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    Study special education abroad

    An in-depth guide to studying special education as an international student.

    Find special education programs

    Explore special education programs abroad

    See other programs in special education

    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
    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 countries to study special education

    Best universities to study special education

    See all universities offering special education programs

    How to study special education abroad

    1. University & program search

      Find the right program for you and your career aspirations

    2. Application guidance

      We'll get you to the right place to start your application

    3. 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.
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    Special education study abroad programs

    Special education undergraduate programs

    Bachelor's in special education

    • false

      Childhood Education and Special Education - BSc Long Island University Post, USA

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      4 years
      Annual tuition fee
      35,736 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 35,736 USD

      Start date
      September, January
      Show program overview about Childhood Education and Special Education
    • false

      Special Education: Collaborative Teacher, K-6/6-12 - BSc University of West Alabama, USA
      • Online

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      4 years
      Annual tuition fee
      11,700 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 11,700 USD

      Start date
      August, January
      Show program overview about Special Education: Collaborative Teacher, K-6/6-12
    • false

      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
      Show program overview about Dual Certification General/Special Education: Grades 1-5
    • false

      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
      33,650 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 33,650 USD

      Start date
      June, August, January
      Show program overview about Dual Licensure in Elementary Education K-6 & Special Education/Mild Intervention P-12
    • false

      Special Education and Elementary Education (Tempe 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
      Show program overview about Special Education and Elementary Education (Tempe Campus)
    See all bachelor's degrees in special education

    Associate in special education

    • false

      Education: Secondary (also special education) - AA Hesston College, USA

      Program type
      Associate
      Duration
      2 years
      Annual tuition fee
      28,992 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 28,992 USD

      Start date
      August, January
      Show program overview about Education: Secondary (also special education)
    See all associate degrees in special education

    Special education graduate programs

    Master's in special education

    • false

      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
      Show program overview about Special Education
    • false

      Special Education & Literacy - MSc 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
      -
      Show program overview about Special Education & Literacy
    • false

      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
      Show program overview about Special Education (Grades 1-6)
    • false

      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
      Show program overview about Education - Special Education (Teacher Certification)
    • false

      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
      Show program overview about Education: Special Education
    See all master's degrees in special education

    Doctorate in special education

    • false

      Special Education - PhD Duquesne University, USA

      Program type
      Doctorate
      Duration
      3 years
      Annual tuition fee
      23,112 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 23,112 USD

      Start date
      August, January
      Show program overview about Special Education
    • false

      Special Education: Collaborative Teacher, K-6 - EdS University of West Alabama, USA
      • Online

      Program type
      Doctorate
      Duration
      3 years
      Annual tuition fee
      22,680 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 22,680 USD

      Start date
      August, January
      Show program overview about Special Education: Collaborative Teacher, K-6
    See all doctorates in special education

    Certificate in special education

    • false

      Special Education (Alternative Licensure) - GradCert Eastern New Mexico University, USA
      • Online

      Program type
      Postgraduate certificate
      Duration
      1 year
      Annual tuition fee
      7,314 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 7,314 USD

      Start date
      September, January
      Show program overview about Special Education (Alternative Licensure)
    See all postgraduate certificates in special education

    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.