Best Countries for a Computer Science Master's Abroad in 2026
Computer science is one of the most globally portable degrees. A CS master's from the right country gives you access to tech job markets that are desperate for talent. Here are the best destinations ranked by the combination of education quality, cost, and career outcomes.
The ranking
| Rank | Country | Tuition/yr | IT job market | Post-study visa |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Germany | €0–350 | 150K+ unfilled positions | 18 months |
| 2 | Canada | CAD 15,000–35,000 | Strong (Toronto, Vancouver) | Up to 3 years |
| 3 | USA | $25,000–60,000 | Largest globally | 3 years STEM OPT |
| 4 | South Korea | €3,000–5,000 | Samsung, LG, startups | Up to 3 years |
| 5 | UK | £12,000–30,000 | Strong (London tech) | 2 years |
| 6 | Ireland | €10,000–20,000 | EU tech HQ hub | 2 years |
| 7 | Netherlands | €12,000–20,000 | Growing (Amsterdam, Eindhoven) | 1 year |
| 8 | Australia | AUD 35,000–48,000 | Growing | 2–3 years |
1. Germany — free tuition + massive IT shortage
Germany is the clear winner for CS students on a budget. Zero tuition at TU Munich (#37 QS), RWTH Aachen, TU Berlin, and dozens of other universities with strong CS programmes. The IT job market has 150K+ unfilled positions, and the post-study 18-month visa leads to a 2-year PR path. The 2026 doubling of student work hours makes it even easier to gain experience during studies.
2. Canada — strong market, harder to enter
Toronto and Vancouver are major tech hubs with offices of Google, Amazon, Meta, and Shopify. The 3-year PGWP is excellent. But study permit restrictions have tightened significantly — focus on DLI institutions with high approval rates (University of Waterloo, UBC, University of Toronto).
3. USA — highest ceiling, highest cost
The US has the world's largest tech market and the best-funded CS research programmes. The 3-year STEM OPT gives practical work experience, but the H-1B lottery (25% odds) makes long-term stay uncertain unless you join a major tech company willing to sponsor. If you can get scholarship funding, the US is unmatched for career acceleration.
4-8. South Korea, UK, Ireland, Netherlands, Australia
South Korea is an emerging dark horse — KGSP fully funds CS master's students, Samsung and the Pangyo tech hub provide employment, and the 3-year post-study visa is among the longest globally. Ireland hosts EU headquarters of Google, Meta, Apple, and LinkedIn — the 2-year Stay Back visa provides direct access. UK offers 1-year master's speed and London's tech scene, but high tuition and uncertain Graduate Route future are downsides.
Find your best-fit country in 3 minutes
Take the free assessment — see which countries match your profile, budget, and goals.
Start Free Assessment