MS in Project Management Abroad 2024: Top Universities, Cost, Courses & Salary

MS in Project Management Abroad: Universities, Salary & More

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Lovish Rawal

If you’re considering an MS in Project Management, this degree will equip you with the skills to lead and manage projects effectively, ensuring they are completed on time and within budget. Studying this program abroad offers you the chance to learn from industry experts and gain a global perspective. In this article, you’ll find information on the top universities offering MS in Project Management programs worldwide. We’ll also cover the curriculum, application deadlines, rankings, tuition fees, and eligibility to help you make an informed decision.

MS in Project Management

Top countries to study an MS in Project Management

When you are searching globally for the best MS in Project Management degrees, a few countries stand out due to the exceptional educational programs offered in their universities. Below are the top destinations for studying Master’s in Project Management, and the notable universities in these countries. 

1. United States

The United States is always the top choice for students looking for a postgraduate degree in project management. The country has several prestigious universities that are known for the rigorous curricula of their MS in Project Management programs. The best among them are:

  • Northwestern University
  • New York University
  • Boston University

2. United Kingdom

The UK is well-known for its high standards in education. It is an excellent destination for students interested in pursuing an MS in Project Management. Reputed universities offering Master’s in Project Management degrees in the UK include: 

  • University College London (UCL)
  • The University of Manchester
  • Cranfield University

3. Australia

Australia is very popular among international students. The country is known for affordable education and a decent standard of living. Leading universities offering Master’s in Project Management include: 

  • The University of Sydney
  • RMIT University
  • Australian National University (ANU)

4. Singapore

Singapore is a global hub for business and financial services. The tiny nation-state offers excellent educational opportunities in project management. The National University of Singapore (NUS) is well known for its top-notch courses. 

5. New Zealand

New Zealand offers strong academic programs in project management. The University of Auckland is considered a top-tier institution for a Master’s in Project Management degree. 

6. Germany

Germany provides a focused European perspective on project management education. The University of Stuttgart is a leading institution for MS in Project Management degrees. 

These countries and their universities provide some of the best opportunities for pursuing an MS in Project Management. 

Also Read: Study Abroad Guide for Indian Students 2024

Top universities in the world for an MS in Project Management

These are the top universities in the world that also offer a Master’s in Project Management. 

Please note that these are overall university rankings and do not reflect the rankings of their Master’s in Project Management programs. 

NumberUniversityCourse NameLocationQS World Rank 2025
1National University of Singapore (NUS)MSc in Project ManagementSingapore, Singapore8
2Australian National University (ANU)Master of Project ManagementCanberra, Australia30
3University of SydneyMaster of Project ManagementSydney, Australia18
4RMIT UniversityMaster of Project ManagementMelbourne, Australia123
5University of AucklandMaster of Project ManagementAuckland, New Zealand65
6University of StuttgartMSc in International Project ManagementStuttgart, Germany314
7Cranfield UniversityMSc in Programme and Project ManagementCranfield, United Kingdom30 (2023)
8University College London (UCL)MSc in Project and Enterprise ManagementLondon, United Kingdom9
9The University of ManchesterMSc in Project ManagementManchester, United Kingdom34
10Northwestern UniversityMS in Project ManagementEvanston, United States50
11New York UniversityMS in Project ManagementNew York, United States43
12Boston UniversityMS in Project ManagementBoston, United States108

Let’s take a closer look at the top universities on the list and their Master’s in Project Management programs. 

1. National University of Singapore (NUS)

Website: https://nus.edu.sg  

Rank #8, QS World University Rankings 2025 

NUS is Singapore’s flagship university and is known across the globe for its academic excellence. The National University of Singapore is consistently ranked among the best universities worldwide. It is renowned for its engineering, management, and biosciences programs.

The Master of Science in Project Management program at the National University of Singapore (NUS) offers students the management skills and strategy to complete complex projects on time. 

Application Deadlines

The program offers two intakes per academic year: January and August.

Application Deadline: For the January 2025 intake, applications are accepted from July 29 to August 31, 2024.

Application Fee 

The non-refundable application fee is S$109. 

Tuition Fee 

Part-Time Students:

  • Fee Payable per Semester: S$10,900
  • Four semesters in all

Full-Time Students:

  • Fee Payable per Semester: S$21,800
  • Two semesters in all

Acceptance Fees: S$5,450

Total Program Fees: S$49,050

2. University College London (UCL)

Website: https://www.ucl.ac.uk 

Rank #9, QS World University Rankings 2025 

University College London (UCL) is a public research university situated in the heart of London. Established in 1826, UCL has a rich history of academic excellence and groundbreaking research. Over 30 Nobel laureates have been associated with the university as alumni and faculty. 

The MS in Project Management course at UCL focuses on project and organizational management. It teaches students to lead complex projects through a strong foundation in project management principles and leadership skills.

Application Deadlines

For the program commencing in September 2024, applications were accepted from October 16, 2023, to April 5, 2024.

