Guide On Data Science Course Fees & Duration for 2025

As the race for skilled data professionals heats up due to the growing amount of data across industries, their relevance and importance are subsequently increasing. Now is the right time to invest in a career in data science. The global data surge and the gap between skilled individuals can prove to be a goldmine if you can crack the code to become a skilled data scientist.

To start with, you need to acquire a degree, and for that, you need to enroll in a course from a recognized university. The data science course fees and duration depend on the institution and the type of course you’re choosing. The course duration can vary from a few weeks to a couple of years. Similarly, course fees can vary from 50K to 2L for online programs and 2-3 lakhs for full-time courses.

This blog will shed light on the various data science course fees, their duration, and the job opportunities that are currently in high demand.

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.

Looking to accelerate your data science career? Explore our curated selection of top-rated courses, tailored to match your preferred data science course duration and learning goals.

• Post Graduate Certification in Data Science – IIIT-Bangalore
• Post Graduate Diploma in Data Science – IIIT-Bangalore
• MSc in Artificial Intelligence & Data Science – Jindal Global University

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.

A data science course can help you land roles like data scientist and data engineer. Enroll in upGrad’s Online Data Science Course and develop in-demand skills for a lucrative career.

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.

What is the Duration of a Data Science Course?

The duration of a data science course varies based on the program level, format, and intensity. While postgraduate programs or master's degrees may take 12 to 24 months to finish, short-term certifications and boot camps can be finished in as little as 3 to 6 months. 

Here’s a quick overview of the top data science courses and their durations:

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

What are the key factors influencing the Data Science Course Duration?

A data science course's duration is specified by a number of variables, such as your chosen course type, career objectives, and current educational background.

Knowing what affects the total duration of data science courses is important, regardless of whether you're looking at how long data science courses duration after graduation or are thinking about enrolling in a short-term program.

The following are some important variables that affect how long data science takes:

• Course Type: Master's or postgraduate diploma programs take 12–24 months, whereas certificate programs and boot camps are shorter (3–6 months).
• Learning Mode: Flexible schedules provided by online and self-paced courses may have an impact on the length of the data science course.
• Your Background: You may complete the course more quickly than someone starting from scratch if you have prior experience with technology or mathematics.
• Depth of Curriculum: The duration of the data scientist course may be increased by advanced programs that cover tools, algorithms, and real-world projects.
• Career Objective: The best short-term course for a high salary or long-term growth depends on your goals, whether they are to obtain deep expertise or get a high-paying job quickly. 

How to Select the Perfect Data Science Course for Your Goals

Before choosing a data science course, it's essential to assess how well it aligns with your career goals, time availability, and preferred learning style. Consider if you're looking for a short-term certification (3–6 months) or a comprehensive 1–2 year specialization, and evaluate the flexibility of online vs in-person formats.

Here are the key factors to help you make the right decision:

1. Course Reputation and Accreditation

Opt for programs affiliated with reputable institutions or accredited bodies, as they reflect curriculum quality and employer recognition.

Example: The Master’s in Data Science from IIM Bangalore is recognized by top employers like Amazon and Flipkart for its industry-driven learning model.

Bonus: Accredited programs from institutes like IIT Madras also ensure curriculum alignment with evolving tech trends.

2. Course Content & Specializations

Choose a course with a curriculum tailored to your interests, be it machine learning, business analytics, or big data. Ensure it includes practical applications and relevant tools.

Example: If you're targeting a role as a Machine Learning Engineer, opt for a program with deep dives into algorithms, neural networks, and model optimization.

Pro Tip: Platforms like upGrad offer a Business Analytics Certification Programme for professionals aiming to apply data science in strategic business decisions.

3. Mode of Learning and Flexibility

Your learning format should align with your lifestyle and career stage. Online courses offer flexibility for working professionals, while full-time programs provide immersive experiences.

Example: IIT Delhi’s M.Tech in Data Science is perfect for full-time students seeking academic rigor, while MIT’s online M.Sc. allows professionals to earn an advanced degree without career disruption.

4. Cost vs Value

Look beyond the cost of the courses. Consider what the program offers in terms of faculty, real-world projects, certifications, and placement support.

Example: While online certificates are budget-friendly, programs like the Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate are widely respected and can lead to roles in tech startups and enterprise teams.

5. Student Support & Networking

Robust support services and networking opportunities can significantly accelerate your job search and industry exposure.

Example: upGrad’s data science programs provide 1:1 mentorship, personalized resume feedback, and active placement support — helping you secure roles at companies like Fractal, Tiger Analytics, and more.

Conclusion

It has become more important than ever to be smart in choosing the right data science courses, as the demand for professionals with high knowledge and skills continues to rise. Evaluating the available options for data science course fees, duration, value, and more aspects carefully ensures that you have a higher value for the money invested.

It is important to focus on making sure that the course you choose aligns with your interests, strengths, and career objectives. Choosing a course just based on the brand value doesn't always turn out to be fruitful.

As industries rapidly accelerate towards adopting newer methods and techniques to become more successful, it is important to invest in the right courses as they build your foundation and ensure that you have a good career trajectory.

Need guidance on choosing the right data science course? Connect with upGrad’s expert counselors for personalized counselling sessions tailored to your career goals. You can also visit your nearest upGrad offline center for more detailed support and information.

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