Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The cost for the entire sixteen-week program is $425.00 CAD* 

These certificates are highly subsidized through funding by the Government of Canada and Upskill Canada, powered by Palette Skills.  

Participants must participate in the full 16-week Certificate for both technical and job readiness professional development sessions to receive their certificate.  

No, you must choose your preferred Certificate at the program’s outset and complete your elective courses from the corresponding chosen Certificate. 

The technical and job ready skills courses are offered in a fully online synchronous format. Sessions will consist of instructor-led live webinars on weeknights and Saturday mornings. The courses will be recorded in case you are unable to attend any of the live sessions. Additionally, there will be an in-person networking event with potential employers hosted at the downtown University of Toronto St. George campus at the close of the program.

We issue T2202 Tuition and Education Certificate (Canada Revenue Agency). 

The certificate program spans 16 weeks (about 3 and a half months) in duration with instructor-led live webinars on weeknights and Saturday mornings. The complete Schedule is viewable here.

Courses generally take place on Monday to Thursday evenings (6 pm – 8:30 pm) and Saturday mornings/afternoons. Most weeks include 3 to 5 sessions and your time commitment will be approx.. 10 – 15 hours per week for in class instruction. In addition to these in-class hours, you should also plan to spend approximately 7 hours per week on homework assignments. The complete Schedule is viewable here.

Participants will be assessed on their achievement of the learning outcomes throughout the program. This is measured through the completion of exercises, and projects, as well as through engagement in job readiness programming. Participation in both the technical courses and job readiness programming are required elements of the certificate program.

Yes, each course includes course support staff, and there is both in-class and virtual office hour support for participants. 

The Certificates are designed to accommodate working and busy professionals, all the classes are scheduled on weekday nights and weekend mornings. 

No. While our primary goal is to assist all participants obtain employment, or advance their career, in data science and machine learning roles within six months of earning the certificate, it’s important to understand that securing a job is influenced by numerous factors. Our team actively connects with potential employers and equips you with the essential skills for a successful job search; However, it’s essential to note that we cannot guarantee job placement.

Yes! The DSI Certificates include the opportunity to learn from industry experts during the case studies in each course. The case study component provides participants with important insights into the professional world of data science analytics. 

The DSI has allocated funds to support participants who are unable to cover the fees of the certificate program. During the application process, individuals can indicate their need for financial assistance, and awarded candidates will be contacted accordingly.  

The Data Science and ML Software Foundations Certificates are not OSAP eligible. 

We issue refunds in the original method of payment and to the original payee only. Include your payment receipt when you request a refund. Email your refund request at least five (5) working business days before the program start date.

Refunds are subject to a seventy-five (75) Canadian Dollars administrative charge per certificate. Refunds are not possible if your request is submitted less than five (5) working business days before the program start date. All cancellation requests must be made by email to courses.dsi@utoronto.ca. 

For more information see the application process page. 

What is the cost? 

The cost for the entire sixteen-week program is $425.00 CAD* 

*These certificates are highly subsidized with funding support through Palette Skills’ Upskill Canada initiative and Innovation, Science and Economic Development (ISED) Canada. 

Can I take only certain courses? 

Participants must participate in the full 16-week Certificate for both technical and job readiness professional development sessions to receive their certificate.  

Can I take courses from both the ML and Data Sciences Certificates? 

No, you must choose your preferred Certificate at the program’s outset and complete your elective courses from the corresponding chosen Certificate. 

Is the certificate fully online?   

The skills courses are offered in a fully online synchronous format. Sessions will consist of instructor-led live webinars on weeknights and Saturday mornings. The courses will be recorded in case you are unable to attend any of the live sessions. The job-readiness programming component is designed as a hybrid experience to foster valuable in-person networking opportunities between learners and potential employers. Additionally, there will be an in-person networking event with potential employers hosted at the downtown University of Toronto St. George campus at the close of the program. 

Do you issue tax receipts?   

We issue T2202 Tuition and Education Certificate (Canada Revenue Agency). 

How long is the program? 

The certificate program spans 16 weeks (about 3 and a half months) in duration with instructor-led live webinars on weeknights and Saturday mornings. The complete Schedule is viewable here.

When are courses offered? 

Courses generally take place on Monday to Thursday evenings (6 pm – 8:30 pm) and Saturday mornings/afternoons. Most weeks include 3 to 5 sessions and your time commitment will be approx.. 10 – 15 hours per week for in class instruction. In addition to these in-class hours, you should also plan to spend approximately 7 hours per week on homework assignments. The complete Schedule is viewable here.

How do I pass the Certificate program and receive the certificate

To successfully receive the certificate, your performance will be assessed primarily through homework assessments, which evaluate your understanding and ability to apply the course materials. Homework should take approximately 7 hours per week. Class attendance will also contribute to your grade. Attendance at the job-ready sessions is mandatory. To complete the program, you must achieve an overall grade of at least 70% in terms of assessment and attend all required job-ready sessions. 

Is there support outside of the online-synchronous class hours?

Yes, each course includes course support staff, and there is both in-class and virtual office hour support for participants. 

Can I keep working while attending a Certificate? 

The Certificates are designed to accommodate working and busy professionals, all the classes are scheduled on weekday nights and weekend mornings. 

Am I guaranteed a job if I participate in this program? 

No. While we are striving to help as many participants as possible secure employment participants in data science/machine learning roles within 6 months of acquiring the certificate; securing a job is dependent on multitude of factors. Our team regularly engages with potential employers and will equip you with the various skills needed to be successful in your job search, but we cannot guarantee placement. 

Do you provide industry-specific case studies? 

Yes! The DSI Certificates include the opportunity to learn from industry experts during the case studies in each course. The case study component provides participants with important insights into the professional world of data science analytics. 

Can I apply for financial assistance to cover the cost? 

The DSI has allocated funds to support participants who are unable to cover the fees of the certificate program. During the application process, individuals can indicate their need for financial assistance, and awarded candidates will be contacted accordingly.  

Is the program OSAP eligible? 

The Data Science and ML Software Foundations Certificates are not OSAP eligible.