As many Indian students gravitate towards building a career in teaching, Bachelors of Education (B.Ed) remains a popular choice. If you have also completed this course and now wish to enhance your skills further by pursuing a Master's degree in education from an international university, then this blog is especially important for you.
Indian students frequently anticipate that a Masters in Education (M.Ed.) program overseas will follow the same Indian model, which is an academic path to teaching or higher education-related credentials. However, for people who want to become certified school teachers, several overseas universities offer a distinct degree called Master of Teaching (M.Teach) or Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT). In contrast, the Master of Education (M.Ed.) abroad serves a different purpose often focused on educational leadership, policy, or research. Before applying, it is crucial to comprehend the distinction between the two since it affects both your professional path and the format of your courses. Let us discuss the key differences between M.Ed and Master of Teaching, how these degrees are viewed internationally, and what Indian students should consider when choosing the right program for their goals.
What is Masters in Education Abroad?
The Master of Education (M.Ed) offered by international universities is NOT a teaching licensure program. In fact, it is meant for:
- Educational leaders or administrators
- Curriculum developers
- Policy makers
- Instructional coordinators
- Higher education professionals
- Education researchers
The program mainly focuses on theoretical knowledge, including educational psychology, leadership, policy, research methods, assessment, and curriculum studies. It may not include practical teaching placements, which are essential for teacher certification. Thus, if you plan to become a licensed school teacher abroad, M.Ed is not the right program for you.
Master of Teaching (or MAT)
If your aim is to establish a career as a certified teacher in a foreign country, especially in public schools, then Master of Teaching (M.Teach) or Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) is the right program for you.
These programs cater to individuals interested in teaching, regardless of whether they have a background in education or not. They emphasize hands-on experience and are geared toward obtaining teaching licenses, ensuring that participants meet the necessary national or state criteria to become licensed educators.
These programs include:
- In-classroom teaching practicums
- State or national exam preparation
- Training for specific school levels (e.g., elementary, secondary)
- Focus on subject-specific pedagogy (Math, Science, English, etc.)
In countries such as Canada, the US, Australia, and New Zealand, Master of Teaching is often necessary to teach in a classroom setting.
MS in Education (M.Ed) overview in different countries:
| Country | Duration | Tuition Fees (Approx.) | Eligibility | Purpose | Career Outcomes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | 2 years | AUD 28,000–40,000/year | Bachelor's in Education or related + English proficiency | Educational leadership, curriculum, policy, research | Education administrator, curriculum specialist, school leader |
| Canada | 2 years | CAD 15,000–25,000/year | B.Ed or equivalent + background in education | Academic growth, leadership, counselling, higher education | Instructional coordinator, policy maker, education consultant |
| USA | 2 years | USD 20,000–45,000 total | Bachelor's + education background preferred | Special education, leadership, instructional design | Academic advisor, school principal, education researcher |
Master of Teaching (M.Teach/MAT) overview in different countries:
| Country | Duration | Tuition Fees (Approx.) | Eligibility | Purpose | Career Outcomes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | 2 years | AUD 35,000–45,000/year | Bachelor's in any field + English proficiency | Leads to teacher registration (state-specific) | Primary/secondary school teacher (certified) |
| Canada | 2 years | CAD 18,000–30,000/year | Bachelor’s with teachable subjects + possible B.Ed | Provincial teacher certification (e.g., OCT in Ontario) | Public/private school teacher |
| USA | 2 years | USD 25,000–50,000 total | Bachelor's + required subject background | State teacher licensure + classroom readiness | K–12 certified teacher |
Deciding between an M.Ed and a Master of Teaching postgraduate education is all about your career aspirations. If you want to become a certified teacher in countries like Canada, Australia, or the USA, pursuing a Master of Teaching or MAT is the best fit for you. However, if you're already in the education sector and looking to advance into leadership, curriculum development, or policy-making positions, then an M.Ed is likely more suitable. Each country has its own certification requirements, so it’s essential to choose a program that fits your professional ambitions as well as the licensing criteria of your target location.
FAQs
Can I become a teacher abroad with an M.Ed degree?
Not always. In most countries, a Masters in Education does not qualify you to become a school teacher due to the missing licensure component. If your goal is to teach in schools, especially in public schools, you should pursue a Master of Teaching (M.Teach) or MAT.
Is a B.Ed from an Indian university accepted for teaching programs abroad?
Some universities may accept it for entry into Master's degree in Education (M.Ed) programs or as part of teaching qualifications. But for teacher certification, you will need to complete a local teaching program and meet the state or provincial licensure requirements in that country.
Can I get a scholarship for M.Ed or M.Teach abroad?
Yes. Many universities offer merit-based, need-based, or country-specific scholarships. Some teaching programs also offer bursaries or teaching assistant roles.
If you're still feeling uncertain about which route to take, don't hesitate to reach out. For further assistance or queries students can contact us, Edwise International, and avail our wide range of services for students on destinations like Universities in Australia, study in Australia, study in UK, study in USA, study in Canada, study in Ireland, study in New-Zealand, study in Singapore, study in France, study in Germany and many other countries.
