US · Master's
Boston University
MS Computer Science
Boston University
Course Overview
Boston University is a leading private research university (QS global top 110, AAU member) in the heart of one of the world's densest academic and technology ecosystems. Its MS in Computer Science offers deep coverage of algorithms, systems, machine learning, security, and data-intensive computing, with the flexibility to specialise and to engage in faculty research across BU's Hariri Institute for Computing and its strong AI, systems, and security groups. Boston itself — home to MIT, Harvard, and a vast biotech-and-tech corridor along Route 128 — gives students access to internships, research collaborations, and hiring pipelines that few cities can match.
Sri Lankan applicants choose Boston University for a globally prestigious US computer-science master's, and the strongest post-study work option in the world for STEM graduates: the 3-year STEM OPT. Graduates from Moratuwa, SLIIT, NSBM, IIT, or Colombo with strong computing backgrounds are well matched. US tuition is high, but STEM salaries and the 3-year work window offer a substantial return — and BU's Boston location puts graduates at the doorstep of Google, Amazon, Microsoft, and a deep start-up and quant-finance scene.
Entry Requirements
Academic
- check_circle A Bachelor's degree in computer science or a closely related field with a strong GPA (typically 3.3/4.0 or a Second Class Upper).
- check_circle Sri Lankan applicants with degrees from Moratuwa, SLIIT, NSBM, IIT, or Colombo are competitive.
- check_circle Solid foundations in data structures, algorithms, and mathematics; strong programming ability.
- check_circle GRE is optional/recommended depending on cycle; statement of purpose, CV, and three references required.
- check_circle Online application with certified transcripts and degree certificate.
English Proficiency
- check_circle IELTS Academic: 7.0 Overall.
- check_circle TOEFL iBT: 100 Overall (min 21 per section).
- check_circle PTE Academic: 68 Overall.
- check_circle Waived if your prior degree was taught and examined entirely in English — Sri Lankan applicants from English-medium computing programmes qualify with an MOI letter.
Estimated Cost of Study
| Expense Category | Amount (USD) | Approx. LKR |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition Fee (per year) | USD 61,000 | Rs. 19,520,000 |
| Living Expenses (per year, Boston) | USD 22,000 | Rs. 7,040,000 |
| Health Insurance & Fees | USD 3,500 | Rs. 1,120,000 |
| F-1 Visa (SEVIS + Application) | USD 700 | Rs. 224,000 |
| Total Year 1 Investment | USD 87,200 | Rs. 27,904,000 |
*LKR conversion based on current bank rates. Subject to change.
Career Outcomes & PR
As a STEM-designated degree, the MS Computer Science qualifies for 12 months of OPT plus a 24-month STEM extension — 3 years of US work authorisation, the strongest post-study option globally, and a common route to H-1B sponsorship. BU computer-science graduates are recruited by Google, Amazon, Microsoft, Meta, and Boston's biotech, robotics, and quant-finance firms. Graduate software-engineer salaries in the US run USD 110,000-140,000. Curricular Practical Training (CPT) allows internships during study.
Related Programs
SM in Computational Science and Engineering
Harvard University (John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences)
MS in Computer Science
Stanford University
MS in Computer Science
University of Southern California (Viterbi School of Engineering)
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ඔබට සුදුසු විශ්වවිද්යාලයක් තේරීම, අයදුම්පත් යොමු කිරීම, SOP සකස් කිරීම සහ වීසා ලබා ගැනීම ඇතුළු සෑම පියවරකදීම, ඔබ වෙනුවෙන් සියලුම වගකීම් විශ්වාසවන්තව අප භාර ගනිමු.