10 Best Countries to Study MS Abroad for Indian Students in 2026

Choosing the right country for your MS abroad is a critical decision; factors like ranking, cost of education, visa policies, job market, and ROI play an equally significant role.

Here are the key factors to evaluate when selecting a country for your MS abroad:

• University Quality & Course Strength: Choose countries with globally ranked universities and strong MS specialisations in your field. For example, Germany excels in engineering, the USA in computer science and AI, and Ireland in data science and analytics.
• Total Cost & Return on Investment (ROI): Compare tuition fees, living costs, and expected post-MS salaries. While the USA and UK have higher costs, they also offer higher salaries, whereas countries like Germany provide low-cost education with solid ROI.
• Post-Study Work & Immigration Pathways: Look at stay-back options and long-term settlement prospects. Countries such as Canada, Australia, and Germany offer longer post-study work permits and clearer pathways to permanent residency.
• Job Market, Lifestyle & Language: Assess demand for your field, quality of life, and ease of integration. English-speaking countries offer a smoother transition, while some European countries may require local language skills for jobs despite offering strong career opportunities.

The USA, Canada, the UK, Australia, and Germany are considered the best countries for MS for Indian students,, offering top-ranked universities and proven post-study work options. Additionally, countries like Ireland and the Netherlands are turning out to be strong emerging options for Indians.

Let’s discuss each one of these in detail below:

The USA is the most preferred country for MS among Indian students, with over 337,630 Indians studying there. This preference is mainly due to high post-study employment of around 85-90% within 6 months of graduation, mainly in STEM fields.

• Top Universities: MIT, Stanford University, Carnegie Mellon University, University of California, Berkeley, University of Michigan-Ann Arbour
• Popular MS Courses: Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Business Analytics, Mechanical Engineering
• Admission Requirements: A 4-year bachelor’s degree with around 75% (GPA 3.0/4.0) is required. English tests include IELTS 6.5-7.0 or TOEFL 90-100, and many universities ask for a GRE score of 310-320+ (some waive it).
• Cost of Studying:
  • Tuition fees: USD 48,000-72,000/year (₹43-65 lakh/year)
  • Living cost: USD 1,250-1,850/month (₹1.1-1.7 lakh/month)
  • Student visa cost:
    - F1 visa fee: USD 185 (₹16,650)
    - SEVIS fee (one-time): USD 350 (₹31,500)
• Part-Time Jobs:
  • Minimum wage: USD 7.25/hour (₹650/hour)
  • Average student wage: USD 12-18/hour (₹1,080-1,620/hour)
  • Common jobs: On-campus assistant, library aide, cafeteria worker

Why is the USA Among the Best Countries for MS?

The USA offers the highest post-MS salaries globally, with average starting packages of USD 85,000-150,000 (₹76 L-1.35 Cr/year) in tech and engineering. STEM graduates also get up to 3 years of OPT, allowing enough time to recover education costs and gain international work experience.

Suggested: Explore our detailed Guide on MS in USA

Canada is the second most popular MS destination for Indian students, with 427,000 Indians enrolled, and nearly 802,425 are international students. A 3-year post-study work permit, lower study costs than the USA, and the clearest PR pathways make it the best option to study MS abroad.

• Top Universities: University of Toronto, University of British Columbia, McGill University, University of Waterloo, University of Alberta
• Popular MS Courses: Computer Science, Data Science & Artificial Intelligence, Mechanical Engineering, Business Analytics, Biotechnology
• Admission Requirements: A 4-year bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0 is required. English proficiency includes IELTS 6.5-7.5 or TOEFL 90-100, while GRE/GMAT is optional but recommended for top universities.
• Cost of Studying: 
  • Tuition fees: USD 22,000-42,000/year (₹19.8-37.8 lakh/year)
  • Living cost: USD 750-1,250/month (₹67.5K-1.125 lakh/month)
  • Student visa cost:
    - Canada Study Permit: CAD 150 (₹9,750)
    - Proof of funds: Tuition + ₹10 lakh for living expenses (IRCC requirement)
• Part-Time Jobs:
  • Minimum wage: CAD 15/hour (₹975/hour)
  • Average student wage: CAD 15-20/hour (₹975-1,300/hour)
  • Common jobs: Retail associate, campus assistant, food service worker

What Makes Canada One of the Top Countries for a Master's?

