Computing guide by Cybernews Academy: Asia

The final stop on the Cybernews Academy worldwide academic tour is the rich and diverse continent of Asia. We have already visited Europe, Canada, the U.S., and Australia, but we are still searching for the best locations to study. Therefore, we wanted to know more about Asia and, specifically, what universities in the continent offer the best computer science and information technologies degrees.

Studying in Asia

A total of 26 universities feature in the top 100 QS world university rankings by subject for computer science and information systems. Universities like the National University of Singapore (NUS), KAIST- Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, the University of Tokyo, and many more brilliant universities are featured on this list. These institutions are spread across Asia, including countries like China (Mainland), South Korea, Japan, India, Taiwan, Singapore, Hong Kong, Saudi Arabia, and Malaysia.

The National Institute of Singapore (NUS) comes sixth in the QS university world rankings by subject. Institutions like KAIST, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Peking University, Tsinghua University, and Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore) all rank in the top 30 for computer science and information technologies.

The culture of Asia is collective and diverse, influenced by the customs and traditions of art, architecture, music, literature, lifestyle, philosophy, politics, and religion. The continent includes a range of ethnic groups, languages, cultural beliefs, and values. As the largest, most populous continent, which is rich in resources, Asia is home to the world's oldest civilizations. Asia has ancient traditions that span centuries, making it the most complex continent we have visited thus far. There is so much to learn, explore, and take in, whether it’s Asia’s diverse and delectable culinary offerings or its feats in technological innovation– there’s something for everyone in Asia.

Choosing the right program

There are a few factors to consider when choosing the right program: location, specializations, and career prospects.

Location

Throughout this series, we have discovered the importance of location when picking a university. Safety, aesthetics, and activities will vary depending on which university, area, or country you choose. All countries in Asia are culturally diverse while maintaining their cultural roots that date back thousands of years. The range of architecture present within this part of the world ranges from traditional ancient Chinese palaces to Hindu temples. There is a wealth of culture and architecture to explore in Asia.

Specializations

Computing specializations span all countries with computer science and information technologies courses. These specializations often help students better understand their studies while honing their craft and potentially securing a high-paying job post-graduation. Some fields may include, but aren’t limited to, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and computer networking.

Career prospects

China, Saudi Arabia, Japan, and Singapore are all lucrative destinations for post-graduates. Considering that the cost in these countries is often lower, these destinations could earn you a tremendous yearly salary. You could earn up to $130,254 annually as an IT professional in Singapore or $49,638 annually in China. In Japan, the approximate annual salary for tech professionals is $54,828, and in Saudi Arabia, the average earnings are $63,986 per year for someone in the computer science and information technology sector.

Tuition fees

According to The Student World, South Korea is one of the most popular and affordable destinations for international students. Private universities will often be more expensive than public universities. However, the fee for undergraduate tuition is between $2,000 to $8,000, and a postgraduate degree course can range from $2,000-$12,000. To study, an undergraduate degree in Japan will be around $8,000, and a graduate degree will range from $6,000-$8,000 per year. In Hong Kong, you would expect to pay between $11,500-$34,000 depending on the program and choice of university. In Singapore, undergraduate degrees range from $14,000-$29,000 per year.

Scholarships

We all need a little help sometimes, so financial aid is a great way to get your studies off the ground, and several scholarships are available at universities in Asia for international students, according to Students for Development.

The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship for U.S. Citizens allows U.S. undergraduates of limited financial means to study or intern abroad. The scholarship amount ranges from $100 to $5000.

The Taiwan International Higher Education Scholarship Program is available to those completing undergraduate, graduate, or Ph.D. programs related to science and technology, among other subjects. This scholarship provides each chosen student full tuition, including return airfare, housing, education and credit fees, insurance, textbook costs, and a monthly allowance.

The ADB-Japan Scholarship Program for Developing Countries in Asia and Pacific Scholarship aims to allow well-qualified citizens from developing countries to undertake postgraduate studies in science, technology, and other disciplines. This scholarship provides total tuition fees, a monthly stipend, a housing allowance, books, and other materials.

