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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Special Education - BSc Greenville University, USA
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 4 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 27,580 USD
- Start date
- January, August
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Early Childhood Education and Special Education - BSc Long Island University Post, USA
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 4 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 35,736 USD
- Start date
- January, September
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Special Education - BSc Lees-McRae College, USA
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 4 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 26,490 USD
- Start date
- August, January
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Special Education (Visual Impairment) (West Campus) - BAEd Arizona State University, USA
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 4 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 31,200 USD
- Start date
- January, May, August
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Special Education (7-12) - 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
Associate in special education
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Education – Elementary and Early Childhood (also special education) - AA Hesston College, USA
- Program type
- Associate
- Duration
- 2 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 28,440 USD
- Start date
- January, August
Diploma in special education
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Special Education Assistant - UGDip Stenberg College, Canada
- Program type
- Undergraduate diploma
- Duration
- 9 months
- Tuition fees per year
- 13,950 CAD
- Start date
- -
Special education graduate programs
Master's in special education
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Special Education & Literacy - MSc Long Island University Post, USA
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 2 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 44,100 USD
- Start date
- -
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Special Education (Teacher Certification) (Polytechnic Campus) - MEd Arizona State University, USA
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 2 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 24,318 USD
- Start date
- January, August
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Special Education - MA University of Wyoming, USA
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 2 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 15,500 USD
- Start date
- January, August
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Special Education (Teacher Certification CASE Concentration) - MEd Texas State University, USA
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 2 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 15,034 USD
- Start date
- January, August
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Special Education: The Master Teacher - MA Central Michigan University, USA
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 2 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 15,300 USD
- Start date
- May, August
Doctorate in special education
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Special Education - PhD Duquesne University, USA
- Program type
- Doctorate
- Duration
- 3 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 23,112 USD
- Start date
- January, August
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Special Education: Collaborative Teacher, K-6 - EdS University of West Alabama, USA | Online
- Program type
- Doctorate
- Duration
- 3 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 22,680 USD
- Start date
- January, August
Certificate in special education
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Special Education (Alternative Licensure) - GradCert Eastern New Mexico University, USA | Online
- Program type
- Postgraduate certificate
- Duration
- 1 year
- Tuition fees per year
- 7,314 USD
- Start date
- January, 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.
