Course guide · updated Oct 2026

Computer Science & AI abroad

Software, machine learning, cybersecurity and systems, at bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral level. How the degree works in each country, what universities look for, and where it can take you.

See live programs ↓

What you study

Programming is the start, not the whole degree

Computer science is the study of computation and of building software that works reliably. Early years cover programming, data structures and algorithms, discrete mathematics and computer systems. Later you choose electives such as machine learning, security, networks, databases, graphics or human-computer interaction, and most programs finish with a substantial project.

Artificial intelligence is offered both as a specialisation within computer science and, at some universities, as a dedicated degree. Either way, expect a good deal of linear algebra, probability and statistics.

Popular specialisations

Where you can take it

Each card opens matching programs in the explorer, where you can filter by country, level and fees.

01

Artificial intelligence & machine learning

Learning from data, neural networks, language and vision systems.

Browse programs →02

Cybersecurity

Securing systems and networks, cryptography and digital forensics.

Browse programs →03

Software engineering

Designing, testing and maintaining large software systems in teams.

Browse programs →04

Information systems & IT

Technology inside organisations: systems, infrastructure and IT management.

Browse programs →05

Networks & cloud

Networking, distributed systems and the infrastructure behind the cloud.

Browse programs →06

Game development

Graphics, engines and interactive design.

Browse programs →
Degree routes by country

How long it takes, and what comes after

Typical lengths and post-study work rules as of October 2026. Individual programs vary, so check the course page before you apply.

USAStudy in the USA →
Bachelor’s
A bachelor’s is usually a four-year degree, and you often take a broad mix of courses before you declare a major.
Master’s
Master’s programs commonly run one to two years, depending on the program and whether it includes a thesis or internship.
After you graduate
OPT gives up to 12 months of work at each degree level. Graduates of degrees on the DHS STEM list can apply for a further 24 months (STEM OPT). New OPT fees proposed by DHS in October 2026 are not in effect.

Computer Science (CIP 11.0701) is on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List, so eligible graduates can apply for the 24-month STEM OPT extension.

UKStudy in the UK →
Bachelor’s
Three years in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, four in Scotland. A placement (sandwich) year, where offered, adds a year in industry.
Master’s
A taught master’s usually takes one full-time calendar year. Integrated master’s degrees (MEng, MSci) take four years, five in Scotland.
After you graduate
Graduate Route: 2 years if you apply on or before 31 December 2026, 18 months if you apply on or after 1 January 2027, and 3 years after a PhD.

Alongside specialist MSc programs for computing graduates, many universities run one-year conversion MSc programs for graduates from other subjects.

CanadaStudy in Canada →
Bachelor’s
Bachelor’s degrees take three to four years. Colleges also offer diplomas (two to three years) and certificates (one to two years).
Master’s
Master’s degrees take one or two years after a bachelor’s. Co-op programs add paid work terms in your field.
After you graduate
A post-graduation work permit (PGWP) of up to 3 years. Bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral graduates are exempt from the PGWP field-of-study rule; college programs must be in an eligible field.

Many Canadian universities offer computing degrees with co-op terms, so you graduate with paid work experience in your field.

Live from official data

Computer Science & AI programs you can apply to

Counts by country from our database of official course data, updated as the data changes. Pick a country to see a sample, then browse and filter the full list.

Explore all →
🇺🇸programs in the USBrowse →🇬🇧programs in the UKBrowse →🇨🇦programs in CanadaBrowse →

Live program numbers couldn’t load just now. You can still browse every program in the explorer.

Typical entry requirements

What universities usually look for

In general terms. Every university sets its own requirements, and they differ between programs at the same university.

Academics

For a bachelor’s: Class 12 with Mathematics; each university sets its own grade expectations. For a master’s: a bachelor’s in computing or a related subject with programming and maths coursework (UK conversion MSc programs are the exception).

English

Most universities accept IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT or PTE Academic, each setting its own minimum. For a UK Student visa your English must be at least CEFR B2 for degree-level study, and your university can assess this. See our IELTS, TOEFL and PTE guides.

Tests

Some US master’s programs ask for the GRE; many UK and Canadian programs don’t. Check each program page. Our GRE vs GMAT guide explains who needs which.

Your application

A statement of purpose, recommendation letters and a CV. Projects, internships, hackathons or a public code portfolio show what you can build. Read how to write an SOP that gets read.

Career paths

Where graduates often go

Common roles for graduates of this field. Where you end up depends on your university, experience, work rights and the job market.

Software engineerBuilds and maintains products and services.
Machine learning engineerTrains, deploys and monitors models.
Data engineerBuilds the pipelines that move and store data.
Security analystMonitors, tests and defends systems.
Cloud / DevOps engineerRuns infrastructure, automation and releases.
Product managerDecides what gets built and why.
Systems analystConnects business needs to technical design.
Research scientistUsually after a PhD or research master’s.

We don’t quote salary figures on this page: they vary widely by city, employer and visa status. Ask a counsellor for current, sourced numbers for the roles you are considering.

Ready to shortlist Computer Science & AI programs?

Answer a few questions and the finder ranks universities by how well they fit your grades, budget and goals. Or talk it through with a counsellor who studied abroad.

Sources

Rules, durations and STEM codes on this page were checked against these official sources in October 2026. Live program counts come from our database of official course data; see credits and data sources. Always confirm details on the university’s own course page.

  1. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List (last updated 22 July 2024) (checked Oct 2026)
  2. Study in the States (DHS), F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT) (checked Oct 2026)
  3. Study in the States (DHS), STEM OPT Extension Overview (checked Oct 2026)
  4. Study in the States (DHS), DHS publishes proposed rule establishing fees for Optional Practical Training (7 October 2026) (checked Oct 2026)
  5. QAA, The Frameworks for Higher Education Qualifications of UK Degree-Awarding Bodies (2024) (checked Oct 2026)
  6. QAA, Master’s Degree Characteristics Statement (checked Oct 2026)
  7. UCAS, Choosing a course (sandwich years) (checked Oct 2026)
  8. GOV.UK, Graduate visa (checked Oct 2026)
  9. EduCanada (Global Affairs Canada), Common pathways to college and university (checked Oct 2026)
  10. EduCanada (Global Affairs Canada), Graduate studies (checked Oct 2026)
  11. EduCanada (Global Affairs Canada), Work while studying (co-op) (checked Oct 2026)
  12. IRCC, Post-graduation work permit: field of study requirement (checked Oct 2026)
  13. IRCC, Post-graduation work permit: about (length of the permit) (checked Oct 2026)
  14. GOV.UK, Student visa: knowledge of English (checked Oct 2026)