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Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Data Science

University of Canterbury

New Zealand,Christchurch

0 Shortlist

12 Months

Duration

CAD 36,400/year

Tuition Fee

CAD 0 FREE

Application Fee

Jul 2026

Apply Date

New Zealand, Christchurch

Type: University

Location Type: Urban

Founded: 1957

Total Students: 22,734 +

Int. Students: 6,000 +

Campus Detail

Main Campus Address

20 Kirkwood Avenue, Upper Riccarton, Christchurch 8041, New Zealand

Overview
Key Facts
Fees & Funding
Admission Requirements
Additional Info
Scholarships
Student Visa
Work Permit

Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Data Science

Program Overview

Data science is a new profession emerging along with the exponential growth in size, and availability of 'big data'. A data scientist provides insight into future trends from looking at past and current data. This is an essential skillset in a world where everything from education to commerce, communication to transport, involves large-scale data collection and digitalisation.

This Postgraduate Diploma is designed to accommodate students from a range of backgrounds (not just those with Mathematics, Statistics, and Computer Science majors), who want to enhance or build their data science capabilities and combine these with the skills and knowledge they bring from their previous studies. So long as you are data-hungry and industry-aware; this degree can add to your employability and career prospects.

Detailed Program Facts

Program Level

Postgraduate Certificate / Diploma

Application Processing Days

30 Days

Program Intensity

Full-Time

Duration of Program

12 Months

Program Intakes

Intake Month/Year		Intake Status
jul 2026		Open
jul 2025		Closed
feb 2026		Open

Application Fee

Application Fee: CAD 0 FREE

Tuition Fee

CAD 36,400 per year

*Note: The fee is approximate and is subject to change

Living Cost in University of Canterbury

CAD 20,000 per year

*Note: The fee is approximate and is subject to change

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

Check program website for more information about funding options.

English Test Requirements

IELTS
- Minimum Overall Score - 6.5 - 6 - With No Band Less Than
TOEFL
- Minimum Overall Score - 90.0 Minimum Listening - 19.0 Minimum Reading - 19.0 Minimum Writing - 19.0
PTE
- Minimum Overall Score - 58.0

Minimum Level of Education Required: To be accepted into this program, applicants must have a Bachelor's Degree.

Minimum CGPA Required: 70.00 %

Additional Information

Career Opportunities

According to industry experts, data scientists know what the technology can offer, what analytics are possible, and can communicate on all those aspects to the wider business. This applies no matter the field or sector, as data and analytics have become so important and integral to organisational decision making. Graduates will be ready to work in a range of industries including: government, corporates, the IT sector, market research and finance, agriculture, and transport.

Aotearoa New Zealand and other countries are currently experiencing a skills shortage in this area, and the need for data savvy professionals with applied experience is growing.

An Applied Data Science graduate's skills will include:

Advanced knowledge in data science
The ability to use data to inform workplace solutions
Planning and implementing data-informed projects
Working in multidisciplinary teams
Have an understanding of what programing can offer.

