Masters in Cloud Computing: Step By Step Guide To Become An Expert

Every decade, there has been some form of tech development that has shaken up the IT sector. Then, the next decade’s innovative development is based on the previous one.

For example, in the 90s, we had the World Wide Web. In the 2000s, we got the 14-nanometer chip design that allowed us to get super powerful computers. In the 2010s, we had cloud computing. 

Today, cloud computing is everywhere — look around, and you’re bound to find something that uses cloud computing. Your phones, your smart home appliances, and even your cars. 

It is a very “in-demand-but-not-mature” industry that will be worth 1.5 trillion USD by 2029, according to Fortune and Mordor Intelligence.

The cloud computing market is currently valued at $600 billion in 2024 and shows no signs of slowing down. Projections estimate the sector will reach $1.42 trillion by 2029. Add to that the enticing salary prospects—an average of $93,000 annually for fresh graduates—and the advantages of pursuing a cloud computing education become obvious.

So, this article is designed to get you up to speed on one of the most exciting sectors in the world. 

After reading it, you’ll know everything you need to in order to sign up for a Master’s in Cloud Computing.

So then, let’s get right into it.

Why Study an MS in Cloud Computing in the USA

Here’s why pursuing your MS in Cloud Computing in the USA is a game-changer:

• The world’s leading tech companies (AWS, Oracle, Google Cloud, Microsoft Azure)
• Top-tier research universities
• Cutting-edge facilities
• A curriculum that sets the global standard
• $93,000+ starting cloud computing salary
• 24-month OPT extension for STEM programs
• Strong industry connections
• Access to Silicon Valley and other tech hubs
• Generous funding options and scholarships

The USA truly has it all—and no other country even comes close.

Consider this: nine out of ten Fortune 500 companies use AWS. Chances are that their headquarters are within driving distance of major universities offering a Master’s in Cloud Computing in the USA. This alone has unique opportunities for internships, guest lectures, and real-world projects that simply aren’t available anywhere else.

The best universities for a Master’s in Cloud Computing in the USA always have specialized “tracks” that match industry needs at the time. For example, currently, a lot of companies will be looking for machine learning engineers to build neural networks. And, the best cloud computing MS programs will have specializations to match that. 

Then there’s the curriculum. 

While other universities around the world teach cloud computing subjects, no doubt, the ones in the USA directly work in industry to make their curricula. 

You’ll do actual things that matter in the real world like:

• Learn complex containerization on actual AWS infrastructure, 
• Work with Google Cloud’s latest APIs, and 
• Understand Azure’s enterprise solutions

And all while they’re being developed, not years after. You’ll also have marketable skills in distributed systems, cloud security, DevOps, and machine learning integration after an MS in cloud computing from the USA.

Another significant advantage of doing your Master’s in Cloud Computing in the USA is the hands-on component. Almost every single program will have a mandatory co-op project or internship, where you’ll work alongside a real ops team. This will let you apply your knowledge in the real world while making industry connections. 

This real-world experience is crucial for securing high-paying positions upon graduation, with the average Master’s in Cloud Computing salary often exceeding six figures in the USA.

And lastly, the USA is home to most of the best universities for a Master’s in Cloud Computing, period. 

The next section will show you this.

Also Read: MS in USA with Backlogs: Best US Universities Accepting Backlogs for MS

Top Universities for an MS in Cloud Computing in the USA

This data is taken from the QS World Universities ranking published in 2024. Here is the list of the 50 top universities for this field in the USA:

