Upgrad Data Science Review 2026: Is It Worth Buying?

Last updated: July 2026. Written by Josh Hutcheson, OnlineCourseing editor.

OCTOBER 2026 STATUS CHECK

Data Science is expanding at a fast pace to meet the demands of power-hungry Artificial Intelligence-related technologies like Machine Learning, Neural Networks, and Deep Learning. That is why we thought of making this upGrad Data Science Review. Individuals and businesses may find it difficult to keep track of the numerous changes in the industry as a result of these rapid changes. As the industry becomes inundated with newer trends and techniques, businesses may feel compelled to comprehend and implement them in order to optimize their data handling and analysis processes.

Introduction About upGrad And Their Data Science Courses

 

It is challenging for associations to define the proper comprehension of data due to the amount of data. However, data science and data analytics can easily handle the undeveloped natural data that was gathered from multiple sources.

As we said earlier, data is vital for a company, but it is useless unless it is converted into valuable information. The data must be read and analyzed. Data science is used to track and measure an organization’s performance. With the ever-changing field of data science, there are constant discoveries and research in data science, there is always something to learn and it helps make everyday work interesting, there is an infinite number of new data science skills that can be learned, providing a competitive advantage with knowledge and expertise.

upGrad team has prepared some of the best courses you can find online, in order to give everyone who wants to learn a kick start on their career. When saying for everyone, we mean it, because in this upGrad Data Science Review we are going to talk about everything about this course.

Also Read: Upgrad Full stack development review

Prerequisites Required to Enroll in Upgrad’s Data Science

It is not always necessary for professionals to have a background in data science.

You could be a student or a recent graduate with an interest in data science and a desire to gain hands-on experience in the field. Alternatively, you could be a professional who is already established in one industry but wishes to pursue a data science course due to a passion for data or the growing interest and demand for the profile. The prerequisites that are required to enroll in one of upGrad’s Data Science courses are only educational because no initial coding experience is required. 

Data Scientist profiles differ depending on your expert level as well as your educational and experience background. To pursue a data science course, you must have a Bachelor’s degree or higher. A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in any of the STEM subjects is advantageous because it lays the groundwork for basic mathematical or statistical knowledge that will be critical in the future.

When you first started researching data scientists, you should have been exposed to the prerequisites that are required in the industry for the job profile. To meet the criteria, the resources mentioned on the internet for working as a data scientist must have demonstrated a wide range of skill and expertise requirements.

Upgrad’s Masters Of Science On Data Science

• The degree is a Master of Science in Data Science from Liverpool John Moores University (UK).
• Per upGrad, the first 12 months are taught with IIIT Bangalore and the final 6 months with LJMU. upGrad’s own disclaimer says it is not a dual, joint or twinning degree.
• upGrad lists recognition by WES and the Institute of Analytics (IOA).
• An optional one-week visit to the LJMU campus costs an extra USD 2,000.

Also read: Upgrad product management review

Masters Of Science On Data Science Cost

You will finish this course exactly 18-month after you start it. It may look like a lot of time for an online course but it is totally worth it. And do not worry if you think that it will get boring after a couple of months goes by because upGrad estimates about 15 hours of study a week on average. The next US start date listed on 9 October 2026 was 15 November 2026. 

Now, let’s reveal how much money you have to pay in order to profit from all the benefits this program has to offer. For the whole 18-month program, upGrad’s US site lists a fee of USD 9,500 (9 October 2026). When we first reviewed it in 2021 the price was $7,499. 

What it Has to Offer

• It is an online M.Sc. program in data science for working professionals.
• Statistics, Predictive Analytics with Python, Machine Learning, Data Visualization, Big Data Analytics, and other skills are taught at upGrad.
• Engineers, Marketing & Sales Professionals, Freshers, Domain Experts, Software & IT Professionals can all apply for the program.

upGrad’s Executive Diploma in Data Science & AI (IIIT Bangalore)

• This is the program upGrad used to call the Executive PG Program in Data Science. It is now an Executive Diploma in Data Science & AI awarded by IIIT Bangalore (NAAC A+ in 2021 and NIRF rank 74 in 2023, per upGrad), and upGrad says it is WES recognized.
• After completing the course, you will be able to work as a Data Scientist, ML Engineer, Data Analyst, Product Analyst, Business Analyst, or Chief Architect.

