If you are serious about upgrading your life with a high-paying, future-proof skill, a Masters in Data Science can be one of the smartest moves you’ll ever make. The problem is not the degree, it’s the cost, especially for international students.
The good news is that there are scholarships that can cover tuition, living costs, travel, and even health insurance, if you apply the right way. In this guide, you’ll see the best scholarship for Masters in Data Science for international students options, what they cover, who can apply, and how to win them.
What a Masters in Data Science Scholarship means
A scholarship for Masters in Data Science for international students is financial support that helps you study data science abroad without paying the full cost yourself. Depending on the program, it can be:
- Full scholarship (tuition + living stipend + travel + insurance)
- Tuition waiver only (covers part or all tuition)
- Partial scholarship (a fixed amount like £5,000 or $5,000)
- Entrance scholarship (given when you get admitted)
- Merit-based or need-based support
So when people search Masters in Data Science scholarship for international students, they are often looking for fully funded options. Those exist, but they are competitive, and most of them require strong academics, a convincing motivation letter, and a clear career plan.
Expected Costs and what Scholarships Typically Cover
Before you apply, you should know what you’re trying to cover.
Common cost areas for a Masters in Data Science:
- Tuition fees (this is the biggest part)
- Living expenses (rent, feeding, transport)
- Health insurance
- Study materials and laptop needs
- Visa costs and travel
What most strong scholarships cover:
- Full tuition or a major tuition waiver
- A monthly stipend for living expenses
- Health insurance
- Travel support (common in Erasmus Mundus style programs)
This is why a scholarship for Masters in Data Science for international students can change everything. It removes the financial pressure so you can focus on learning, projects, and internships.
The Best Scholarship for Masters in Data Science for International Students
Below are curated scholarships and funding routes that fit international students pursuing a Masters in Data Science, data analytics, big data, machine learning, or closely related programs.
1) Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Scholarships (Data Science related programs)
Erasmus Mundus is one of the biggest fully funded opportunities for international students who want to study in Europe. The unique part is that you usually study in two or more countries, with a joint degree and strong mobility experience. For data science, you can find programs in big data, data engineering, AI, analytics, and software systems.
Details
What it covers (typical):
- Tuition and participation costs waiver
- Monthly living contribution
- Insurance
- Travel support (varies by program)
Who can apply: - International students worldwide (program rules vary)
Why choose it: - Fully funded routes exist, and the degree has strong international value
Requirements (typical): - Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (computer science, statistics, math, engineering, information systems)
- Strong academic results
- English proficiency (IELTS or equivalent usually)
- Motivation letter and references
How to apply: - You apply directly to the specific Erasmus Mundus program, not to a central office.
This is one of the most searched options when people type scholarship for Masters in Data Science for international students because it can be fully funded.
2) Erasmus Mundus EDISS Scholarship (Engineering of Data-intensive Intelligent Software Systems)
EDISS is a highly relevant option if your data science interest leans toward data-intensive systems, intelligent software, and AI-style engineering. It’s a joint European master’s program built around real data-driven software systems and advanced computing, and it offers scholarship routes.
Details
What it covers (program scholarship options vary by intake):
- Participation cost waivers
- Monthly grants in some scholarship categories
Who can apply: - International students globally
Why choose it: - Strong European mobility, deep data-intensive focus, and scholarship pathways
Requirements (typical): - Relevant bachelor’s background (CS, software engineering, related)
- Strong transcripts and motivation
How to apply: - Apply through the EDISS program application round and indicate scholarship interest.
3) Erasmus Mundus BDMA Scholarship (Big Data Management and Analytics)
BDMA is a well-known Erasmus Mundus program in Big Data Management and Analytics. It’s a strong fit if your Masters in Data Science goal includes both data analytics and business intelligence foundations, plus real-world decision-making skills.