Canada combines lower tuition costs than the USA with a 3-year PGWP and structured PR routes like Express Entry and PNP, making long-term settlement realistic. MS graduates earn USD 55,000-85,000/year (₹49.5-76.5 lakh/year), delivering strong ROI without visa uncertainty.

Suggested: Read our complete guide to MS in Canada

The UK is a top choice for students seeking a fast and globally recognised MS, as most master’s programmes are completed in just 1 year. It is ideal for students focused on quick entry into the global job market with a 2-year post-study work visa.

• Top Universities: University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, Imperial College London, University College London (UCL), University of Edinburgh
• Popular MS Courses: Business Analytics & Finance, Data Science & Artificial Intelligence, Mechanical Engineering, Public Health, Cybersecurity
• Admission Requirements: A 3-year or 4-year undergraduate degree with at least 60% (UK 2:1 equivalent) is required. English proficiency includes IELTS 6.5-7.0 or TOEFL 90-100, while GRE/GMAT is only required for some business programmes.
• Cost of Studying:
  • Tuition fees: GBP 22,000-45,000/year (₹26.4-54 lakh/year)
  • Living cost: GBP 1,000-1,500/month (₹1.2-1.8 lakh/month), higher in London
  • Student visa cost:
  • UK Student Visa: GBP 490 (₹58,800)
  • Proof of funds: Tuition + GBP 1,334/month (₹1.6 lakh) for London or GBP 1,023/month (₹1.23 lakh) for other cities
• Part-Time Jobs:
  • Work limit: 20 hours/week during term
  • Average wage: GBP 10-15/hour (₹1,200-1,800/hour)
  • Common jobs: Retail assistant, hospitality staff, campus support roles

Why UK is Among the Best Countries for MS? 

The UK’s 1-year MS programmes reduce both tuition costs and opportunity costs, leading to high ROI. Graduates earn GBP 50,000-80,000 per year (₹60-96 lakh/year) and can stay back for 2 years under the Graduate Route.

Suggested: Learn everything about pursuing an MS in the UK

Australia is the best place for MS due to globally ranked universities (6 in the top 50 QS 2026), high demand for skilled professionals, and post-study work rights of 2 to 4 years. STEM and business graduates find strong employment prospects, making it ideal for long-term career growth.

• Top Universities:  University of Melbourne, University of Sydney, Australian National University, University of Queensland, Monash University
• Popular MS Courses: Computer Science & IT, Civil/Mechanical/Electrical Engineering, Business Analytics & Finance, Data Science & AI, Environmental Science & Sustainability
• Admission Requirements: Bachelor’s degree with 65-75% marks in a relevant field. English proficiency via IELTS 6.5+/TOEFL 80+/ PTE 58+ score needed. GRE/GMAT required only for some programmes. SOP, LORs, and work experience, if specified by the university.
• Cost of Studying in Australia:
  • Tuition fees: AUD 55,000-82,000/year (₹33-49 lakh/year)
  • Living expenses: AUD 18,000-27,000/year (₹10.8-16.2 lakh/year)
  • Australia student visa: AUD 710 (₹42,600)
• Part-Time Jobs:
  • Work limit: 20 hours/week during term
  • Minimum wage: AUD 21/hour (₹1,260/hour)
  • Average student wage: AUD 25-30/hour (₹1,500-1,800/hour)
  • Common jobs: Retail assistant, hospitality staff, research/teaching assistant

Why Australia is a Prime Destination to Study MS?

Australia offers high employability with STEM/business talent shortages and long post-study work visas up to 4 years. Combined with good salaries of AUD 100,000-140,000/year (₹60-84 lakh/year), it provides a strong ROI even with slightly higher tuition costs.

Suggested: Explore our detailed guide on MS in Australia

Germany had 42,997 Indian students last year, making it one of Europe’s top choices for studying MS. Affordable tuition in private universities and zero fee in public universities in Germany, high employability, and STEM fields make it highly attractive for international students.

