Eleven countries. One honest comparison.
Every destination has a different cost base, visa rule and work right. Here is what each one actually asks of you — before anyone tries to sell you a course.
United Kingdom
One-year masters, world top-100 universities, clear visa route.
- Tuition
- £12,000 – £26,000 per year
- Intakes
- September / January (some May intakes)
- Post-study
- Graduate Route: 2 years (3 years for PhD)
Canada
Affordable colleges, strong work rights and a clear path to residency.
- Tuition
- CAD 15,000 – CAD 35,000 per year
- Intakes
- September / January / May
- Post-study
- Post-Graduation Work Permit up to 3 years
United States
The widest range of programmes and the largest funding pools.
- Tuition
- USD 20,000 – USD 55,000 per year
- Intakes
- Fall (August) / Spring (January)
- Post-study
- OPT 12 months, extended to 36 months for STEM fields
Ireland
English-speaking EU study with a two-year stay-back option.
- Tuition
- €10,000 – €25,000 per year
- Intakes
- September / January
- Post-study
- Third Level Graduate Scheme: 2 years for masters graduates
Australia
Strong universities, unlimited holiday work and skilled-migration pathways.
- Tuition
- AUD 22,000 – AUD 45,000 per year
- Intakes
- February / July
- Post-study
- Temporary Graduate visa: 2 – 4 years depending on level
Germany
Public universities with little or no tuition fees.
- Tuition
- €0 – €500 per semester at public universities
- Intakes
- Winter (October) / Summer (April)
- Post-study
- 18-month job-seeking residence permit
France
Low public-university fees and a growing list of English-taught degrees.
- Tuition
- €3,000 – €15,000 per year
- Intakes
- September / January (selected programmes)
- Post-study
- APS job-seeking permit: 12 months after masters
Netherlands
English-taught degrees everywhere and a welcoming, cycle-friendly culture.
- Tuition
- €8,000 – €18,000 per year
- Intakes
- September / February
- Post-study
- Orientation Year: 12 months to find work after graduation
Cyprus
Affordable English-medium degrees in the Mediterranean.
- Tuition
- €3,500 – €9,000 per year
- Intakes
- February / September
- Post-study
- Limited post-study stay; many graduates transfer within the EU or UK
Malta
English-speaking island study with EU credentials.
- Tuition
- €5,000 – €12,000 per year
- Intakes
- October / February
- Post-study
- Job-seeking extensions available for graduates
United Arab Emirates
Branch campuses of Western universities, two hours closer to home.
- Tuition
- AED 40,000 – AED 85,000 per year
- Intakes
- September / January
- Post-study
- Green visa and job-seeker options for graduates