Details
What it covers (typical scholarship structure):
- Participation costs (often capped per year)
- Monthly subsistence contribution
- Travel contribution (varies by student category)
Who can apply: - International students worldwide, depending on program category
Why choose it: - Direct big data focus and a structured Erasmus Mundus scholarship model
Requirements (typical): - Strong academic background in a relevant field
- English proficiency
- Motivation letter and references
How to apply: - Apply directly to the BDMA consortium during the application period.
4) EIT Digital Master School Scholarship (Data Science track)
EIT Digital is a powerful option for students who want a European double-degree style experience in technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Their Data Science track is designed for students with strong quantitative and computing foundations.
The scholarship format is usually a tuition fee waiver (full or half), not always a living stipend, so plan your finances.
Details
What it covers:
- Full tuition fee waiver or half tuition fee waiver (merit-based)
Who can apply: - International students (global applicants)
Why choose it: - Strong European network, innovation focus, and double-degree structure
Requirements (typical): - Relevant bachelor’s degree with strong math and computer science components
- Strong grades and motivation
How to apply: - Apply to the EIT Digital Master School and select scholarship consideration.
5) DAAD Scholarships for Master’s degrees in Germany (Data Science and related fields)
DAAD is one of the best-known scholarship sources for international students in Germany. For Masters in Data Science scholarship for international students, DAAD can be a serious pathway if you are applying to data science, data analytics, AI, statistics, or computing programs in Germany. The funding style depends on the specific DAAD program.
Details
What it covers (varies by scholarship program):
- Monthly stipend (for many schemes)
- Insurance
- Travel allowance (in some schemes)
- Sometimes tuition support depending on the program
Who can apply: - International students, eligibility depends on your country and program
Why choose it: - Germany has strong tech education, and DAAD is highly respected
Requirements (typical): - Bachelor’s degree
- Strong academic record
- Motivation letter, CV, references
- Sometimes work experience (depends on the scheme)
How to apply: - Use the DAAD scholarship database and apply to the scholarship and the university program following the rules.
6) Chevening Scholarships (UK master’s, including Data Science)
Chevening is a top fully funded scholarship for one-year master’s programs in the UK. It’s not limited to data science only, but you can use it for a Masters in Data Science or closely related programs in the UK. This is a major scholarship for Masters in Data Science for international students if you meet the leadership and work-experience expectations.
Details
What it covers:
- Tuition fees
- Living allowance
- Flights and additional grants (as defined by the program)
Who can apply: - Citizens of eligible countries (varies yearly)
Why choose it: - Fully funded and globally respected
Requirements (typical): - Undergraduate degree that qualifies you for a UK master’s
- Work experience requirement
- Leadership and strong career plan
How to apply: - Apply during the application window, select your courses, and submit documents.
7) Commonwealth Shared Scholarships (UK, selected courses only)
Commonwealth Shared Scholarships are designed for candidates from developing Commonwealth countries who could not otherwise afford to study in the UK. It is not open for every course and every university, because the eligible courses list changes.
If you find a Masters in Data Science or closely related data/AI program in the eligible list, it can be a strong fully funded route.
Details
What it covers (typical):
- Tuition
- Living allowance
- Travel support (as defined by the scheme)
Who can apply: - Eligible Commonwealth citizens, meeting academic and financial need rules
Why choose it: - Fully funded route targeted at students with strong development impact plans
Requirements (typical): - Strong first degree (often 2:1 equivalent)
- Proof you cannot afford study without support
- Fit into the scheme’s development focus
How to apply: - Apply through participating universities and follow the program instructions.
8) Gates Cambridge Scholarship (University of Cambridge)
Gates Cambridge is one of the most prestigious scholarships in the world. It funds postgraduate study at the University of Cambridge for students from outside the UK. If you gain admission into an eligible Cambridge master’s program related to data science, machine learning, statistics, AI, or similar, you can be considered.
