Degree guide
Master's Degree Programs Abroad
Master's programs differ in length, style, and purpose. Learn how to compare taught and research routes, check prerequisites, and plan costs for a 2027 intake.
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✓ Programs and universities
✓ Scholarships and total cost
✓ Requirements and deadlines
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Last verified 10/01/2026. Admission, tuition, scholarship, and visa information can change. Use this guide to compare options, then confirm current details with the university and official sources such as The admissions office of the university you apply to, The department or faculty offering the program, The immigration authority of your destination country before applying.
Taught or research master's
Taught programs follow a set curriculum with exams and often a final project, while research master's degrees are centred on a thesis under supervision. The latter can be a stepping stone to doctoral study. Choose based on your goals. If you plan to enter industry quickly, a taught route may fit, while a research route suits those considering an academic path.
Program length and what it affects
Master's programs differ in duration across countries and types, which changes cost, living expenses, and time out of the workforce. Compare lengths alongside tuition, rather than tuition alone. Also check how the length matches visa and scholarship terms, since awards are often tied to a stated duration.
Prerequisites and backgrounds
Programs usually expect a related first degree. Check the required subjects, any minimum grades they state, and whether work experience, a portfolio, or a test is involved. If your background is not an exact match, ask the admissions team how they assess applicants from related fields and whether bridging modules or preparatory courses are available.
- Accepted first-degree subjects
- Language evidence and its validity
- References, statement of purpose, or study plan
- Conversion routes for career changers
Checking fit and value
Look at the curriculum, faculty interests, and graduate pathways, then check recognition of the degree in the career or country you aim for. Regulated professions have their own rules for foreign qualifications. Verify any outcomes the university advertises directly with the department.
Funding and timing
Scholarship rounds may run on different timelines from admission. Make a calendar for each program and funder, and confirm all dates and conditions from official sources. Check each provider's current terms for subject, degree level, and nationality, and keep a plan in which you cover a larger share yourself if funding is not offered or arrives late.
Frequently asked questions
Can I do a master's in a different subject from my bachelor's?
Sometimes. Some programs accept applicants from related fields, and others offer conversion routes for career changers. Check each program's entry criteria and contact the admissions team to ask how they assess unusual backgrounds before you apply. Always check the latest official terms before you rely on this.
How is a research master's different from a taught one?
A research master's is built around a thesis and supervision, often preparing students for doctoral study, while a taught master's follows a structured curriculum with exams and projects. Read each program's description to see how assessment and supervision work. Verify the specifics with the institution directly before you plan around them.
Do I need work experience?
It depends on the program. Some, especially in management, expect it, while many others accept recent graduates. Read the admission criteria carefully and contact the program office if you are unsure whether your profile fits. Confirm the current details with the university or provider before you decide.