Study education abroad

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

Explore education programs abroad

Education degrees abroad

Education degrees predominantly focus on teaching, which can open up many opportunities and occupations to international students. The more specific a degree you choose the more focused on a particular career it will be, especially if it is aimed towards a particular country’s education system.

Some institutions specialize in teaching and training qualifications, and may be referred to as teaching colleges, however many universities have teaching programs alongside their other academic courses.

Education program structure

The program curriculum of an education qualification will depend on exactly the type of degree a university offers. Many qualifications that would allow you to become a qualified teacher are country and even state specific, so you need to know exactly what the content of the program is before applying.

If you are studying teaching from a purely academic angle then you will focus on research into pedagogy. However, most education focused degrees will require a large amount of practical learning and research, including placements for real teaching experience. These can include specialist areas of teaching for specific groups such as:

Elementary education
Early years education
Adult education
Teaching English as a foreign language
Special education
Coaching

Education program structure

Elementary education
Early years education
Adult education
Teaching English as a foreign language
Special education
Coaching

Types of education degrees

Education focused degrees are available at all levels of study. As part of a liberal arts bachelor’s you would have the opportunity to major or minor in a particular area of education for example elementary education. This is the same for any university that follows the liberal arts model of tertiary education.

In the UK you can study education as a bachelor’s degree by itself, and be prescribed and choose a mixture of modules in the different fields of education.

Postgraduate levels of education study can fall into either an MSc or MA master’s qualification. PhDs in education are often for those teaching who want to further research in the subject of pedagogy, and complete a large thesis. This is different to an EdD which is a more practical qualification for those who want to further their professional teaching careers.

Why study education abroad

If you have career aspirations to be a teacher of any kind, then a degree in education could be a good starting point to gain the skills and knowledge you need. You’ll learn techniques and methods of teaching, as well as how to teach specific groups of people.

However, the benefits of studying for an education degree go beyond simply wanting to be a teacher. It may simply be that pedagogy is an area that you are interested in, and want to research. In this case a degree in education could give you many transferable skills for other careers.

Where to study education abroad

Where you decide to study abroad will be determined by the country, a university’s program, and your personal goals. As every country's teaching requirements vary, if you study for an education degree it doesn’t necessarily mean that upon graduation you are a qualified teacher in that country.

Best countries to study education

Some countries are renowned for their education systems, and as such will be able to provide high quality teaching for education qualifications. Some of these countries include:

Finland
UK
Japan
Norway
Denmark

- USA
- UK
- Canada
- Ireland
- Australia
- New Zealand
- Finland
- Fiji
- Lebanon
- Cyprus
- Sweden
- Costa Rica
- Netherlands

Best universities to study education

Specialist education and teaching colleges exist, and may be able to offer you the exact program you are looking for.

It’s worth considering if there are any notable academics or theories of study you are interested in researching further. Some universities won’t offer specific modules in what you may want to study or may be specialists in that particular area.

If you are looking for practical experience as part of your program, this is another thing to check if a university offers. The city you are studying in could be where any placements are located, so the local school system may play a part in your decision making.

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Education study abroad programs

Education courses abroad are available across the world and in a variety of specialist subject areas. You’ll also find qualifications at bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate levels.

Universities or teaching colleges can also offer specific qualifications that enable you to teach in that country or state. Unlike other qualifications it’s important to understand how a qualification fits in with your career if you are looking to train as a teacher, or progress further in the profession.

Education undergraduate programs

Education graduate programs

Entry requirements to study education abroad

Depending on the level and focus of an education qualification, the process for being admitted to a program will vary. Education degree requirements may include:

Completion of high school with educational transcripts
A CV
Sufficient practical experience of teaching
Proof of finances
A bachelor’s degree for postgraduate study

Future education careers

Your career will depend on the exact academic path you’ve taken and in which specific country. Generally, people who complete a qualification in education may go on to work in the following professions:

Early years teaching
Elementary school teaching
Language teaching
Adult education
Support teacher
Academic in pedagogy

Study education abroad

Explore education programs abroad

Bachelor's programs ineducation

Master's programs ineducation

PhD programs ineducation

Education degrees abroad

Education program structure

Types of education degrees

Why study education abroad

Where to study education abroad

Best countries to study education

Best universities to study education

How to study education abroad

University & program search

Application guidance

Visa & travel advice

Education study abroad programs

Education undergraduate programs

Education graduate programs

Entry requirements to study education abroad

Other education & training degrees

Future education careers

Bachelor's programs in
education

Master's programs in
education

PhD programs in
education