Please visit the university website in autumn (October – November) to learn more about the 2025 intake. 

Application Fee 

The non-refundable application fee is £90. 

Tuition Fee 

The tuition fee is £22,700 for the one-year course. 

3. Northwestern University

Website: https://www.northwestern.edu

Rank #50, QS World University Rankings 2025 

Northwestern University is a private research university located in Evanston, Illinois. The 180-year-old university has grown into one of the highest-ranked institutions in the USA. Northwestern University has 12 schools and colleges, which offer over 120 undergraduate majors and more than 70 graduate programs. 

The McCormick School of Engineering at Northwestern University offers the Master of Science in Project Management program. This program teaches students project lifecycle management, risk assessment, and financial analysis. The curriculum consists of courses in development, design, and execution. 

Application Deadlines

Full-time Students:

Fall 2024:

  • Priority Deadline: January 31, 2024
  • Final Deadline: May 31, 2024

Part-Time Students:

  • Winter 2024: November 15, 2023
  • Spring 2024: February 15, 2024
  • Fall 2024: August 15, 2024

Applications for Fall 2025 will open later this year. 

Application Fee 

The non-refundable application fee is $50. 

Tuition Fees 

Tuition Fees

  • Amount: $22,304 per quarter

Cost of Living

  • Estimated Annual Expenses: $18,000 to $22,000

Additional Expenses

  • Textbooks: $2,800
  • Health Insurance: $4,000+
  • Miscellaneous Costs: $5,000

The total annual cost over three quarters is estimated at $96,800 including tuition, living, and additional costs. 

Curriculum for an MS in Project Management abroad

The Master of Science in Project Management course teaches a wide variety of topics. 

These usually include:

Core Project Management Skills

  • Project Initiation and Planning
  • Project Scheduling
  • Budgeting and Cost Management
  • Risk Management
  • Quality Management
  • Procurement Management
  • Project Closing

Leadership and Strategic Thinking

  • Project Leadership
  • Strategic Planning
  • Change Management

Technical Skills

  • Project Management Software
  • Data Analysis
  • Communication and Presentation

Specialized Areas (Depending on Program)

  • Agile Project Management
  • Portfolio Management
  • Program Management
  • Project Finance

For example, this is the curricula taught to students of Master’s in Project Management at Boston University:

Core Courses

  • Project Management
  • Project Communications and Leadership
  • Quantitative and Qualitative Decision-Making
  • Principles and Best Practices in Project, Program, and Portfolio Management

Specialization Courses

Choose four from the following:

  • Business Analytics Foundations
  • Financial Concepts
  • Project Risk and Cost Management
  • Portfolio and Program Management
  • Project and Program Governance
  • Agile Project Management
  • Global Supply Chains
  • Project Value Strategies

In addition, the student has to choose two elective courses. 

Eligibility for studying an MS in Project Management

These are the requirements for studying Master’s in Project Management at a top university:

Educational Background

  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in any field
  • Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale

Work Experience

  • 2-3 years of professional work experience preferred for some programs
  • Letters of recommendation from former supervisors or professors

Application Materials

  • Online application form
  • Statement of Purpose 
  • Official transcripts from previously attended colleges and universities
  • Letters of Recommendation (2-3 depending on program)

Additional Requirements

  • No GRE/GMAT is required for many programs
  • Proof of English proficiency for international students (TOEFL/IELTS scores)
  • Specific prerequisite courses like probability, statistics, or programming may be required by some universities. 

As an example, here are the admission requirements for the National University of Singapore:

Admission Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree with honors in a relevant field 

OR 

  • Bachelor’s degree with at least eight years of relevant work experience.
  • The university prefers candidates with at least two years of relevant post-graduate experience.
  • English proficiency is demonstrated through a TOEFL score of 85 or IELTS 6.0 for non-native English speakers.

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

GMAT/GRE requirements for studying an MS in Project Management

GMAT and GRE scores are often required for admission to US universities, but schools in other countries rarely ask for these exams. For a Master’s in Project Management, many universities in the USA do not require GRE/GMAT scores, though some, like Northwestern University, do. However, they typically do not specify a minimum score range. In this field, work experience and a relevant undergraduate degree are usually more important factors in the admissions process.

Scholarships to study an MS in Project Management abroad

There are many scholarships to ease the financial burden on students. Here is a list of the most well-known. They aim to support meritorious students in pursuing postgraduate degrees at reputed institutions worldwide.

