Domestic students in Australia are eligible for a Commonwealth supported place (CSP), which is a government subsidy that can substantially reduce higher education costs. Undergraduate courses often provide CSPs, but availability is more restricted at the postgraduate level. While you can find programs like postgraduate data science courses that offer CSP, the number of places is generally limited. To find further details about CSPs, you can refer to this article.
With the rising demand for professionals who can leverage data to support digital transformation within modern organisations, a postgraduate degree in data science can provide a strategic way to future‑proof your career. Securing a CSP for your course can significantly alleviate your financial obligations. In this article, we highlight a selection of postgraduate data science programs available in Australia that offer CSP for your consideration.
For postgraduate courses, the Graduate Certificate of Data Science at La Trobe University provides the highest CSP discount for data science, enabling you to save 79 per cent on tuition fees. Continue reading to explore more data science courses for postgraduate students across Australia that are supported by this subsidy.
Postgraduate CSP data science courses with the biggest discounts in 2026
The postgraduate data science courses listed below, pulled from StudyNext Australia’s course catalogue, are ranked by CSP discount from highest to lowest, with percentages rounded out to the nearest whole number.
We’ve only included courses where the universities publish full‑fee and CSP pricing information, making it possible to estimate the discount offered. These institutions present this information in different formats. At La Trobe University, Deakin University, Griffith University and the University of New England, both CSP and full‑fee pricing are displayed directly on the course pages. On the other hand, the University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ) lists CSP pricing on the course page, while full-fee details are provided separately on the university website.
For UniSQ, full-fee costs are published per unit, so the discount is calculated by adding up the unit prices to determine the overall course fee.
Our fee estimates are intended as a guide only. The total amount you pay will vary based on your course choice, unit enrolments and study load.
All courses in this list are available online and on campus. As unit structures and pricing are consistent across both formats, we’ve only featured one version of each course.
Please be advised that meeting CSP eligibility requirements doesn’t automatically secure you a place. CSP allocations are highly competitive because of their limited availability, especially for postgraduate students.
Disclaimer: Although we’ve strived to ensure that the fees below are correct and up to date, we cannot guarantee complete accuracy and are not liable for any discrepancies that may occur in pricing information.
Graduate Certificate of Data Science (Online) at La Trobe University – 79% off
Build your skills using real data sets from our industry partners and learn how to solve data challenges facing businesses and organisations. Learn how to create complex models and use powerful tools for advanced analysis and problemsolving.
This course delves into advanced models and tools designed to support analysis and problem-solving. You’ll learn how to use data sets to address challenges faced by organisations. After completing the course, you may progress directly into the second semester of the university’s Master of Data Science.
Who should study this course?
- Whether you’re new to data science or have prior knowledge, this course can offer you a pathway to begin or progress your career in this field
Eligibility criteria
You need to have a successful completion of an Australian bachelor’s degree (or equivalent)
Course start dates in 2026: March, May, July and September
Course duration: 12 months (part-time)
Estimated full-fee cost: $17,400
Estimated total fee with a CSP: $3,607
Master of Data Science at La Trobe University – 78% off
Excel in the dynamic field of data science, exploring the essential skills you need to lead as a data scientist in today's data-driven landscape.
In this face-to-face program, you’ll learn how to manage large-scale IT projects by developing competencies in programming, databases, data exploration, probability, statistics and analysis. The curriculum also covers core programming languages, such as Java and Python, and cloud-based services offered by providers like Microsoft, IBM, Google and Amazon. You can customise your learning experience further by choosing from diverse specialisations, including Artificial Intelligence (AI) Analytics, Bioinformatics, Mathematical Data Science and Sport Analytics.
Who should study this course?
This course is suitable for professionals who are already working in data science or are looking to change careers.
Eligibility criteria
- You need to have an Australian bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in any discipline
Course start dates in 2026: March, July and November
Course duration: 24 months (full-time)
Estimated full-fee cost: $69,600
Estimated total fee with a CSP: $15,422
Master of Data Science (Online) at Griffith University – 76% off
Study online to learn the fundamentals of databases, programming languages such as Java and Python and cloud services offered by Amazon, Google, IBM and Microsoft.
This master’s degree explores key areas in data analytics, machine learning and statistics. With units like Data Wrangling and Visualisation, Database Design and Programming Principles, you’ll be equipped to interpret meaningful insights from big data sources. Blending theoretical foundations with practical application, you'll refine your capabilities in addressing complex data challenges and driving organisational change.
Who should study this course?
This course is ideal for individuals seeking to develop advanced expertise in leveraging data across diverse sectors.
Eligibility criteria
You need to have one of the following:
- A recognised bachelor’s degree (or higher)
- Five years of relevant work experience
- A combination of alternative admission criteria, such as formal, informal and non-formal learning deemed to be equivalent to either of the above
Course start dates in 2026: 2 March and 13 July
Course duration: 24 months (full-time)
Estimated full-fee cost: $79,000
Estimated total fee with a CSP: $19,200
Graduate Diploma of Data Science at Deakin University – 74% off
Gain the skills to confidently analyze data, identify trends and make predictions using modern concepts and statistical methods.
