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    Study software development abroad

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

    Find software development programs

    Explore software development programs abroad

    See other programs in software development

    Software development degrees abroad

    Software development degrees prepare students with the theoretical and practical skills needed to forge a successful career in IT. It’s a subject that blends elements of computer science, engineering, and mathematics.

    You’ll study the concepts and principles behind software development and put them into practice as you design, build, test, and maintain software programs. You’ll produce high-quality software that meets the needs of users, improves efficiency, and solves problems.

    Software development is one of the world’s fastest-growing sectors. Studying overseas will put you at the forefront of new developments and technological advances. Not only will you gain a global understanding of the field and connect with international experts, but you’ll also make new friends, travel the world, and create lifelong memories.

    Software development program structure

    You can study software development at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. A BSc is studied over a minimum of three years, although most universities will encourage you to complete an additional year in industry between your second and final year of study. As such, bachelor’s degrees lasting up to four years are common.

    If you choose to study in the US, you’ll major or minor in software development. This means that you’ll invest time and credits in software-specific modules, alongside working on your general education. Once you’ve gained your bachelor’s, you can go on to pursue postgraduate qualifications. A master’s degree can be studied over one or two years, followed by a PhD which typically takes around five years to complete.

    Teaching and assessment methods will differ depending on the modules you’re studying. As a general rule, you’ll be expected to attend lectures, seminars, tutorials, and practical workshops in computer labs. Assessment largely focuses on individual development projects, but you’ll also complete written exams, essays, and presentations.

    The content of software development programs varies from university to university, depending on the specialist elective modules on offer. However, you can expect to find these core topic areas:

    • Software development theory and practice
    • Application programming and development
    • Algorithms and programming fundamentals
    • Usability
    • Software security
    • Operating systems
    • Software quality and testing
    • Managing software quality and process
    Software development program structure

    You can study software development at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. A BSc is studied over a minimum of three years, although most universities will encourage you to complete an additional year in industry between your second and final year of study. As such, bachelor’s degrees lasting up to four years are common.

    If you choose to study in the US, you’ll major or minor in software development. This means that you’ll invest time and credits in software-specific modules, alongside working on your general education. Once you’ve gained your bachelor’s, you can go on to pursue postgraduate qualifications. A master’s degree can be studied over one or two years, followed by a PhD which typically takes around five years to complete.

    Teaching and assessment methods will differ depending on the modules you’re studying. As a general rule, you’ll be expected to attend lectures, seminars, tutorials, and practical workshops in computer labs. Assessment largely focuses on individual development projects, but you’ll also complete written exams, essays, and presentations.

    The content of software development programs varies from university to university, depending on the specialist elective modules on offer. However, you can expect to find these core topic areas:

    • Software development theory and practice
    • Application programming and development
    • Algorithms and programming fundamentals
    • Usability
    • Software security
    • Operating systems
    • Software quality and testing
    • Managing software quality and process

    Types of software development degrees

    Best countries to study software development

    Best universities to study software development

    See all universities offering software development programs

    How to study software development abroad

    1. University & program search

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

    Software development undergraduate programs

    Bachelor's in software development

    • false

      Computer Science - Software Development - 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 Computer Science - Software Development
    • false

      Computer Science - Software Development - BSc Concord University, USA

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      4 years
      Annual tuition fee
      18,186 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 18,186 USD

      Start date
      September, January
      Show program overview about Computer Science - Software Development
    • false

      Computer Science: Software Development - BSc Freed-Hardeman University, USA

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      4 years
      Annual tuition fee
      22,950 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 22,950 USD

      Start date
      August, January
      Show program overview about Computer Science: Software Development
    • false

      Game Development: Software Development - BA Trinity Western University, Canada

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      4 years
      Annual tuition fee
      17,765 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 22,260 CAD

      Start date
      January, September
      Show program overview about Game Development: Software Development
    • false

      Multi - Platform Software Development - BA University of Mount Union, USA

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      4 years
      Annual tuition fee
      31,700 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 31,700 USD

      Start date
      August, January
      Show program overview about Multi - Platform Software Development
    See all bachelor's degrees in software development

    Associate in software development

    • false

      CIS Software Development - AASc Southwestern Oregon Community College, USA

      Program type
      Associate
      Duration
      2 years
      Annual tuition fee
      10,791 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 10,791 USD

      Start date
      September
      Show program overview about CIS Software Development
    See all associate degrees in software development

    Diploma in software development

    • false

      Computer Systems Technology Software Development and Network Engineering (Co-op) - AdvDip (with placement) Sheridan College, Canada

      Program type
      Undergraduate diploma
      Duration
      40 months
      Annual tuition fee
      14,498 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 18,167 CAD

      Start date
      September, January
      Show program overview about Computer Systems Technology Software Development and Network Engineering (Co-op)
    • false

      Digital Media and IT: Computer Software Development - UGDip Northern Alberta Institute of Technology, Canada

      Program type
      Undergraduate diploma
      Duration
      2 years
      Annual tuition fee
      15,486 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 19,404 CAD

      Start date
      January, September, May
      Show program overview about Digital Media and IT: Computer Software Development
    • false

      Information Technology with Co-op, Software Development, General Programming - UGDip Institute of Technology Development of Canada, Canada

      Program type
      Undergraduate diploma
      Duration
      2 years
      Annual tuition fee
      8,779 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 11,000 CAD

      Start date
      July, October, April, January
      Show program overview about Information Technology with Co-op, Software Development, General Programming
    • false

      Software Development - Dip Bow Valley College, Canada

      Program type
      Undergraduate diploma
      Duration
      16 months
      Annual tuition fee
      29,490 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 36,952 CAD

      Start date
      September, January
      Show program overview about Software Development
    See all undergraduate diplomas in software development

    Software development graduate programs

    Master's in software development

    • false

      Software Development (Advanced) - International - MSc Technological University Dublin, Ireland

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      2 years
      Annual tuition fee
      14,876 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 12,500 EUR

      Start date
      September
      Show program overview about Software Development (Advanced) - International
    • false

      Software Development and Engineering - MSc Pace University, USA

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      2 years
      Annual tuition fee
      46,980 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 46,980 USD

      Start date
      September, January
      Show program overview about Software Development and Engineering
    See all master's degrees in software development

    Certificate in software development

    • false

      Enterprise Software Development - PGCert Humber College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning, Canada

      Program type
      Postgraduate certificate
      Duration
      1 year
      Annual tuition fee
      14,237 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 17,840 CAD

      Start date
      September
      Show program overview about Enterprise Software Development
    • false

      Software Development Post-Diploma - GradCert Bow Valley College, Canada

      Program type
      Postgraduate certificate
      Duration
      8 months
      Annual tuition fee
      15,739 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 19,721 CAD

      Start date
      September
      Show program overview about Software Development Post-Diploma
    See all postgraduate certificates in software development

    Future software development careers

    Thanks to the booming global ICT industry, software development graduates have excellent employment prospects. Your skills in creativity, design, and problem-solving will make you an in-demand candidate across a range of employers and sectors. Some of the most popular careers pursued by graduates include:

    • Software developer
    • Software engineer
    • Software tester
    • Applications analyst
    • Database administrator
    • Web developer
    • Game developer
    • IT consultant

    Keeping up-to-date with sector developments and gaining hands-on industry experience will give you the edge over other candidates when you apply for graduate positions. Speak with your university’s career service about the benefits of securing some work experience or an internship.