QS Rank	University Name	Location	Country	Founded
1	Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)	Cambridge	United States	1861
2	Carnegie Mellon University	Pittsburgh	United States	1900
2	Stanford University	Stanford	United States	1885
4	University of Oxford	Oxford	United Kingdom	1096
5	University of California, Berkeley (UCB)	Berkeley	United States	1868
6	National University of Singapore (NUS)	Singapore	Singapore	1905
7	Harvard University	Cambridge	United States	1636
8	University of Cambridge	Cambridge	United Kingdom	1209
9	ETH Zurich	Zürich	Switzerland	1855
9	Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU)	Singapore	Singapore	1991
11	EPFL – École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne	Lausanne	Switzerland	1969
11	Tsinghua University	Beijing	China	1911
13	University of Toronto	Toronto	Canada	1827
14	Princeton University	Princeton	United States	1746
15	Peking University	Beijing	China	1898
16	Imperial College London	London	United Kingdom	1907
17	Cornell University	Ithaca	United States	1865
18	University of Washington	Seattle	United States	1861
19	University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)	Los Angeles	United States	1919
20	University of Edinburgh	Edinburgh	United Kingdom	1583
21	University of Waterloo	Waterloo	Canada	1957
22	University College London (UCL)	London	United Kingdom	1826
23	Columbia University	New York City	United States	1754
23	New York University (NYU)	New York City	United States	1831
25	University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign	Champaign	United States	1867
26	University of British Columbia	Vancouver	Canada	1908
27	Shanghai Jiao Tong University	Shanghai	China	1896
28	Georgia Institute of Technology	Atlanta	United States	1885
29	Zhejiang University	Hangzhou	China	1897
30	University of Texas at Austin	Austin	United States	1883
31	Technical University of Munich	Munich	Germany	1868
32	Hong Kong University of Science and Technology	Hong Kong	Hong Kong SAR	1991
33	Yale University	New Haven	United States	1701
34	McGill University	Montreal	Canada	1821
35	Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK)	Hong Kong	Hong Kong SAR	1963
36	Institut Polytechnique de Paris	Palaiseau	France	2019
36	University of Amsterdam	Amsterdam	Netherlands	1632
38	University of Tokyo	Tokyo	Japan	1877
38	University of Pennsylvania	Philadelphia	United States	1740
40	Fudan University	Shanghai	China	1905
41	California Institute of Technology (Caltech)	Pasadena	United States	1891
41	University of Michigan-Ann Arbor	Ann Arbor	United States	1817
43	University of Sydney	Sydney	Australia	1850
44	Delft University of Technology	Delft	Netherlands	1842
44	University of Melbourne	Parkville	Australia	1853
44	Université Paris-Saclay	Gif-sur-Yvette	France	2020
44	Université de Montréal	Montreal	Canada	1878
48	Politecnico di Milano	Milan	Italy	1863
49	University of Maryland, College Park	College Park	United States	1856
50	KAIST – Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology	Daejeon	South Korea	1971

As you can see, 5 of the global top 10, 12 of the global top 25, and 19 of the global top 50 universities in the field are in the USA.

To put a different spin on it, the USA has more top universities than the number 2 spot holders of the UK, China, and Canada combined. These countries have 5 of their universities in the global top 50. The USA has 5 of its universities in the global top ten.

While the universities listed above are undoubtedly some of the best in the world, it’s important to note that “the best” doesn’t always mean “the best for you.” Beyond these top-ranking universities, there are many others in the USA with lower tuition fees, campuses in locations you might prefer, and placement records that align better with your career goals.

This is where GradRight’s university-search platform comes in. Rankings are just the tip of the iceberg—finding the university that meets your unique needs requires deeper insight. GradRight simplifies this process by using advanced technology and expert support to help you make the smartest choice.

How GradRight Works

1. Start by signing up and sharing your academic background, preferences, and career aspirations.
2. Highlight what matters most—ROI, tuition fees, location, or alumni success.
3. Leverage an AI algorithm that analyzes 8+ million data points from 40,000+ programs across 4,000+ universities.
4. Dive deeper into placement records, alumni networks, and course-specific opportunities.
5. Get one-on-one guidance to navigate complexities like visa requirements, application deadlines, and financial planning.

With GradRight’s university-search platform, you’re not just choosing a university; you’re setting a foundation for your future—one backed by data and expertise.

Ready to find the best-fit university for you? Sign up on GradRight today and take the first step toward your dream program.

So, now that we’ve cleared up why the USA is a top choice for a Master’s in Cloud Computing and how to find the best-fit university, let’s explore admission requirements to get you started on your journey.

Admission Requirements 

Now, every university will have different admission requirements to their Master’s in Cloud Computing, that’s a given.