Pricing of the Executive Diploma in Data Science & AI

upGrad’s US site lists this as a 12-month online diploma at USD 4,999 (9 October 2026), the same price we listed in 2021. The next US start date was 15 November 2026. Beginners can first take a 3-month math and programming bootcamp, and upGrad allows one free deferral. 

What it Has to Offer

The 2026 version opens with a core phase of about 5 to 6 months (Python, SQL, cloud computing, big data and machine learning basics). The final 5 months cover one of two specializations plus a capstone project:

– Data Analytics

– Data Engineering

The 2021 version offered more tracks, including Deep Learning and Natural Language Processing (NLP). upGrad no longer lists those as specializations of this diploma.

upGrad sells career support alongside its programs; see the jobs section below for what that includes.

Predictive Analytics with Python, Machine Learning, Data Visualization, Big Data, and Natural Language Processing is among the top skills taught at upGrad.

Also read: Upgrad Deikin Mba review

Executive Post Graduate Certificate in Data Science & AI (IIIT Bangalore)

Course Highlights

This section originally reviewed upGrad’s Advanced Certificate Program in Data Science from IIIT Bangalore. That program is no longer listed on upGrad’s US site; the closest current match is this shorter Executive Post Graduate Certificate in Data Science & AI, also from IIIT Bangalore.

After completing the course, you will be able to work as a Data Analyst, Data Scientist, Data Engineer, Product Analyst, Machine Learning Engineer, or Decision Scientist.

Thoughts on Course Pricing and Duration

As per the time, it will take to complete this course, it is a lot shorter than the other Data Science Courses by upGrad. upGrad’s US site lists it at 6 months (its FAQ says 6 to 9), with about 12 to 15 hours of study a week, 20+ live sessions and a next start date of 15 November 2026. 

Because the course is a lot shorter than the others, of course, you will have to pay a lot less too. The US fee is USD 1,999 (9 October 2026), the same price we listed for the old 7-month certificate in 2021. A certificate is not a degree, so weigh it against the diploma and the master’s if the credential matters for your next job. 

What it Has to Offer

• The course is intended for working professionals, and the credential is an Executive Post Graduate Certificate from IIIT Bangalore.
• Statistics, Python Programming, Predictive Analytics using Python, Basic & Advanced SQL, Visualization using Python, EDA, Basic & Advanced Machine Learning Algorithms are among the top skills taught at upGrad.
• upGrad lists weekly live doubt-clearing sessions alongside the recorded content.

Master of Science in Data Science (Chandigarh University)

This section reviewed upGrad’s 2021 listing for Chandigarh University’s online MSc in Data Science. We could not find it in upGrad’s catalog on 9 October 2026. Chandigarh University now sells the degree through its own CU Online site, at INR 1,46,668, or INR 1,10,001 after an early-bird scholarship (INR 27,500 a semester).

CU Online describes the degree as UGC-entitled.

According to the National Assessment and Accreditation Council, Chandigarh University has an A+ grade (NAAC).

Course pricing

It is a 2-year online course more like a full university master degree. It is divided into 4 semesters. Each semester has assignments and projects. Learners can pay by year or by semester. 

What it Has to Offer

• The program provides an online Masters degree in Data Science.
• Fundamentals of Programming (R/Python), Data Visualization, Statistical Methods, and Design and Analysis of Algorithms are among the skills taught in the program.
• Engineers, Marketing & Sales Professionals, Freshers, Domain Experts, Software & IT Professionals can all apply for the program.
• CU Online advertises internship and job opportunities through a job portal with 300+ hiring partners.

Professional Certificate Program in Data Science for Business Decision Making

• This section reviewed upGrad’s 2021 listing of IIM Kozhikode’s program. It is not in upGrad’s catalog as of 9 October 2026, and IIM Kozhikode’s December 2024 brochure for its Data Science for Business Decisions program names Jaro Education, not upGrad, for career services. The details below are the 2021 figures, kept for reference.
• It is a data science foundation course for managers.
• After completing the course, you will be able to work as a Data Analyst Manager, Data Science Leader, or Business Manager in a data-driven organization.

Now let’s shade some light on the pricing in this Upgrad data science review.

