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Study special education abroad
An in-depth guide to studying special education as an international student.
Special education degrees abroad
A degree in special education is designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge required to help learners with a range of special educational needs. Many programs will mean you’ll be able to support students with Autism Spectrum Disorder, learning difficulties, dyslexia and sensory impairments.
Special education programs prepare you for a rewarding and challenging career. As an international student, you can choose from a wide range of special education programs from all over the world. Studying abroad also means you have the opportunity to study in a country with an excellent education system and strong career opportunities after graduation.
Special education program structure
It’s possible to study degrees focussed on special education at most levels of study including foundation, bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate. If you want to study special education to become a teacher, make sure the program you choose qualifies you to do this, for example, you may need a PGCE or PGDE to teach in the UK.
At bachelor’s level, many special education programs are offered as a BA, and will take three or four years to complete. Postgraduate degrees can be either an MSc or MA qualification depending on the program and take one or two years to complete.
PhDs are usually for qualified teachers or education professionals who want to do further research in special education. Doctorates can take up to six or seven years to complete, depending on the country you study in, and whether you study part-time of full time.
Many special education programs will include time spent in classrooms working with children with additional learning needs and disabilities. The precise course content you’ll study will vary based on the degree level and qualification you choose to study, but common modules include:
- Concepts in special needs education
- Key principles for inclusive education
- Early child psychology
- Education policy
- Protecting children and young people
- Developing learning in education
- Disability and equality
- Supporting diverse learners
Best universities to study special education
How to study special education abroad
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Special education study abroad programs
Special education undergraduate programs
Bachelor's in special education
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Childhood Education and Special Education - BSc Long Island University Post, USA
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 4 years
- Annual tuition fee
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35,736 USD
Fee in university's local currency 35,736 USD
- Start date
- September, January
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Special Education: Collaborative Teacher, K-6/6-12 - BSc University of West Alabama, USA
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 4 years
- Annual tuition fee
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11,700 USD
Fee in university's local currency 11,700 USD
- Start date
- August, January
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Dual Certification General/Special Education: Grades 1-5 - BSc Louisiana State University, USA
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 4 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
28,700 USD
Fee in university's local currency 28,700 USD
- Start date
- May, January
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Dual Licensure in Elementary Education K-6 & Special Education/Mild Intervention P-12 - BSc Trine University, USA
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 4 years
- Annual tuition fee
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33,650 USD
Fee in university's local currency 33,650 USD
- Start date
- June, August, January
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Special Education and Elementary Education (West Campus) - BAEd Arizona State University, USA
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 4 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
29,834 USD
Fee in university's local currency 29,834 USD
- Start date
- August, May, January
Associate in special education
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Education: Secondary (also special education) - AA Hesston College, USA
- Program type
- Associate
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
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28,992 USD
Fee in university's local currency 28,992 USD
- Start date
- August, January
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Special Education - AA Moraine Valley Community College, USA
- Program type
- Associate
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
9,408 USD
Fee in university's local currency 9,408 USD
- Start date
- August, January, June
Special education graduate programs
Master's in special education
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Special Education - MSEd Pace University, USA
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
28,650 USD
Fee in university's local currency 28,650 USD
- Start date
- September, January
-
Childhood Education/Special Education (Grades 1-6) - MSEd Long Island University Post, USA
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
44,100 USD
Fee in university's local currency 44,100 USD
- Start date
- September, January
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Special Education (Grades 1-6) - MSEd Manhattan College, USA
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
19,620 USD
Fee in university's local currency 19,620 USD
- Start date
- August, January
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Education - Special Education (Teacher Certification) - MA Felician University, USA
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
18,360 USD
Fee in university's local currency 18,360 USD
- Start date
- September, January
-
Education: Special Education - MEd Saint Martin's University, USA
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
19,800 USD
Fee in university's local currency 19,800 USD
- Start date
- January, August
Doctorate in special education
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Special Education: Collaborative Teacher, K-6 - EdS University of West Alabama, USA
- Program type
- Doctorate
- Duration
- 3 years
- Annual tuition fee
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22,680 USD
Fee in university's local currency 22,680 USD
- Start date
- January
Certificate in special education
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Special Education (Alternative Licensure) - GradCert Eastern New Mexico University, USA
- Program type
- Postgraduate certificate
- Duration
- 1 year
- Annual tuition fee
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7,314 USD
Fee in university's local currency 7,314 USD
- Start date
- September
Future special education careers
Most graduates will look for a career working with children who have special education needs. There are several roles within special education you could pursue, including:
- Special education teacher
- Teaching assistant
- Speech therapist
- Language therapist
- Support teacher
- Education welfare officer
If you know what career you want after graduation, make sure you check to see what qualifications you need. For example, to become a teacher you may need to complete teacher training before you can qualify. Also consider where you want to study, as you may only qualify to teach in the country or state you’ve studied in.
Most programs will include placements in schools with children with special education needs. This is a great opportunity to gain valuable experience and work out what role in special education is right for you.
