FAQ | Nebius Academy Advanced Data Science Program

Applications & Admission Process

Can I apply for just one program, or do I have to join the full bundle?

You can choose between two programs: AI-Powered Data Science or Applied Data Science. Each one has its own curriculum focus. You can also take both to build a complete data science skill set and gain real industry experience.

How does the application process work?

The application process consists of three steps. First, candidates apply online through our website. Second, candidates take an online test. The test assesses analytical and basic programming skills and contains undergraduate level statistics and probability questions, data analysis questions, and short coding challenges (candidates can select from a few popular programming languages that our platform supports). The test must be completed within three and a half hours.

We will offer separate four-day windows for candidates to take the online test during the application process. Candidates who pass the test will be invited to an in-person interview with our team. The interview is an opportunity for us to learn more about each candidate’s background, experience, and interests.

What level of math knowledge is expected from the candidates?

We assume our students have at least a bachelor's STEM degree or its equivalent.

We, therefore, expect all the candidates to have full knowledge of the first-year university-level material in math. In order to ensure a suitable level of pre-existing knowledge, we require all candidates to complete the Mathematics for Machine Learning specialization on Coursera prior to the beginning of their studies.

Candidates who are accepted to the program will have the cost of the course deducted from their tuition fee.

What level of statistics and probability knowledge is expected from the candidates?

We assume our students have at least a bachelor's STEM degree or its equivalent.
We, therefore, expect all the candidates to have full knowledge of the first-year university-level material in probability and statistics. You may want to review basic topics in those subjects before taking our online test.

During the program, we won’t teach these topics from scratch, but we will provide a quick recap before diving into the more advanced topics required for later ML courses.

What level of coding skills is required to enter the program? Do you require knowledge of specific languages?

We require our candidates to have basic knowledge of Python and an understanding of common data structures before taking the test. Some resources to help beginners get started include:

Programming for Everybody (Getting Started with Python)
Python Data Structures
Python Essential Training

Can I apply with zero coding experience?

Candidates without any coding experience won’t be able to take part in our program. If you have no coding experience but want to get started in this field, we recommend beginning with online coding courses and building a basic foundation in Python before applying to our program.

Can you provide more details about the online test? What should I do to prepare?

The test takes place in several time-windows over July and August - the exact dates will be announced about a month ahead of time. Full details regarding the exam's format, schedule and platform will be provided to applicants shortly before the test.

We publish past years' exams to candidates which you can use for practice and to better understand what kind of questions to expect - this year’s exam will be similar in style and structure. The sample test has no limit on time or number of attempts (while the real exam has a limit of 3.5 hours and can only be taken once).

Beside the sample test, if you don't write code daily, we recommend brushing up on your coding skills. If you'd like to sharpen your Python skills, some good sources are:

Python for Data Analysis by Wes McKinney
From Python to Numpy
PyData channel on YouTube
Programming for Everybody (Getting Started with Python)
Python Data Structures
Python Essential Training

Is there a referral program?

Most of our students hear about the courses through friends and colleagues — and we’re proud of that. To thank our community, we offer a referral program that lets our students and graduates recommend AI-Powered Data Science and Applied Deep Learning & Generative AI to prospective applicants — and receive rewards in return. Referred applicants get a 5% tuition discount, and the referrer receives a ₪500 gift card once the student pays and completes the first month. Full details are available in the Referral Program Policy.

What is Nebius?

Nebius builds vertically integrated AI infrastructure that accelerates AI innovation globally and at scale. Headquartered in Europe, listed on Nasdaq, and operating globally, the company has already won Israel’s national call for proposals to make large-scale AI training more accessible and affordable for startups, enterprises, and researchers. Nebius is also the founder of Nebius Academy.

Our students can explore Nebius tools, benefit from the company’s AI expertise, and gain from its collaborations with universities and researchers that combine academic depth with industry practice.

What is Nebius’ role in AI education?

At Nebius, we believe AI should be both powerful and accessible. To drive innovation, we invest in programs for developers, engineers, tech leaders, and managers who want to master AI skills.

As the founder of Nebius Academy, Nebius continues to prepare the next generation of AI professionals. Students can explore Nebius tools, benefit from the company’s expertise, and gain from its collaborations with universities and researchers that bring together academic and industry perspectives.

