A master’s abroad: choosing a programme, when to apply and where to find funding
One year in the UK, two in Italy, France or Korea, one to three in the USA. How to match a programme to your first degree, what goes into the application, when to apply and which scholarships really cover your studies.
- 1 yearA typical taught master’s in the UK and many programmes in the Netherlands.
- 2 yearsItaly, France and Korea (120 credits); Germany 2–4 semesters.
- 6–12 months aheadProgramme applications open; major scholarships close even earlier.
- Full scholarshipsErasmus Mundus, Chevening, GKS, MEXT, CSC: prepare almost a year ahead.
A programme that fits your first degree and your next step
Decide what the master’s is for: going deeper in your field, changing field or moving into research. That decides the country, the programme format and what the application needs.
Stay in your field
The most direct route: a bachelor’s in the same field opens most programmes. Check that the courses in your transcript match the requirements; in Italy this is a formal condition for the Laurea Magistrale.
Change direction
Possible, but not everywhere: many programmes require a set number of credits in core subjects. Look for conversion programmes or fill the gaps with courses before you apply.
Research or practice
A research master’s with a thesis and supervisor leads towards a PhD; a taught or course-based one leads faster into a profession. In Canada the format also changes the price: research programmes are often cheaper than course-based ones.
How long a master’s takes and what admission depends on
2027 entry; tuition for 2026/27 unless stated. Each country guide has the details.
| Country | Length | What matters for admission | Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| The UK | Usually one year (taught); an Oxford MPhil takes two. | A relevant degree and grades, English, a personal statement and references; applications open in the autumn. | ≈ $34,000–52,300 (£25,750–39,600) for the programme, 2026/27. |
| The USA | One to three years, with or without a thesis. | Each university and department sets its own: personal statement, references, transcript; the GRE or GMAT for some programmes. | Example: UCLA, academic master’s for non-residents: $30,710 tuition and fees, about $76,000 with living costs, 2026/27. |
| Canada | Course-based 10–16 months; research-based about two years. | A guide of 4 out of 5 average grades, IELTS Academic often 7.0; a supervisor’s agreement for research programmes. | On average ≈ $17,300 (CAD 24,693) a year, 2026/27. |
| Germany | 2–4 semesters. | A bachelor’s in a related field, sometimes with minimum maths credits; usually IELTS 6.5 for English-taught programmes. Each programme sets its own deadline. | Most public universities charge no tuition, only a semester contribution. Non-EU students pay ≈ $1,680 (€1,500) per semester in Baden-Württemberg and usually ≈ $4,470–6,710 (€4,000–6,000) per master’s semester at TUM. |
| The Netherlands | One year (60 ECTS) in humanities, social sciences and economics; two years in engineering, sciences and research programmes. | Grades (a guide of 4.0 out of 5), IELTS 6.5–7.0; TU Delft asks for 7.0 with no part below 6.5. | ≈ $23,500–38,300 (€21,000–34,300) a year at EUR, Maastricht, TU Delft and UvA. |
| Italy | Two years, 120 CFU. | Your first degree’s courses must match the requirements; application rounds run from October to spring, then a Universitaly pre-enrolment. | Politecnico di Milano up to ≈ $4,410 (€3,943) a year; Bocconi ≈ $20,700 (€18,550) a year. |
| France | Two years (M1 and M2), 120 ECTS. | A degree in the same or a related field, a file and an interview; residents of Russia apply through Études en France. | Public universities: ≈ $4,410 (€3,950) a year for non-EU students, 2026/27. |
| Spain | 60–120 ECTS, one to two years. | Your degree usually needs no prior recognition, as the university checks its level; applications run in waves from late January to May. | UCM: ≈ $5,640 (€5,044) for 60 ECTS for non-residents, 2026/27. |
| South Korea | Two years, four semesters. | Degree and grades, study plan, references and language: SNU asks for TOPIK 3, TOEFL iBT 80 or IELTS 6.0. | SNU: ≈ $2,450–2,990 (₩3.28–4.00m) for the first semester in most departments. |
Dollars at ECB rates of 7 October 2026.
What goes into the application
A bachelor’s (or specialist) degree
You need a completed first degree in a related field. Final-year students can often apply and send the diploma before the start; Erasmus Mundus, for example, works this way.
Grade average
There is no single cut-off, but there are guides: around 4 out of 5 in the Netherlands and Canada.
English or the language of instruction
Thresholds are higher than for a bachelor’s: most often IELTS 6.5–7.0. In Canada 7.0 is a typical minimum.
GRE or GMAT
The programme states whether it needs one; mostly in the USA and at business schools. GRE · GMAT
CV
Education, work and internships, projects, publications and languages on one or two pages, in the local format.
References
From lecturers or employers who know your work. The programme sets the number and format; ask early, not a week before the deadline.
Personal statement
Why this programme, what you have already done in the field and what comes next. A template letter shows immediately.
Portfolio, interview, essays
For design and architecture and some business and research programmes; in France an interview is a common part of selection.
When to apply: a 12–15 month plan
Count back from the start date. Scholarships close before programmes, so start with them.
- 12–15 months ahead
Goal, countries, long list
Check your degree against programme requirements and note scholarship deadlines: Chevening closes in early October, GKS for master’s students in February.
- 9–12 months ahead
Tests and documents
The language test and, if needed, the GRE or GMAT. CV, a first draft of your statement, agreement with your referees.
