Masters in Education Abroad: Universities, Cost, Eligibility, Duration & Scholarships

Masters in Education abroad programs cover curriculum design, leadership, policy, and inclusive teaching, blending theory with applied training in assessment, digital tools, and classroom methods. Universities such as UCL and the University of Melbourne offer school placements or research internships, often in diverse or international settings.

Indian students now make up nearly 12% of the 6.9 million international students worldwide, with over 622,000 pursuing studies abroad. The global education market is on track to reach USD 433 billion by 2030. Countries such as Germany, France, and Canada are seeing a rise in enrolments for education-related master’s degree programs, driven by affordable fees and accessible post-study work (PSW) options.

Masters in Education Abroad: Overview

Masters in Education abroad programs typically run for 1–2 years, with Fall, Spring, and Summer intakes depending on the region. Tuition fees vary significantly, for instance, Germany and France offer public university programs starting at €268 (INR 26.8K), while top USA institutions like Harvard charge up to $60,000 (INR 51.4L) annually.

Below is a detailed overview of course levels, entry routes, costs, and specialization areas across

Also Read: Best Universities For Masters in Education In World

Now that the basic structure and scope are clear, the next question is, what makes these international programs worth pursuing over domestic options? Let’s look at the reasons driving this choice.

Why Pursue Masters in Education Abroad?

A Masters in Education abroad is a pathway into globally recognised teaching, policy, and curriculum roles. With rising investment in education reforms and a demand for trained educators in multicultural and bilingual settings, here’s why students are choosing this route:

• Rising Global Demand: 77% of Indian students pursue international study for better job prospects. Countries like Canada, the UK, and Australia face teacher shortages, especially in STEM, special education, and school leadership roles.
• Globally Recognised Degrees: An MEd from universities like UCL or the University of Melbourne aligns with global teaching standards. These qualifications simplify licensure and improve job mobility across education systems in Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, and Europe.
• Focused Curriculum with Practicum: Programs abroad offer specialisations in TESOL, inclusive education, or higher ed leadership. Schools like UCL and Toronto include mandatory field placements, giving students real exposure to classroom and school settings.
• Better Salaries and Faster Progression: Education administrators with a master’s earn $78,000–$120,000 (INR 67L to INR 1Cr). In Canada and the UK, graduates often enter mid-level positions directly, including curriculum leads and policy coordinators.
• Post-Study Work Access: Canada’s PGWP (up to 3 years), the UK’s Graduate Route (2 years), and Australia’s temporary graduate visa (up to 4 years) support employment after graduation, particularly in high-demand teaching fields.
• Career Beyond the Classroom: International MEd programs prepare graduates for roles in education consultancy, curriculum design, academic advising, and school improvement, well beyond standard teaching tracks.

Understanding the value of these programs is only part of the picture. The next step is identifying where they are offered and which institutions are leading the way in curriculum, faculty, and research depth.

Top Universities Offering Masters in Education Abroad

Education master’s degrees are offered at globally ranked institutions like Stanford University, Harvard, and UCL, with tuition fees ranging from just CAD 2,117 (INR 1.3L) at the University of Montreal to $54,458 (INR 46.6L) at Harvard. 

Program durations vary between one and two years, with deadlines extending into late 2025 for most intakes.

Here’s a curated list of the best universities to study abroad for a master's in education program, along with program details, tuition costs, and application timelines.

Also Read: Free Education Countries for Indian Students in 2025

After exploring the leading universities, prospective students must evaluate whether they meet the necessary qualifications to apply.

Eligibility Requirements for Masters in Education Abroad

Education master’s programs abroad typically accept applicants with a bachelor’s degree in any discipline, though social sciences (BS) or education-related backgrounds are preferred. Institutions typically ask for a minimum GPA of 2.5–3.0/4.0, alongside English proficiency scores, IELTS 6.5+, TOEFL 88–100, or Duolingo 120–130.