Thoughts on Course Pricing and Duration

The Professional Certificate Program in Data Science is made to be completed in a 8-month period. During this time you will have access to more than 200 hours of content anytime and anywhere for you to watch and learn. There are also live sessions where you can get a more direct teaching and where you can ask questions, if you have any. Look below to find out what this course can offer more than this. 

In 2021 upGrad charged $2,999 for the 8-month program. 

What it Has to Offer

• 20 or more real – time sessions
• 5 or more expert mentoring sessions
• three industrial projects
• Access to over 200 hours of e-content.
• Excel, Tableau, and Python are used in the course.
• Business Problem Solving and Storytelling, Basics of Statistics and Machine Learning, and Data Science Strategy are among the top skills you will learn at upGrad.

Can I Get A Job With Upgrad’s Data Science Course

As we have said in other reviews of upGrad courses, one of the main focuses of the upGrad team is to prepare individuals that can work on some of the biggest names in the tech world. After you finish one of the courses successfully, different mentors from the upGrad team will help you on your new challenge to become part of a team in any company that you like. 

Some of the services that upGrad offers in order to make this happen are:

Job Assistance. upGrad advertises a hiring-partner network and placement support. What you get varies by program, so ask admissions exactly which services your program includes, and remember that none of these programs guarantees a job. 

Interview Preparation. Before you get to the real interviews, the mentors at upGrad will prepare some mock interviews for you. This way you will know exactly what to expect from an interview by those big companies that you inspire. 

Resume Feedback. You will get different resume feedback from experts that will help you tailored your resume the best way possible. 

Career Counseling. Experts can help you find the best opportunities by tracing relevant career paths. They will take into consideration what you like and what you do best. 

In this Upgrad data science review, we have highlighted some advantages of enrolling in Upgrad.

Some Benefits of Upgrad’s Data Science Courses

• You get learning support, with a dedicated Success Mentor assigned to each student to ensure consistent progress.
• Industry mentors, teaching assistants, and graders provide guidance.
• Each student receives one-on-one feedback on submissions as well as personalized feedback on areas for improvement.
• Workshop sessions with industry professionals and professors that are entertaining, informative, and career-building.
• There will be group activities, discussions, and interactive sessions with experts on various industry topics.
• Opportunities to learn through real-life industry projects sponsored by top companies from a variety of industries.

Conclusion

Data Scientists are specialists with a wide range of skills. It is difficult to master all trades for oneself.

With the cost comes the difficult part of data science. With the right path ahead of you, your knowledge, training (from various courses taken), and experience in the field will all gradually add to your emerging professional career.

Check out upGrad’s Executive Diploma in Data Science & AI or any other data science courses if you’re interested in learning data science to stay ahead of fast-paced technological advancements.

 

upGrad data science FAQ

How much does upGrad’s data science program cost?

On upGrad’s US site (9 October 2026) the Liverpool John Moores University MSc in Data Science is USD 9,500, the IIIT Bangalore Executive Diploma in Data Science & AI is USD 4,999, and the IIIT Bangalore Executive Post Graduate Certificate is USD 1,999. The optional one-week campus visit for the LJMU master’s costs another USD 2,000.

How long does upGrad’s data science course take?

The LJMU master’s runs 18 months, the IIIT Bangalore diploma 12 months, and the certificate 6 months (upGrad’s FAQ says 6 to 9). upGrad estimates about 15 hours a week for the master’s and 12 to 15 hours a week for the certificate.

Is the upGrad LJMU data science master’s a real degree?

The degree is a Master of Science in Data Science from Liverpool John Moores University. Per upGrad, the first 12 months are taught with IIIT Bangalore and the final 6 months with LJMU, and the program is not a dual, joint or twinning degree. upGrad says it is recognized by WES and the Institute of Analytics. If you need the degree for a specific employer, visa or further study, check its acceptance with them first.

Can I still take the Chandigarh University MSc in Data Science through upGrad?

We could not find it in upGrad’s catalog on 9 October 2026. Chandigarh University sells its two-year online MSc in Data Science through its own CU Online site, listed at INR 1,46,668 (INR 1,10,001 after an early-bird scholarship).

Explore More Courses

Looking for more options? Browse our Best Data Science Courses and Best Online Masters in Data Science roundups to compare courses across multiple platforms.

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