Planning a Masters Abroad in 2020 - What You Need to Know

In many ways, a Masters is the ideal qualification to study internationally. Whether you're taking that next step with your subject, or seeking out a different pathway, your options are a lot broader when you look beyond the universities on your doorstep. Masters courses are also shorter than Bachelors or PhDs, which is perfect if you're looking for a study abroad 'taster'.

So, what can you expect if you decide to begin a Masters abroad this year? We've outlined a few key details to be aware of, below, including information on funding opportunities, post-study visas and more.

Lets address the obvious 'big issue' for university study this year.

The overall impact of the coronavirus still isn't clear, and it's not our place to try and predict it. You'll probably be aware that higher education in many countries is being disrupted as universities take steps to help keep their staff, students and communities safe. This obviously affects current students (including postgraduates) but that doesn't mean it will impact courses starting in the next academic year.

The best advice we can give (and the only advice we should presume to give) is that you can continue to explore opportunities and think about your future plans, whilst paying attention to updates and advice from universities themselves.

We'll obviously share any advice we have, as and when we think it's helpful.

On to something more positive! 2020-21 will be the first academic year in which one-year Masters degrees in the UK qualify for a new, extended, post-study work visa.

The Graduate Route will allow all international students to stay in the UK for up to two years after completing a Masters (or other degree) after summer 2021. So, if you start a Masters in 2020-21, you'll be eligible for the new visa once you graduate.

Brexit may have happened, but it won't actually change Masters fees or funding in the UK this year. Instead, EU students will pay domestic tuition and have access to student finance such as postgraduate loans.

These guarantees apply for the duration of courses beginning in the 2020-21 academic year. We'll keep you updated if they are extended.

Looking beyond the UK, there are also some great opportunities for Masters study in Europe and other countries. Better yet, there's a surprising amount of funding available to overseas students.

We know this, because we've recently been updating our international funding guides with the latest information for the new academic year.

Countries like the UK and USA continue to dominate university rankings, but these don't always reflect the quality of postgraduate education.

In fact, as more and more people choose to study abroad at Masters level, more and more countries are focussing on innovative new degree programmes to cater to that demand. These 'international Masters' can involve additional training and internships, access to unique facilities and expertise, or pathways on to generous post-study work visas. Many of them are taught in English too.

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