However, the basic requirements will be the same across the board, and we’ve outlined these below:

• You will compulsorily need a 3- or 4-year-long bachelor’s degree. Typically, this degree must award a minimum of 360 credits and be from a recognized university. While a computer science or IT degree is preferred, related fields like engineering or mathematics are equally acceptable.

• Your transcript(s) will need to be in English, or with an apostilled (stamped) official English translation.

• You’ll need to have maintained a CGPA of 3.0 or higher across all years of study (not just overall).

• Most top programs require GRE scores above 310, with particular emphasis on the Quantitative section (165+). Some universities like ASU and Stevens have waived this requirement for 2025-26.

• You’ll also need an English proficiency score. TOEFL (minimum 90) or IELTS (minimum 6.5 overall, no band below 6.0). Some universities also accept Duolingo (120+) or PTE (65+). This can usually be waived if your undergraduate degree was taught in English.

• Typically, two to three recommendation letters are required. These should come from professors or employers who can vouch for your academic capabilities, technical skills, and character.

• Some universities require proof of foundational knowledge in certain areas. The most common ones are calculus, discrete mathematics, programming, and data structures. Ensure you have completed these courses during your undergraduate studies. However, if you haven’t, and other parts of your application are strong, most universities will have a pre-sessional month where you can cover these.

• While not always mandatory, 1-2 years of relevant IT or software development experience is highly preferred.

Remember, always check specific requirements for each university, as criteria can vary significantly between institutions or even campuses.

In the next section, we’ll go through the cost structure of a Master’s in Cloud Computing stateside. 

Cost of Studying an MS in Cloud Computing in the USA 

All of these figures are estimates, based on our research. We studied the top 5 USA universities for an MS in cloud computing. 

These are also based on the 2024-2025 fees, and most USA schools raise fees by 3-4% each year.

So then, here is a table that outlines what you can expect to pay for your MS in the USA:

SNo.	Expense Category	Average Cost (USD)	Range (USD)
1	Tuition (per year)	$55,000	$45,000 – $65,000
2	Living Expenses (per year)	$18,000	$$15,000 – $25,000
3	Health Insurance (per year)	$3,000	$2,500 – $4,000
4	Books and Supplies	$1,500	$1,000 – $2,000
5	Application Fees	$100	$75 – $150
6	Visa Fees	$350	$300 – $400
7	SEVIS Fee	$350	Fixed
8	One-time Setup Costs	$3,000	$2,000 – $5,000
9	Total Estimated Cost (2-year program)	$160,600	$140,000-$190,000

Notes about this estimate:

• Tuition varies significantly based on the university and whether it’s a public or private institution.
• Living expenses fluctuate depending on the city and lifestyle choices.
• Health insurance costs may be lower if covered under university plans.
• One-time setup costs include initial housing deposits, essential purchases, and travel expenses.
• These figures are estimates and may increase by 3-4% annually.
• Tuition is without a scholarship (full-time out-of-state/ international credit fees)

As you can see, tuition is the most expensive component. 

However, it can be alleviated to a great degree, because the USA has the most generous financial aid packages for international students. We’ll learn more about these in the next section.

Scholarships for an MS in Cloud Computing in the USA

You can get a scholarship for courses in cloud computing (and cyber security) from both the Indian government as well as from universities themselves.

Here are some examples from the Indian public domain:

SNo.	Award Name	Award Type	Awarded to
1	Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarship	Scholarship	Exceptional Indian students for postgraduate studies abroad
2	Tata Scholarship	Scholarship	Meritorious Indian students for higher education overseas
3	J.N. Tata Endowment Loan Scholarship	Loan Scholarship	Indian graduates for higher studies abroad
4	Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme	Scholarship	Outstanding students from developing countries
5	Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation Scholarship	Scholarship	Talented Indian students for postgraduate studies

 

However, these awards are supremely competitive. There are lakhs and lakhs of applications for an increasingly smaller number of awards each year.

But universities in the USA are very well funded and have their own fund pools for scholarships. And yes — they do award international students as well.