• Top Universities: Technical University of Munich (TUM), RWTH Aachen University, University of Stuttgart, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Ludwig Maximilian University (LMU)
• Popular MS Courses: Mechanical & Automotive Engineering, Electrical & Computer Engineering, Data Science & AI, Renewable Energy & Environmental Sciences, Business & Finance
• Admission Requirements: A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field with a minimum of 75% (or 7.5 CGPA) is required, along with English proficiency via IELTS 6.5+ or TOEFL 80+. German language skills (B1/B2), SOP, LORs, or work experience may be requested. 
• Cost of Studying in Germany:
  • Tuition fees: INR 0-3 lakh/year (most public universities are tuition-free; small administrative fees apply)
  • Living expenses: EUR 10,000-14,000/year (₹10.5-14.7 lakh/year)
  • Germany student visa: EUR 90 (₹9,450)
• Part-Time Jobs in Germany:
  • Minimum wage: EUR 12/hour (₹1,260/hour)
  • Average wage: EUR 15-20/hour (₹1,575-2,100/hour)
  • Common jobs: Research assistant, library aide, retail associate

Why Germany is Among the Top Countries for MS Abroad?

Germany offers tuition-free or low-cost education with high post-MS employability in engineering, IT, and business. Graduates earn EUR 60,000-90,000/year (₹63-94.5 lakh/year) and benefit from an 18-month post-study work visa.

Suggested: Checkout our detailed guide on MS in Germany

Ireland is becoming a top choice for Indian students pursuing MS, with 9,000 Indians enrolled last session. Its strong tech and pharmaceutical industries, globally recognised universities (5 in the top 100 QS 2026), and 2-year post-study work visa make it an attractive destination.

• Top Universities: Trinity College Dublin, University College Dublin (UCD), National University of Ireland Galway, University College Cork (UCC), Dublin City University (DCU)
• Popular MS Courses: Data Science & AI, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Software Engineering, Business Analytics, Cybersecurity
• Admission Requirements: A bachelor’s degree with a minimum 60% (or 6.0+ CGPA). English proficiency with IELTS 6.5+ or TOEFL 88+. GRE/GMAT is optional for top universities. SOP, LORs, and work experience may be required for certain courses.
• Cost of Studying: 
  • Tuition fees: EUR 18,000-33,000/year (₹18-35 lakh/year)
  • Living expenses: EUR 9,500-14,500/year (₹10-15 lakh/year)
  • Student visa cost: EUR 60-100 (₹6,300-₹10,500)
• Part-Time Jobs in Ireland:
  • Work limit: 20 hours/week during term
  • Minimum wage: EUR 12/hour (₹1,260/hour)
  • Average student wage: EUR 14-18/hour (₹1,470-₹1,890/hour)
  • Common jobs: Retail assistant, campus support, food service worker

Why is Ireland Popular Among Indians for Master's Abroad?

Ireland offers strong career opportunities in tech and pharmaceuticals, with a 2-year post-study work visa allowing graduates to gain valuable experience. Globally ranked universities like Trinity College Dublin and UCD provide high-quality education with excellent ROI.

Suggested: Explore our detailed guide on MS in Ireland

New Zealand has steadily gained popularity among Indian students pursuing an MS, with 22,000-25,000 Indians enrolled. It offers affordable education, world-class universities (8 universities in the QS 2026), and a 3-year post-study work visa make it a strong option for gaining international work experience.

• Top Universities: University of Auckland, University of Otago, Victoria University of Wellington, University of Canterbury, Massey University
• Popular MS Courses: Environmental Management, Civil/Electrical/Mechanical/Software Engineering, Information Technology & Data Science, Agricultural & Forestry Sciences, Business & Management
• Admission Requirements: A bachelor’s degree with a minimum 60% (or 6.0+ CGPA). English proficiency through IELTS 6.5+ or TOEFL 90+. SOP, LORs, and work experience may be needed. NZ universities are generally GRE-free.
• Cost of Studying:
  • Tuition fees: NZD 20,000-30,000/year (₹10.38-15.57 lakh/year)
  • Living expenses: NZD 10,000-15,000/year (₹5.19-7.79 lakh/year)
  • Student visa cost: NZD 350-400 (₹18,200-20,760)
• Part-Time Jobs:
  • Work limit: 20 hours/week during term
  • Minimum wage: NZD 18/hour (₹935/hour)
  • Average student wage: NZD 20-25/hour (₹1,038-1,298/hour)
  • Common jobs: Retail assistant, campus support, hospitality staff

Why is New Zealand among the Best countries for MS?

