Master's abroad after an Indian degree: what to check first

A master's abroad can be a great step — or an expensive one that doesn't lead where you hoped. Before you shortlist universities, check four things: does your degree qualify, how long is the course, what tests do you need, and what can you do after it ends.

1. Is a 3-year Indian degree enough?

This is the first question for most B.Com, B.Sc and BA graduates.

• UK — generally yes. Many UK universities accept 3-year Indian degrees for a master's, though some ask for higher marks. Sheffield accepts 3- or 4-year degrees and treats 60% as a 2:1. Birmingham considers 3-year degrees but usually wants a first class for most courses.
• US — it depends, and many say no. Some universities don't accept 3-year Indian degrees as equal to a US bachelor's (UConn and San José State, for example). Others accept them with conditions — Nevada, Reno accepts them only from NAAC "A"-rated colleges with a first class. A 1-year PG diploma or a master's in India can fill the gap.
• Germany — it depends on credits. A German master's normally assumes 300 credits in total across both degrees, so a 1-year master's usually expects a 4-year bachelor's. Some universities, like KIT, warn that an Indian degree may be valued at fewer credits than you expect.
• Other countries: check each university's India page. Don't rely on a counsellor's general "yes".

2. How long is the course?

Country	Typical master's length
UK	1 year (taught master's)
US	1–2 years
Germany	Usually 2 years (some 1 year after a 4-year degree)
France	2 years after a 3-year degree
Netherlands	1 year at research universities; 2 years for research and many science/engineering master's
Ireland	Usually 1 year (taught)
Australia	1–2 years
Japan	2 years

A shorter course costs less in living expenses — but also gives you less time for internships before you graduate.

3. Tests, and how long scores last

Test	Valid for
GRE	5 years
GMAT	5 years
TOEFL iBT	2 years
IELTS	Usually 2 years (each university can set its own rule)

So you can take the GRE or GMAT in your final year and still use it after two or three years of work. Plan English tests closer to the time you apply.

Germany: Indian applicants need an APS certificate for the student visa. For master's applicants in some subjects, APS is adding a test (dMAT); the subjects are still to be announced.

4. What can you do after the course? (work rules today)

These change often — always check the official page in the year you apply.

• UK — Graduate visa: 2 years if you apply by 31 December 2026; 18 months if you apply from 1 January 2027. So a one-year master's starting in September 2026 leads to 18 months.
• US — OPT: 12 months of work after the degree, plus a 24-month extension for STEM degrees (36 months in total). New: on 8 October 2026 the US government proposed a fee of US$70,000 for a first OPT (paid by the university). It is only a proposal for now; comments close 9 November 2026. Watch this closely if the US is your plan.
• Australia — 485 visa: under the India–Australia trade agreement, Indian graduates of any master's get 3 years (4 years for a PhD). Age limit 35 (under 50 for a research master's or PhD).
• Germany: up to 18 months to look for skilled work; you can take any job meanwhile. Not renewable.
• Ireland — Stamp 1G: 12 months for a master's, renewable once for another 12 (up to 24).
• Singapore: a 1-year pass to look for work; you then need a work pass to actually work.
• Japan: up to 1 year after graduating to look for a job (reported by the University of Tokyo).

5. Money

• Germany: public universities charge little or no tuition — about €100–350 per semester as a contribution — with exceptions: Baden-Württemberg charges non-EU students €1,500 per semester, and TUM charges non-EU master's students €4,000–6,000 per semester.
• Everywhere else: use our cost calculator and read what studying abroad really costs. Look at the scholarship list early — many close a year before the course starts.

A simple order to do things

1. Pick 2–3 countries whose work rules and costs fit your plan.
2. Check your degree is accepted at each target university (India page or admissions office).
3. Book GRE/GMAT (if needed), then the English test.
4. Shortlist 6–10 courses, write your statement of purpose, ask for recommendation letters.
5. Apply, then plan the visa, loan (if any) and housing.

Need help with the plan? Our Abroad Strategy package gives you a written shortlist with a timeline and a budget view.