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Home › Master's Counselling
University selection · course guidance · applications · scholarships · SOP & LOR support · visa guidance — from profile evaluation to pre-departure.
Start here
Choose your profile below. Each path has a different decision logic, different destinations, and different tests.
How to choose
Choosing a master's abroad is not a single decision — it is eight decisions made in the right sequence. IMFS counsellors work through all eight with you.
What can you study?
Indian students pursue a wide range of postgraduate programmes. IMFS counsels across all major fields — click any field to explore destination options.
Where to go
Each destination has a different cost profile, visa system, and post-study pathway. Post-study work options and immigration rules vary and change over time — always verify current policies with IMFS before deciding.
| Country | Typical duration | Key advantage | Key consideration | IMFS guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇺🇸 USA | 1–2 years | Programme depth, research opportunities, STEM OPT extension for eligible programmes | Higher overall cost; GRE/GMAT typically required | Study in USA → |
| 🇬🇧 UK | Often 1 year | Shorter duration reduces cost; strong accounting and finance pathways; ACCA exemptions at partner universities | Post-study work subject to current immigration rules; verify before applying | Study in UK → |
| 🇩🇪 Germany | 1.5–2 years | Low or no tuition at public universities; strong technical education for engineering and CS | APS certificate, ECTS conversion, dMAT exam required; German language needed for some programmes | Study in Germany → |
| 🇮🇪 Ireland | 1–2 years | EU fintech and tech hub; home to European operations of major global firms; Stay Back visa available | Smaller market than UK; higher Dublin living costs | Study in Ireland → |
| 🇦🇺 Australia | 1.5–2 years | Post-study work visa available; accounting on skilled occupation list; ACCA partner universities | Higher tuition costs; IELTS 6.5 required; TOEFL Home Edition not accepted | Study in Australia → |
| 🇨🇦 Canada | 1–2 years | Post-Graduation Work Permit; established Indian student community; Express Entry PR pathway | Recent immigration policy changes; verify current caps and rules before applying | Study in Canada → |
| 🇳🇿 New Zealand | 1–2 years | Lower tuition than UK or Australia; Post Study Work Visa; ACCA-accredited programmes at major universities | Smaller university ecosystem; fewer programme options than larger destinations | Study in New Zealand → |
Can I apply?
Most Indian bachelor's graduates are eligible for international master's programmes. Here is what universities typically evaluate.
Entrance exams
Test requirements depend on your destination and programme — not every master's requires every test. Some programmes offer waivers based on academic profile or work experience.
Special pathway
Professional qualification holders have specific international master's pathways that most study abroad consultants do not cover. IMFS has built a dedicated guide for each credential.
Experienced applicants
If you have 2 or more years of work experience, your application profile and your programme options are meaningfully different from a fresh graduate.
Separate pathway
Germany's MS pathway is fundamentally different from USA, UK, or Australia. Public universities charge little or no tuition but require a specific sequence of steps before you can apply.
Germany requires ECTS credit conversion, an APS certificate (for Indian applicants), and for many programmes, the dMAT digital entrance exam. These are not optional — they are prerequisites for university application. The process takes 6–12 months before your application can be submitted.
Funding your master's
Tuition and living costs vary significantly by destination. The figures below are indicative ranges for 2026–27 — actual costs depend on university, city, and programme. Always verify current fees with the university.
| Country | Tuition (approx. INR) | Living costs (approx. INR/yr) | Scholarships available |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA | 37–74+ lakhs | 18–25 lakhs | TA/RA funding, merit scholarships, CFA Institute scholarships |
| UK | 22–50 lakhs | 12–16 lakhs | Chevening, Commonwealth, university merit awards |
| Germany | Low / nil (public) | 10–14 lakhs | DAAD scholarships, Deutschlandstipendium |
| Ireland | 20–40 lakhs | 14–18 lakhs | Government of Ireland scholarships, university awards |
| Australia | 25–60 lakhs | 14–18 lakhs | Australia Awards, university merit scholarships |
| Canada | 20–45 lakhs | 12–16 lakhs | Vanier CGS, university scholarships, TA/RA funding |
| New Zealand | 16–43 lakhs | 10–14 lakhs | NZ government scholarships, university awards |
Education loans from Indian banks (SBI, Axis, HDFC Credila, ICICI, Avanse) cover tuition and living costs for most destinations. IMFS has partnerships with leading lenders.
Plan smarter
Use these tools at each stage of your decision. Every tool is free — no login required.
When to start
Most students start too late. Working backwards from your intended September 2027 intake, here is what you need to do and when.
How we work
From the first counselling session to the day you board your flight, IMFS is with you at every step.
Why IMFS
Our team
Each IMFS branch has dedicated Master's counsellors with expertise in specific destinations and programme types. Visit your nearest branch for a free in-person counselling session.
Student outcomes
IMFS students gain admission to universities across all major study destinations. See programme-specific admits for each country.
Student voices
Common questions