Below is a detailed breakdown of academic, exam, and visa-related requirements for international applicants.

With eligibility requirements in mind, the focus naturally shifts to understanding the steps involved in securing admission to these programs.

Application Process to Apply for Masters in Education Abroad

Masters in Education abroad attracts candidates pursuing international teaching credentials, curriculum leadership roles, or education policy positions. The application process requires program-matching, eligibility planning, funding documentation, and often a country-specific visa route.

Each step plays a role in determining your admissions and post-study path. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how to apply:

• Step 1: Research Programs and Shortlist Universities: Choose your preferred degree type and focus area. Universities like UCL, the University of Toronto, and Monash offer diverse streams with classroom placements or leadership tracks.
• Step 2: Check Eligibility Requirements: Universities usually require a recognised bachelor’s in education or related fields, GPA, and English proficiency. Teaching-focused programs may ask for 1–2 years of experience or certification.
• Step 3: Take Required Language and Entrance Tests: IELTS (6.5–7.5), TOEFL iBT (80–100), or Duolingo English Test (105–120) are accepted widely. GRE is optional for coursework-based programs, but may apply to research tracks.
• Step 4: Prepare and Submit Required Documents: Prepare a full application including:
  • Academic transcripts
  • Degree certificates or provisional marksheets
  • Statement of Purpose (SOP)
  • 2–3 Letters of Recommendation
  • Resume or CV
  • English test scores
  • Proof of funds, where required at the time of application
• Step 5: Submit Applications via Official Portals: Use UCAS (UK), ApplyWeb (US), or direct university portals in Canada and Australia. Fall intake deadlines usually range from November to March; spring intakes may close between August and October.
• Step 6: Apply for Student Visa: After receiving a formal offer, apply for the relevant visa.
  • USA: F-1 visa with I-20 and SEVIS fee payment
  • UK: Student Route visa includes getting a CAS letter and funding proof
  • Canada: Study Permit with GIC and biometrics
  • Australia: Subclass 500 visa with CoE, OSHC, and GTE statement
• Step 7: Complete Pre-Departure Formalities: Book housing, finalise travel, activate health insurance, and attend your university’s orientation.

Completing the application is just the beginning; gaining insight into the structure and content of these courses is equally important for informed decision-making.

Masters in Education Abroad: Course Structure & Specialization

Programs abroad go beyond theoretical instruction by integrating practical training like school-based fieldwork, capstone projects, and teaching practicums across K–12 and adult education settings.

Core modules address the evolving needs of the future of education, covering curriculum design, policy frameworks, and inclusive teaching, while electives let students specialise in areas such as TESOL, educational leadership, or child development.

Here’s a closer look at the academic structure and key specialisation areas across international MEd programs.

A thorough grasp of course offerings sets the stage for evaluating the financial investment required to pursue these academic ambitions.

Cost of Studying Masters in Education Abroad

While tuition is often the most considerable cost, the overall costs of studying abroad vary significantly by country. For instance, average annual tuition ranges from $30,000–$60,000 (INR 25.7L to INR 51.4L) in the U.S., £18,000–£46,500 (INR 21L to INR 54L) in the UK, and as low as €268 (INR 26.8K) in parts of Europe.

Beyond tuition, non-academic costs, such as housing and health insurance, also play a significant role in financial planning. Below is a category-wise estimate of monthly expenses commonly incurred for pursuing an MS abroad.

Note:

• INR conversions are based on the current exchange rate.
• Monthly expenses are averaged in USD for consistency, but actual figures may vary based on country-specific currency rates, city type, and student lifestyle.

Also Read: How to Study Abroad for Free: A Complete Guide for Indian Students

While the costs may seem significant, a range of scholarships can help ease the financial burden for deserving candidates pursuing Masters in Education abroad.

Scholarships for Pursuing Masters in Education Abroad

Funding a global master’s in education doesn’t always mean self-financing. With awards like Stanford’s Dean’s Fellowship offering up to $44,000 (INR 37.7L) and Ireland’s University of Galway extending €1,500 (INR 1.5L) in merit grants, top universities offer targeted support based on academic merit and financial need.

