Masters in Public Health Abroad: Top Universities, Fees, Requirements, Eligibility & Scholarships

As a result of the global COVID-19 pandemic, there is a greater focus on improving public healthcare globally. Public health professionals have become indispensable worldwide as they ensure that sickness is averted through different initiatives that simultaneously cater to a broad spectrum of people on a colossal scale.

A Masters in Public Health degree, also known as an MPH degree, is the most widely recognized professional credential for leadership in public health, a multidisciplinary course that teaches students how to handle leadership and public healthcare roles to advance and safeguard public health. Those who earn a Masters in Public Health advanced degree are qualified for senior roles in the public health field and are well prepared to handle complicated public health issues, consequently protecting the health of millions of people. 

Why Study Masters in Public Health Abroad?

A Masters in Public Health abroad will provide students with a global perspective on how to reduce health risks worldwide. Interaction with others from various countries will prepare them to establish the root causes of complex health problems and subsequently develop real-world solutions to improve the health of large numbers of people locally, nationally, and globally.

The advantages of studying Masters in Public Health abroad are manifold. Students can:

Pursue a passion for public healthcare at a prestigious, top-ranked university that has excellent infrastructure, a wonderful atmosphere, and world-class facilities.

• Interact with world-renowned faculty who are highly experienced in this field of study. 
• Learn alongside brilliant individuals from different parts of the world.
• Engage in advanced research and collaborations with global health institutions.
• Receive a wide choice of worldwide job opportunities. 
• Secure a higher starting salary package.
• Establish a secure, exciting, and rapidly developing career. 
• Become part of a large global alumni network.
• Contribute to improving the lives of millions of people nationally as well as globally through research or service.

Masters in Public Health Abroad Highlights 

The US, UK, and Australia are regarded as the most popular international study destinations in the world, especially because the medium of instruction is English in these countries. 

A Masters in Public Health degree from any of these countries is a one to two-year, full-time course. Online, part-time options are also available for working professionals. This advanced degree program is structured with a combination of core subjects, electives, and a capstone/research project. Most universities require applicants to have a background in medicine or a science-related subject.

Types of Masters in Public Health Abroad

Many public health degrees are focused on equipping students with quantitative analytical skills while maintaining an interdisciplinary focus. The subject often overlaps with other subjects, including sociology, psychology, economics, statistics, and politics/international relations. The specializations differ in each country and in each university 

The following are the broad specializations for a Masters in Public Health program:

• Epidemiology
• Health Education
• Health Economics
• Mental Health
• Occupational Health Safety

Best Universities for Masters in Public Health Abroad

The best universities for Masters in Public Health that are best suited for international students are located in the USA, UK, and Australia. The following universities are the best options for Masters in Public Health abroad:

1)  Harvard University, USA

The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, situated in Boston, Massachusetts, is the public health school of Harvard University, the most popular university in the world.  This MPH program is a flexible degree format that provides the perfect blend of core disciplines of public health and specialized skills to accomplish individual goals. 

2)  John Hopkins University, USA

Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health is one of the finest public health schools in the world for obtaining a master's degree in public health. It is the country’s largest public health training facility and the oldest center for epidemiological research.  Graduates have the opportunity to become part of the largest MPH alumni network across the globe.

3)  Imperial College, London, UK

Imperial College London, a science-based institution based in the center of the capital, is regarded as one of the UK’s leading institutions. This top university’s Master of Public Health degree is a 90-credit program administered by the Faculty of Medicine. Students will have opportunities to engage with academic leaders and assess the work of leading health bodies such as the World Health Organisation through this course's links with institutions.

4)  University of Edinburgh, UK

Founded in 1583, the University of Edinburgh is based in the historic capital of Scotland and is a popular choice for international students. Its College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine is reputed to be a world leader in its field. The Master of Public Health program is run by the Deanery of Molecular, Genetic, and Population Health Sciences. 

5) University of Melbourne, Australia

Founded in 1853, the University of Melbourne is the best university in Australia, according to the THE rankings. The Master of Public Health program exposes students to the core foundations of public health theory and practice and also gives them an opportunity to specialize in the advanced public health training streams offered through the University of Melbourne.