The Commonwealth Scholarship for Integrative Sciences and Engineering at NUS Graduate School Scholarship is open to Ph.D. students in integrative sciences and engineering programs. This scholarship is awarded to talented students with a natural talent for innovation and high-quality research. This is open to all students from Commonwealth countries who are passionate about science, engineering, and computing. According to Students for Development, this scholarship includes a monthly stipend for up to 4 years of Ph.D. studies (or up to date of graduation, whichever is earlier), full tuition fee subsidy for four years, and other allowances, including computer allowance, book allowance, and conference allowance.

Accommodation

Accommodation options in universities across Asia vary widely depending on the country, city, and specific institution. Many universities in Asia offer on-campus housing in the form of dormitories or hostels. These can range from basic shared rooms to more private options. On-campus accommodation can be convenient as it's usually within walking distance of classes and other university facilities. Sometimes, universities might not have enough on-campus housing to accommodate all students. As a result, students might need to look for off-campus apartments or flats. This can offer more independence but may require more effort in finding suitable housing. Homestay options may also be available. However, this will vary depending on where you are. This option provides a unique cultural experience and allows you to practice the local language.

Campus

There are a range of different campuses observable in Asia. There are traditional centralized campuses, satellite campuses, and university towns all across the continent. Certain areas of Asia, for example, Singapore, have university towns that hold student residences, academic buildings, and other student facilities. Universities like NUS may have multiple campuses across the country. Similarly, the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IITB) campus is divided into clusters of buildings, with a central academic building comprised of various departments, annexes, and auditoriums. Universities like KAIST- Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, have two campuses, a main campus and a secondary campus. Most academic activities, research, and residences are found on the main campus of Daejeon.

Top universities for computing in Asia

Asia has some excellent universities worldwide for computer science and information technologies. Twenty-six universities feature in the top 100 QS world university rankings by subject.

Cybernews Academy Note: These rankings represent Computer Science and Information Technologies subjects.

#6: National University of Singapore (NUS)

#11: Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore)

#15: Tsinghua University

#19: Peking University

#27: Shanghai Jiao Tong University

#29: KAIST- Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology

#32: Seoul National University

#36: Zhejiang University

#40: The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

#49: The University of Tokyo

#50: King Abdulaziz University (KAU)

#53: The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK)

#60: Fudan University

#61: The University of Hong Kong

#66: Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IITB)

#67: Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IITD)

#73: Korea University

#78: Pohang University of Science And Technology (POSTECH)

#80: National Taiwan University (NTU)

#80: Universiti Malaya (UM)

#83: Yonsei University

#88: University of Science and Technology of China

#94: Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur (IIT-KGP)

#95: Huazong University of Science and Technology

#96: Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IITK)

#98: Xi’an Jiaotong University

Types of computing programs

Different universities will offer various computing and information technologies courses. Our journalists at Cybernews Academy have suggested a few programs present within a range of universities in Asia.

Computer Science

Traditional computer science courses cover various topics concerning the theoretical fundamentals of computation and information technologies. You may cover subjects such as algorithms, data structures, theory of analysis, and software engineering.

Computer Engineering

Computer engineering programs combine electrical engineering and computer science elements. You could study hardware design, digital systems, embedded systems, and integrating hardware and software components.

Information Security

This program aims to equip students with the skills to identify vulnerabilities in cloud servers and develop e-mail security protocols for your department’s internal communications network. Information security is about keeping computer systems safe. You will respond to attempted breaches, identify issues, and develop security measures that will help protect computer systems.

Computing in Information Systems

An information systems degree will offer crucial skills to design, implement, and manage IT. You will gain an education in computing networking, enterprise systems, digital marketing, and management. Information systems is a holistic discipline that prepares you for a career in IT management.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

AI programs delve into the theory and application of artificial intelligence and machine learning. Students explore neural networks, natural language processing, robotics, and computer vision.

Cybernews Academy Note: There are many computing programs at varying levels. We suggest checking different university websites to see what’s available.

Our worldwide academic tour has commenced with Asia, a prosperous, rich, and diverse continent. Asia is a powerhouse of innovation and contains some of the best universities in the world for computer science and information technology degrees. There are many reasons to attend a university in Asia: the high-paying jobs post-graduation, the low living costs, and the immense variety of cultures that will surely diversify your academic experience. However, choosing the right university for you shouldn’t be based exclusively on how they are ranked. We at Cybernews Academy hope to have guided you along this academic tour by highlighting factors you should consider when selecting your degree program at your dream university.