Abhyank Srinet Key Takeaways
-HEC Montreal Business Analytics program offers research and industry-focused tracks.
-Program duration is 16–24 months, based on the track and course load you choose.
-Tuition is $23,800 CAD with scholarships up to $17,500 available for top applicants.
-Graduates earn $90,667 CAD on average, with roles in data, finance, and tech fields.
HEC Montreal offers a Master of Science in Data Science and Business Analytics (MSBA) program designed for students who want to build a career in data and business. The program teaches you how to use data, technology, and analytics to solve business problems in real companies.
The HEC Montreal Business Analytics program gives you two learning options—one focused on research and the other on real-world projects. Located in Montreal, one of North America’s top tech cities, the program combines strong academic training with practical skills to prepare you for global job opportunities.
Introduction
Master management challenges in the digital era with analytics and data science expertise from HEC Montreal's Business Analytics program.Choose from two tracks: thesis or supervised project, gaining real-world experience, or exploring research interests. This equips you with decision-making skills, boosting competitiveness and fostering innovation.
| Program length | 16-24 Months |
| Tuition Fees MSBA 2025 |
Thesis Stream (4 terms):CA $33,500 Supervised Project Stream: CA $37,800 |
| Program deadline MSBA 2025 |
Fall 2025 intake: March 1, 2025 Winter 2026 intake: September 15, 2025 |
| Intakes | N/A |
| Application fees | N/A |
HEC Montreal MSBA Class Profile
The HEC Montreal Business Analytics program accepts students from diverse academic and professional backgrounds like business, engineering, mathematics, and computer science.
However, it's quite selective, considering factors like academic performance, work experience, and skills in programming, statistics, and mathematics. Students may need to complete prerequisite courses or show proficiency in specific areas before starting the program.
| Average GMAT | N/A |
| Average GRE | N/A |
| Average GPA | 3.0 |
| Average work experience | N/A |
| Average age | N/A |
| Pre-MSBA industry MSBA2025 |
N/A |
| Pre-MSBA location MSBA 2025 |
N/A |
| Class size MSBA 2025 |
N/A |
| Women MSBA 2025 |
N/A |
| Country Represented MSBA 2025 |
N/A |
HEC Montreal Business Analytics Rankings
HEC Montreal's Business Analytics program has earned impressive rankings in various categories. In the QS World University Rankings for 2025, it's positioned between 81-90 for Masters in Business Analytics, demonstrating its high quality and reputation.
Additionally, it ranks 34 for Masters in Supply Chain Management and again between 81-90 for Masters in Marketing. These rankings highlight the program's excellence and standing among other universities globally.
| Rankings | Position |
| QS World University Rankings - Masters In Business Analytics 2025 | 81-90 |
| QS World University Rankings - Masters in Supply Chain Management 2025 | 34 |
| QS World University Rankings - Masters In Marketing 2025 | 81-90 |
Eligibility & Requirements for HEC Montreal Business Analytics
To apply for the HEC Montreal Business Analytics program, you'll fill out an online form on a computer. You can take your time and save your progress.
You'll also need to submit test scores such as GMAT or GRE, and demonstrate your English language proficiency. Additionally, you'll provide a motivation letter, two recommendations, university transcripts translated into English, and a CV explaining any gaps in employment.
Application Components:
Students applying to the Business Analytics program at HEC Montreal must have several essential items, such as academic records, test scores, and required documents.
| Requirements | Details |
| Completed online application form | -Only from a computer -The form is set up for filling out gradually across several sessions. It lets you save your progress and submit it when you're ready. |
| Test scores needed | -GMAT/GRE Score -Proof of English Language Ability (Has a DCS from an English school, completed high school in English without special courses, and passed an ESL course at a French CEGEP in Quebec.) |
| Standardized requirements by school | -Motivational letter; -Two letters of recommendation (preferably from professors or, if not possible, from people in your workplace) |
| Additional requirements | -University Transcripts (with certified English translation) -One-page CV (with explanations for significant employment gaps) -Application Fee ($319.95, payable by credit card) |
Program & Curriculum of HEC Montreal Business Analytics
As mentioned earlier, there are two streams in the HEC Montreal Business Analytics program structure, namely the thesis stream and the supervised project stream. The thesis stream consists of 7 courses (21 credits) and a thesis (24 credits), whereas the supervised project stream consists of 12 courses (36 credits) and a project (9 credits).
Thesis stream:
- Term 1: 4 courses
- Term 2: 3 courses + Research Workshop
- term 3: Thesis (It includes: A literature review, Data collection, and analysis, and The presentation and discussion of findings.)
Supervised Project Stream:
- Term 1: 4 courses
- Term 2: 4 courses
- term 3: Supervised project (Consulting mandate, Study of a pedagogical case, Specific research mandate, Expert opinion.)
