Study software engineering abroad
An in-depth guide to studying software engineering as an international student.
Explore software engineering programs abroad
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PhD programs in
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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 countries to study software engineering
Best universities to study software engineering
How to study software engineering abroad
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Software engineering study abroad programs
Software engineering undergraduate programs
Bachelor's in software engineering
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Computer Science (Software Engineering) - BSc Arizona State University, USA
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 4 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 30,634 USD
- Start date
- January, May, August
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Computer Science - Software Engineering - BSc University of Illinois at Chicago, USA
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 4 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 29,800 USD
- Start date
- January, May, August
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Software Engineering - BSc University of Nebraska-Lincoln, USA
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 4 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 27,000 USD
- Start date
- January, June, August
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Computer Science: Software Engineering - BSc Louisiana State University, USA
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 4 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 28,700 USD
- Start date
- January, May, August
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Software Engineering - BEng RMIT University, Australia
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 4 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 34,560 AUD
- Start date
- February, July
Diploma in software engineering
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Software Engineering Technician - Dip Centennial College, Canada
- Program type
- Undergraduate diploma
- Duration
- 1 year
- Tuition fees per year
- 16,531 CAD
- Start date
- January, September
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Computer Programmer Analyst - Dip Durham College, Canada
- Program type
- Undergraduate diploma
- Duration
- 3 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 15,257 CAD
- Start date
- September
Certificate in software engineering
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Computer Numeric Control (CNC) Machinist Technology - Cert Mohawk Valley Community College, USA
- Program type
- Undergraduate certificate
- Duration
- 1 year
- Tuition fees per year
- 6,892 USD
- Start date
- January, September
Software engineering graduate programs
Master's in software engineering
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Software Engineering - MSc Arizona State University, USA
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 15 months
- Tuition fees per year
- 25,218 USD
- Start date
- January, August
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Computer Science/Software Engineering with a Year in Industry - MEng University of Birmingham, UK
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 5 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 22,260 GBP
- Start date
- September
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Software Engineering - MAppSc University of Otago, New Zealand
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 1 year
- Tuition fees per year
- 33,890 NZD
- Start date
- February, July
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Software Engineering - MProf University of Newcastle, Australia
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 2 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 38,825 AUD
- Start date
- February, July, September
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Software Engineering - MSc University of Limerick, Ireland
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 1 year
- Tuition fees per year
- 12,500 EUR
- Start date
- September
Diploma in software engineering
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Computer Programmer Analyst - OCDip Fanshawe College, Canada
- Program type
- Postgraduate diploma
- Duration
- 20 months
- Tuition fees per year
- 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.
