Big Data Graduate Diploma

Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada•World Rank #376

Official program page (opens in a new tab)

Offered by Simon Fraser University in Burnaby, Canada, Big Data Graduate Diploma is a postgraduate diploma in Data Science & Analytics programme. The programme is delivered on campus. Teaching is in English. Tuition for international students is CAD 1,800 per credit (CAD 1,300 per credit for local students).

At a glance

Degree: Postgraduate Diploma

Field: Data Science & Analytics

Delivery: On Campus

Language: English

Local tuition: CAD 1,300 / credit

International tuition: CAD 1,800 / credit

Information for the 2027/28 academic year · Last reviewed September 2026 ·

Program details

Overview

Offered by SFU's Faculty of Applied Sciences, the Graduate Diploma in Big Data builds practical skills in data analytics, large-scale data processing and data-driven decision-making for roles such as data analyst, data engineer and big data specialist. Coursework spans distributed and scalable computing, large-scale storage and non-relational databases, real-time ingestion pipelines, cloud-based analytics, statistical analysis and visualisation, machine learning and deep learning, and the analysis of text, image and graph data, alongside ethical data science practice and communicating insights. The credential combines graduate coursework with a substantial specialised lab component and a portfolio course, and serves as a pathway into the master's program. Applicants need a computing or related bachelor's degree with programming and mathematics background.

Requirements

Minimum GPA: 2.50 / 4.33

Admission Requirements: This diploma is open only to domestic applicants (Canadian citizens or permanent residents). Admission requires a bachelor's degree or equivalent in computer science or a related field with a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5/4.33, or 2.67/4.33 on the last 60 credits, plus demonstrated ability to program in Java, Python, and C++ (with the capacity to learn new languages), knowledge of advanced mathematics (calculus, linear algebra, and advanced statistics), and knowledge of data structures and algorithms, databases, and operating systems. Because the program admits only domestic students, no English-language test score is required. Applications for the Fall 2027 intake, commencing that September, open October 1, 2026.

Application Details

Start Date: September

Application Deadline: Domestic applicants apply through EducationPlannerBC, with one set of dates per applicant type rather than by citizenship. Fall 2027 entry: high-school-route applications open 1 October 2026 and close 31 January 2027, while transfer applications open 1 March 2027 and close 15 April 2027 (Education and Contemporary Arts transfer applicants may apply from 1 October 2026). Spring 2027 entry runs 1 July to 15 September 2026, and Summer 2027 entry runs 1 December 2026 to 15 January 2027. Admission documents are generally due 28 February 2027 (Fall) and offers must be accepted by 1 May. International applicants use the same EducationPlannerBC dates and portal; SFU publishes no separate international deadline. These are institution-wide dates; this programme publishes no deadline of its own.

About Simon Fraser University

“Nous sommes prêts”

Type: University

Control: Public

Campus setting: Urban

Founded: 1965

Students: 37,000

World rank: #376

Programs: 476

Location: Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada

Simon Fraser University institutional building

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Frequently asked questions

What degree does Big Data Graduate Diploma award?

Simon Fraser University awards a Postgraduate Diploma in the field of Data Science & Analytics on completion of this programme.

How much does Big Data Graduate Diploma cost?

Tuition for international students is CAD 1,800 per credit (CAD 1,300 per credit for local students).

Can Big Data Graduate Diploma be studied online?

No — the programme is taught on campus at Simon Fraser University.

What language is Big Data Graduate Diploma taught in?

The programme is taught in English.

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Big Data Graduate Diploma

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