Electives
Students can choose between a supervised project track, which provides real work experience, or a research-oriented thesis track for exploring specific areas of interest.
| Algorithms for Optimization and Big Data Analysis | Algorithmic methods for big data analysis. Complexity analysis, data structure, parallel and distributed computing. |
| Convex Optimization in Data Science | This approach is data science via a modern optimization lens. It covers mathematical optimization methods with applications in data science. The emphasis is on modeling of convex optimization problems, comprehension of algorithms for solving them, and using dedicated software. |
| Advanced Statistical Learning | Presentation and discussion of advanced methods in data analysis and statistical learning. |
| Decision Analysis | This course presents mathematical tools that can serve to analyze and support both tactical and strategical decisions in the presence of uncertainty or when faced to multiple conflicting objectives. |
| Text Mining | This course is an introduction to theories related to language processing, text data mining, and text generation. Application cases are proposed to illustrate the point. |
| Sequential Decision Making under Uncertainty | This course provides a unified framework for decision-making over a planning horizon in an uncertain environment. Several classes of such problems are presented, together with the corresponding solution methods. |
| Machine Learning II: Deep Learning | This course aims to introduce the basic techniques of deep learning and the recent progress of deep learning in natural language understanding and graph analysis. |
| Forecasting Methods | Presentation of the main forecasting methods necessary for decision-making in the presence of uncertainty. General principles of forecasting methods used are outlined. |
| Bayesian Modelling | Hands-on introduction to Bayesian data analysis. The course will cover the formulation, evaluation and comparison of Bayesian models through examples. |
| Survival and Longitudinal Data Analysis | The goal of the course is to provide students with the necessary tools for the analysis of longitudinal and survival data. |
| Complex Networks Analysis | The goal of this course is to explain the main complex network analysis techniques. Due to the sampling difficulty, analyzing the whole network is often necessary, which involves some computational issues. |
| Trustworthy Machine Learning | This course will teach students to recognize where and understand why ethical issues and policy questions can arise when applying data science to real-world problems. It will focus on ways to conceptualize, measure, and mitigate bias in data-driven decision-making. |
Fees, Financing & Scholarships at HEC Montreal Business Analytics
The fees and financing for the HEC Montreal Business Analytics program. Tuition for the 2025 class is $23,800, and there's a $319.95 application fee. HEC Montreal offers various financing options, including loans and financial aid. Additionally, eligible students can apply for scholarships to help cover tuition costs.
| Tuition fee for the class 2025 | Thesis Stream (4 terms):CA $33,500 Supervised Project Stream: CA $37,800 |
| Student Association Fee | N/A |
| Application Fees | $319.95 |
Scholarships for HEC Montreal Business Analytics applicants
Every year, HEC Montréal awards close to $1.6 million in scholarships and other forms of awards to M.Sc. students. It is a great way to help finance your studies. Check out Scholarships - MSBA Programme | HEC MONTREAL.
| Scholarship | Value | Eligibility |
| Entrance Scholarships | $2,000 to $4,000 | Open for all applicants |
| Research Scholarships (granting agencies) | $15,000 and $17,500 | Open for all applicants with an excellent average and who wish to pursue their studies at the Master’s level. |
| Differential tuition fee exemption Scholarships | Various | Open for all applicants Country-wise |
| Additional Financial Resources | LOANS AND BURSARIES | open for all applicants |
Employment Upon Graduation
HEC Montreal Alumni Employment data's diverse student body includes a significant number of international students, which highlights the school's global appeal and the wide-ranging opportunities available to its graduates. The school's commitment to providing a high-quality education is evident in its wide range of programs and the success of its graduates in the job market
| Average Salary MSBA2025 |
$90,667 |
| Offer accepted upon three months of graduation | N/A |
| Offer received upon three months of graduation | N/A |
| Reporting rate | 100 % |
| Post-program job locations | N/A |
| Post MSBA industries MSBA2022 |
N/A |
Discover Master of Science (MSc) – Data Science and Business Analytics
HEC Montreal Business Analytics Application: Essays & Interview
It's essential to understand the type of application that meets the expectations of the HEC Montreal Business Analytics program. They seek candidates with good academic and professional backgrounds, as well as a clear sense of purpose and genuine alignment with the school's values and culture.
Here is a breakdown of the key components of the application;
Motivational letter
You must submit a motivational letter including answers to the following questions. Each answer, typed on the computer, must not exceed one page. Suggested format: 12-point Arial type, 1.5 line spacing.
- Choice of program
What professional and intellectual concerns motivate you to pursue master ’s-level studies in Administration? Please explain your choice of specialization. - Career plan
What type of job do you think you will have after completing your Master’s in Administration (e.g. what type of company, positions, and responsibilities)? - Fields of interest
What are your fields of interest, for research or your supervised project? - Work experience (optional)
Briefly explain any work experience you may have if it is relevant to your admission application.
Interview Questions
In interviews, you'll often encounter certain questions that reveal what the recruiter is looking for. It's important to recognize these expectations and provide the best answers possible. Get ready to answer the recruiter’s questions for HEC Montreal to evaluate you.
Who attends the HEC Montreal Business Analytics program:
- Genuine interest and commitment to the HEC Montreal Business Analytics program
- Demonstrated potential for productivity and long-term commitment
- Strong interpersonal skills for effective teamwork and professional representation
- Expertise to meet and exceed program objectives, with or without additional training
- Sound judgment in various situations, aligning decisions with program goals
What Makes HEC Montreal Unique?
The HEC Montreal Business Analytics program has several unique features that set it apart from other programs:
- Dual-track MSBA Program: Offers both thesis-based and industry project-based options to match your career goals
- Top-tier Research Links: Strong academic partnerships with global AI leaders like MILA and IVADO
- Multilingual Advantage: Bilingual campus (English & French) with support for international students
- Global Recognition: Consistently ranked among the top 100 worldwide for Business Analytics (QS 2024)
- Montreal Location: Situated in one of North America's fastest-growing AI and tech hubs
- Affordable Yet High ROI: Competitive tuition with scholarships and strong salary outcomes post-graduation
Conclusion
The HEC Montreal Business Analytics program offers a comprehensive curriculum covering statistical analysis, predictive modeling, data mining, machine learning, and data visualization. With hands-on projects and case studies,students apply their knowledge to real-world business problems. HEC Montreal is renowned for its research and teaching excellence, making its MSBA program one of Canada's top, accredited by AACSB.
