Computer science is one of the careers that have experienced innumerable growth and development in recent years. The emergence of the information and communication technology era has positioned it better for international recognition.
With a degree in computer science, you are equipped with the latest knowledge on how to tackle some pressing issues plaguing computer technology.
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Studying the course abroad enables you to acquire an internationally recognised degree. Computer science is also combined with related fields such as mathematics, statistics, business, engineering, health sciences and many more so as to enable students to get grounded all around in their studies.
The Top 5 Destinations to Study Computer Science
- Canada
Computer science, according to Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings, is one of the most sought after courses in the world, with Canada being one of the hotspots for international students, including Nigerians.
If you consider studying outside Nigeria where you can earn a degree in computer science and become a computer scientist, then, applying to numerous schools in Canada is all you need.
Depending on the part of Canada you are located in, the two major languages used in offering courses in Canada are English language and French language. However, the French language is used by most people in the Quebecois region. If you wish to study in English language, you must present proof of English language proficiency through a certified test, usually TOEFL or IELTS.
- The cost of studying computer science in Canada varies according to the university in question. However, the average tuition fee is within the range of $20 540 per year for international students.
- The duration of bachelor’s degree in computer science typically takes four years to complete. To study for master’s degree, you will spend between 18 – 24 months, while PhD requires three years of intense studies.
Top universities to study in Canada as a Nigerian student include the University of Ottawa, University of Calgary, Simon Fraser University, University of British Columbia and Université de Montréal.
Student visa requirements for Nigerians applying for studies in Canada include:
- Letter of acceptance from a recognised Canadian university
- Passport photos
- Student visa application form that is duly filled out
- Visa application fee of $250 Canadian dollars
- Proof of accommodation in Canada
- Police report
- International passport with not less than six months’ validity period
- Proof of tuition fee payment, and so on.
This might be applicable to other countries as well. Consulting the Canadian immigration office will be of great importance in order to acquire more information.
- USA
One of the courses gaining weight in the US among international students is computer science. With more than 5000 universities and colleges, the USA, is unarguable, the hub of international learning. Statistics also proved that seven out of every ten universities globally teaching computer science are located in the USA. This is one of the many reasons the country has become the centre of IT education and has remained atop the game.
Do you want to earn your computer science degree in Uncle Sam’s country? Then, you are on the right track.
The US has a lot in stock for those Nigerians whose dream is to become internationally recognised graduates of computer science. There are experts on the ground waiting to upload you with the latest knowledge on the course.
Most universities in the country enjoy top world university rankings, giving you the best for your money. There are a wide variety of related computer courses and all you need to do is to select the best for your personality. Some of them include network programming, robotics, Artificial Intelligence, informatics, computing fundamentals, algorithms, computer architecture and software engineering.
You will get to build lifelong friends and colleagues through the wide student network that is aimed at uniting the world.
In addition, you will enjoy endless employment opportunities in the computer and IT industry after your graduation. You will be a sought after professional, leading in your field. With the increase in its multiculturalism, the US would be very accommodating in building your nest in the country. The US is a native English speaking country, meaning that all you need is your proof of English language proficiency. All your lectures and interactions will be basically in English language. As a Nigerian, it is particularly great for you, since English is also the lingua franca of your country.
The admission requirements to study computer science in the USA for Nigerian students are explained below:
- For a diploma or degree in computer science: A secondary school certificate (WAEC or NECO or their equivalent). Of course, the science subjects must be scored high.
- For a master’s degree in computer science: A bachelor’s degree in a related field, CV, statement of purpose.
- Proof of English language proficiency, TOEFL or IELTS is acceptable.
Also, find out the visa requirements for Nigerians applying for studies in the USA. Apply as early as 18 months before the time you are due to travel so that your application is processed on time. Schedule an appointment with the American embassy in your home country with the required documents.
The cost of studying Computer Science in the USA differ depending on the university. There are some universities that are considered low tuition universities, charging around $28 910 – $30 800 per academic year. There are also high tuition universities; it depends on the volume of your pocket.
A bachelor’s degree in computer science in the USA typically takes 3 years to complete, while a masters degree takes 18-24 months and a PhD is around three years of intense studies.
Some of the top Universities to study computer science in the USA are the University of Washington, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), University of California, Berkeley (UCB), Carnegie Mellon University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
The cost of living in the USA, excluding rent, is around $13 200 per year.
- Switzerland
Switzerland has become one of the best destinations for computer science for obvious reasons. There are high calibre schools in the country with well equipped, cutting edge technology and facilities to deliver their lectures to their students. Their faculty members are internationally trained to administer the best. The ETH Zurich is one of the top universities in the country with a rich history in developing computer systems and software. Most international students make it their number choice when it comes to studying abroad destinations for computer science in Switzerland. Others include École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), University of Geneva, University of Bern and the University of Zurich.
When it comes to the cost of education in Europe, Switzerland has one of the cheapest tuition fees. Nigerian students planning to study on a budget could choose this great country flowing with prospects. Even if you have it all figured out financially, you can still choose Switzerland and use the extra money to pursue some extracurricular activities that would speak volumes on your CV. In case you love foreign languages, residing in Switzerland would avail you the opportunity to learn other languages like German, French, Italian and Romansh.
The cost of living in Switzerland for Nigerian students is between $1 589 and $1 989 per month. Though it may not cost up to that.
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- Singapore
Singapore is a powerhouse city-state located in Asia. Over time, it has become one of the leading destinations for international students, despite its small size. Several universities of international standards are located in Singapore and they offer numerous programmes, of which computer science is one of the best.
When compared to some European and American institutions, universities in Singapore offer low tuition courses. Most of the courses are offered in English language. The serene atmosphere and blend of multiculturalism in the country give you a breathtaking feeling that would carry you throughout your study period. What else are you looking for?
There are two Singaporean universities that are known for their outstanding performance, high-quality education and research contributions, and they are the National University of Singapore and Nanyang Technological University. Others include Singapore Management University, Singapore Institute of Technology and Singapore University of Technology and Design.
To live in Singapore, you need to keep up to $750 $2000 for your monthly upkeep.
- China
There are some reasons that China made it to the top destinations for a degree in Computer Science. China is an Asian country that is experiencing rapid developments in the IT industry and other large industries, including trades and commerce. As a result, Nigerians who choose to study abroad for computer science have enough prospects to explore in any of their choices of specialisations.
There low tuition universities located in China. Scholarships are also easily available for international students to study in China. You will, in addition, be presented with a unique chance to learn the Chinese culture and language. As one of the commercial hubs of the world, you have all the opportunity to gift yourself any item of your choice at a very ridiculous price.
The average tuition fees in China per academic year in a public university is in the range of $2 500 and $10 000. That of the private university is slightly higher and in the ranges of $30 000 and $40 000 per academic year.
The price of the student resident hall ranges between $150 to $400 per month, while other expenses cost between $440 500 per month in smaller cities and $700 – 800 per month in larger cities.
Additionally, China has some of the top schools in the world that offer Computer Science courses. They are Tsinghua University and Peking University, which compete with the top-tier universities in the Western world. Others are Fudan University, University of Science and Technology, Zhejiang University, and so on.
You cannot make China your choice country for studying computer science and encounter any regrets.
Studying computer science abroad will avail you of so many opportunities. The good news there is that you do not need to break the bank before you can afford to study abroad. There are pocket-friendly institutions you can apply for. If you still have enough money to go to more expensive schools, it is not a bad idea. All you need are determination and focus.
