USD
Study software engineering abroad
An in-depth guide to studying software engineering as an international student.
Explore software engineering programs abroad
-
PhD programs in
software engineeringNo programs listed
Software engineering degrees abroad
Software engineering is all about finding practical solutions to real problems. Computer software is a key part of our everyday lives, from online shopping and mobile apps to manufacturing processes and healthcare, so as a software engineer your skills can make a real difference.
By studying software engineering you’ll learn how to create high-quality software applications for a range of technologies. You’ll also develop the ability to critically evaluate computer systems, and be able to provide solutions to any problems.
Software engineering is a fast-growing discipline that’s in demand all over the world. By studying abroad you’ll develop a global understanding of the field and gain access to the latest technologies and innovations. It’s also a great way to broaden your personal horizons by experiencing a new culture and making friends from around the world.
Software engineering program structure
If you want to study for a bachelor’s in software engineering, you usually have two options; a BSc or BEng (Bachelor of Engineering) qualification. Although similar in content, BSc programs tend to be more theoretical, whereas BEng courses are more practical in nature. Both will take three or four years to complete, depending on where you choose to study.
Some universities offer an MEng (Master of Engineering) program, which you can study as an undergraduate. This type of program includes an extra year that converts a bachelor’s to a master’s qualification. If you already hold a bachelor’s, you can study an MSc in software engineering over one or two years.
It’s also possible to study for a doctoral degree in software engineering or a related field. A PhD program can take around five years to complete and will be based on your own original research on a specific area of the subject.
How you’ll be taught and assessed will differ for each module you study. Lectures, seminars and workshops are common, and practical modules will also include a lot of time spent in computer labs. You can expect to be assessed through written and practical assignments, portfolios, project work, essays and exams.
The modules and subjects you’ll study will depend on the university you attend, as well as which electives you choose. Common core areas you can expect to study on a software engineering program include:
- Introduction to software engineering
- Principles of programming
- Data and databases
- Computer architecture
- Networking
- Software development
- Operating systems
- User experience design
- Computational mathematics
Best universities to study software engineering
How to study software engineering abroad
-
University & program search
Find the right program for you and your career aspirations -
Application guidance
We'll get you to the right place to start your application -
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.
Our services are 100% free for students like you because we're funded by universities.
Software engineering study abroad programs
Software engineering undergraduate programs
Bachelor's in software engineering
-
Computer Science & Software Engineering (Arts) (CSA) - BSc (with foundation) Maynooth University, Ireland
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 5 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
18,240 USD
Fee in university's local currency 15,000 EUR
- Start date
- September, January, June
-
Computer Science: Software Engineering - BSc Drury University, USA
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 4 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
31,100 USD
Fee in university's local currency 31,100 USD
- Start date
- January, August
-
Computer Science (Software Engineering) - BSc (Hons) University of Hull, UK
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 3 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
19,223 USD
Fee in university's local currency 14,000 GBP
- Start date
- September
-
Computing: Software Engineering - BSc (Hons) University of Northampton, UK
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 3 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
17,713 USD
Fee in university's local currency 12,900 GBP
- Start date
- September
-
Software Engineering - BEng (Hons) Ontario Tech University, Canada
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 4 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
22,506 USD
Fee in university's local currency 28,608 CAD
- Start date
- September
Diploma in software engineering
-
Computer Systems Technician: Software Engineering - Dip Sheridan College, Canada
- Program type
- Undergraduate diploma
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
14,292 USD
Fee in university's local currency 18,167 CAD
- Start date
- September, January
-
Computer Programmer Analyst - OCADip Durham College, Canada
- Program type
- Undergraduate diploma
- Duration
- 3 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
12,003 USD
Fee in university's local currency 15,257 CAD
- Start date
- September
Certificate in software engineering
-
Computer Numeric Control (CNC) Machinist Technology - Cert Mohawk Valley Community College, USA
- Program type
- Undergraduate certificate
- Duration
- 1 year
- Annual tuition fee
-
6,892 USD
Fee in university's local currency 6,892 USD
- Start date
- January, September
-
Software Engineering - Cert California State University, Sacramento, USA
- Program type
- Undergraduate certificate
- Duration
- 1 year
- Annual tuition fee
-
16,800 USD
Fee in university's local currency 16,800 USD
- Start date
- January, August
Software engineering graduate programs
Master's in software engineering
-
Computer Science/Software Engineering with a Year in Industry - MEng University of Birmingham, UK
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 5 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
30,565 USD
Fee in university's local currency 22,260 GBP
- Start date
- September
-
Software Engineering: Medical Systems - MSc SRH Berlin University of Applied Sciences, Germany
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
9,728 USD
Fee in university's local currency 8,000 EUR
- Start date
- October, March
-
Software Engineering - MSc California State University, Sacramento, USA
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
15,800 USD
Fee in university's local currency 15,800 USD
- Start date
- January, August
-
Software Engineering - MSc Texas State University, USA
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
15,034 USD
Fee in university's local currency 15,034 USD
- Start date
- January, August
-
Software Engineering for Technical Computing - MSc Cranfield University, UK
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 1 year
- Annual tuition fee
-
28,148 USD
Fee in university's local currency 20,500 GBP
- Start date
- September
Diploma in software engineering
-
Software Engineering Technician - OCDip Centennial College, Canada
- Program type
- Postgraduate diploma
- Duration
- 1 year
- Annual tuition fee
-
13,005 USD
Fee in university's local currency 16,531 CAD
- Start date
- January, September
-
Computer Programmer Analyst - OCDip Fanshawe College, Canada
- Program type
- Postgraduate diploma
- Duration
- 20 months
- Annual tuition fee
-
12,929 USD
Fee in university's local currency 16,434 CAD
- Start date
- January, September
Future software engineering careers
As a software engineering graduate, you’ll have developed a range of skills that will make you an attractive candidate for a range of positions. IT industries continue to grow, and many employers are on the lookout for creative, analytical, and passionate software engineers.
Some of the roles that are popular for software engineering graduates include:
- IT consultants
- Software engineer
- Software developer
- Project manager
- Data scientist
- Database administrator
- Web developer
- Software tester
If you know what career you want to pursue after you graduate, think about choosing elective modules that are related to that job. If you’re not sure what career is right for you, speak to the university’s career services for guidance.
