u/overthinker3013

I’m an international student currently studying IT/Software Engineering and I’m planning to do a master’s in 2027.
I’m currently deciding between:
🇺🇸** US**: MS in Financial Technology at the University of South Florida
🇬🇧** UK**: MSc Financial Technology at Aston University
My long-term goal is to build a strong career in FinTech/technology, ideally work internationally, and if possible remain in the country after graduation.
I’m particularly struggling with the trade-off between:
US
Larger technology/FinTech job market
Potentially higher long-term earning/career ceiling
STEM OPT could provide additional time to work after graduation
But H-1B sponsorship/immigration is uncertain
More expensive and a longer master’s
UK
Shorter/cheaper master’s
Graduate Route gives time to find work after graduation
Potentially more straightforward initial post-study immigration
But smaller tech market and sponsorship can still be difficult
Lower potential salary/career ceiling compared with the US
I’d especially like to hear from international graduates who have actually studied and worked in either country, rather than people who have never experienced the process.
For those who have been through it:
How difficult was it to get your first graduate job?
How many applications did you realistically make?
How much did your international status affect your job search?
Did you eventually get employer sponsorship?
How strong was the university’s career support/network?
Did you get internships while studying?
Looking back, would you choose the US or UK again?
If your main priority was building a strong career and maximizing the chance of staying long-term, which would you choose and why?
I’m especially interested in hearing from Indian/international students in IT, software, data, finance or FinTech.
I’m trying to make a realistic decision rather than just choosing based on rankings or social-media opinions, so honest experiences, including negative ones, would be really helpful.