Study Postgraduation abroad

Planning to pursue your postgraduation abroad and distinguish yourself from other candidates who are chasing your dream job?  

Check out types of postgraduate qualification, requirements, and course duration in different study destinations.

What is meant by postgraduate degree?

A postgraduate degree is any higher education undertaken after a bachelor’s degree. It is an opportunity for students after graduation to study or do research at a more advanced level. They can focus on a particular area or step up from what they would have studied as undergrads. 

About PG courses, they are either taught or based on research. While a taught course is like your undergraduate degree and is taught by a professor, research courses are far more independent as you will work on your own. 

In both cases, you may be required to attend classes, but if you are attending a research course, your final grade won’t be determined based on attendance of these classes or any assignments relating to them. Your final piece of research will determine it.

Eligibility criteria to study post-graduation

Eligibility criteria may differ for each university, course, and country. However, here’s basic criteria that usually remain the same:  

1.  UG degree: Bachelor's degree, diploma, or an equivalent certificate from a recognised university. Some foreign universities require 4 years of your undergraduate education while others may accept 3 years depending upon the bachelor course you completed. 

2.  English language proficiency test: If you are non-native English speakers applying for masters in natively English-speaking countries then you have to take any of the English proficiency tests like IELTS. 

3.  GRE or GMAT: Some masters programs will require you to take a GRE or GMAT to assess your reasoning and analytical ability. The test scores requirement vary as per the university and program. 

4.  Work experience: Professional experience may also be considered in certain subject areas.

Course duration

The duration of the postgraduate course depends upon the country shortlisted for pursuing masters as different countries have different education systems. Here’s an overview:  

• Australia: All Australian postgraduate programs span between one to two years depending upon the scope and study of the program.  

• Canada: PG courses in Canada span between one to two years and often include theoretical classes, site visits, individual and group projects, and dissertation. Also, PG diploma courses in Canada are available allowing you to earn a degree in a span of 1 year while working a part-time. 

• New Zealand: New Zealand universities provide PG Diploma options which generally comprise of a one-year full-time or extended part-time program of graduate papers. The research-based master’s program usually takes 2 years but primarily taught master’s program usually lasts for just one year. 

• The UK: All British universities research-based master’s program usually takes 2 years to complete otherwise all other post-grad programs are completed with 1 year of full-time study. 

• Ireland: At Irish universities, research-based master’s program usually takes 2 years to complete. Otherwise, all other post-grad programs are completed with 1 year of full-time study. 

• The US: It will take you around two years of full-time study including structured training and regular assessments. 

If you are confused about the destination, course, or university you should choose, then feel free to reach out to IDP’s international education specialists, and we will be happy to help you accomplish your study-abroad goals.