Ready to apply? Here’s what you’ll need to complete the admissions process: 

✔ Complete the online application
Submit your application in the application portal.

✔ Submit your resume/CV
We’d like to learn more about your employment history, academic background, technical skills, and professional achievements. Submit a 1 to 2 page resume or CV showcasing your experience. 

✔ Submit your transcripts
Submit an unofficial copy of your transcript for each school you attended. Transcripts must include your name, the name of the college or university, the degree awarded (along with the conferral date), as well as the grade earned for each course. Email your transcripts directly to apply@online.cmu.edu. Please note: former Carnegie Mellon students and/or alumni can request a copy of their CMU transcript from The Hub.

✔  Upload a statement of purpose
Tell us your professional story. Where have you been, and where do you hope to go? In 500 words or less, please share how our program would advance your capabilities in your current role or prepare you for a new role in the industry. 

✔ Submit your TOEFL, IELTS, or DuoLingo test scores
An official TOEFL, IELTS, or DuoLingo test is required for non-native English speakers. This requirement will be waived, however, for applicants who either completed an in-residence bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree program in the United Kingdom, United States, or Canada (excluding Quebec) or have at least three years of professional work experience using English as their primary language. If you fall into one of these categories, please include this information on your resume.  

As part of a global university with locations and students from around the world, the School of Computer Science welcomes the diverse perspectives that international students bring to our programs.

The Graduate Certificate in Machine Learning & Data Science Foundations provides a unique opportunity for individuals nearly everywhere to earn a certificate at the intersection of AI, machine learning, and computational data science from one of the top ranked computer science schools in the country. 

To help ensure you are fully prepared for the admissions process and, if admitted, for success as a student, this section provides detailed information about requirements for international applicants.

We look forward to reviewing your application.

The Graduate Certificate in Machine Learning & Data Science Foundations considers for admission international applicants who reside within, or outside of, the domestic United States. International applicants who reside within or outside of the domestic United States are advised of the following information and additional requirements for international applicants to the program.

Student Visas

Since this program is fully online, enrollment in this program will not qualify students for any type of visa to enter or remain in the United States for any purpose. 

Time and Attendance Requirement  

Classes for the program will be taught on the U.S. Eastern Time zone schedule, and students must be available to attend all live classes, regardless of location.

U.S. Sanctions; U.S. Sanctioned Countries

Individuals who are the target of U.S. sanctions or who are ordinarily resident in a U.S. sanctioned country or who live or expect to live in a U.S. sanctioned country while participating in the program are not eligible for admission to this program due to legal restrictions/prohibitions and should not apply. U.S sanctioned countries are currently Belarus, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Russia, Syria and the following regions of Ukraine: Crimea, Donetsk and Luhansk. In addition, all or a portion of this program may not be available to individuals who are ordinarily resident of certain countries due to legal restrictions.  

Applications received from these individuals will not be accepted. As well, if an individual is admitted to the program and subsequently the individual becomes the target of U.S. sanctions, ordinarily resident of a U.S. sanctioned country or lives in a U.S. sanctioned country while participating in the program (or otherwise becomes ordinarily resident of country in which the program is not available due to legal restrictions), the individual’s continued enrollment in the program may be terminated and/or restricted (due to U.S. legal restrictions/prohibitions) and the individual may not be able to complete the program.  

Licensure in Various Jurisdictions

From time to time Carnegie Mellon reviews the licensing requirements of various jurisdictions in order to assess whether Carnegie Mellon may be precluded from making the program available to applicants that are residents of one or more of these jurisdictions prior to Carnegie Mellon obtaining the relevant license(s). Affected applicants from these jurisdictions, if any, will be notified prior to enrollment if Carnegie Mellon determines that it is unable to make the program available to them for this reason.

Value Added Tax (VAT) and Other Taxes

The tuition, required fees and other amounts quoted for this program do not include charges for applicable Taxes (hereinafter defined). The student is responsible for payment of all applicable Taxes (if any) relating to the tuition, required fees and other amounts required to be paid to Carnegie Mellon for the program, including any Taxes payable as a result of the student’s payment of such Taxes. 

Further, the student must timely make all payments due to Carnegie Mellon without deduction for Taxes, unless the deduction is required by law. If the student is required under applicable law to withhold Taxes from any payment due to Carnegie Mellon, the student is responsible for timely (i) paying to Carnegie Mellon such additional amounts as are necessary so that Carnegie Mellon receives the full amount that it would have received absent such withholding, and (ii) providing to Carnegie Mellon all documentation, if any, necessary to permit the student and/or Carnegie Mellon to claim the application of available tax treaty benefits (for Carnegie Mellon review and completion, if warranted and acceptable). 

Taxes mean any taxes, governmental charges, duties, or similar additions or deductions of any kind, including all use, income, goods and services, value added, excise and withholding taxes assessed by or payable in the student’s country of residence and/or country of payment (but does not include any U.S. federal, state or local taxes).

1. What kind of academic background do I need?
   Successful applicants will have a bachelor’s degree in a STEM-related field. Other degrees will be considered if the applicant can show the necessary proficiency in math and programming. Applicants should also have proficiency in programming languages like Python or R, with experience writing up to 1000 lines of code. 
2. Do I need work experience?
   Applicants will ideally have some relevant work experience in either computer programming or a related field. Internships or other related work are also acceptable.
3. What materials do I need to submit when I apply to this program?
   Besides the online application, applicants must submit a current resume, transcripts, and a personal statement to be considered for enrollment.
   
4. Is there an application fee?
   No, this program does not require an application fee.
   
5. When is the application deadline? 
   All applicants who submit by the priority deadline of July 16, 2025 will receive a partial scholarship award. The final deadline to apply is July 30, 2025.
6. How do I check the status of my application?
   You can view the status of your application at any time in the application portal. A decision letter from Carnegie Mellon will be sent through the application portal within a few weeks of submitting your online application.
7. After I submit my application, when will I hear back?
   You’ll receive a decision letter within a few weeks of submitting your application.
   
8. Is a deposit required to secure my spot?
   No, a deposit is not required to secure your spot in the program.
   
9. If I choose to complete the entire certificate, what is my total investment?
   The total investment for the Machine Learning & Data Science Foundations certificate during the 2025/2026 academic year is $25,452. A breakdown of the tuition and fees can be found on the Tuition page. Partial scholarships are available; all applicants who apply by the priority deadline of July 16, 2025 will receive a partial scholarship award. Carnegie Mellon alumni are eligible for a scholarship to the Graduate Certificate in Machine Learning & Data Science Foundations worth up to 20% of tuition.
10. Is this program eligible for CMU tuition remission?
    Yes, the Graduate Certificate in Machine Learning & Data Science Foundations is eligible for CMU tuition remission. Review the CMU tuition remission policy to check your eligibility.
11. Does CMU accept the GI Bill? 
    Yes! Carnegie Mellon University provides services to veterans and their dependents who are eligible for Veterans Education Benefits under the Montgomery G.I. Bill®, Post-9/11 G.I. Bill, and Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Program. Please note, our online graduate certificates are not currently eligible for the Yellow Ribbon program. 
    
    The process starts with an application directly to Veterans Affairs and once approved, you will provide your Certificate of Eligibility to the Carnegie Mellon Veterans Affairs Coordinator. Contact Information and additional details about the process can be found here.
    
    Students eligible for GI Bill funding may receive scholarship awards prior to full GI Bill funding confirmation. Scholarship awards will be adjusted to reflect GI Bill funding and cannot exceed the cost of tuition/fees.