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Top 10 Master’s Degree Courses for International Students in 2025

Top-10-Masters-Degree-for-Filipino-Students

Did you know that international students employed with a master's degree in the US earn about $1,737 a week as reported by US Bureau of Labor Statistics. That adds up to around PHP 5.1 million a year. No wonder so many students from the Philippines are aiming for higher studies in 2025.

Are you also thinking of studying abroad? Picking the right course makes a big difference. This blog breaks down the top 10 of the best master's programmes abroad. The guide also covers job prospects, earning potential, and the kind of global exposure that can shape your future.

Benefits of Studying a Master's Degree Abroad

Studying abroad is not just about getting a degree. It is a chance to build new skills, connect with people from around the world, and open up better opportunities for your future. Pursuing a master's degree abroad opens doors to global careers, higher salaries, and life-changing experiences. In this section, we look at the top reasons for Filipino students wanting to study Master's courses abroad.

  • Access to world-class education and faculty
  • International work experience and job opportunities
  • Higher earning potential
  • Cultural exposure and language improvement
  • PR and migration pathways in countries like Australia and Canada

Best Countries to Study a Master's Degree

Picking the right country can make a big difference. The best countries to study for a master's in 2025 offer quality education, visa and work permit options after graduation, and strong support for international students.

  • Australia – High-quality universities, post-study work rights
  • Canada – Affordable tuition, immigrant-friendly policies
  • USA – Research opportunities, top global rankings
  • UK – One-year master's programmes, work visas
  • Germany – Low tuition, strong engineering and tech programmes
  • New Zealand – Practical education, PR pathways
These countries stand out in 2025 for offering some of the best international master's programmes and better career opportunities after a master's degree abroad.

Popular Master's Courses to Study Abroad

If you are aiming for better job prospects and higher salaries, choosing one of the most in-demand master's programmes is key. Listed below are the best master's courses to study abroad with an estimated tuition fee range in 2025, as valued by employers worldwide and popular among international students.

Popular Master’s Courses

USA (Annual Fee in USD)

Canada (Annual Fee in CAD)

UK (Annual Fee in GBP)

Australia (Annual Fee in AUD)

Master's in Computer Science

US $30,000 - $60,000

CA $30,000 - $60,000

£25,000 - £40,000

AU $38,000 - $55,000

Master's in Data Science

US $35,000 - $65,000

CA $35,000 - $55,000

£28,000 - £45,000

AU $40,000 - $58,000

Master of Business Administration (MBA)

US $50,000 - $90,000+

CA $40,000 - $120,000+

£40,000 - £80,000+

AU $50,000 - $90,000

Master's in Engineering

US $25,000 - $55,000

CA $20,000 - $50,000

£20,000 - £35,000

AU $35,000 - $55,000

Master's in Public Health

US $40,000 - $80,000

CA $25,000 - $45,000

£25,000 - £40,000

AU $35,000 - $55,000

Master's in Education

US $20,000 - $45,000

CA $15,000 - $35,000

£15,000 - £25,000

AU $25,000 - $45,000

Master's in Environmental Science

US $30,000 - $55,000

CA $20,000 - $40,000

£25,000 - £40,000

AU $38,000 - $55,000

Master's in Finance

US $50,000 - $90,000+

CA $40,000 - $75,000

£35,000 - £60,000

AU $50,000 - $70,000

Master's in Psychology

US $25,000 - $60,000

CA $20,000 - $50,000

£20,000 - £40,000

AU $35,000 - $55,000

Master's in Hospitality & Tourism

US $25,000 - $50,000

CA $20,000 - $40,000

£20,000 - £35,000

AU $30,000 - $45,000

Note: Please note that these tuition fees reflect average cost of studying from Tier 1 universities in a given year. Fees are indicative, based on 2024–2025 data and may vary by intake. Tuition fees are subject to change and include only tuition costs.

Master's in Computer Science

A master's in Computer Science remains one of the most popular and future-proof degrees, especially with the rise of Artificial Intelligence, cybersecurity, and cloud computing.