New Zealand offers globally recognised degrees at lower tuition costs, coupled with a 3-year post-study work visa for international students. Graduates benefit from strong career prospects in engineering, IT, and environmental sciences, with average salaries of NZD 75,000-100,000/year (₹38.9-51.9 lakh/year), giving a post-study ROI of about 150-200% over 2 years.

Suggested: Read our detailed guide on MS in New Zealand

France has become a top destination for Indian students pursuing an MS abroad due to highly ranked universities (5 in the top 100 QS ranking), affordable tuition fees, and a strong research culture. Over 10,000 Indian students are currently studying in France, benefiting from 100+ scholarships, part-time work options, and a 2-year post-study work visa.

• Top Universities: Sorbonne University, Université PSL, École Polytechnique, HEC Paris, Grenoble INP
• Popular MS Courses: Luxury & Fashion Management, International Business & Finance, Artificial Intelligence & Data Science, Engineering (Automotive, Aerospace, Civil, Mechanical), Hospitality & Tourism Management
• Admission Requirements: Bachelor’s degree with a minimum 60% or 6.0+ CGPA. English proficiency proof by IELTS 6.5+ or TOEFL 90+. SOP, LORs, and French language skills, if specified by the university.
• Cost of Studying:
  • Tuition fees: EUR 14,000-33,000/year (₹15-35 lakh/year)
  • Living expenses: EUR 9,500-17,000/year (₹10-18 lakh/year, higher in Paris)
  • Student visa cost: EUR 99 (₹10,395)
• Part-Time Jobs:
  • Work limit: 20 hours/week during term
  • Minimum wage: EUR 11/hour (₹1,155/hour)
  • Average student wage: EUR 12-18/hour (₹1,260-1,890/hour)
  • Common jobs: Retail assistant, hospitality staff, research assistant

Why is France a Leading Country for MS?

France offers affordable tuition with access to multinational companies like L’Oréal, Airbus, and Renault. Graduates can earn EUR 45,000-75,000/year (₹47-79 lakh yearly), providing a strong ROI alongside a 2-year post-study work visa.

Suggested: Checkout our detailed guide on MS in France

The Netherlands is an emerging destination for Indian students pursuing an MS, offering high-quality education (13 universities in QS Rank 2026), a strong research focus, and excellent career prospects. Around 3,000 Indian students are currently enrolled, benefiting from English-taught programs and recruitment by top companies like Shell, Philips, ING, and ASML.

• Top Universities: Delft University of Technology, University of Amsterdam, Eindhoven University of Technology, Erasmus University Rotterdam, University of Groningen
• Popular MS Courses: Sustainable Energy & Environmental Science, Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Business Administration & Management, Engineering (Mechanical, Civil, Electrical, Aerospace), Data Science & Analytics
• Admission Requirements: Bachelor’s degree with a minimum 60% or 6.5+ CGPA, English proficiency of IELTS 6.5+ or TOEFL 90+. GRE/GMAT required, SOP, LORs, and work experience.
• Cost of Studying:
  • Tuition fees: EUR 19,000-33,000/year (₹20--35 lakh/year)
  • Living expenses: EUR 11,500-19,000/year (₹12-20 lakh/year)
  • Student visa cost: EUR 210 (₹16,500-18,000)
• Part-Time Jobs in the Netherlands:
  • Work limit: 16-20 hours/week during term
  • Minimum wage: EUR 12/hour (₹1,260/hour)
  • Average student wage: EUR 15-20/hour (₹1,575-2,100/hour)
  • Common jobs: Retail assistant, hospitality staff, research assistant

Why is the Netherlands one of the Best Countries for MS?

The Netherlands offers internationally recognised universities with 85-90% graduate employability within 6 months. Graduates are hired by global companies such as ASML, Philips, Shell, ING, and Booking.com. They earn EUR 50,000-85,000/year (₹52-89 L/year), along with the 1-year Orientation Year post-study work visa.

