning Engineer.
Example: if you're interested in Machine Learning, look for a program that offers in-depth modules on algorithms and deep learning. 

Learn how to use data science skills to drive business decisions within an organization. Join the Business Analytics Certification Programme and build your specialization in this field.

• Mode of Learning and Flexibility
  Online courses provide flexibility, allowing you to study at your own pace. Full-time, offline programs provide comprehensive learning and networking opportunities.

Example:  IIT Delhi’s M.Tech in Data Science is ideal for full-time learners, while an online M.Sc. offered by MIT allows you to earn a degree while continuing to work.

• Cost vs Value
  While online certifications from online platforms like Coursera are more affordable, they may not carry the same weight as certificates accredited by tech companies. 

Example: Industry-standard Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate can still lead to lucrative job opportunities at tech companies or startups.

• Student Support & Networking
  Courses that offer access to industry-specific communities or career services provide valuable connections, helping you land jobs in top companies.

Example: upGrad’s data science courses offer mentorship, resume building, interview preparation, and placement assistance.

Also Read: How Can Students Leverage LinkedIn For Better Career Opportunities?

Now that you've understood the key criteria for selecting the right data science course, let’s explore how you can further build your expertise in this field.

How upGrad Can Accelerate Your Data Science Career?

It is important to evaluate factors like course content, accreditation, flexibility, and career support. upGrad’s flexible, industry-relevant online programs are designed to help you build the skills needed to succeed in this rapidly evolving field.

With over 1 crore learners and 250+ industry experts, upGrad is the leading platform offering upskilling for both new learners and experienced professionals.

Here are some courses offered by upGrad that can help you in data science.

• Advanced SQL: Functions and Formulas
• Data Science in E-commerce
• Introduction to Tableau
• Data Structures & Algorithms
• Case Study using Tableau, Python and SQL

Do you need help deciding which courses can help you in data science? Contact upGrad for personalized counseling and valuable insights. For more details, you can also visit your nearest upGrad offline center.

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References:
https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/data-scientist-salary-SRCH_KO0,14.htm
https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/data-engineer-salary-SRCH_KO0,13.htm
https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/machine-learning-engineer-salary-SRCH_KO0,25.htm
https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/business-intelligence-analyst-salary-SRCH_KO0,29.htm
https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/data-analyst-salary-SRCH_KO0,12.htm