Details
What it covers:
- Full-cost scholarship model (covers major study costs)
Who can apply: - Citizens of any country outside the UK applying to eligible Cambridge courses
Why choose it: - Extremely strong global reputation, powerful network, and full-cost support
Requirements (typical): - Outstanding academic excellence
- Strong reasons for course choice and impact
- Strong references
How to apply: - Apply for admission and funding in the same Cambridge application process.
9) GREAT Scholarships (UK, selected universities and countries)
GREAT Scholarships are offered through partnerships (often with the British Council and participating UK universities). They are not limited to data science only, but some universities allow them for most postgraduate taught programs, including data science related degrees.
Details
What it covers:
- A set scholarship value (varies by university, often a fixed amount)
Who can apply: - Selected nationalities depending on the university and year
Why choose it: - Useful if you need partial funding to reduce tuition cost
Requirements (typical): - Meet university admission standards
- Nationality eligibility
How to apply: - Apply to the university and the scholarship based on the school instructions.
10) Imperial College London MSc scholarships (Statistics and data science directions)
Imperial has scholarship options across departments and also specific scholarship routes for certain programs. If your target program is data science or statistics with a data science concentration, their scholarship search and departmental scholarships can be relevant.
Details
What it covers:
- Varies by scholarship (could be fees plus living contribution, or partial support)
Who can apply: - Depends on the scholarship criteria
Why choose it: - Strong data science ecosystem and high employability outcomes
Requirements (typical): - Strong academic performance and competitive application
How to apply: - Apply to the program, then apply for scholarships via the official scholarship search or department routes.
11) University of Edinburgh Data Analytics scholarships (Data and Decision Analytics)
Edinburgh has scholarships linked to analytics-related MSc programs. If your Masters in Data Science path includes analytics programs, decision analytics, or data-focused business programs, some of these scholarships can help reduce your cost.
Details
What it covers:
- Fixed award amounts (example style: £5,000 for some scholarships, depending on year and availability)
Who can apply: - Often offer-holders and eligible applicants (criteria varies)
Why choose it: - Strong brand, strong data ecosystem, and scholarships that reduce tuition pressure
Requirements (typical): - Admission offer to the specific MSc program
- Merit-based selection
How to apply: - Secure admission, then apply or be considered depending on the scholarship rules.
12) University of British Columbia Master of Data Science scholarships (Canada)
UBC has program-linked scholarship options for its Master of Data Science. This can be a great scholarship for Masters in Data Science for international students because the program itself advertises entrance scholarship opportunities for international students.
Details
What it covers:
- Entrance scholarships (some pathways show awards that can reach up to $25,000 CAD, and some pages list specific awards like $5,000 for certain campuses)
Who can apply: - International students admitted into the program and considered for awards
Why choose it: - A direct data science master’s program with scholarship routes for admitted students
Requirements (typical): - Strong academic record
- Evidence of leadership, projects, or industry strength
How to apply: - Apply for admission, then follow the program’s scholarship guidance.
Requirements to win a scholarship for Masters in Data Science for international students
Even though each scholarship is different, the winners usually look similar on paper. If you want a scholarship for Masters in Data Science for international students, your profile should show:
Academic and technical strength
- Strong GPA or class of degree
- Evidence of quantitative skill (math, stats, computing)
- Strong projects (GitHub, portfolio, Kaggle, research, thesis)
Clear career direction
- What you want to do with data science (health, finance, agriculture, cybersecurity, logistics, policy, marketing)
- Why the specific program fits your path
Documents you’ll almost always need
- International passport
- CV (clean and achievement-based)
- Statement of purpose or motivation letter
- Academic transcripts and certificate
- Letters of recommendation (2 or 3)
- English test results (IELTS, TOEFL, or approved alternatives)
- Sometimes work experience proof
Extra things that increase your chances
- A published paper, research work, or strong capstone
- Volunteer impact or leadership evidence
- A strong scholarship essay that shows outcomes, not vibes
How to apply for a Masters in Data Science scholarship for international students
If you want results, do this like a system, not like guesswork.