Here are scholarship details for cloud computing courses in the USA:

S No.	Award Name	Award Type	Awarded to
1	Graduate Assistantship	Fellowship	Students demonstrating academic excellence and research potential
2	Merit-based Scholarship	Scholarship	Top-performing applicants based on academic achievements
3	Diversity Fellowship	Fellowship	Students from underrepresented backgrounds in tech
4	International Student Grant	Grant	Non-US citizens demonstrating financial need
5	Department-specific Scholarship	Scholarship	Students specializing in cloud computing subjects

One thing to remember — even if you don’t get funding from your college in the form of a scholarship, there are a lot of other ways to ease the financial burden.

For instance, you could get a research assistantship or a teaching assistantship. While you are a TA/RA your fees will be that of a US “home” student and you’ll get paid. If that doesn’t work, you can work part-time while school is in session and full-time when it’s off. With USA minimum wages being decent, you can fund a large part of your education this way. And if even that doesn’t work out, the salaries after a Master’s in Cloud Computing are so high that you won’t be in student loan debt for more than two or three years if you’re smart with your money. 

These were just some of the main advantages of cloud computing degrees.

After discussing scholarships and funding options for an MS in Cloud Computing, this is the perfect moment to address a critical gap many students face. While scholarships and assistantships can help, they are highly competitive, and not everyone is able to secure them. For many students, an education loan becomes the most viable option to fund their dream of studying abroad.

This is where GradRight’s loan-search platform comes in to bridge the gap.

Even if scholarships don’t work out or only cover a portion of your expenses, GradRight’s loan-search platform ensures that financial hurdles don’t hold you back. Here’s how it simplifies the loan process:

1. Fill out one application and let 15+ trusted banks and NBFCs (both Indian and international) bid for your profile.
2. Compare loan offers with varying interest rates, repayment terms, and loan amounts to choose the best fit.
3. Many lenders provide options without these requirements, ensuring more students qualify.
4. A GradRight’s loan-search platform financial advisor is available to guide you at every stage, from applying to finalizing terms.
5. Once approved, you can have your loan disbursed in as little as 10 days.

With GradRight’s loan-search platform, you can focus on your academic journey, knowing your finances are taken care of.

Ready to secure a low-interest education loan? Sign up on GradRight’s loan-search platform today and take the next step toward your MS in Cloud Computing.

Now that we’ve covered financial strategies—scholarships, assistantships, and loans—let’s move on to the next important aspect: visa options after graduating with a Master’s in Cloud Computing. This step is critical to understanding your post-graduation opportunities in the USA.

Also Read: Best Scholarships for Indian Students in USA in 2024

Post-Study Work Visa Options

So, you’ve graduated. Like all international students in the USA, you’re eligible for 12 months of Optional Practical Training (OPT). But here’s the advantage: with an MS in Cloud Computing, which qualifies as a STEM program, you get an additional 24-month OPT extension. That means a total of 36 months to gain hands-on experience and increase your chances of securing long-term employment. 

Here’s how it typically works:

Initial 12-Month OPT

• Can apply 90 days before graduation
• Must find a job within 90 days of starting OPT
• Work must relate to your Master’s in Cloud Computing degree
• Can work for any employer, including startups
• Can change jobs without affecting visa status

24-Month STEM Extension

• Must work for an E-Verify employer
• Need to apply before initial OPT expires
• Can work while the extension is processing
• Allows for up to two unemployment periods (60 days each)
• Employer must provide a formal training plan

Long-Term Options

• H-1B visa through employer (annual lottery)
• O-1 visa for exceptional ability
• Green card sponsorship if the employer supports
• Start your own company after H-1B approval

Pro Tip: Many cloud computing and cybersecurity companies are E-Verify employers and regularly sponsor H-1B visas. 

Top tech companies often have dedicated immigration teams to help transition employees from OPT to more permanent visas.

And even if you don’t get a long-term H1B visa, you can always come back to India or move elsewhere. A lot of companies are offshoring to India nowadays, especially in tech, and you will have those three sweet years of USA experience. 

And with that, we come to the end of this article on a Master’s in Cloud Computing. We hope you found it useful, and we’ll see you in the next one.

Also Read: New F1 Visa Rules for USA: All You Need To Know

Frequently Asked Questions