The Best Universities for International Students for Computer Science

Updated on March 6, 2024

What Are the Best Universities for International Students with Computer Science Degrees?

At a Glance

  • Stanford University, known for its in-depth learning and contributions to Silicon Valley.
  • Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), renowned for its computer research centers and AI laboratory.
  • University of California Berkeley, with esteemed faculty and a history of computer advancements.
  • Harvard University, offering opportunities for research and computational science.

Do you want to study computer science at one of the world’s best universities but are not sure whatsoever?

We just got you covered. Here in this article, we will have a quick look at the world’s best computer science programs that would surely provide you an edge over others.

Let’s check out.

Stanford University

Stanford University

450 Serra Mall

Stanford, CA 94305–2004

Undoubtedly, Stanford University is one of the best universities you can get admission into for studying computer science. The school is a leading center of in-depth learning and has so far produced 27 MacArthur Fellows, 20 National Medal of Science Awards and 49 Nobel Prizes.

It is Stanford’s computer science program which has helped Silicon Valley in becoming what it is today. As a matter of fact, the computer science department of Stanford has been there for past 50 years and this makes it one of the oldest of its kind.

It is worth mentioning here that Stanford has produced world’s leading technology companies which include names of big giants like Electronic Arts, Yahoo, and Google.

Talking about fee structure, the annual tuition fee for this year for undergraduate programs is US$48,987. For engineering courses, it is US$52,188.

Stanford University only provides need-blind admission to US students. Thus, if you are an international student, you need to manage your finances accordingly.You can find more info on their fee structure and admission here.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

MIT

77 Massachusetts Avenue

Cambridge, MA 02139-4307, USA

MIT is one of the prestigious science schools in the world and has produced 63 Nobel Prize winners.

The school runs best-in-class computer research centers and is equipped with artificial intelligence laboratory which has been a pioneer in introducing a range of advancements.

As expected, MIT has also produced an array of famous alumni like Colin Angel who has contributed immensely to NASA’s Mars mission. Not to forget, William Hewlett, the co-founder of HP Company also studied in this school.

All undergraduate programs and most postgraduate programs of MIT are priced at $49,580. To have more information, you can click here.

The best part of MIT is that it offers need-blind admissions to both US and international students which means your financial hurdles would no longer come restrict you from studying here. Institute claims to have awarded US$97 million as financial help to more than 4,500 undergraduates in 2016. To know more about their costs and aid, you can click here.

University of California Berkeley

Berkeley, CA, USA

UC Berkeley is one of the most reputed computer science university in the world. The school boasts of some of the most respected faculties which include 85 representatives of National Academy of Engineering, 7 Nobel Prize Winners and 130 representatives of National Academy of Sciences.

Berkeley has always been at the center of computer advancements such as the introduction of vacuum tubes, the creation of mouse, the creation of powerpoint, sending emails and so on.

The university provides various scholarships and financial aids to international students depending on their financial condition. The tuition cost and fee depends on the program you are opting for, and you can check it here.

Harvard University

Harvard University

Cambridge, MA 02138, USA

Harvard University was founded in 1636 and is one of the best universities in the world. The university allows you to participate in the Institute for Applied Computational Science, Center for Research on Computation and Society and other think tanks.

In November 2014, Harvard came out with a plan which was led by Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer and decided to increase its faculty of computer sciences by half.

The annual tuition fee for all undergraduate programs at Harvard University is US$44,990 while for postgraduate programs it is US$43,296 for first two years and US$11,258 for next two years.

Princeton University

Princeton University

Princeton, NJ 08544, USA

Princeton University is another beautiful and reputed university situated in North America. The university provides students a platform to research in cryptocurrencies and bitcoin, computational neuroscience and other fields of information.

As a part of their curriculum, all students at Princeton University, even the undergraduates, are required to complete at least one research-related or design-related project before graduation.

Princeton University is one of those universities which considers the US and non-US citizen alike in terms of fee and scholarships and all applications are reviewed in the same manner, regardless of the country you belong to.

They have a varied fee structure depending on the course you are enrolling to. You can get more details here.

Wrapping Up

So, these were the best universities for international students with computer science degrees. Prepare well, and make sure that you land yourself in any of these top-notch schools.

All the best!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are some of the best universities for international students interested in computer science?

Some top universities for computer science that are popular among international students include:

  1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), USA.
  2. Stanford University, USA.
  3. Carnegie Mellon University, USA.
  4. University of California, Berkeley, USA.
  5. Harvard University, USA.
  6. California Institute of Technology (Caltech), USA.
  7. University of Cambridge, UK.
  8. University of Oxford, UK.
  9. ETH Zurich, Switzerland.
  10. National University of Singapore (NUS), Singapore.

Why are these universities considered the best for computer science?

These universities are considered the best due to their cutting-edge research facilities, world-renowned faculty, extensive industry connections, impressive job placement rates, and strong academic programs in computer science.

What should international students consider when choosing a university for computer science?

International students should consider factors such as the curriculum, faculty expertise, research opportunities, university rankings, campus culture, location, and the availability of financial aid or scholarships.

Do these universities offer scholarships for international students?

Many of these universities offer scholarships, grants, and financial aid options for international students. However, availability and criteria can vary significantly from one institution to another.

Are there specific visa requirements for international students studying computer science in these universities?

Yes, international students typically need to obtain a student visa. Requirements vary by country. For example, in the U.S., students usually need an F-1 or J-1 visa.

How competitive is admission to these top computer science universities?

Admission to these top universities is highly competitive, especially for computer science programs. Applicants generally need excellent academic records, standardized test scores, and strong personal statements or research proposals.

Can international students participate in research and internships at these universities?

Yes, most of these universities offer ample opportunities for research and internships, allowing students to gain practical experience and work with leading experts in their fields.

Do these universities provide career support for international students?

Most top universities have dedicated career services that offer counseling, job placement assistance, and networking opportunities specifically tailored to the needs of international students.

How important are English language skills for admission to these programs?

English language proficiency is crucial for admission to these programs, especially for non-native speakers. Most universities require scores from standardized English language tests like TOEFL or IELTS.

What are the prospects for international students after graduating from these programs?

Graduates from these top computer science programs often have excellent job prospects, with opportunities in global tech companies, startups, research institutions, and academia. Many also pursue further education or start their own ventures.

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Frank Gogol

I’m a firm believer that information is the key to financial freedom. On the Stilt Blog, I write about the complex topics — like finance, immigration, and technology — to help immigrants make the most of their lives in the U.S. Our content and brand have been featured in Forbes, TechCrunch, VentureBeat, and more.

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