Course Curriculum of Masters in Public Health Abroad

A Masters in Public Health degree combines rigorous classwork consisting of core modules and electives, internships (practical experience), and capstone projects.

Core disciplines in public health include biostatistics, epidemiology, social and behavioral determinants of health, management sciences, public health problem-solving, computer applications, demography, environmental health, biological sciences, and public health policy, as well as cross-cutting and emerging public health areas.

Elective coursework makes up roughly half the curriculum. Examples of Elective options include Health Promotion and Service Improvement, Global Health, Environmental Health, Quantitative Method, Infectious Disease, or Health Policy and Systems.

The Capstone/research project is an opportunity for students to synthesize, integrate, and apply the skills and competencies they have acquired to a public health problem in the real world. 

Eligibility Criteria for Masters in Public Health Abroad

USA

Applicants must have acquired a bachelor’s degree or a master’s degree in a health-related field and have a certain amount of health experience. Top-ranked universities such as Harvard University expect five years of relevant health experience.   

Standardized test scores (GRE, GMAT) are optional for this program, provided applicants have a strong academic record. 

International Students are required to submit an English language proficiency test.

Top universities expect an IELTS score of at least 7.5 or a TOEFL score of at least 100. 

UK

Preferred Applicants are those with a background in medicine, health sciences, biological sciences, or environmental sciences.

Graduates from Tier 1 universities require 60% or above in all of their courses and an IELTS 6.5 overall score(minimum 6.0 in all elements) or a TOEFL 92 overall score (minimum 20 in all elements)

Graduates from Tier 2 universities require 65% or above in all of their courses and a 7.0 overall score (minimum 6.5 in all elements) or a 100 overall (minimum 22 in all elements)

Australia

Applicants must have completed an undergraduate degree in any discipline, with a weighted average mark of at least 65%. 

International Students are required to submit an English language proficiency test score. An IELTS score of at least 6.5 or a TOEFL score of 80-100. 

Admission Requirements for Masters in Public Health Abroad

• Completed online application form
• Certified copies of certificates/academic transcripts (certain universities require an explanation of the grading system used) 
• Statement of Purpose /Personal Statement/Objectives
• CV/Resume
• English Language Proficiency Exam scores – Required for all International students.
• Three Letters of Recommendation (at least one professional and one academic reference)
• Course-specific required documents
• Proof of work experience
• Proof of funds
• Valid Passport & Student Visa 

Admission Process for Masters in Public Health Abroad

To complete the admission process, students should:

• Choose a well-ranked university based on the university ranking, course curriculum, available specializations, location, and expenditure involved.
• Complete the application form on the official university website, attach all the relevant documents, and pay the application fee mentioned on the website. 
• Receive a confirmation email with login details to track your application status. 
• Monitor the progress of the application and continue to upload supporting documentation to your application if necessary.
• Accept the offer of admission from the preferred university
• Pay the tuition fees and complete the enrollment process.
• Use the offer letter to procure a student visa.

Cost of Studying Masters in Public Health Abroad

The cost of pursuing Masters in Public Health abroad can be divided into two categories: pre-arrival and post-arrival expenditure. 

Pre-arrival costs:

1)    Engish Language Proficiency exam cost

•    TOEFL - The TOEFL iBT exam fee in India in 2023 is $195 

•    IELTS – Exam fee is Rs16,250

2)    Visa costs

•    USA visa – The application fee for a student visa is $160

•    UK visa - The application fee for a student visa is 363 GBP

•    Australia visa – The application fee for a student visa is 630 AUD

Post-arrival costs:

1)    Tuition Fees 

•    USA - $60,000 - $80,000

•    UK – £27,000- £40,000

•    Australia – AUD 100,000 – 114,000

2)    Cost of Living costs 

•    USA - $25,000 - $30,000/year

•    UK – £10,000- £16,000/year

•    Australia - $25,000 - $28,000

Job Scope for Masters in Public Health Abroad

A Masters in Public Health is internationally recognized as essential for professional advancement in the fields of public and global health that prepare you for a career as a public health researcher or practitioner, working in the public and NGO sectors, universities, and international institutions.

USA

UK

Australia