- 6–10 months ahead
Main applications
Canada usually October to January, Bocconi in rounds from October to spring, Spain in waves from late January to May, SNU in July for a March start. In Germany each programme has its own window: Mannheim, for example, 1 April to 15 May.
- 3–6 months ahead
Decision, money, visa
Compare offers, pay the deposit, prepare the visa funds and apply as soon as your documents are ready. Germany requires proof of €11,904 for the first year.
Scholarships that fund a master’s
Competition for full scholarships is strong and deadlines are early, so prepare almost a year ahead. Many of them are designed for master’s and doctoral study.
| Programme | Who funds it and where | What it covers | How and when to apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| Erasmus Mundus | The European Union; joint master’s programmes run by university consortia, with study in at least two countries. | Full scholarships for the best-ranked students: participation costs, travel, visa and a living allowance. Programmes last one to two years. | Apply directly to the programme’s consortium; each sets its own deadline. Final-year bachelor’s students may apply. |
| Chevening | The UK government (FCDO); a one-year master’s at a UK university. | Full funding of study and living costs. | Applications open in late summer and close in early October, almost a year before the start (6 October in 2026). For 2027/28, Russian citizens are eligible only if they live in another country. |
| Global Korea Scholarship | The Korean government (NIIED); master’s and doctoral study. | Tuition (up to ₩5m per semester), a year of Korean, airfare and a monthly allowance. | The embassy track for graduate study runs in February (12–25 February in 2026); applicants must be under 40. |
| DAAD | The German Academic Exchange Service; study and research in Germany. | Scholarships are aimed mainly at graduates and doctoral candidates; master’s scholarships exist for specific groups and fields. | Search the DAAD scholarship database for your country and field; deadlines differ by programme. |
| MEXT | The Japanese government; the Research Students programme covers master’s study and research. | Exam, admission and tuition fees, flights and an allowance of ¥143,000–145,000 a month (≈ $905–915). | Through the Japanese embassy in your country or on a Japanese university’s recommendation. |
| Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC) | The Chinese government; all levels, including master’s. | The full package usually covers tuition, housing or a housing allowance, insurance and a monthly stipend. | Through the Chinese embassy or the chosen university; application channels differ. |
| Regional DSU grant (Italy) | Regional agencies (ER.GO, EDISU, DiSCo and others) or the university; any level of study. | Living money, often housing and a tuition waiver, based on family income and assets. ER.GO pays up to €7,171 a year to out-of-town students (≈ $8,020). | A separate application on the agency’s website, usually in summer: ER.GO took applications from 23 June to 24 August 2026. |
| University scholarships | The university itself. | From a partial discount to full funding: Bocconi, for example, offers 20% and 60% fee reductions for master’s students. | Usually with the programme application or in a separate round. |
More funding options: scholarships abroad in 2026.
Your master’s with a consultant who studied in your country
In every country we work with, StudyU has a student consultant who went through master’s admissions there or studies there now and knows how programmes read applications. We are international students first and consultants second; for us this is not just a paid service but something we care about. Our large student network tells us which programmes and scholarships work today.
Free first consultationfrom $700 shortlist in one countryfrom $1,000 admission support
- We check your degree against programme requirements: credits, grades, language.
- We shortlist programmes in one country with requirements, fees, deadlines and scholarships.
- We help with the application: CV, personal statement, references, submission.
- We compare offers and explain the visa documents.
The university makes the admission decision and the consulate issues the visa; nobody can guarantee either. We answer for what depends on us: a realistic shortlist, checked documents and deadlines met. Paid work runs under a contract with StudyU.
Frequently asked questions
Can I do a master’s in a different field?
Yes, but check the credit requirements in core subjects: in Italy your first degree’s courses must match the programme’s requirements, and German programmes often ask for a set number of maths or subject credits. Some programmes are designed for graduates from other fields.
Can I apply before I graduate?
Yes, in your final year. The decision is then usually conditional and you send the diploma before the start. Erasmus Mundus explicitly accepts final-year students.
Do I need the GRE or GMAT?
Only if the programme requires it; the admission requirements say so. They are most common in the USA and at business schools.
How much does a master’s abroad cost?
From no tuition at most German public universities (just a semester contribution) to ≈ $52,300 (£39,600) for a one-year UK programme. Living costs come on top: a German visa requires proof of €11,904 for the year. See what studying abroad costs for each country.
Which scholarships cover everything?
Full programmes include Erasmus Mundus, Chevening, GKS, MEXT, the Chinese Government Scholarship and, for some groups, DAAD: they pay tuition and living costs, but competition is strong and deadlines early. Italy’s DSU is awarded on family income and can cover much of the cost too.
How much does StudyU charge?
The first consultation is free. A programme shortlist in one country starts from $700, and admission support from $1,000. The exact price depends on the case: we confirm it before the contract, once we know the student’s background, goals and request. University fees, translations and visa fees are paid separately.
Master’s guides by country and topic
Master’s in the Netherlands
One- and two-year programmes, grades, English and the residence permit.
Read →GermanyMaster’s in Germany in English
Finding English-taught programmes, tests and deadlines.
Read →ItalyMaster’s in Italy
Subject match, application rounds, Universitaly and the visa.
Read →CanadaMaster’s in Canada
Course-based versus research, fees, English and the PGWP.
Read →ScholarshipsErasmus Mundus
How joint master’s programmes and their scholarships work.
Read →TestsThe GRE
Who needs it, the format and how to prepare.
Read →Does your degree fit the programme you want?
Share your degree, grade average and language level. In a free consultation we will tell you where your chances are realistic and what to strengthen before applying.