Time Commitment

What is the time commitment for this program? Can I combine it with work or academic studies?

We offer 8 weekly hours of lectures, in addition to 20–25 hours of independent work on assignments and projects. We advise participants to keep at least one full weekday free in order to get the most from the program.

Is there a way I can take part in the program if I'm working full time and can't reduce my position?

It’s possible, but it depends greatly on your commitment. From our experience, combining the workload of this program with full-time employment is extremely difficult. We strongly recommend that candidates reduce their work hours to fully benefit from the opportunities the program offers.

In addition, at least 80% attendance in lectures and seminars is mandatory, along with weekly assignments and exercises that require substantial time and effort.

Program Information

Do I get a certificate at the end of the program?

Yes, you will receive a certificate of completion. To earn the certificate, you must collect enough credits and complete all required coursework — at least 80% attendance and at least 80% of homework assignments submitted and graded as passing.

Are the different tracks for the program?

You can choose between two programs: AI-Powered Data Science or Applied Data Science. Each has its own curriculum focus. You can also take both to build a complete data science skill set and gain real industry experience.

Those who opt for the full bundle get the opportunity to take on an industry project. To get a taste of the types of projects, see the project page.

What is the language of the program?

The program is taught in English in its entirety. We have international students and faculty, and thus expect all our students to be fluent in English.

Do you accept international students? Do you offer any special assistance to international students?

Y-DATA is open to international students - we have international students amongst our existing students and graduates. If you are located abroad, you are welcome to apply as usual, and the admission process can take place remotely.

International students cannot take part in success-based model of payment, but we may be able to offer special tuition rates to international candidates who pass the admission process.

If you are considering applying but have specific needs or questions, you can contact us directly by mail

Cost & Payment options

What is the cost of the program?

AI-Powered Data Science Track: NIS 12,500

Full Bundle (including Industry Project): NIS 23,000

What are the ways to pay the program tuition?

You can pay the full cost upfront, or in installments — up to 9 for the two-course bundle and up to 4 for the AI-Powered Data Science track.

When & where

Where does the program take place?

Our classes take place in Tel Aviv, at the TAU campus. You can also join online.

When does the program start? What’s the schedule?

Y-DATA offers three program tracks:

AI-Powered Data Science Track
A focused 4-month program covering foundational topics such as Python, statistics, and introductory machine learning. Ideal for beginners or those exploring data science for the first time.
Starts in October and ends in January.

Full Bundle
The complete Y-DATA program, including both semesters and participation in an Industry Project with a leading tech company. To explore past projects, visit our Project website.
Runs from October to June.

No Project Track
Includes the full academic curriculum without participation in the Industry Project. Designed for students who cannot commit to the full track but still want to complete the coursework.
Runs from October to June.

When do admissions open? What’s the timeline for the process?

Admissions for the AI-Powered Data Science program are open from July to September.

Industry Projects

What are industry projects? What are the advantages of doing one?

Full-bundle students can complete a full-cycle data science project with one of our partner companies, gaining valuable experience under the guidance of our experts and the company’s representatives.

How much time is spent on a project? Will I be working alone?

Working on an industry project is a serious commitment for students, experts, and partner companies. The project requires a commitment of approximately one day a week. This may involve working once a week at the company’s premises or working independently from home for the same amount of time. Projects are carried out in teams of 2–3 students and are supervised by an experienced mentor assigned by us, who provides in-depth professional expertise, as well as by a company representative, who offers insight into the data and business needs.

Where can I see some examples of projects?

You can see brief examples of this year's projects and more information on Industry Projects on the Projects page. You can also read the full project catalog for 2021-22 year here, and explore the diversity of potential projects.

In addition, you can see videos of past presentations of completed projects by Y-DATA students here:

Demo Day 2024
Demo Day 2023
Demo Day 2022

Can I do a project at the company where I work?

This is quite possible, though depends on the student and the company in question.

For many students, the ability to do an industry project in their current companies offers many advantages - familiarity with the projects domain and required background and systems, more flexibility in obtaining the time required to work on the project and more.

We are more than willing to allow such projects, but they must follow specific guidelines: First of all, the company must have a suitable data-driven product or project. In addition, the company must have pre-existing data science and ML expertise, allowing for oversight and supervision of the project. Lastly, the company should be willing to cooperate and follow regular project definition guidelines.