Step 1: Decide your target region
Pick a region based on budget, visa pathway, and job opportunities:
- Europe (Erasmus Mundus, EIT Digital, DAAD routes)
- UK (Chevening, Commonwealth options, university scholarships)
- Canada (program scholarships like UBC)
Step 2: Shortlist 5 to 8 programs first
Your scholarship success improves when you apply to programs that actually match your background.
Example shortlist:
- 2 European joint programs
- 2 UK programs
- 2 Canada or Germany programs
Step 3: Prepare your scholarship story
Your motivation letter should clearly answer:
- Why data science
- Why now
- Why this program
- What problem you will solve afterward
- Why you deserve funding
Step 4: Apply early and apply clean
Most scholarship rejections happen because of:
- Missing documents
- Weak essays
- Late application
- Wrong program fit
Step 5: Track deadlines like a professional
Create a simple tracker:
- Program name
- Scholarship name
- Deadline
- Documents needed
- Status
If you treat scholarship for Masters in Data Science for international students like a job application pipeline, your win rate goes up.
Tips that make your Application Stronger in 14 days
If you are starting late, don’t panic. Focus on the biggest impact moves:
- Polish your CV to show measurable achievements
- Build one strong project and write a clear explanation
- Get two strong referees and brief them properly
- Rewrite your motivation letter until it sounds human and confident
- Choose programs where your background clearly fits the admission requirements
FAQ about Scholarship for Masters in Data Science for International Students
What is the best scholarship for Masters in Data Science for international students?
The best scholarship for Masters in Data Science for international students depends on what you want. For fully funded European routes, Erasmus Mundus data-related programs can be powerful. For the UK, Chevening can be fully funded. For Canada, program scholarships like UBC options can reduce cost significantly.
Can I get a fully funded Masters in Data Science scholarship without work experience?
Yes, some scholarships focus mainly on academics and potential, especially program-based awards and some Erasmus Mundus routes. However, major leadership scholarships like Chevening often expect work experience, so your best strategy is to mix both categories.
Do I need IELTS for a scholarship for Masters in Data Science for international students?
Many schools ask for proof of English, but IELTS is not the only option. Some accept TOEFL or approved alternatives, and some may waive English tests if your previous education was in English. Always check the program’s official requirement.
What CGPA do I need for a Masters in Data Science scholarship?
There is no single CGPA that guarantees success, but competitive scholarships usually favor strong grades. If your grades are not perfect, you can still win with outstanding projects, strong references, and a clear, convincing motivation letter.
Can I apply for Erasmus Mundus data science scholarships without a computer science degree?
Sometimes yes, especially if you have strong math, statistics, engineering, or information systems background and you can prove programming ability. Many data science pathways accept diverse STEM backgrounds as long as you meet prerequisites.
Which countries offer the easiest data science scholarships for international students?
The “easiest” usually means the scholarships with many seats or multiple scholarship types. European joint programs often offer multiple funded seats and structured funding models. Canada and the UK also have opportunities, but they are often more competitive or partially funded.
Can I work while studying a Masters in Data Science abroad?
In many countries, international students can work part-time, but the hours and rules depend on the country and visa type. Even if you can work, do not rely on it as your main funding plan if the program is intensive.
How do I avoid scholarship scams when searching for Masters in Data Science scholarship for international students?
Avoid anyone demanding huge payment for “guaranteed scholarship” or “guaranteed admission.” Use official program pages, official scholarship portals, and verified university scholarship pages. If a scholarship cannot be found on an official website, treat it with serious suspicion.
Conclusion
A scholarship for Masters in Data Science for international students is not a miracle, it’s a strategy game. When you choose the right programs, build a strong application story, and apply early, your chances rise fast.
Start with the scholarship options listed above, pick the ones that match your background, and move like someone who is already a data scientist: organized, consistent, and evidence-driven. If you do that, a Masters in Data Science scholarship for international students can move from “wish” to “approved”.