Particulars

Details

Popular Specialisations

AI, Cybersecurity, Cloud Systems, Software Engineering

Average Tuition/year

US $30,000 - $60,000

Top Universities (QS Computer Science and Information Systems 2025)

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) 

Stanford University

Carnegie Mellon University

National University of Singapore (NUS)

University of Oxford

Career Options

Software Developer, Systems Architect, AI Engineer

Hiring Companies

Google, IBM, Amazon, Accenture

Average Salary Range

US $90,000 - $140,000

Master's in Data Science

A master's in Data Science offers high-paying roles and is crucial across healthcare, finance, retail, and technology.

Particulars

Details

Popular Specialisations

Machine Learning, Big Data, Business Analytics

Average Tuition/year

US $30,000 - $120,000

Top Universities (QS Data Science 2025)

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) 

Carnegie Mellon University

University of Oxford

University of California, Berkeley (UCB)

Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore)

Career Options

Data Analyst, Data Scientist, Business Intelligence Consultant

Hiring Companies

Facebook, Deloitte, Spotify

Annual Salary Range

US $80,000 - $150,000

Master of Business Administration (MBA)

An MBA opens leadership paths in finance, marketing, and operations across industries worldwide.

Particulars

Details

Popular Specialisations

Finance, Marketing, Entrepreneurship, HR

Average Tuition/year

US $40,000 - $80,000

Top Universities (QS Business & Management Studies 2025 relevant to MBA)

Harvard University

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

Stanford University

INSEAD

University of Cambridge 

Career Options

Marketing Manager, Business Consultant, Product Manager

Hiring Companies

McKinsey, Unilever, JP Morgan

Annual Salary Range

US $90,000 - $170,000

Master's in Engineering

A master's in engineering is ideal for students aspiring to deepen their technical expertise in civil, electrical, or mechanical fields.

Particulars

Details

Popular Specialisations

Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, Mechatronics

Average Tuition/year

US $20,000 - $50,000

Top Universities (QS Engineering & Technology 2025)

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) 

University of Oxford

Stanford University 

University of Cambridge

ETH Zurich

Career Options

Project Engineer, Systems Engineer, R&D Manager

Hiring Companies

Siemens, Tesla, Boeing

Annual Salary Range

US $80,000 - $130,000

Master's in Public Health

Growing demand for public health professionals post-COVID makes a master's degree in Public Health highly relevant.

Particulars

Details

Popular Specialisations

Epidemiology, Global Health, Health Policy

Average Tuition/year

US $20,000 - $70,000

Top Universities (THE Clinical and Health 2025, generally includes Public Health)

University of Oxford 

Harvard University

University of Cambridge

Imperial College London

Johns Hopkins University

Career Options

Epidemiologist, Health Policy Analyst

Hiring Companies

WHO, UNICEF, Local Health Departments

Annual Salary Range

US $60,000 - $100,000

Master's in Education

A master's in Education is for students willing to impact future generations, especially in educational leadership and curriculum design.

Particulars

Details

Popular Specialisations

TESOL, Educational Leadership, Curriculum Studies

Average Tuition/year

US $10,000 - $55,000

Top Universities (THE World University Rankings by Subject: Education Studies 2025)

Stanford University 

University of California, Berkeley

University of Oxford

University of Cambridge

Harvard University

Career Options

School Principal, Curriculum Designer

Hiring Companies

Schools, Government, NGOs

Annual Salary Range

US $50,000 - $90,000

Master's in Environmental Science

A master's degree in Environmental Science addresses expertise in global challenges such as climate change, sustainability, and renewable energy.

Particulars

Details

Popular Specialisations

Environmental Policy, Climate Studies, Sustainable Tech

Average Tuition/year

US $18,000 - $50,000

Top Universities (QS Environmental Sciences 2025)

Harvard University

Tsinghua University

Wageningen University & Research

University of Oxford

Stanford University

Career Options

Environmental Analyst, Policy Advisor

Hiring Companies

Greenpeace, UNDP, WWF

Annual Salary Range

$60,000 - $100,000

Master's in Finance

A master's degree in Finance is well-suited for students targeting high-level finance careers or CFA certification.