Conducted in person, this graduate diploma delves into contemporary data science concepts, statistical analysis, descriptive analytics and machine learning. You’ll learn the techniques to work with various types of data confidently, enabling you to identify trends, make forecasts, foster innovation and inform decision-making. Mastering these competencies will prepare you to contribute valuable insights and support evidence-based practices across multiple industries.
Who should study this course?
If your goal is to gain the expertise required to meet the rising demand for data scientists in modern organisations, completing this course provides a solid foundation that prepares you to thrive in this rapidly growing field.
Eligibility criteria
You need to have one of the following:
- Completion of a bachelor’s degree or higher in a related discipline
- Completion of a bachelor’s degree or higher in any discipline and at least two years of relevant work experience (or part-time equivalent)
Course start dates in 2026: March, July and November
Course duration: 12 months (full-time)
Estimated full-fee cost: $34,400
Estimated total fee with a CSP: $8,969
Master of Data Science (Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning) (Online) at the University of Southern Queensland – 71% off
Study online and explore concepts and learning within big data management, machine learning and data mining to ensure you have the knowledge for a career in this dynamic industry.
In this online program, you’ll study core concepts in AI and machine learning, such as deep learning, natural language processing, information retrieval and knowledge management. You’ll develop the ability to utilise information retrieval technologies and systems to extract relevant data, supporting advanced analytics and guiding strategic decision-making.
Who should study this course?
This course can be a strong option for those seeking to learn about big data management, machine learning and data mining, which are essential knowledge for a career in AI.
Eligibility criteria
You need to have one of the following:
- Completion of a three-year bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in any area from an Australian university
- A minimum of five years of professional work experience equivalent to an AQF Level 7 qualification (bachelor’s degree)
Course start dates in 2026: 16 February, 1 June and 14 September
Course duration: 24 months (full-time)
Estimated full-fee cost: $60,720
Estimated total fee with a CSP: $17,872
Graduate Diploma in Data Science at the University of New England – 67% off
The aim of the course is to enable students to build competencies in a range of areas critical to data science. The course will equip students with the knowledge and skills required to pursue a range of data science related career paths or articulate into further studies in the data science area.
This face-to-face program aims to enhance your competencies in core areas of data science, including statistics, software development and database development. You’ll gain experience working with top programming languages like R, Python and Matlab, while developing advanced knowledge and skills in building complex data systems, such as databases, machine learning and AI.
Who should study this course?
This graduate diploma is ideal for professionals looking to upskill in data and for those from other backgrounds seeking a career shift.
Eligibility criteria
- You need to have completed a bachelor’s qualification (AQF Level 7 or overseas equivalent) in any discipline
Course start dates in 2026: February and June
Course duration: 12 months (full-time)
Estimated full-fee cost: $24,384
Estimated total fee with a CSP: $8,113
Master of Data Science at the University of New England – 65% off
Designed for graduates from all disciplines to complement their existing skills, this degree provides a solid background in statistics and computer science.
This in-person course is designed to strengthen your data expertise, empowering you to tackle complex challenges across science, health and business. You’ll develop advanced knowledge of databases, machine learning and AI, enabling you to extract meaningful insights from diverse datasets. This program also aims to refine your ability to adapt, innovate and contribute to the development of data science solutions on a global scale.
Who should study this course?
This postgraduate degree is suitable for professionals looking to update their existing data skills, as well as for those with no prior experience who aim to transition into the field.
Eligibility criteria
This course is offered under three admission rules, each with its own course structure:
Rule A: You have completed a bachelor’s qualification (AQF Level 7 or overseas equivalent) in any discipline.
Rule B: You have completed a bachelor’s qualification (AQF Level 7) in a relevant discipline.
Rule C: You have completed a graduate certificate, graduate diploma or bachelor’s degree with honours (AQF Level 8 or overseas equivalent) in a relevant discipline.
Course start dates in 2026: February and June
Course duration: 24 months (full-time)
Estimated full-fee cost: $48,768
Estimated total fee with a CSP: $16,900
Graduate Certificate in Data Science (Online) at the University of New England – 64% off
Expand your expertise in data science to solve challenging problems using large and diverse data sets.
In this online course, you’ll build essential knowledge of data science tools and software, helping you advance your understanding of database development, AI and machine learning. This qualification enables you to strengthen your data science capabilities and expand your career opportunities, preparing you for roles like data scientist, data strategist and business intelligence analyst.
Who should study this course?
If you hold an undergraduate degree in a relevant field, such as computer science, data science, IT or statistics, and aim to hone your expertise in data science, you can consider studying this course.
Eligibility criteria
- You need to have completed a bachelor’s qualification (AQF Level 7 or overseas equivalent) in a relevant discipline
Course start dates in 2026: February, June and October
Course duration: 6 months (full-time)
Estimated full-fee cost: $12,192
Estimated total fee with a CSP: $4,352
Explore more postgraduate CSP data science courses
Our catalogue of postgraduate data science courses includes more CSP courses, as well as fee-paying courses. Check them out here.
