Master in Computer Science: A Comprehensive Guide for Indian Students 2025

Master in Computer Science: A Comprehensive Guide for Indian Students 2025

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Updated on May 9, 2025 17:02 IST

Master in Computer Science, often called MS in Computer Science is a graduate-level degree designed for graduates to make a career in fields such as Computing, Software, Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Game Development, and Tech related fields. The course is also for professionals with prior experience looking to deepen their expertise or advance their careers in academia, industry, or research.

MS in CS is a 1.5 to 2-year program ideal for Computer Science graduates, software engineers aiming for career advancement, IT professionals, researchers, or graduates from other STEM disciplines.

Top countries like the USA, UK, Canada, Europe, and Australia offer Master in Computer Science programs for international students through their top universities. Some popular universities offering MS in Computer Science include MIT, Stanford University, UC Berkeley, Harvard University, University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, University of Toronto, Technical University of Munich, and more.

The eligibility criteria followed by most of the universities comprise a bachelor’s degree typically in CS, IT, and relevant fields. Students must appear for the GMAT and GRE for most of the universities and submit GPA scores along with proof of English language proficiency. Along with the Statement of purpose, resume, and Letters of recommendation, having prior work experience can make a student’s application appealing.

Read more: Master in Computer Science: Eligibility, Fees, Scholarships and Jobs

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MS in Computer Science Highlights

International students can pursue a one-two year MS in Computer Science program in full-time, part-time, or online learning mode. The MS in Computer Science tuition cost for international students varies depending on the country and type of university (private/public) they choose. Students looking for affordable options can enroll in universities situated in Australia, and Canada. Master in Computer Science curriculum is quite expensive in countries like the UK and the USA. After completing the course, students can expect a high-profile job in top-notch companies with a minimum salary between INR 75L and INR 1.2Cr. Students can check the MS in Computer Science highlights below:

Particulars

MS in Computer Science Information

Full-Form (MS in CS)

Masters in Computer Science

Mode of Study

Full-time, Part-time, Online/ Distance

MS Course Duration

10 months – 24 months

MS in Computer Science Tuition Fees

USA: USD 90k-USD 150k (INR 75L-INR 1.2Cr)

UK: EUR 40k – EUR 70k per year (INR 40L- INR 75L)

Australia: AUD 70k– AUD 120k per year (INR 40L-INR 70L)

Canada: CAD 75k – CAD 130k per year (INR 45L-INR 80L)

France/Germany: EUR 40k – EUR 70k per year (INR 35L-INR 65L)

Top Countries for MS

USA, UK, Australia, Germany, and Canada

Top MS Universities

MIT, Carnegie Mellon School, Stanford University, UC Berkeley, University of Oxford, National University of Singapore, ETH Zurich

Top Employers

Amazon, American Express, Rolls Royce, Deutsche Bank, IBM, Facebook, Google, Microsoft, Toyota, Infosys, Goldman Sachs

Average Salary Range

USA: USD 90,000–120,000 (INR 75L-INR 1.2Cr)

UK: EURO 40,000–70,000 (INR 40L-INR 75L)

Canada: CAD 75,000–130,000 (INR 45L-INR 80L)

Australia: AUD 70,000–120,000 (INR 40L-INR 70L)

Top MS Job Profiles

Software Engineer, Data Scientist, Cloud Engineer, AI Researcher, Software Developer, Cybersecurity Analyst, AI/ML Engineer, Embedded Systems Engineer,

High paying Specializations

Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Machine Learning (ML); Cybersecurity & Ethical Hacking; Cloud Computing & DevOps; Big Data & Data Science; Blockchain & Web3 Development








What is a Master in Computer Science?

Students who want to advance their knowledge and skills in Computing, Software Development, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, and Cybersecurity, must pursue a specialized postgraduate degree called a Master of Computer Science (MS in CS). Depending on the country and university, the curriculum usually lasts between 1.5 years and 2 years. Some colleges allow students from other fields with necessary courses, although most prefer applicants with a background in Computer Science, Physics, Mathematics, or Engineering.

International students can enroll in Master of Computer Science programs offered by prestigious universities in the USA, UK, Canada, Europe, and Australia. MIT, Stanford University, UC Berkeley, Harvard University, the University of Oxford, the University of Cambridge, the University of Toronto, the Technical University of Munich, and others are well-known universities that offer the MS in CS.