Particulars

Details

Popular Specialisations

Corporate Finance, Investment Banking, Fintech

Average Tuition/year

US $20,000 - $80,000

Top Universities (QS Accounting & Finance 2025)

Harvard University 

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) 

Stanford University

University of Oxford

University of California, Berkeley

Career Options

Financial Analyst, Investment Banker

Hiring Companies

Goldman Sachs, PwC, HSBC

Annual Salary Range

US $70,000 - $150,000

Master's in Psychology

A master's degree in Psychology helps students pursue careers in clinical, counselling, or organisational psychology.

Particulars

Details

Popular Specialisations

Clinical, Organisational, Child Psychology

Average Tuition/year

US $25,000 - $68,000

Top Universities (QS Psychology 2025)

Harvard University

University of Oxford

Stanford University

University of Cambridge 

Yale University

Career Options

Therapist, HR Consultant

Hiring Companies

Hospitals, Schools, Corporations

Annual Salary Range

$60,000 - $90,000/yr

Master's in Hospitality & Tourism

A master's degree in Hospitality & Tourism is great for those looking to build careers in hotel management, travel, or event planning.

Particulars

Details

Popular Specialisations

Hotel Management, Event Management

Average Tuition/year

US $20,000 - $70,000

Top Universities (QS Hospitality & Leisure Management 2025)

EHL – Hospitality Business School

Les Roches Global Hospitality Education

SHMS - Swiss Hotel Management School

University of Nevada - Las Vegas 

César Ritz Colleges Switzerland

Career Options

Hotel Manager, Travel Consultant

Hiring Companies

Hilton, Agoda, Emirates

Annual Salary Range

US $40,000 - $80,000

Note: Tuition fees are average and students looking to study abroad are advised to check the update fee structuring by visiting the official university websites or by getting in touch with our AECC Counsellors. All listed salaries above are based on average earnings in the USA for consistency and comparison purposes.

Eligibility Criteria for a Master's Degree Abroad

To get into a master's degree abroad, you will need a completed bachelor's degree. Most universities ask for a minimum GPA, though the exact requirement varies depending on the country and course.

English proficiency is also needed for Filipino students. Tests such as IELTS Academic or TOEFL iBT are globally accepted by top institutions that offer the best master's programmes.
Another common requirement for master's programmes abroad is a GRE or a GMAT score depending upon the course you wish to study. This requirement has been waived by most institutions, but it is recommended to have a good score for top-tier universities. Good standardised test scores (GRE or Gmat) and English language scores also help you in your scholarship application process.

Application Process for a Master's Degree Abroad

Applying for a master's degree abroad can feel overwhelming, but breaking it into steps makes it manageable. Here is a simple guide to help international students, especially from the Philippines, navigate the application process smoothly and confidently:

  • Research programmes and universities
  • Take required/optional tests (IELTS Academic/TOEFL iBT, GRE/GMAT)
  • Gather your documents
  • Write your SOP and get your LORs
  • Apply online via university portals
  • Attend interviews (if required)
  • Apply for a student visa

Planning and applying early can boost your chances, especially for the most in-demand master's programmes. Each country has its academic calendar, so it is smart to keep track of deadlines and requirements. Being organised now can save you time and stress later.

Documents Required for a Master's Degree Abroad

When applying for a master's degree abroad, having your documents ready is just as important as choosing the right course. Most universities have a checklist, and missing even one item could delay your application.

Here's what you will typically need:
  • Valid passport
  • Academic transcripts
  • Bachelor's degree certificate
  • IELTS Academic/TOEFL iBT score
  • Resume/CV
  • Statement of Purpose (SOP)
  • Letters of Recommendation (LOR)
  • Proof of funds
  • Visa documents
Different countries and universities may ask for specific formats or extra paperwork, so it is always good to double-check. Keeping digital and physical copies of your documents can also make the process smoother.

Master's Degree Courses: Duration and Fees

The duration and cost of a master's degree abroad vary significantly based on the country and institution. Understanding these factors is crucial for international students planning their studies in 2025.

Here's a quick idea of what to expect:

Country

Course Duration (Typical)

Master's Tuition Fees (Annual)

Living Costs (Annual)

USA

1-2 years (mostly 2 years)

US $20,000 - $60,000

US $10,000 - $25,000

UK

1 year (mostly)

GB £10,000 - £35,000

GB £10,000 - £15,000

Canada

1-2 years

CA $17,000 - $45,000

CA $10,000 - $20,000

Australia

1-2 years

AU $20,000 - $55,000

AU $21,000 - $30,000

While tuition and living expenses are important considerations, remember that scholarships and part-time work opportunities can offset costs. Careful financial planning ensures a smoother journey through your master's degree abroad.

Scholarships to Study a Master's Degree

Getting a scholarship helps a lot with the finances when you want to do a master's degree abroad. For Filipino students aiming for the best international master's programmes, several scholarships are available in 2025.

Here are some notable scholarship options available for Filipino students:
  • Australia Awards Scholarships: Covers full tuition fees, return airfare, establishment allowance, and a contribution to living expenses.
  • Chevening Scholarships (UK): Provides full tuition fees, living allowance, return airfare, and additional grants to cover essential expenditures.
  • DAAD Scholarships (Germany): Offers monthly stipend, travel allowance, health insurance, and, in some cases, tuition fee coverage.
  • Canada-ASEAN Scholarships: Provides CA $10,200 for graduate students for one academic term, covering tuition, living expenses, and travel costs.
  • Fulbright Scholarships (USA): Covers tuition fees, living expenses, health insurance, and round-trip airfare for the study duration.
Applying for these scholarships requires careful preparation and adherence to deadlines. Start early to increase your chances of securing financial support for your master's degree abroad.

Post-Study Work Opportunities After Studying Master's Abroad

Completing a master's degree abroad not only enhances your academic credentials but also opens doors to global career opportunities. Most countries allow you to stay back on a post study work visa after you finish your studies, so international students can gain job experience. Here are some options with their average salaries in USD (for consistency and comparison purposes):

Job Profiles

Average Annual Salary (in USD)

Software Developer

$120,000 - $150,000

Business Analyst

$85,000 - $105,000

Data Scientist

$125,000 - $150,000

Environmental Consultant

$55,000 - $75,000

Public Health Specialist

$60,000 - $80,000

Countries like Australia, Canada, and the UK offer up to 2 - 3-year post-study work permits depending on your course. To finalise which master's degree you want to pursue, you must first draft a list of your priorities such as post-study work options, overall budget to study, and the field in which you want to develop your career.

Choosing the right master's degree course abroad is one of the smartest decisions you can make for your career. From tech to healthcare, finance to education—there's a course that matches your goals and opens doors globally. Filipino students confused about the best master's degree can reach out to AECC counsellors for the best master's degree programmes based on profile evaluation.

Top 10 Masters Courses Abroad FAQs

Which master's degree is most in demand?

The most in-demand master's programmes include Data Science, Computer Science, Public Health, and Business Analytics— are popular choices among study-abroad master's programmes due to its global job demand and excellent career opportunities after a master's degree.

What is the hardest master's degree?

Engineering, Medicine, Law, and Architecture are considered the hardest master's degrees. These are the best international programmes that demand deep technical knowledge and are often part of the highest-paying master's degrees abroad.

Can I earn two master's degrees?

Yes, international students can pursue two master's degrees, either one after another or through dual-degree study abroad master's programmes, depending on the university and visa rules.

How long does it take to complete a master's degree?

A master's degree for international students typically takes 1–2 years, based on the country and course type. Duration also affects visa and work permit options after graduation.

What is the most useful master's degree?

The most useful master's degrees abroad include an MBA, Data Science, Nursing, and Engineering, which yield strong job prospects, high salaries, and PR opportunities for many Filipino graduates.

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