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What is Computer Science?
Quick read
- Computer science covers programming, algorithms, data structures, operating systems, networks, databases and software engineering.
- Most master's expect a bachelor's in computer science, IT or a related engineering subject; conversion master's exist for other graduates.
- Germany and the Netherlands offer English-taught CS master's at low tuition at public universities.
- UK graduate software engineers start around £30,000–£31,000 (Prospects, 2025).
- Internships, projects on GitHub and coding interviews matter as much as grades in hiring.
Computer science is the study of how computers and software work and how to design them well. You learn to program in several languages, analyse algorithms, build software systems and understand the hardware and networks underneath.
Degrees abroad range from broad computer science to specialist master's in software engineering, cloud computing, human-computer interaction and more. Many include a capstone project with an industry partner.
Why study Computer Science abroad
Research-led teaching
Universities with strong CS research let you take electives in areas such as distributed systems, graphics or security.
Tech employers nearby
Cities such as London, Dublin, Toronto, Berlin, Amsterdam and Sydney have large tech sectors.
Low-tuition options
Public universities in Germany charge little or no tuition for many English-taught master's.
Post-study work
Most destinations offer a post-study work period to look for jobs after graduation.
Specialisations you can choose
- Software engineering
- Artificial intelligence
- Cyber security
- Cloud and distributed systems
- Human-computer interaction
- Computer vision
- Networks
- Games and graphics
Degree options
| Programme | Duration | Typical entry | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor's (BSc/BEng Computer Science) | 3–4 years | Class 12 with maths; physics or computer science helps | Students after Class 12 |
| MSc Computer Science (specialist) | 1–2 years | Bachelor's in CS, IT or a related engineering subject | BTech/BE/BSc CS graduates |
| MSc Computer Science (conversion) | 1–2 years | Bachelor's in another subject, often with some maths | Graduates moving into tech from other fields |
| Postgraduate diploma (Canada) | 1–2 years | Bachelor's degree | Practical, job-focused training at a college |
Best countries to study Computer Science
GermanyStrong technical universities and low or no tuition at public universities.Study in Germany
United KingdomOne-year MSc programmes, including conversion courses for non-CS graduates.Study in the UK
CanadaLarge tech sector in Toronto, Waterloo and Vancouver; work permit of up to 3 years.Study in Canada
IrelandEuropean headquarters of many global tech companies in Dublin.Study in Ireland
NetherlandsEnglish-taught CS programmes and a growing tech scene.Study in the Netherlands
Computer Science: costs and work rights in 13 countries
The table compares typical international tuition per year in each country (a range across subjects, from our country guides), how long a master's usually takes, and the post-study work route. Notes specific to Computer Science are added where they matter.
| Country | Bachelor's / year | Master's / year | Post-study work | What to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| £15,000–40,000≈ ₹18.3 lakh – ₹48.8 lakh | £17,000–36,000≈ ₹20.7 lakh – ₹43.9 lakh1–2 years | Graduate visa: 2 years (18 months if you apply from 1 January 2027) Details | Conversion MSc options for non-CS graduates. | |
| A$30,000–50,000≈ ₹19.5 lakh – ₹32.5 lakh | A$32,000–55,000≈ ₹20.8 lakh – ₹35.8 lakh1–2 years | Temporary Graduate visa (485): usually 2–3 years; Indian graduates up to 3 years after a master's Details | Many master's are 1.5–2 years; credit for related degrees can shorten them. | |
| C$20,000–60,000≈ ₹13.4 lakh – ₹40.2 lakh | C$10,000–50,000≈ ₹6.7 lakh – ₹33.5 lakh1–2 years | PGWP: up to 3 years, depending on programme length Details | Colleges also offer postgraduate diplomas; check the field-of-study rule for PGWP. | |
| €16,000–30,000≈ ₹17 lakh – ₹31.8 lakh | €16,000–30,000≈ ₹17 lakh – ₹31.8 lakh1–2 years | Stamp 1G: 12 months, up to 24 months after a master's Details | Most taught master's take 1 year. | |
| Up to €20,000up to ≈ ₹21.2 lakh | Up to €25,000up to ≈ ₹26.5 lakh1.5–2 years | 18-month job-seeker residence permit Details | Many English-taught CS master's; bachelor's mostly in German. | |
| NZ$36,000–55,000≈ ₹19.4 lakh – ₹29.7 lakh | NZ$40,000–60,000≈ ₹21.6 lakh – ₹32.4 lakh1–2 years | Post Study Work Visa: up to 3 years after a master's Details | Includes 1-year and 1.5–2 year master's. | |
| €9,000–20,000≈ ₹9.5 lakh – ₹21.2 lakh | €12,000–30,000≈ ₹12.7 lakh – ₹31.8 lakh1–2 years | Orientation year: 1 year Details | Research universities and universities of applied sciences both teach in English. | |
| AED 44,000–165,000≈ ₹11 lakh – ₹41.3 lakh | AED 42,000–181,000≈ ₹10.5 lakh – ₹45.3 lakh1–2 years | No dedicated route: employer work visa or a 60–120 day Job Seeker visa Details | Branch campuses award the parent university's degree. | |
| €1,000–27,000≈ ₹1.1 lakh – ₹28.6 lakh | €2,700–43,000≈ ₹2.9 lakh – ₹45.6 lakh1–2 years | Job-search authorisation: 24 months Details | Public universities teach mostly in Spanish; English-taught options are mainly at private schools. | |
| €7,000–15,000≈ ₹7.4 lakh – ₹15.9 lakh | €8,000–20,000≈ ₹8.5 lakh – ₹21.2 lakh1–2 years | Post-study permit: up to 9 months Details | English is an official language; small universities and colleges. | |
| €6,800–12,000≈ ₹7.2 lakh – ₹12.7 lakh | €4,000–18,000≈ ₹4.2 lakh – ₹19.1 lakh1–2 years | Up to 12 months after a master's; none after a bachelor's Details | Public universities teach mainly in Greek; private universities teach in English. | |
| €3,000–10,000≈ ₹3.2 lakh – ₹10.6 lakh | €3,500–12,000≈ ₹3.7 lakh – ₹12.7 lakh1–2 years | Up to 9 months after a master's or PhD Details | English-taught programmes at state and private universities. | |
| €2,500–10,000≈ ₹2.6 lakh – ₹10.6 lakh | €2,300–12,000≈ ₹2.4 lakh – ₹12.7 lakh1.5–2 years | 12-month job-search permit Details | English-taught programmes at state and private universities. |
Ranges are typical yearly international tuition across subjects; lab-based and professional courses often sit at the upper end. Living costs, visa and health cover are extra. Approximate exchange rates (based on ECB reference rates, March 2026). Actual rates on your payment date will differ.
