10 Exceptional Master's programs abroad that lead to high-paying jobs
Introduction:
Studying abroad is many students' dreams; however, let's face it — it can cost a lot. Tuition,
money for living expenses, moving to a new country, etc. — it all starts to add up. Therefore,
it's understandable that most students (or parents!) want the degree they work on to matter
and make sense financially, for them, in the long run.
The good news is that there are master';s programs abroad that students have come to
believe will lead to high-paying jobs. While no degree will literally pay you, the master's
programs below have been shown to earn alumni a strong return on investment on their
degree, because they are in industries with job demand, high earning potential, and
promising employment growth.
So you are considering your higher studies, then here are the Top 10 Master’s Programs
Abroad that could lead you to financial independence and professional growth.
1. Master of Business Administration (MBA)
An MBA is often seen as a gold standard trajectory to corporate leadership. After graduation,
former students often transition to consulting and management roles and readily transition to
the C-suite themselves. One key point about MBAs that is valuable is that it is not only what
you know, but is often seen as what "you know and who you know" — your network of
classmates today could become your accomplices in business tomorrow.
✸ Average Salaries: $150,000+ in top markets like the US and Europe.
2. Masters in Computer Science / Software Engineering
From Silicon Valley to Bangalore, coding and systems architecture are what drive the digital
economy. Getting a master's degree in computer science prepares you for high-level
programming, design, and newer technologies.
To put it another way: every app you have ever used, and every cloud service you rely on ---
there is a person with this degree building it.
✸ Average Salaries: 100,000 - 160,000+
3. Masters in Data Science / Artificial Intelligence
Companies need professionals who can interpret data, identify trends, and engineer smart
solutions. A degree in Data Science or AI does more than prepare you for the future - it
places you at the forefront of innovation.
✸ Average Salaries: 110,000 - 160,000+
4. Masters in Finance / Financial Engineering
Finance is at the forefront of the global economy, whether you want to work in London, Hong
Kong, or Wall Street. With a finance or financial engineering degree, you can work in
investment banking, where all the pressure is, hedge funds, or risk management.
Yes, it can come with long hours, but really, it is worth it.
✸ Average Salaries: 120,000 - 200,000+
5. Masters in Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, Civil, etc.)
Engineering is still one of the most respected, desired, and, okay one of the most demanded
professions in the world. Whether it's designing bridges, designing new renewable energy
systems, or developing a niche in aerospace, engineering master's programs open doors to
multinational industries that literally design the world.
✸ Average Salaries: $90,000 - $140,000 +
6. Masters in Engineering Management / Technology Management
Now, what if you are an engineer who also enjoys leading people? That's this program here.
It is exposure to technical thinking and experience, combined with business skills, to prepare
for real big projects and massive innovation.
✸ Average Salaries: $110,000 - $130,000 +.
7. Masters in Nursing / Health Care Leadership
Healthcare is more than simply a profession. It is a calling to service. A Master of Science in
Nursing (MSN) degree or any advanced healthcare professional degree places you in
charge of other nurses and pay scale in hospitals and health systems. The world desperately
needs nurses and other healthcare professionals right now, and they pay for it.
✸ Average Salaries: $100,000 - $130,000 +
8. Master of Laws (LLM)
A specialty in corporate, international or intellectual property law could take your career
around the world. The world's top multinational firms pay top dollar for lawyers with LLM
degrees from internationally prestigious universities.
✸ Average Salaries: $120, 000 +
9. Masters in Biotechnology / Biomedical Sciences / Health Informatics
Think of the possibilities of working with life-saving medications, new medical research, or
technology-based health solutions. This is a rapidly growing field that has financial
opportunity and purpose in people's lives.
✸ Average Salaries: $100,000+
10. Masters in Operations Research / Systems Engineering
Have you ever thought about how airlines schedule their flights, how Amazon optimizes the
delivery of goods, or how the defense system runs so efficiently? That’s operations research
and systems engineering. This is a great degree for someone who likes to work on
problems; it is both rewarding in salary and intellectually stimulating.
✸ Average Salaries: $100,000+
Ultimately, choosing a master's program is all about aligning your interests with the available
opportunities; however, if you can find an opportunity that is two-for-one, even better!
It is essential to note that salaries will vary by country, the skills you possess, and the
recognition of your university, but in general, these are master's programs that are worthy
career investments that will pay off.
Whether that is starting your own consulting company, coding the next big app., or even
finding cures for diseases, the right kind of study abroad program for your master's program
will be your launchpad to greatness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Which programs abroad directly correlate with the highest salaries?
Certainly, MBA, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Engineering, Finance, and Healthcare
are still programs with high salaries and activities worldwide.
2. What counties are best to study those programs?
The USA, the UK, Canada, Germany, and Australia are all great countries to live and study
in because they have strong job markets and well-paying industries and give students the
opportunity to earn money working after studying abroad.
3. Do I need IELTS for admission?
Not necessarily. Many universities will accept TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo, or may even mention
“English Waive” if you had studied in an English language program.
4. Are there funding/scholarships available for Master’s programs abroad?
Definitely! Funding and/or scholarships can be available. Chevening (UK), Fulbright (USA),
and DAAD (Germany) are just a few of the actual funding/scholarship options available to you to shorten the educational costs, and potentially provide you with free (or low-cost)
schooling.
5. Can I work while I study abroad?
Yes! Most countries will allow you to work as a student with a part-time contract while
studying to help earn money for living expenses (usually 20 hours/month) and then also
allow you to work full-time when you reach school breaks etc.
6. How long are those Master’s programs abroad?
Generally, studying abroad can take 1-2 years for your Master’s program (study can take 1
or 1.50 years) and part-time study or full-time study (again, it depends on the country and
program).