Scholarships

General Scholarships

Scholarship Type	Award Amount	Brief Description	Value/Benefits:	Level of Study	Closing Date	Tenure	Number Available Annually	Applicable Enrolment During Tenure	Citizenship/Residency Requirements	Special Requirements
Go Waitaha Canterbury Scholarship (Incoming First-Year Scholarship)	$15,000 for fees at a university hall and priority consideration for a place in a hall, + educational development programme	To apply for this scholarship, please use the UC Incoming First-Year Scholarships 2026 application form. Applications open 12 June 2025 and close 7 August 2025. This scholarship supports students from outside the Greater Christchurch area in their first year of study at Te Whare W?nanga o Waitaha \| University of Canterbury while residing at a hall of residence recognised by the University.	a. Assistance with fees for accommodation at a hall of residence recognised by the University, at a value of $15,000, and priority consideration for a place in a hall. b. At no cost, the opportunity to participate in the Te Kakau a M?ui Programme, a bespoke mentoring and development programme. c. At no cost, educational outdoor recreational field trips showcasing the UC campus and ?tautahi Christchurch lifestyle in Waitaha Canterbury, organised by the University in the first year of study. d. At no cost, a range of workshops and seminars organised by the University for personal, academic, and professional development.	Incoming First-Year Undergraduate	11:59 pm (NZT) 7 August (Applications open approximately 8 weeks before this date) )	One year	90	The scholarship is tenable during full-time enrolment for a full year in any programme at the University. The scholarship must be taken up in Semester One of the year following the year of application.		In the year of application (or in the previous year if on a gap year), applicants must be attending a school and/or living outside the Greater Christchurch area.
Helen Macmillan Brown Bursary (Incoming First-Year Scholarship)	$2,500	To apply for this scholarship, please use the UC Incoming First-Year Scholarships 2026 application form. Applications open 12 June 2025 and close 7 August 2025. The purpose of this bursary is to support female students residing in a hall or village that the University of Canterbury recognises as being affiliated with the University.	Financial assistance at a value of $2,500 per 1.00 EFTS of enrolment	Incoming First-Year Undergraduate	11:59 pm (NZT) 7 August (Applications open approximately 8 weeks before this date)	One year	Up to ten	The scholarship is tenable during full-time or part-time enrolment in the first year of an undergraduate degree programme at the University of Canterbury		Must identify as female and a resident of a hall that the University of Canterbury recognises as being affiliated with the University
Jim Wakefield Scholarship (Incoming First-Year Scholarship)	$5,000 per annum for up to 4 years	To apply for this scholarship, please use the UC Incoming First-Year Scholarships 2026 application form. Applications open 12 June 2025 and close 7 August 2025.. The scholarship supports old boys of Timaru Boys’ High School at Te Whare W?nanga o Waitaha \| University of Canterbury.	Financial assistance at a value of $5,000 per annum for up to four years	Incoming First-Year Undergraduate	11:59 pm (NZT) 7 August (Applications open approximately 8 weeks before this date)	Normally, the scholarship is tenable for three years. Recipients may apply, through the University of Canterbury Foundation, for an extension of one year for completion of a four-year undergraduate degree programme	One	The scholarship is tenable during full-time enrolment in a programme for an undergraduate degree at the University		Applicants must be either current pupils of Timaru Boys’ High School, or past pupils of Timaru Boys’ High School on a gap year. The scholarship is tenable by students who were enrolled at Timaru Boys’ High School for at least three years.
Rotary Club of Christchurch Blackgrove Scholarship (Incoming First-Year Scholarship)	$5,000	To apply for this scholarship, please use the UC Incoming First-Year Scholarships 2026 application form. Applications open 12 June 2025 and close 7 August 2025. The purpose of this scholarship is to support students intending to study at the University of Canterbury who face challenges that might otherwise prevent them from considering entry to tertiary education.	Financial assistance at a value of $5,000	Incoming First-Year Undergraduate	5:00 pm (NZT) 7 August (Applications open approximately 8 weeks before this date)	One year	One	The scholarship is tenable during full-time enrolment in the first year of an undergraduate degree programme at the University of Canterbury		Must have left secondary school not more than two years prior to commencing the first year of full-time study at the University of Canterbury, and must have resided continuously in the Canterbury regional council area for at least 12 months immediately preceding the closing date for applications, or preceding the start of a gap year. Preference will be given to applicants who have been educated within the Christchurch City territorial authority
UC International First Year Scholarship (NZ School-Leaver Incoming First-Year Scholarship)	$15,000	To apply for this scholarship, please use the UC Incoming First-Year Scholarships 2026 application form. Applications open 12 June 2025 and close 7 August 2025. The information below is for international students who are currently studying at a secondary school in Aotearoa New Zealand. If you are studying offshore or at UCIC, please refer to the listing for the October application round. The purpose of this scholarship is to recognise and support top-achieving international students who have completed, or are currently completing, a university-entrance qualification at a New Zealand secondary school, and will be commencing an undergraduate degree programme at the University of Canterbury.	Financial assistance with tuition fees, at a value of $15,000	Incoming First-Year Undergraduate	11:59 pm (NZT) 7 August (applications open approximately 8 weeks before this date)	One year	Up to 10	The scholarship is tenable during full-time enrolment in a first year of a programme for an undergraduate degree at the University of Canterbury	Must be a full-fee paying international student. May not be a citizen of Aotearoa New Zealand or Australia, hold an Aotearoa New Zealand residence class visa, or be a Permanent Resident of Australia	Applicants must have completed, or be completing, a University Entrance qualification, and have studied at secondary level in Aotearoa New Zealand in the year of application (or in the previous year if they are on a gap year)