Suggested: Read our detailed guide on MS in the Netherlands

Singapore is a leading destination for MS studies in Asia, with top-ranked universities (4 universities ranking in QS rank) like the National University of Singapore (NUS) and Nanyang Technological University (NTU) consistently ranked among the top 20 globally. Around 17,000 Indian students are currently enrolled, attracted by initiatives like the Tuition Grant Scheme (TGS) that reduce tuition costs.

• Top Universities: National University of Singapore (NUS), Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore Management University (SMU), Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD), James Cook University Singapore
• Popular MS Courses: Information Systems & Cybersecurity, Business Analytics & Finance, Engineering (Mechanical, Civil, Electrical, Computer Science), Data Science & Artificial Intelligence, Biomedical Sciences & Biotechnology
• Admission Requirements: Bachelor’s degree with a minimum 65% or 7.0+ CGPA. English proficiency tests are needed, like IELTS 6.5+ or TOEFL 90+. GRE/GMAT is sometimes required for business and engineering programmes.
• Cost of Studying: 
  • Tuition fees: SGD 22,000-40,000/year (₹15-28 lakh/year)
  • Living expenses: SGD 17,000-31,000/year (₹12-22 lakh/year)
  • Student visa cost: SGD 90 (₹3,500-5,000)
• Part-Time Jobs in Singapore:
  • Work limit: 16-20 hours/week during term
  • Average wage: SGD 15-25/hour (₹1,050-1,750/hour)
  • Common jobs: Retail assistant, hospitality staff, research/teaching assistant

Why is Singapore the Best Choice for a Master's Degree?

Singapore offers a strong ROI of about 300%, with graduates earning SGD 85,000-130,000/year (₹60-91 lakh/year) in tech, finance, and business. The Tuition Grant Scheme (TGS) lowers tuition fees in exchange for a 3-year work commitment, while the Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) allows international students to stay up to 1 year post-study.

While the USA, Canada, UK, and Australia dominate the list of top study destinations, several emerging countries, such as Sweden and Spain, are also gaining popularity among Indian students for MS abroad.

These countries to study MS abroad offer quality education, lower tuition fees, and strong job prospects:

• Sweden
• Italy
• South Korea
• Spain
• United Arab Emirates
• Denmark
• Norway
• China
• Netherlands
• Finland

The best country for your MS depends on what matters most to you, such as salary, budget, PR options, or lifestyle.

Below is how we can help you to filter out the best country for MS:

• USA, UK, Singapore: Best if your priority is a high salary, global brand value, and top-ranked universities. These countries are ideal for MS in Computer Science, AI, Finance, and Consulting.
• Canada, Australia, Germany: Suitable if you want a balance of good salary, post-study work rights, and long-term settlement options. These countries offer student-friendly visa policies and clear pathways to permanent residency.
• Germany, France, the Netherlands, and New Zealand: Ideal for students with a tight budget but a focus on long-term ROI. Germany offers low or no tuition fees, while France and the Netherlands provide lower costs than the USA or the UK.
• UK, Singapore, France: Best if you prefer shorter courses and faster ROI. One-year MS programmes help you enter the job market quickly and reduce total study costs.
• USA, Canada, Ireland: Recommended if you want to move into tech from a non-CS background. These countries offer flexible courses and strong hiring demand in data science, business analytics, and cybersecurity.
• Canada, New Zealand, Ireland: A good choice if you value safety, work-life balance, and long-term quality of life. These countries are well-suited for students planning stable careers and future family settlement.

Choosing the right country for an MS can be confusing when students have to think about fees, jobs, visas, and long-term returns all at once. Many students feel stuck because they are unsure which country actually fits their budget and career goals, not just rankings. The best approach is to compare countries based on total cost, post-study work options, and job demand in your field.

Yocket Premium helps make this process easier with personalised shortlists, expert SOP and LOR reviews, visa guidance, and loan support. Instead of guessing your chances, you get clear direction at every step of your MS abroad journey. This way, you save time, avoid mistakes, and move forward with confidence.

Sources: https://www.cnbctv18.com/education/india-students-overseas-higher-education-canada-us-uk-niti-aayog-report-19799628.htm