A Master’s in Computer Science (MS in CS) is a key to high-paying careers in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Data Science, Cybersecurity, Cloud Computing, and Software Engineering. In the USA, MS graduates earn between USD 90,000 and USD 150,000 (INR 5 L – INR 1.2 Cr) annually, with AI/ML specialists making up to USD 250,000 (INR 2 Cr). Cybersecurity experts can earn between USD 100,000 and USD180,000 (INR 80 lakh – INR 1.5Cr). In Canada, the UK, Germany, and Australia, salaries range from INR 40L to INR 1.2 Cr. Higher incomes are associated with specializations such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Machine Learning (ML); Cybersecurity & Ethical Hacking; Cloud Computing & DevOps. For Computer Science professionals, a master's is a great substitute for an MBA because it offers solid job prospects in the rapidly changing field of global Computer Science.

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University of Manchester

Manchester, UKPublic

1 courses
28.7 L - 28.7 L
1 courses
36.12 L - 36.12 L
1 courses
32.52 L - 32.52 L
University of Bristol

Bristol, UKPublic

1 courses
32.63 L - 32.63 L
University of Bath

Bath, UKPublic

3 courses
27.02 L - 30.59 L
Durham University

Durham, UKPublic

1 courses
38.26 L - 38.26 L
University of Exeter

Exeter, UKPublic

1 courses
34.88 L - 34.88 L
University of Surrey

Guildford, UKPublic

1 courses
23.07 L - 23.07 L
University of Nottingham

Nottingham, UKPublic

1 courses
30.55 L - 30.55 L
University of East Anglia

Norwich, UKPublic

1 courses
22.28 L - 22.28 L
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Also check: Masters in Computer Science in USA

Best Countries to Study MS in Computer Science

The USA is the top choice for international students to study MS in Computer Science programs. The country houses the highest number of universities that offer the MS in CS program in multiple specializations. After the USA, there are some other countries like the UK, Australia, and Canada, which also offer MS in Computer Science programs for international students. Check the list of top 5 countries to study MS in Computer Science with the number of universities:

Country

No. of Universities

USA

400+

Germany

80+

UK

100+

Australia

40+

Canada

50+

Also check : 5 Best Countries to Study MS Abroad

We have mentioned below the top MS in Computer Science universities abroad with their first-year tuition fee and application deadline for international students:

Top MS Universities in the USA

MS Universities in the USA

1st Year Tuition Fee

Application Deadlines

Columbia University

 

INR 51 L

Oct 15, 2025

Yale University

 

INR 41 L

Jan 2026

Johns Hopkins University

 

 

INR 49L

Oct 1, 2025

New York University

 

INR 32L-INR 45L

Nov 1, 2025

Princeton University

 

INR 51L

Dec 14, 2025

Top MS Universities in the UK

MS Universities in UK

1st Year Tuition Fee

Application Deadlines

University of Oxford

INR 45L

Jan, 2026

University of Cambridge

INR 46L

Feb, 2026

Imperial College London

INR 47L

Jul 31, 2025

University College London

INR 44L

Apr 4, 2025

The University of Edinburgh

INR 47L

Mar, 2026

Top MS Universities in the Germany

MS Universities in the Germany

1st Year Tuition Fee

Application Deadlines

Technical University of Munich

 

No fees

Jul 15, 2025

Heidelberg University - Germany

 

INR 3L

Sep 15, 2025

University of Bonn

 

No fees

May 1, 2025

SRH Hochschule Heidelberg

 

INR 12L

Rolling

Technical University of Berlin

 

No fees

Jul 15, 2025

Top MS Universities in Australia

MS Universities in Australia

1st Year Tuition Fee

Application Deadlines

The University of Sydney

 

INR 27L

Jun 25, 2025

The University of Melbourne

INR 24L

Apr 30, 2025

The University of Queensland

 

 

INR 24L

May 31, 2025

University of Wollongong - Australia

 

 

INR 30L

INR 20L

Jun 30, 2025

Curtin University - Australia

 

 

INR 20L

Jun 15, 2025

Top MS Universities in Canada

MS Universities in Canada

1st Year Tuition Fee

Application Deadlines

University of Toronto

 

INR 27L

Jun 15, 2025

McGill University

 

INR 18L

Jun 1, 2025

University of Alberta

 

INR 6L

Jul 1, 2025

Lakehead University

 

INR 15L

Sep 30, 2025

University of Calgary

 

INR 16L

Jun 1, 2025

Top Universities to Study MS in Computer Science (QS Rankings)

The Masters in Computer Science program of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology ranked #1 by QS rankings 2025 based on various factors such as employability, alumni outcomes, value for money, diversity, and more. Along with MIT, universities like Stanford and Carnegie grabbed top positions for providing MS in CS programs. Students can check some of the top universities as per QS to study MS in Computer Science from all over the globe below:

University

QS Rank

Program

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

1

MS in Computational Science and Engineering

Stanford University

2

MS in Computer Science

Carnegie Mellon University

3

MS in Computer Science

National University of Singapore (NUS)

