MS Data Science
A rigorous, STEM-designated master's at the heart of New York City. NYU's Center for Data Science blends machine learning, statistics and big-data engineering — and qualifies you for up to three years of work in the US on OPT.
- ✓ Study at NYU — ranked #38 in the world (QS 2025), in the heart of NYC's tech and finance scene
- ✓ A STEM-designated master's — qualify for 36-month OPT work authorisation
- ✓ Learn from world-leading faculty in machine learning, statistics and data engineering
This master's builds a rigorous foundation in data science — machine learning, statistical modelling, big-data systems and their real-world application. You'll work on capstone projects with real datasets and industry partners across NYC's tech, finance and media sectors.
Graduates move into data-scientist, ML-engineer and research roles across the US and the GCC — and, because the program is STEM-designated, qualify to work in the US for up to three years on OPT.
Same field, different universities
| University | Country | Level | Duration | Tuition/year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NYU ★ This programme | 🇺🇸 USA | Master's | 2 years | $42,000 |
| Imperial (Computing) QS #2 | 🇬🇧 UK | Master's | 1 year | £46,000 |
| Manchester QS #35 | 🇬🇧 UK | Master's | 1 year | £29,500 |
| Warsaw Tech QS ~550 | 🇵🇱 Poland | Bachelor's | 3.5 years | €3,500 |
| ELTE Budapest QS ~584 | 🇭🇺 Hungary | Bachelor's | 3 years | €3,200 |
Your counsellor helps you compare and apply to multiple programmes simultaneously — at no cost.
What you'll need
| Academic | Bachelor's in a quantitative field (CS, maths, stats, engineering), GPA 3.3+ | |
| Programming | Proficiency in Python; linear algebra & calculus | |
| English | TOEFL iBT 100 / IELTS 7.0 | |
| GRE | Recommended (quantitative-heavy profiles) | |
| Documents | Resume, SOP, 3 recommendations, transcripts, passport | |
Not sure your quantitative background is strong enough? Your counsellor reviews your profile and suggests bridging options — at no cost.
Core modules
Career outcomes
$120,000+
Median starting salary for NYC data scientists
3-year OPT
STEM-designated work authorisation
94%
Employed within 6 months of graduating
Top recruiters
Google, Meta, Two Sigma, Bloomberg, Spotify
Application timeline
Tuition fees & costs
| Tuition (international) | Per annum | $42,000 |
| Total programme cost | 2 years (~36 credits) | ~$84,000 |
| Enrolment deposit | Required to confirm seat & I-20 | $500 |
| SEVIS fee (I-901) | One-time US government fee | $350 |
Funding you may be eligible for
Alternative funding options
Designed for international STEM master's students at top-ranked US universities. No cosigner required; rates based on future earning potential. NYU is an eligible school.
Data science students can do paid internships via CPT. Summer data-science internships in NYC pay $8,000–$12,000/month at tech and finance firms — offsetting costs and building your US resume.
Monthly budget in New York City
New York City is one of the most expensive US cities, but places you at the centre of the tech, finance and media industries — with unmatched internship and career access.
F-1 visa financial proof: NYC living expenses run ~$35,000–$45,000/year in addition to tuition — shown via bank statements or a sponsor letter.
F-1 visa requirements
| Visa type | F-1 Student Visa | |
| I-20 required | Certificate of Eligibility issued by NYU | |
| SEVIS fee (I-901) | $350 (one-time, paid before interview) | |
| Visa application fee | $185 | |
| Financial proof | ~$85,000/year (tuition + NYC living expenses) | |
| Post-graduation (OPT) | 12 months + 24 months STEM extension = 36 months | |
Your counsellor guides you through the full F-1 process — from I-20 to embassy interview preparation.
Hear from our students
"NYU's Data Science master's put me right in the middle of NYC's tech scene. The STEM designation gives me 3 years to work in the US. My summer internship at a hedge fund turned into a full-time offer. My counsellor guided the whole application."
"NYC is the ultimate place to study data science — every major tech and finance firm is here. The capstone project gave me real-world experience with a real company that made all the difference in interviews."
Frequently asked questions
Ready to apply to NYU?
Start your free application with a counsellor who knows US STEM master's — and the funding you qualify for.