Masters From Abroad: Is It Worth It?

Going abroad for masters degree, is it really worth the time and millions. What are the job prospect when you come back to naija especially if u study commercial or IT related course?

For sure - you get paid more than someone who has a Masters locally in Nigeria - this is true. Besides, you are thought to think and research on your own - so think about gainful self employment when you return.

It depends on where abroad u got the masters from. But yes it is worth it. It is a shame our educational system has gone down over the years.

Yes but only if you're fully prepared and take full advantage of the opportunity. I'm not sure of other Western countries so I can only speak from perspective in the UK:

Studying abroad gives you access to latest technologies, facilities, resources, reputed academics, peers as well as exposure to what may be pioneering discoveries and research. You can also gain useful experience within your relevant sector by undertaking part-time employment while you're studying. On completion you are allowed to seek/take up fulltime employment for upto 12months to further experience. These are part of what could give a convincing resume which should boost your chances of employment with International companies (whom I'll assume pay the best salaries) when you return. Just the fact that you've spent some time living/studying abroad is a compelling fact for an employer because of little facts like being of the ways things work outside the shores of Nigeria and Africa (e.g. A British employer will be sure you must have learnt how to appreciate and value time as opposed to most people who might believe in the idea of Nigerian time  ). That's just one of the things you cannot teach - and there are lots of them! You have to experience it, see how much they value it, and then it becomes part of you.

Like I said you have to be prepared for it. You must see it as not only studying for your Masters but a whole experience to learn another culture and incorporate some of the intangible things you find useful into improving you as a person and ultimately in your career. Trust me there is nothing like experiencing the different cultures of this incredible world of ours. That's what brought and is still bringing most westerners to unusual territories such as Africa - why can't we do the same? Good luck.

hey, its not a bad idea at all bros.because you're xposed 2 so many tins,as a result, u alwaz ave an edge over your peers any time, anyday, any where.trust me am talkg out of xperience.

  Let me approach this from another perspective, Look at the alternative which is getting your first degree say your Bsc abroad thats a minimum of 3years paying in hard currency.But a masters degree means u get to spend half the time and lesser the amount but still earn the respect of your colleagues and employees as a BEEN TO
   If u have the opportunity don't just hold on to it my brova, GRAB IT!!!!!

hello there,
men have you heard of the carrington heritage foundation scholarship with bank PHB? Is that cool or what

Whether or not a masters abroad is worth it depends on several factors
1. Do it in a field that is relevant in Nigeria if ure bent on comin bak
2. Go to A GOOD SCHOOL 4 GODS SAKE!!!!!!!!!!!, Really if u go to a school that sucks, you wont impress quality employers, Of which, with a masters 4rom a very good school, u can get good employment over there
3. As much as u can, do well academically, sacrifice your play to get a masters with distinction (its very possible if ure focused)
Only if these 3 are fulfilled, will it be worth it, otherwise ure better of using your money to drink SEPE and go CLUBBIN!!!!!

Well, studying abroad is rather expensive but the interesting thing is that you are likely to get one or two bursaries or scholarship. Am a Nigerian, i graduated from OAU last year, I knew how many years i spent to run a four-year course in OAU without having an extra or something. Am now in South Africa doing my masters programme, infact i had to suspend my NYSC programme after 3months of NYSC programme. My university is on number 7 in Africa, am not showing off or something but am trying to bring out a point.
You have got alot of oppurtunities outside Nigeria, especially if you have good first degree result . I actually paid for my school fees but the bursaries am enjoying here is more than the fee i paid, and in addition to that, i was offered a job on campus, the job is all about assiting lecturers on a particular practical course only on fridays and my salary is even higher than what some graduates workers receive in Nigeria.
If you want to study abroad for your masters, you need to understand some facts.

1. Make sure that the school you are going to is not a mushroom school, infact not all foreign certificates are recognised and acceptable in Nigeria.

2. Be sure that the school you are going to is good in the course you are interested in, some schools are known for good Engineering programmes, some for Law etc

3. Be ready to spend money even if you have 100% scholarship, you will still spend some bucks

4. Your first degree CGPA matters  to some extent, incase where you need a graduate fund etc

To me, is worth it to study outside Nigeria, and besides, have got to realised that schooling is not as difficult as we see it in Nigeria. You don't need to spend forever  scraming or burn night candles all because you want to pass your exams. I hope when am done with my MSc and PhD i will come back to Nigeria to finish my NYSc and pick up  a lecturing job all things been equal

@poster
It's worth it as long as you av all it takes to school there.I av d plans of having my masters degree there too.

God bless you wed123,  just what i needed to hear. Thanks a bunch. You just saved me some cool cash which would be channeled to a better school at worst LBS. <big hug>.

forget swededn.russia, denmark, etc,
if the msc  aint from us, or at worst  uk, forget  am, u might as  well  go  to  good  ol  ui   or  unn     n  also its  not  even  all the  schools in the  above named  countries  that  r  kosher,
take  a  school  like  robert  gordon, its  a  very reputable  school, though pretty  expensive  4  foriegners, about  12k pounds, but having  a  masters  there  is  almost  certain  that u will get  a  job  asap, international  job  sef, 

Ezinwannem, how did it all cost?  How did you start?  Who did you talk to?  What forms did you fill?  Which offices did you visit?  Who did you call?


I need info, Ezi.  A lot of it.
Please help a curious Nairalander.

Going abroad for your master degree is a fantastic idea. This is true because most nigerians believe that anything abroad is off da hook and using it for job search will definately put u ahead of other applicants. So go grab it. I'm talking from experience

its well worth it,because u ar generally given preference over yr Naija counterparts.I repeat it's worth d time,labour,effort,energy,money nd all u can think.But in my advice,yr knowledge will b more productive if u can start something of yr own.I mean a new product or service in yr area of specialization.All  d best!!!!!!Pal

Its worth it!!