4

Master of Computing

University of Oxford

5

Master of Science in Advanced Computer Science

Must check: Scope of MS in Computer Science in USA

MS in Computer Science Admission Requirements for International Students

Along with having a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, students must fulfill the eligibility by submitting the cumulative GPA score or equivalent for most of the countries. In addition, students must submit certain mandatory documents including transcripts from the university/college attended, standardized test scores, work experience, letter of recommendation, statement of purpose, and English language requirements. Students may expect some program-specific requirements also. The admission requirements to pursue an MS in Computer Science from top countries are given below:

MS in Computer Science Requirements in the USA

Eligibility

Required a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university (preferably in Computer Science, IT, or a related field)

Academic GPA

Min 3 or higher on 4-point scale

GRE/GMAT

Required

English language Requirements

TOEFL, IELTS scores

Work experience

Not Mandatory

Letter of recommendation

Two-three professional/academic references required

Statement of purpose

Required

Resume/CV

Required

MS in Computer Science Requirements in the UK

Eligibility

Three-four year bachelor’s degree equivalent in relevant field

Academic GPA

2:1 UK Honors Degree Equivalent (≈ 60–70%)

GRE/GMAT

Not required

English language Requirements

TOEFL, IELTS scores

Work experience

Preferred for certain programs

Letter of recommendation

Two professional/academic references required

Statement of purpose

Required

Resume/CV

Not Mandatory

MS in Computer Science Requirements in Germany

Eligibility

Required a four-year bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or relevant field

Academic GPA

Equivalent of 70%+ preferred

GRE/GMAT

Not required

English language Requirements

TOEFL, IELTS scores

Work experience

Useful for applied programs

Letter of recommendation

Two required

Statement of purpose

Required

Resume/CV

Not Mandatory

MS in Computer Science Requirements in Australia

Eligibility

Required a three-four year bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or a related field

Academic GPA

65–75% (depends on the university)

GRE/GMAT

Not required

English language Requirements

TOEFL, IELTS scores

Work experience

Preferred

Letter of recommendation

Two required

Statement of purpose

Required

Resume/CV

Not Mandatory

MS in Computer Science Requirements  in Canada

Eligibility

Required a four-year bachelor’s degree in a relevant field

Academic GPA

Min 3 or higher on a 4-point scale

GRE/GMAT

Not required

English language Requirements

TOEFL, IELTS scores

Work experience

Preferred for certain programs

Letter of recommendation

Two-three professional/academic references required

Statement of purpose

Required

Resume/CV

Required

Visa Requirements for MS Courses

Students can pursue a master's from anywhere in the globe, but the visa applications and requirements vary as per the country. Students can check the list of top 5 countries to Study MS and their requirements in the table below:

Country

Visa Requirements

USA

Click here

Germany

Click here

UK

Click here

Australia

Click here

Canada

Click here

Also read: Student Visas for Study Abroad

MS in Computer Science Scholarships for Indian Students

There are a lot of scholarships available for international students based on their merit, need, or more. Students can avail of these scholarships by fulfilling the eligibility criteria which vary for each scholarship. The students can check some popular scholarships offered for master programs from various countries below:

Country

Scholarship Name

Reimbursement Offered

Canada

K.C. Mahindra Scholarships For Post-Graduate Studies Abroad

Unimoni Student Stars 2023

J.N. Tata Endowment Loan Scholarship

Tuition fees waiver: upto INR 10L

Tuition fees waiver: upto INR 10L

USA

Laurette Kirstein Scholarship for International Students

International Texas Public Education Grant

Tuition fees waiver: USD 7,000

Tuition fees waiver:USD 1,500

Australia

Unimoni Student Stars 2023

Narotam Sekhsaria’s Scholarships

Tuition fees and Living Expense waiver : upto INR 3L

Germany

Hani Zeini Scholarship

Dr. Jade Malay High Achiever Scholarship

Tuition fees, Living Expense, and Air Fare waiver: upto INR 82k

Tuition fees waiver : upto INR 82K

UK

Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships

UCL Global Masters Scholarship

Tuition fees and Living Expense waiver: upto INR 83L

Tuition fees waiver : upto INR 16L

MS in Computer Science Job Scope & Opportunities

Students after completing their Master's in Computer Science can expect their careers in top companies like Google, Microsoft, Amazon, TCS, Infosys, Wipro, and more. The estimated salaries of job roles like Software Engineer are between INR 10L and INR 20L, and between INR 12L and INR 25L for Data Scientist. Students can check the table below for different job profiles for masters in Computer Science along with the average salary and top recruiters:

Job Title

Average Salary

Top Recruiters

Software Engineer

₹10-20 LPA

Google, Microsoft, Amazon, TCS, Infosys, Wipro

Data Scientist

₹12-25 LPA

Facebook, IBM, Accenture, Deloitte, Capgemini

Machine Learning Engineer

15-30 LPA

Tesla, OpenAI, NVIDIA, Adobe, Microsoft

AI Engineer

15-35 LPA

Google AI, DeepMind, Meta AI, AWS, IBM Watson

Cloud Engineer

12-25 LPA

AWS, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud, Oracle

Cybersecurity Analyst

10-22 LPA

Cisco, Palo Alto Networks, IBM, KPMG, EY

Q:   Is it worth doing an MS in Computer Science?
A:

Yes, an MS in Computer Science is a highly valuable degree depending upon the goal of the students. It helps students with technical expertise, advance career prospects, and opens doors in fields including AI, Cybersecurity, and Data Science. Students can make careers as Software developers, Data Scientists, Machine learning engineers, Blockchain developers, Cloud architects, and Full-stack developers after completing the course. In addition, students expect an estimated minimum salary between INR 7L and INR 12L.

Q:   What is the scope of MS Computer Science?
A:

After completing a Master's in computer science, students can expect vast opportunities in cutting-edge technologies, and high-paying careers. They can grasp opportunities in fields like software development, data Science and AI, cybersecurity, cloud computing, Blockchain, and more. Students can also avail research opportunities and work on AI, Quantum Computing, and Robotics in research labs. The MS in CS is high in demand in the US, Canada, and Europe with a minimum salary of INR 10L.

Q:   Which is better among MCA and MS in Computer Science?
A:

There is nothing better between an MCA and an MS in Computer Science, instead, it depends on students' career goals, backgrounds, and aspirations. MCA in CS deals with software development, application programming, and IT management whereas MS in CS focuses on research-oriented advanced topics like AI, machine learning, cybersecurity, and Data science.

Factor

MCA

MS in CS

Career Path

Software Developer, IT Manager, System Analyst

Researcher, Data Scientist, AI/ML Engineer, Software Architect

Industry Demand

India-focused IT industry jobs

Global job market with high-paying opportunities

Salary in India

INR 6-12 LPA

INR 10-40 LPA

Q:   What is the eligibility for an MS in Computer Science?
A:

Students who are willing to take a master's in Computer Science must hold a bachelor's degree from a recognised university in specializations such as Computer Science, Software Engineering, or relevant fields such as Mathematics, Information Technology, and Engineering. Along with this, students must aim to achieve the following points to get admission without hindrance:

  • A minimum cumulative GPA of 3 on a 4-point scale or equivalent
  • GRE/GMAT score
  • English language requirements
  • Work experience
  • Letter of recommendations
  • Programming and Math skills
Q:   Which field is best for MS in Computer Science?
A:

Students can enroll in diverse fields if willing to pursue a master's in Computer Science. Some of the popular fields include:

  • Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
  • Data Science and Big Data Analytics
  • Cybersecurity
  • Cloud Computing and DevOps
  • Software Engineering and Full-stack development
  • Blockchain
Q:   Is an MBA in Computer Science better than an MS in CS?
A:

Choosing between an MBA in Computer Science and an MS in Computer Science completely depends on career goals and individual interests. MS in Computer Science is best for technical and research-oriented careers and focuses on topics like Cloud computing, AI, Machine Learning, and Cybersecurity. People who love coding, algorithm, and tech jobs, must choose MS in CS.

On the other hand, an MBA in Computer Science is best for Management and Business-Oriented Roles and focuses on technology management, business strategy, and leadership. Students looking for leadership roles in tech companies, or interested in Business, Strategy, and Finance must choose an MBA in Computer Science.

Q:   How long is an MS in Computer Science?
A:

The duration of MS in Computer Science depends on the country, university, or study modes. In countries like the USA and Canada, MBA programs are of a duration of 1.5 to 2 years, where their time duration is 1 to 1.5 years, and 1.5 to 2 years in countries like the UK and Australia respectively. In India, MS in CS is 1.5 to 2 years.

Q:   Is it hard to get into the Imperial College London?
A:

Imperial College London is a very competitive college to get into, as its acceptance rate stands at merely 15%. This figure tells us that only 15 out of every 100 applicants manage to get enrolled in the college, which is less than half of all the applicants. However, students must not get discouraged and fulfill all the Imperial College London admission requirements, i.e.; academic qualifications, standardized test scores, English language requirements, as well as relevant documents, to boost their chances of securing an admission in the university. Also, students must apply to the college within the deadlines in order to get enrolled as a student.

About the Author

Akansha katariya is a content creator at shiksha.com, creating content for study abroad. Having pursued B tech. in Electronics and communication from RGPV University, she has been creating content across diverse dom... Read Full Bio

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