DIALOG Fitzroy University of Canterbury Engineering Scholarship (Incoming First-Year Scholarship)	$5,000 (1year scholarship) or $15,000 per annum and a possibility of an offer of a summer internship (2-year scholarship)	To apply for this scholarship, please use the UC Incoming First-Year Scholarships 2026 application form. Applications open 12 June 2025 and close 7 August 2025. The purpose of this scholarship is to support undergraduate Engineering students at Te Whare W?nanga o Waitaha \| University of Canterbury from the Taranaki region.	a. Financial assistance at a value of $5,000 (1-year scholarship) or $15,000 per annum (2-year scholarship) b. Two-year scholarship only: A possibility of an offer of a paid internship at the DIALOG Fitzroy offices in Ng?motu New Plymouth	Incoming First-Year Undergraduate	11:59 pm (NZT) 7 August (Applications open approximately 8 weeks before this date)	One year or two years	One 1-year scholarship and one 2-year scholarship	The scholarship is tenable during full-time enrolment at the University in the recipient’s first year, or first and second years (as applicable), of study in a programme for a BE(Hons) degree with one of the following specialisations: Chemical and Process Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Natural Resources Engineering		Applicants must be completing a university entrance qualification in the Taranaki region in the year of application (or, in the case of a gap year, in the year immediately prior)
Wairarapa Takah? UC Engineering Scholarship (Incoming First-Year Scholarship)	$4,500	To apply for this scholarship, please use the UC Incoming First-Year Scholarships 2026 application form. Applications open 12 June 2025 and close 7 August 2025. The purpose of this scholarship is to recognise and support promising students from north Wairarapa who intend to complete a programme for a Bachelor of Engineering with Honours (BE(Hons)) degree in Civil or Natural Resources Engineering at the University of Canterbury.	Financial assistance at a value of $4,500	Incoming First-Year Undergraduate	11:59 pm (NZT) 7 August (Applications open approximately 8 weeks before this date)	One year	One	The scholarship is tenable during full-time enrolment in a first year of a programme for a Bachelor of Engineering with Honours (BE(Hons)) in Civil or Natural Resources Engineering at the University of Canterbury		Must be either currently studying at secondary level in the territory of the Masterton District Council, or, in the case of a gap year, have studied at secondary level in the territory of the Masterton District Council in the year immediately prior to the year of application
UC Engineering International Scholarship (NZ Incoming First-Year Scholarship)	$10,000	To apply for this scholarship, please use the UC Incoming First-Year Scholarships 2026 application form. Applications open 12 June 2025 and close 7 August 2025. The information below is for international students who are currently studying at a secondary school in Aotearoa New Zealand. If you are studying offshore or at UCIC, please refer to the listings for the October and/or March application rounds. This scholarship recognises top international scholars and supports them in study towards an undergraduate Engineering degree at Te Whare W?nanga o Waitaha \| University of Canterbury in ?tautahi Christchurch, Aotearoa New Zealand.	Financial assistance with tuition fees at a value of $10,000	Incoming First-Year Undergraduate	11:59 pm (NZT) 7 August (Applications open approximately 8 weeks before this date)	One year	Up to 35 (across three application rounds)	The scholarship is tenable during full-time enrolment in a first year of a programme for a BE(Hons) degree (please see "Special Requirements" below for restrictions)	Recipients must be full-fee-paying international students. Applicants may NOT be: a. citizens of Aotearoa New Zealand or Australia; b. permanent residents of Australia; or c. holders of Aotearoa New Zealand residence class visas.	Applicants cannot be current or former students in a programme for a BE(Hons) degree at the University
Nelson Science Scholarship (Incoming First-Year Scholarship)	$8,000 per annum for up to 4 years	To apply for this scholarship, please use the UC Incoming First-Year Scholarships 2026 application form. Applications open 12 June 2025 and close 7 August 2025. The Nelson Science Scholarship was founded in memory of his wife Chrissie Mayo Evans and his mother Louisa Bishop Evans by an old boy of Nelson College who for some years was closely connected with Canterbury College. The purpose of this scholarship is to support ex-pupils of Te Kura Tamat?ne o Whakat? \| Nelson College studying sciences at Te Whare W?nanga o Waitaha \| University of Canterbury.	Financial assistance at a value of $8,000 per annum for up to four years	Incoming First-Year Undergraduate	11:59 pm (NZT) 7 August (Applications open approximately 8 weeks before this date)	Up to four years	At least two	The scholarship is tenable during full-time or part-time enrolment in a Bachelor of Science (BSc) and, if applicable, a BSc(Hons) and/or a Master of Science (MSc) at the University		Recipients must have been enrolled at Te Kura Tamat?ne o Whakat? \| Nelson College for not less than two years. Recipients, on 1 March of the year of tenure, must be at least 16 years old
University of Canterbury India High Achievers Scholarship	$5,000 - $10,000 towards fees	This scholarship recognises and supports international students with strong academic abilities from India who are beginning their educational journey in New Zealand at Te Whare W?nanga o Waitaha \| University of Canterbury.	Undergraduate: • Contribution to tuition fees of $5,000 paid in the first year of study. Postgraduate: • Contribution to tuition fees of $10,000 paid in the first year of study.1	Undergraduate, Postgraduate	24 October 2025 (Semester 1 2026 start) and 30 April 2026 (Semester 2 2026 start)	One year	Varies	Full-time study in an undergraduate or postgraduate degree programme at the University.	Applicants must be: • New full-fee paying international students • Must be a citizen of India
University of Canterbury Southeast Asia High Achievers Scholarship	$5,000 - $10,000 towards fees	This scholarship recognises and supports international students with strong academic abilities from Southeast Asia who are beginning their educational journey in New Zealand at Te Whare W?nanga o Waitaha \| University of Canterbury.	Undergraduate: • Contribution to tuition fees of $5,000 paid in the first year of study. Postgraduate: • Contribution to tuition fees of $10,000 paid in the first year of study.1 .	Undergraduate, Postgraduate	24 October 2025 (Semester 1 2026 start) and 30 April 2026 (Semester 2 2026 start)	One year	Varies	Full-time study in an undergraduate or postgraduate degree programme at the University.	Applicants must be: • New full-fee paying international students • Must be a citizen of Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam

Bursary Awards

The University of Canterbury has introduced a Bursary Awards to support students in their journey to study at UC. This initiative offers additional financial assistance and is aimed at helping students take the next step toward joining us in the Semester 2, 2025 intake.

Key details of the Bursary Awards:

Provides a 10% Tuition Fee Discount, capped at NZ$5,000.
Available exclusively to students of Indian nationality commencing studies in Semester 2, 2025 intake.
Eligible students will deduct the scholarship amount directly when paying their tuition fees.
Cannot be combined with any other scholarship awarded by the University of Canterbury.

International student awards

UC Business School offers three categories of awards for international students. These awards are applied as a tuition fee reduction. Your eligibility is assessed as part of the application process for eligible programmes. Find out about international student awards.

UC Business School offers four categories of awards for international students:

Dean’s Award
South East Asia Award
Fast Track Award
Partnership Award

These awards are applied as a tuition fee reduction, with eligibility assessed as part of the application process for eligible programmes. There is no need to submit a separate application.

Award values

Program	Overview	Award Value
Bachelor of Commerce	The award will be continued at the same value beyond the first year in this qualification, if a student achieves a B+ average in the preceding year (for a maximum of two additional years or until the degree is completed, whatever comes first). This means students can receive up to $12,000 over the course of the Bachelor of Commerce degree.	$4,000
Master of Applied Finance and Economics		$6,000
Master of Business Administration		$6,000
Master of Business Information Systems		$6,000
Master of Business		$6,000
Master of Professional Accounting		$6,000
Bachelor of Commerce (Honours)		$4,000
Postgraduate Diploma in Business		$4,000
Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration		$4,000
Postgraduate Diploma in Business Information Systems		$4,000
Postgraduate Diploma in Information Systems and Technology		$4,000
Master of Commerce (thesis only)		$4,000
Master of Commerce		$6,000

Eligibility Criteria - India

Eligibility for these awards varies depending on a student’s country of citizenship and the country where they completed their qualifying degree.

Dean’s Award

Enrolling in the Bachelor of Commerce for the first time with:

80% average or better in the Indian School Certificate (ISC) or All-India Senior School Certificate (AISSC).
A- average or better in the UCIC Foundation Studies Certificate, or another New Zealand university Foundation Studies programme.
B+ average or better in the UCIC UTP programme.
60% average or better from an eligible UC Business School Indian dual degree programme or advanced standing pathway at an elite institution; 65% average or better at a Section 1 institution; 70% average or better at a Section 2 institution; or, 75% average or better at a Section 3 institution.
60% average or better in the NCUK International Year One Business programme.

Enrolling in an eligible UC Business School postgraduate programme for the first time with:

65%/7.0 average or better in an Indian undergraduate degree at an elite institution.
70%/7.5 average or better in an Indian undergraduate degree at a Section 1 institution.
75%/8.0 average or better in an Indian undergraduate degree at a Section 2 institution.
80%/8.5 average or better in an Indian undergraduate degree at a Section 3 institution.
60% average or better from an eligible UC Business School Indian dual degree programme or advanced standing pathway at an elite institution; 65% average or better at a Section 1 institution; 70% average or better at a Section 2 institution; or, 75% average or better at a Section 3 institution.
B+ GPA or better in a UC undergraduate degree or the UC Diploma in Advancing University Studies.
A- GPA or better in another New Zealand undergraduate degree.
A- equivalent GPA or better in an undergraduate degree from any country.
A- score or better in the CCEL EAP 2 programme.

Fast Track Award
Students enrolling in the Bachelor of Commerce for the first time, not eligible for a Dean’s Award, who have achieved university entrance at a New Zealand high school in the 12 months prior to their proposed UC commencement date.

Work Permit

PGWP

With the coming of the new regulations, the New Zealand government has taken significant steps for international students. According to their pedagogy, students having completed Level 4 to 6 and non- degree level 7 qualifications with an additional year for Graduate Diploma Graduates of the qualifications get a one year work visa, the students having completed Level 4 to 6 and non- degree level 7 qualifications outside Auckland with an additional year for Graduate Diploma Graduates of the qualifications get a two year work visa the ones who have completed Level 7 or above get a three year work visa. Elaborate information on the visa is given on the dedicated institutional websites.
The highest paying jobs in New Zealand are: