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    Study astrophysics abroad

    An in-depth guide to studying astrophysics as an international student.

    Find astrophysics programs

    Explore astrophysics programs abroad

    See other programs in astrophysics

    Astrophysics degrees abroad

    Astrophysics is an area of study that uses the laws and principles of physics to explain the existence and behavior of astronomical objects and bodies.

    As an astrophysics student, you’ll learn about the physical nature and processes of stars, nebulae, planets, galaxies, black holes, asteroids, and moons. You’ll develop a sound understanding of physics and mathematics, and use your knowledge to explore the evolution and composition of our universe.

    Studying abroad is a hugely enriching experience. Not only will you have the chance to stargaze in different parts of the world, network with international experts, and access state-of-the-art observatories, but you’ll also make lifelong friends and memories.

    Astrophysics program structure

    You can study astrophysics at a range of educational levels. It usually takes between three and five years to complete a BSc in astrophysics, depending on your university and country of study.

    The length of your undergraduate program will also be determined by whether you complete an additional 12-month placement during your studies. Placements are an excellent way of gaining industry experience and boosting your employability.

    If you choose to study in the US, you’ll find that most bachelor’s programs require four years of study. This is because you’ll take general education classes in your first two years, before focusing on your astrophysics major in the second half of your degree.

    Once you’ve gained your BSc, you can enroll in a master’s program. An MSc can take one or two years of study, depending on whether you learn on a full or part-time basis.

    If you want to continue your studies, some institutions run research-based PhD programs in astrophysics. A PhD is the highest formal qualification available and usually takes between five and six years to finish.

    You’ll probably be taught through a mixture of lectures, seminars, tutorials, workshops, observatory experiments, and laboratory work. Some universities will also arrange visits to various observatories so you can learn more about how the universe works.

    Most astrophysics students are assessed through a combination of exams, written assignments, presentations, practical laboratory work, and astronomical observations.

    The content covered in astrophysics programs varies slightly from university to university because lecturers will have different interests and expertise. However, most courses around the world will address these fundamental topics:

    • Astronomy and astrophysics
    • Physics
    • Mathematics
    • Electromagnetism
    • Thermal and quantum physics
    • Physics of nebulae and stars
    • Cosmology and galaxies
    • Observational astrophysics
    Astrophysics program structure

    You can study astrophysics at a range of educational levels. It usually takes between three and five years to complete a BSc in astrophysics, depending on your university and country of study.

    The length of your undergraduate program will also be determined by whether you complete an additional 12-month placement during your studies. Placements are an excellent way of gaining industry experience and boosting your employability.

    If you choose to study in the US, you’ll find that most bachelor’s programs require four years of study. This is because you’ll take general education classes in your first two years, before focusing on your astrophysics major in the second half of your degree.

    Once you’ve gained your BSc, you can enroll in a master’s program. An MSc can take one or two years of study, depending on whether you learn on a full or part-time basis.

    If you want to continue your studies, some institutions run research-based PhD programs in astrophysics. A PhD is the highest formal qualification available and usually takes between five and six years to finish.

    You’ll probably be taught through a mixture of lectures, seminars, tutorials, workshops, observatory experiments, and laboratory work. Some universities will also arrange visits to various observatories so you can learn more about how the universe works.

    Most astrophysics students are assessed through a combination of exams, written assignments, presentations, practical laboratory work, and astronomical observations.

    The content covered in astrophysics programs varies slightly from university to university because lecturers will have different interests and expertise. However, most courses around the world will address these fundamental topics:

    • Astronomy and astrophysics
    • Physics
    • Mathematics
    • Electromagnetism
    • Thermal and quantum physics
    • Physics of nebulae and stars
    • Cosmology and galaxies
    • Observational astrophysics

    Best countries to study astrophysics

    Best universities to study astrophysics

    See all universities offering astrophysics programs

    How to study astrophysics abroad

    1. University & program search

      Find the right program for you and your career aspirations

    2. Application guidance

      We'll get you to the right place to start your application

    3. Visa & travel advice

      Get help after application, all the way to your first day at university

    Our team of advisors is ready to support you at every step of your study abroad journey.
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    Astrophysics study abroad programs

    Astrophysics undergraduate programs

    Bachelor's in astrophysics

    • false

      Astrophysics - BSc University of Nebraska at Kearney, USA

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      4 years
      Annual tuition fee
      14,900 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 14,900 USD

      Start date
      August, January
      Show program overview about Astrophysics
    • false

      Astrophysics - BSc DePaul University, USA

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      4 years
      Annual tuition fee
      40,551 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 40,551 USD

      Start date
      -
      Show program overview about Astrophysics
    • false

      Astrophysics - BSc/BA Baylor University, USA

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      4 years
      Annual tuition fee
      44,544 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 44,544 USD

      Start date
      -
      Show program overview about Astrophysics
    • false

      Astrophysics and Mathematics - Dual BSc (Hons) Keele University, UK

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      3 years
      Annual tuition fee
      20,563 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 15,000 GBP

      Start date
      September
      Show program overview about Astrophysics and Mathematics
    • false

      Earth and Space Exploration (Astrophysics) - BSc Arizona State University, USA

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      4 years
      Annual tuition fee
      30,634 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 30,634 USD

      Start date
      August, May, January
      Show program overview about Earth and Space Exploration (Astrophysics)
    See all bachelor's degrees in astrophysics

    Astrophysics graduate programs

    Master's in astrophysics

    • false

      Astrophysics and Astronomy - MSc Arizona State University, USA

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      2 years
      Annual tuition fee
      24,318 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 24,318 USD

      Start date
      August
      Show program overview about Astrophysics and Astronomy
    • false

      Physics - Astrophysics - MSc University of Maryland, Baltimore County, USA

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      2 years
      Annual tuition fee
      22,896 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 22,896 USD

      Start date
      August
      Show program overview about Physics - Astrophysics
    • false

      Physics, Astrophysics and Cosmology - Mphy University of Portsmouth, UK

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      1 year
      Annual tuition fee
      24,127 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 17,600 GBP

      Start date
      September
      Show program overview about Physics, Astrophysics and Cosmology
    See all master's degrees in astrophysics

    Doctorate in astrophysics

    • false

      Physics - Astrophysics - PhD University of Maryland, Baltimore County, USA

      Program type
      Doctorate
      Duration
      3 years
      Annual tuition fee
      22,896 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 22,896 USD

      Start date
      August
      Show program overview about Physics - Astrophysics
    See all doctorates in astrophysics

    Future astrophysics careers

    As an astrophysics graduate, you’ll be armed with an array of mathematical, problem-solving, technical, and analytical skills. These transferable capabilities will make you an attractive candidate across many sectors, including manufacturing, engineering, teaching, research, business, energy, and, of course, space industries.

    Here’s a list of some of the most popular career paths for astrophysics graduates:

    • Astrophysicist
    • Research scientist
    • Aerospace engineer
    • Computer systems analyst
    • Laboratory technician
    • Observatory manager
    • Professor
    • Science writer/ journalist

    If figuring out what you want to do after university is proving difficult, arrange an appointment with your university’s career service. They can help with arranging internships, identifying your strengths, and making sense of your ambitions.