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.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.
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.
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.
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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.
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.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:
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.
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: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.
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: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.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.
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.
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.
Turn your Study Abroad Dream to Degrees abroad
