Off the Beaten Track: Exploring New Opportunities for a Masters Abroad

As the world begins to emerge from the coronavirus pandemic, many students around the world are considering heading abroad for their Masters!

But do you know about all the international study options available? This blog is here to test you.

We've been going through our guides to postgraduate study abroad and picking out a few countries that may not get as much "coverage" as others. So far we've shone a spotlight on the Nordic region and taken a quick tour through some other alternative destinations in Europe.

This time we're looking a bit further afield and picking out some destinations most students probably don't think of, but which they perhaps should.

After all, exploring new aspects of a subject and specialising in exciting new topics is a big part of what makes a Masters degree worthwhile and rewarding. And heading 'off the beaten track' for your course is a great way to make sure you get the opportunity to do that.

Looking for a postgraduate experience that really feels like living abroad, but prefer to study within a more familiar university system? Hong Kong could be perfect for you.

The city returned to Chinese administration in 1997, but retains many features of its time as a British colony - including a globally-renowned university system that's closely modelled on the UK's. For example: the academic year runs from September to August and most Masters courses are one to two years long.

As one of over 47,000 international students you'll have access to a range of English-language Masters degrees - though you probably won't be surprised to hear that universities in 'the skyscraper city' particularly excel in subjects related to Business, Economics and Technology. And, at roughly USD $11,500-34,000 per year for a Masters, international fees still compare well to other popular destinations. Postgraduates can also benefit from unique funding opportunities - including a HKSAR Government Scholarship Fund offering up to $10,192 per year.

Whatever you choose to study, at the end of your course you'll have at least 12 months to seek work in one of the world's largest economies, home to a wide range of international businesses and other potential employers.

For more information, see our guide to Masters study in Hong Kong, or browse the Hong Kong Masters degrees listed here on FindAMasters.

There's nothing that says a dream holiday destination can't also be a great choice for a Masters abroad. And that's certainly true for New Zealand. The country only has eight universities, but seven of these are ranked within the world's top 600. That's quite an achievement.

New Zealand may be a bit out of the way, but hey, this is a blog about heading off the beaten track for a Masters. And, in any case, around 43,000 people make the trip to study abroad at the country's universities. It isn't exactly hard to see why, either. When you aren't surfing, skiing or swimming, you'll have the chance to specialise in fields ranging from Social Work and Education to Sports Science and Physiotherapy (which might come in handy after all those outdoor activities).

You'll pay around USD $23,210-32,230 per year for a Masters, but various funding options are available. Plus, if your friends aren't jealous enough about your choice of study abroad destination, let them know that New Zealand also offers a 12 month post-study work visa scheme.

And we didn't mention The Lord of the Rings once. Except just then.

For more information, see our guide to Masters study in New Zealand, or browse the New Zealand Masters degrees listed here on FindAMasters.

It may be amongst the most sparsely populated countries in Europe, but Iceland is home to a vibrant and growing international student community of around 1,200.

If breathtaking glaciers, ancient lava-fields, waterfalls and vast black sand beaches are not enticement enough, Iceland also boasts and thriving cultural scene, producing more music artists per capita than any country in the world.

More attractive still are Iceland's non-exisitent tuition fees. Barring an annual registration fee of around €500, state higher education is completely free for both EU an non-EU citizens.

Iceland's location between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates makes it an ideal location conduct unique research into a range of scientific fields such as geothermal energy and volcanic activity. The country is also at the forefront of humanity's fight against climate change, with renewable energy and eco-friendly sciences high on its research agenda.

For more information, see our guide to Masters study in Iceland, or browse the Icelandic Masters degrees listed here on FindAMasters.

With the number of international enrolments at Canadian universities on the rise, there's a fair chance you have considered Canada for a Masters abroad.

Still, the northernmost part of North America still qualifies as being "off the beaten track" for most students (unless you happen to live somewhere like Detroit or Seattle) and it may be worth reminding you just why Canada is so popular with international postgrads.

So, without further ado: Historic universities? Check. Globally ranked universities? Also check. Reasonable international fees? At an average of $15,520 per year - check. One of the world's most generous post-study work visa options? Absolutely check.

There's also the fact that Canada is a famously multicultural, cosmopolitan and welcoming international study destination. A country with two official languages (French and English) also offers a range of flexible study options, plus the chance to improve your own linguistic skills.

So, if you've been thinking a Masters in Canada might be a bit far off the beaten track for you. . . perhaps it shouldn't be.

For more information, see our guide to Masters study in Canada, or browse the Canadian Masters degrees listed here on FindAMasters.

Editor's note: This blog was originally published on 30/08/18. We've checked and updated it for current readers.

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