Comparison
University College London vs Technical University of Munich
MSc Data Science · London vs MSc Computer Science · Munich
Last reviewed: July 2026
Short answer: Technical University of Munich (MSc Computer Science) is the cheaper program overall, Technical University of Munich (MSc Computer Science) reports the higher starting salary, and Technical University of Munich (MSc Computer Science) pays back fastest against the standard ₹8L India baseline. Technical University of Munich (MSc Computer Science)currently has the stronger post-study work / visa pathway. No single program wins on everything - which one is actually "better" depends on your budget, priority (salary vs. migration vs. affordability), and your own admit odds.
| University College London | Technical University of Munich | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | UK | Germany |
| City | London | Munich |
| Duration | 12 months | 24 months |
| Total cost | ₹78.4L | ₹61.0L |
| Avg. starting salary | ₹48.3L/yr | ₹63.1L/yr |
| Payback period | 1.9 yrs | 1.1 yrs |
| Visa pathway | Moderate | Strong |
| Min. GPA (4.0 scale) | 3.0 | 3.0 |
| Test requirement | IELTS 6.5 | IELTS 6.5; GRE/GATE required for applicants from India |
| Consultant-oversold flag | No | No |
University College London: the honest note
1-year program lowers opportunity cost. UK Graduate Route currently gives 2 years post-study work, but is shortening to 18 months for visas granted from Jan 2027 - timing matters.
Technical University of Munich: the honest note
Correction from a common assumption: TUM now charges real non-EU tuition (this was previously near-free) - factor that in, not the old reputation. 18-month post-study job-search visa still applies.
How payback is calculated
Payback = total program cost ÷ (starting salary abroad − ₹8,00,000 India baseline). The baseline rises for IIT/NIT-class graduates, which lengthens payback for those students on both programs above. Full formula and worked example in the payback period guide.
Sources
University College London: Tuition & entry requirements: ucl.ac.uk · Salary band: Glassdoor / Indeed / PayScale / ZipRecruiter (Jul 2026) · Visa: UK Graduate Route, gov.uk (2026 rules)
Technical University of Munich: Tuition policy: tum.de (non-EU fee rules) · Salary band: Glassdoor / Indeed / PayScale / ZipRecruiter (Jul 2026) · Visa: Germany 18-month post-study job-search visa
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