Not sure which country suits Computer Science?Share your marks, budget and goals and we'll compare countries and universities for you.
Universities to consider for Computer Science
Universities on our list known for Computer Science & IT, ordered by global ranking, with no more than two per country. Entry rules and fees differ by course, so check the university page or ask us.
UNSW SydneySydney, AustraliaQS 2027: 19
Technical University of MunichMunich, GermanyQS 2027: 25
University of TorontoToronto, CanadaQS 2027: 32
The University of EdinburghEdinburgh, UKQS 2027: 35
Delft University of TechnologyDelft, NetherlandsQS 2027: 48
University of Birmingham DubaiDubai, Dubai (UAE)QS (parent university) 2027: 68
Trinity College DublinDublin, IrelandQS 2027: 75
University of GlasgowGlasgow, UKQS 2027: 80
RWTH Aachen UniversityAachen, GermanyQS 2027: 104
University of WaterlooWaterloo, CanadaQS 2027: =113
Admission requirements
Bachelor's
- Class 12 with maths (required by almost all universities)
- Minimum marks set by each university; top universities ask for high marks
- English test or accepted Class 12 English mark
Master's
- Bachelor's in CS, IT, electronics or related subject for specialist master's
- Minimum grade set by each university
- Some universities (especially in Germany) check that you have enough credits in maths and programming
- GRE for a few programmes
Documents you will usually need
- Mark sheets and certificates
- Statement of purpose
- CV
- References
- Course descriptions (often asked in Germany)
- English test score report
English test scores
| Level | Typical requirement |
|---|---|
| Bachelor's | IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall with no band below 5.5–6.0 is typical |
| Master's | IELTS Academic 6.5 overall with no band below 6.0 is typical |
| Other tests | PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT and Duolingo English Test are widely accepted; check each university's list |
| Class 12 English | Some universities accept a high Class 12 English mark instead of a test for some courses |
Typical ranges; each university and course sets its own scores. Prepare with our IELTS and PTE classes.
Professional recognition
Accreditation
In the UK, BCS accredits many computing degrees; in Australia, the Australian Computer Society (ACS) does. Accreditation is useful but not required to work in tech.
Skills you will build
- Programming (Python, Java, C++ or similar)
- Algorithms and data structures
- Software design and testing
- Databases and SQL
- Cloud platforms
- Version control (Git)
- Problem solving
- Teamwork in agile projects
Careers and salaries after Computer Science
| Job role | UK salary guide | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Software engineer | £30,000–£31,000 average graduate starting salary; £42,000–£69,000 with experience | Prospects job profile (UK), 2025 (opens in a new tab) |
| Web developer | £22,000–£28,000 entry level; £50,000–£70,000+ for senior or lead developers | Prospects job profile (UK), 2025 (opens in a new tab) |
| Systems analyst | Around £30,000 for junior analysts; around £50,000 at senior level | Prospects job profile (UK), 2025 (opens in a new tab) |
UK salary guides are shown so all courses use the same comparison. Pay elsewhere differs, and a job offer abroad is never guaranteed.
Planning a career in Computer Science?Our counsellor can map courses to the jobs and countries you're aiming for.
Study Computer Science abroad: FAQs
Can I do MS in Computer Science abroad after a BSc (not BTech)?
Yes, if your BSc included enough computing and maths. Many universities accept three-year BSc degrees; some ask for four years of study. Check each university's rules for Indian degrees.
Is GRE required for computer science master's?
Most universities in the UK, Ireland, Australia, Germany and the Netherlands do not require GRE. A few programmes do.
Which country is cheapest for a CS master's?
Public universities in Germany usually charge only a semester contribution (except in Baden-Württemberg and at TUM). Latvia and Lithuania also have lower tuition.
Can non-CS graduates study computer science abroad?
Yes. Conversion master's in the UK, Ireland and Australia are designed for graduates from other subjects.
What matters most for getting a tech job abroad?
Skills you can show: projects, internships, coding interview practice and a clear CV. The degree opens doors; your portfolio gets you hired.
Explore other courses
Business and finance
Computing and data
Engineering and architecture
Health and life sciences
Hospitality and social sciences
Sources
- Prospects: software engineer job profile (opens in a new tab)
- Prospects: web developer job profile (opens in a new tab)
- Prospects: systems analyst job profile (opens in a new tab)
- BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT (opens in a new tab)
Researched 23 Oct 2026. Fees, rules and salaries change; confirm with the university or official source before you apply.