The MSDS Residential program will begin in August, with one annual application cycle. We offer three application options: Priority Decision, Regular Decision, and Final Decision.
Priority Decision is for those wishing to be considered for early admission and need-based financial aid. The deadline for Priority Decision is Dec. 1, 2025, and applicants will receive an admission decision on Feb. 1, 2026. Priority applicants must respond to the offer of admission in their application portal by March 1, 2026.
Some applicants applying for Priority Decision may be Deferred to Regular Decision, meaning we will re-review their applications in the Regular Decision round.
Regular Decision application deadline is Feb. 1, 2026. Applications for Regular Decision will receive an admission decision on March 15, 2026. Regular Decision applicants must respond to the offer of admission in their application portal by April 15, 2026.
Final Decision application deadline is May 1, 2026, pending available seats in the class; these will likely be limited to waitlist offers.
Admission offers from the waitlist are made on a space-available basis and vary year to year. If we can make any offers from the waitlist, it would happen in May, June, or July. If we can make any offers, we will give you a call, and if you accept, you must submit your tuition deposit within 72 hours to secure your spot in the cohort; note that waitlist offers may not request a deferral. The waitlist closes on Aug. 1.
All deadlines close at 11:59 pm Eastern Time.
Deadlines for Fall 2026 Entry
| Event | Priority Decision | Regular Decision | Final Decision |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application Opens | Aug. 15, 2025 | ||
| Application Deadline | Dec. 1, 2025 | Feb. 1, 2026 | May 1, 2026 |
| Deadline for Supplementary Materials* | Dec. 8, 2025 | Feb. 8, 2026 | May 8, 2026 |
| FAFSA Deadline (Preferred) | March 1, 2026 | ||
| Decision Release Date | Feb. 1, 2026 | March 15, 2026 | As available |
| Deadline to Respond to Offer | March 1, 2026 | April 15, 2026 | As noted in offer letter |
| Offers from the Waitlist (if available) | May-July 2026 | ||
| Waitlist Closes | Aug. 1, 2026 | ||
*Supplementary Materials include transcripts, TOEFL or IELTS test scores (if required), and letter(s) of recommendation. We do not accept research papers, articles, statements of purpose, GRE scores, or other supplementary items aside from those required for the application.
For questions about the application process, check out the Frequently Asked Questions or schedule a time to meet with the admissions team.
MSDS Residential Info Sessions
| Date | Time |
| Wed., Aug. 13, 2025 | 4-4:30 p.m. ET |
| Wed., Sept. 17, 2025 | 12-12:30 p.m. ET |
| Wed., Oct. 15, 2025 | 10-10:30 a.m. ET |
| Tues., Nov. 11, 2025 | 3-3:30 p.m. ET |
| Wed., Jan. 14, 2026 | 3-3:30 p.m. ET |
| Wed., Feb. 18, 2026 | 12-12:30 p.m. ET |
| Wed., March 11, 2026 | 4-4:30 p.m. ET |
Join the first Data Science School and earn your M.S. in Data Science degree. Our 33-credit rigorous STEM curriculum offers vibrant and collaborative cohort experience, designated career support, and transformative coursework in machine learning, data mining, and ethics with hands-on learning.
MSDS Residential Application Tips & Tricks
| Date | Time |
| Wed., Aug. 27, 2025 | 12-12:30 p.m. ET |
| Wed., Oct. 22, 2025 | 4-4:30 p.m. ET |
| Fri., Nov. 21, 2025 | 12-12:30 p.m. ET |
| Thur., Jan. 15, 2026 | 4-4:30 p.m. ET |
At the MSDS Program Tips & Tricks sessions, join the UVA School of Data Science's enrollment team to learn more about our MSDS Residential program. This opportunity will provide an overview on the application and get you better prepared to complete the application process.
MSDS Program Coding Demo
| Date | Time |
| Mon., Aug. 18, 2025 | 5-5:45 p.m. ET |
Watch a coding project demo that will show you how our rigorous, technical curriculum will allow you to become a leader in the field of data science. You will meet current MSDS students and be able to ask any questions you have about our program.
Visit our events page to register.
