US vs UK: Which is Better for Masters?

There is a slight difference in the course structure of MS in UK vs MS in US. Take a look at the table below to know the difference between the two on the basis of course duration, top specialisations and the average tuition fee:

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Let us go through the eligibility criteria for MS in UK vs MS in USA one by one for better comparison:

Here are the requirements you will have to fulfil for admission to MS in US or UK which is better for you:

• Bachelor’s degree
• Entrance test scores
• English language proficiency test scores
• Work experience
• Student visa

Let us discuss in detail the requirements for admission to UK vs US for masters:

Bachelor’s Degree

• To pursue MS in the US, a 3 or 4 years completed bachelor’s degree in a relevant field with a minimum GPA of 3.0 is recommended. A competitive GPA of around 3.5 is preferable for admission to top universities in the US.
• Compared to this, according to the UK education system, you will need a 2:1 or 2:2 bachelor’s degree in a relevant field i.e. 60-75% for admission to a master's degree program.

Entrance Test Scores

• For admission to universities in the US, a lot of importance is given to entrance test scores such as GRE or GMAT. The cut-off scores vary from university to university. However, an average GRE score of 160 is recommended for admission.
• UK universities enrol students with or without GRE scores. If you are eyeing some of the top universities, having a GRE score of 160 in quantitative section and 4.0 in writing will be good for your profile.

English Language Proficiency Test Scores

As international students whose first language is not English, you will have to submit English language proficiency test scores for admission to universities in US as well as UK. IELTS is the most widely accepted test score for studying abroad. You can also submit equivalent test scores of TOEFL, PTE, CAE, etc.

A minimum overall IELTS score of 6.5 is required for master’s degrees in both US and UK. Some universities and programs may have a higher requirement and ask for a minimum IELTS score of 7.0.

Work Experience

Work experience is not mandatory for all MS programs in US and UK. It is recommended to have prior work experience of 2-3 years, if you are applying for management related degrees in US or UK.

Student Visa

One of the most important documents for studying abroad is a student visa.

• International students applying for MS in UK must apply for a Tier 4 student visa after receiving confirmation of acceptance for studies (CAS) from the university where you have enrolled.
• To study in US, you have to apply for a F-1 student visa after receiving the letter of acceptance.

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The application process for applying to MS In US vs UK is more or less similar. The only difference lies in the application portal and intake months.

Let us go through the application process for applying to MS in US vs UK:

1. Start by shortlisting universities that offer your preferred program.
2. Check whether you meet the eligibility criteria for admission and the available intakes.
3. Universities in the UK  accept applications with intakes in September/ October or January/ February. While in the US, there is the fall and the spring intake out of which fall is the most preferred with deadlines in December and October respectively.
4. Moving to the next step, you will have to complete the application for admission. You can submit applications for UK universities through the UCAS portal or the university’s application portal. Similarly for applying to universities in the US, applications can be submitted through the university’s application portal.
5. Whether you choose MS in UK vs MS in USA, after completing the application you need to submit the application fee along with the supporting documents.
6. You will have to keep a check on your email and the university website for updates on your application.
7. Once you receive an offer for admission, you must accept it and proceed with the visa application.

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Though documents required vary for different institutions, universities in US require extensive paperwork to support your application.

Take a look at the table below to compare the documents required for MS in US vs UK:

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The UK is quite popular for its world class education in the fields of Business, Computer Science, Psychology, Engineering and Architecture among other disciplines. Here is a list of top MS programs along with the most-sought after universities and average tuition fee:

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Now that you have learned about MS in UK, its top specialisations and tuition fee, take a look at the most popular MS programs in US for a better comparison:

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The comparison between the cost of studying masters in UK vs US is basically a comparison between the average tuition fees and cost of living in both countries. It is a well established fact that the cost of living in US is comparatively higher than in UK.

• An MS in UK costs around £15,000-35,000 per year while in the US it costs $20,000 per year. The difference here is that an MS in UK is usually a one year program while in the US a master’s degree can be completed in 2 years so the total program costs around $40,000.
• For Indian students, the cost of MS in US vs UK is around INR 35 lakh while in UK it is around INR 30 lakh for the complete program.
• You will need a minimum of £1,015 in your bank account to meet your monthly expenses in UK except in London.
• If you are in London, you will require a slightly higher amount that is around £1265 per month.
• On an average a student in the UK spends around £1,500-1,800 per month.
• The monthly average cost of living in the US is estimated to be around $1,000-1,500 per month.
• Some cities in the US that house top institutions such as New York, Boston, Los Angeles, San Francisco are much costlier than this and can cost as high as $3,000-4,500 per month.

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You will find a variety of scholarship opportunities for masters degree in US vs UK for Indian students. Scholarships are provided by the universities, private organisations as well as the government.

In the US, you are more likely to receive merit scholarships awarded by the universities to recognize your academic excellence. While in the UK, you will have access to a range of scholarships from various sources even outside your university.

Take a look at the table below for the top 5 scholarships for MS in UK vs USA for masters:

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Coming to the career opportunities and salary prospects after MS in UK vs US which is an important point of discussion while comparing two equally competent study abroad destinations.

• A person in the UK can earn an average salary of £71,000 per year which is expected to vary according to the job title and experience.
• On the other hand, you can expect to earn $94,700 per year while working in the US.
• For Indian students, the average expected salary in the UK is INR 70 lakh per year while in the US it is also around INR 71.5 lakh per year.

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After all the discussion above, you must be thinking UK or US which is better for masters?

The answer to this question lies with you. We have taken you through the important details for masters in US vs UK. Every country will have its own pros and cons.

Now it is completely up to you to decide which country will suit you best and will be able to provide you with a better learning space and fulfil your endeavours. Make your decision wisely as starting with this you have a lot more to ponder upon and many other choices to make regarding your university, program, finances, accommodation and a lot more.

And if you are still confused, book a free 15-minute consultation with our Yocket counselors!