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.
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.
Number | University | Course Name | Location | QS World Rank 2025 |
1 | National University of Singapore (NUS) | MSc in Project Management | Singapore, Singapore | 8 |
2 | Australian National University (ANU) | Master of Project Management | Canberra, Australia | 30 |
3 | University of Sydney | Master of Project Management | Sydney, Australia | 18 |
4 | RMIT University | Master of Project Management | Melbourne, Australia | 123 |
5 | University of Auckland | Master of Project Management | Auckland, New Zealand | 65 |
6 | University of Stuttgart | MSc in International Project Management | Stuttgart, Germany | 314 |
7 | Cranfield University | MSc in Programme and Project Management | Cranfield, United Kingdom | 30 (2023) |
8 | University College London (UCL) | MSc in Project and Enterprise Management | London, United Kingdom | 9 |
9 | The University of Manchester | MSc in Project Management | Manchester, United Kingdom | 34 |
10 | Northwestern University | MS in Project Management | Evanston, United States | 50 |
11 | New York University | MS in Project Management | New York, United States | 43 |
12 | Boston University | MS in Project Management | Boston, United States | 108 |
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:
Scholarship | Description | Benefits |
Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation PG Scholarship | Enables meritorious students to pursue postgraduate studies at prestigious institutions in India and abroad. | Interest-free loan, mentoring program, scholar network |
J.N. Tata Endowment Scholarship | Recognizes 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 Fellowships | Designed 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 Scholarship | Opportunity 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 Scholarships | Prestigious 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 Scholarships | Fully 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
Company | Rating | Industry |
IBM | 4.0 | Information Technology |
Honeywell | 4.1 | Computer Hardware Development |
AT&T | 3.5 | Telecommunications Services |
Deloitte | 4.0 | Business Consulting |
Accenture | 3.9 | Business Consulting |
JPMorgan Chase & Co | 4.0 | Banking & Lending |
Jacobs | 3.9 | Architectural & Engineering |
Verizon | 3.8 | Telecommunications Services |
Cognizant | 3.7 | Information Technology |
Amazon | 3.7 | Internet & Web Services |
Boeing | 3.8 | Aerospace & Defense |
AECOM | 3.8 | Architectural & Engineering |
Dell Technologies | 4.0 | Information Technology |
Apple | 4.1 | Computer Hardware Development |
Bank of America | 3.9 | Banking & Lending |
Oracle | 3.8 | Enterprise Software & Network Solutions |
Walt Disney Company | 3.8 | Film Production |
Kaiser Permanente | 3.9 | Health Care Services & Hospitals |
Cisco | 4.3 | Enterprise Software & Network Solutions |
Lockheed Martin | 4.1 | Aerospace & 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:
Country | Median 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
The duration of an MS in Project Management varies by institution. Typically, a full-time program lasts around 12 months.
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.
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.