Here is an overview of the scholarship names, descriptions, and benefits:

ScholarshipDescriptionBenefits
Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation PG ScholarshipEnables meritorious students to pursue postgraduate studies at prestigious institutions in India and abroad.Interest-free loan, mentoring program, scholar network
J.N. Tata Endowment ScholarshipRecognizes and awards “the best and most gifted” Indian students to make them of the greatest service to the country.Funding for postgraduate studies based on merit
Fulbright-Nehru Master’s FellowshipsDesigned for highly motivated Indians with leadership qualities and 3+ years of work experience to pursue a master’s degree in the U.S.J-1 visa support, round-trip airfare, tuition, living expenses, health coverage
Aga Khan Foundation International ScholarshipOpportunity for outstanding scholars from selected countries to pursue postgraduate education with no other means of financing.Half grant, half loan covering tuition and living expenses
Inlaks ScholarshipsPrestigious need-cum-merit based scholarship for Indian students pursuing master’s, MPhil, and doctoral programs in the U.S., U.K., and Europe.Tuition, living expenses, travel costs for full-time graduate/doctoral programs
Chevening ScholarshipsFully funded scholarship for one-year master’s programs in the U.K.Tuition fees, travel expenses, arrival allowance, monthly stipend

Besides, universities and colleges abroad offer financial aid to international students. Most universities automatically consider students for financial aid, and you could get anywhere from 40% to 100% of your tuition fee waived off. However, not all students receive scholarships, and even those who do still need to fund their other expenses. This is where getting an inexpensive education loan becomes crucial.

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

FundRight can help you with this. It allows you to receive competitive loan offers from 15 of the top lenders in India and abroad, including banks and NBFCs, ensuring that you secure the best possible loan terms.

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Don’t wait—if you’re targeting Spring ’25 admissions, now is the perfect time to start your loan application with FundRight. Sign up today and secure the best financing for your education abroad.

Career scope of an MS in Project Management abroad

Project management is a rapidly growing field with extensive career opportunities across various sectors. The demand for skilled project managers is high with rapid technological innovation fuelling change in the way businesses operate. 

Project management offers a wide range of career options. Typical roles consist of project manager, program manager, project coordinator, and project analyst. 

The Project Management Institute (PMI) projects that there is a need for 2.3 million new project managers each year. 

Salaries for project managers are lucrative. The median salary for project managers in the USA is around $73,495, with potential earnings exceeding $110,000.

One of the key advantages of a career in project management is that it is future-proof against automation and artificial intelligence. 

Also Read: Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) in USA: Top Universities, Syllabus

Top recruiters in the world for MS in Project Management graduates

According to Glassdoor, a variety of top-rated companies are hiring for project manager roles. These include businesses in IT, software, aerospace, film production, and more. 

Overview of Companies

CompanyRatingIndustry
IBM4.0Information Technology
Honeywell4.1Computer Hardware Development
AT&T3.5Telecommunications Services
Deloitte4.0Business Consulting
Accenture3.9Business Consulting
JPMorgan Chase & Co4.0Banking & Lending
Jacobs3.9Architectural & Engineering
Verizon3.8Telecommunications Services
Cognizant3.7Information Technology
Amazon3.7Internet & Web Services
Boeing3.8Aerospace & Defense
AECOM3.8Architectural & Engineering
Dell Technologies4.0Information Technology
Apple4.1Computer Hardware Development
Bank of America3.9Banking & Lending
Oracle3.8Enterprise Software & Network Solutions
Walt Disney Company3.8Film Production
Kaiser Permanente3.9Health Care Services & Hospitals
Cisco4.3Enterprise Software & Network Solutions
Lockheed Martin4.1Aerospace & Defense

Job prospects and salaries offered after studying an MS in Project Management 

After a Master’s in Project Management, graduates receive excellent job offers. 

According to Glassdoor, the average pay in the USA is above $100,000 per year:

  • Median Salary: $136,000 per year
  • Base Pay Range: $67,000 – $116,000 per year
  • Additional Pay Range: $36,000 – $66,000 per year
  • Total Pay Range: $103,000 – $183,000 per year

These are the possible job roles with seniority:

  • Junior Project Manager
  • Project Lead
  • Project Manager
  • Senior Project Manager
  • Project Director
  • VP of Project Management

Also Read: Jobs (With Salaries) After MS in Mechanical Engineering in the USA

Here is a summary of insights on annual salaries from PMI’s “Top 10 Countries with the Highest Project Manager Salaries” report:

CountryMedian Annual Salary (USD)
Switzerland$130,966
United States$112,000
Australia$108,593
New Zealand$84,480
Germany$88,449
United Kingdom$81,227
Belgium$78,035
Netherlands$86,292
Qatar$82,314
United Arab Emirates$84,930

FAQs 

How long does it take to complete an MS in Project Management?

The duration of an MS in Project Management varies by institution. Typically, a full-time program lasts around 12 months.

Is an MS in Project Management worth it?

Yes, as data from various sources indicate, it leads to a well-paying career in a fast-growing field with millions of job openings. Additionally, in the age of AI, project management remains a domain that is less likely to be impacted by automation.

Is a PMP certification better than a Master’s in Project Management?

A PMP certification is more affordable and can be completed in 2-4 months. However, it focuses less on theoretical foundations and may not provide the same level of career advancement as a Master’s degree in Project Management.

Picture of Lovish Rawal

Lovish Rawal

Lovish is the personification of 'tackling all issues with a smile'. An optimist to the tee, he is one of the founding members of GradRight, and has been associated with the higher education sector for the past 6 years.

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