Let’s now explore the types of scholarships available, starting with those offered directly by universities.

Internal Scholarships

Fully funded scholarships often target high-performing students or those from underrepresented backgrounds. For example, UCL’s Global Master’s Scholarship provides £15,000 (INR 15L) to lower-income international students.

While Macquarie University’s award supports articulation pathway students with AUD 2,500 (INR 1.4L).

The table below lists a few notable internal study abroad scholarships available to education master’s applicants.

In addition to institutional aid, numerous external organizations offer scholarships that further expand opportunities for aspiring educators.

External Scholarships

Beyond institutional support, external funding bodies offer substantial assistance across regions and categories. The AAUW International Fellowships awards $20,000 (INR 17L) to international women pursuing their first master’s, while Erasmus Mundus funds students with €1,000 (INR 1L) stipends across partner universities.

Here’s a breakdown of prominent external scholarships open to education students worldwide.

Securing financial support is only part of the journey; graduates also benefit from a wide array of career prospects that follow these advanced degrees.

Career Opportunities After Completing Masters in Education Abroad

With salaries reaching up to $149,160 (INR 1.3Cr) for school superintendent roles and over $139,842 (INR 1.2Cr) for educational psychologists, international education degrees open access to high-level leadership and policy careers.

From managing entire academic divisions to driving reforms through policy research, these roles reflect both specialisation and scale. 

The table below outlines high-paying job roles along with their respective earnings across global education sectors.

Sources: Indeed, Glassdoor, salary.com

Note: 

• INR conversions are based on the current exchange rate.
• Salaries vary by country, setting (e.g., hospital vs. industry), experience, and specialization.
• These are average national figures; compensation may be higher in major hubs like the U.S., Switzerland, or Canada.

To fully appreciate the impact of an international education degree, it is helpful to examine the organizations that actively seek out such qualified professionals.

Top Recruiters

Graduates from internationally recognised education programs are hired into academic leadership, curriculum strategy, and policy advisory roles. Demand is especially strong across government-backed school systems, international curricula bodies, and education think tanks.

Leading employers include:

• Teach First (UK): Recruits MEd graduates into underserved UK schools via a two-year salaried teacher training programme. Common roles include subject lead, pastoral manager, and later, head of year or assistant headteacher.
• International Baccalaureate (IB): Employs postgraduate education professionals as curriculum developers, regional coordinators, and school services associates. Many work from hubs like The Hague or Singapore, supporting IB schools with training and accreditation.
• UNESCO & OECD: Hire education policy analysts, programme officers, and consultants for global learning projects. Recent postings include roles in digital learning frameworks, equity tracking, and teacher training policy reviews.
• UCL IOE & University of Melbourne Schools Partnership: Graduates are placed in affiliated schools or pilot programmes as instructional designers, research associates, or education development officers focused on curriculum reform.
• Toronto District School Board, NYC DOE, and San Francisco Unified School District: Public education boards hire international MEd graduates as literacy coaches, assistant principals, and inclusion coordinators. Entry often involves licensure evaluation and paid residency or fellowship tracks.

With multiple moving parts, from choosing a program to preparing applications and planning finances, expert guidance can make the journey smoother. This is where upGrad’s end-to-end support comes in.

How Can upGrad Support Your Journey to Study Masters in Education Abroad?

Pursuing a Masters in Education abroad means guiding academic prerequisites, language tests, curriculum variations, and program formats. Selecting a course that aligns with your teaching goals or policy interests makes all the difference.

upGrad helps you simplify this journey by recommending education programs customized to your profile. From SOP and LOR guidance to support with scholarship applications and visa documentation, you get personalized assistance at every step.

Book a 1:1 session with an upGrad expert today to align your career goals with the right education master’s programs and avoid common application traps.