Master of Science [M.S] (Computer Science)
Field of Study:
$24,996 /Yr
University of Nevada, Las Vegas Master of Science in Computer Science is a 30-credit, full-time campus degree in Las Vegas, usually completed across two academic years. For Fall 2027, applicants need a four-year bachelor’s degree, qualifying computer science foundations and a 2.75 grade point average (GPA). First-year international tuition and fees total US$31,123 (INR 29.62 Lakhs).
The programme develops research and advanced application skills across algorithms, systems, artificial intelligence, security, databases and software engineering. Its thesis, project and eight exam tracks suit applicants who can match a defined specialisation with either research or applied work.
- At least 24 of the 30 required credits must be in computer science, which preserves technical depth across every completion track.
- Four in-house computer laboratories support teaching and research in the department’s specialist computing areas.
- Applicants missing one or two background courses may receive conditional admission, although those prerequisite credits do not count toward the master’s degree.
Current Admission Status
Applications for the Fall 2027 intake are Open. International deadline: 1 May 2027 at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Standard Time (PST). That is 2 May 2027 at 1:29 p.m. Indian Standard Time (IST).
Indian applicants seeking assistantship consideration should submit all materials by 1 March 2027, before the international final deadline. UNLV’s published PST cutoff controls the portal, while the paired IST time supports document planning.
Also Check: University of Nevada, Las Vegas admissions
UNLV MS Computer Science Fees and Living Costs 2027
UNLV publishes US$31,123 (INR 29.62 Lakhs) in international graduate tuition and fees for 2027-28, based on nine credits each fall and spring semester. Mandatory health insurance remains separate, so the headline tuition figure is not the full first-year budget.
Fall 2027 fee basis: The table uses the international graduate tier for 2027-28, with semester and annual amounts reproduced from UNLV’s current cost page.
| Fee item | Official amount | INR equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| International graduate tuition and fees, academic year | US$31,123 | INR 29.62 Lakhs |
| International graduate tuition and fees, one semester | US$15,502 | INR 14.76 Lakhs |
| Mandatory graduate health insurance, annual estimate | US$4,800 | INR 4.57 Lakhs |
| International application fee, nonrefundable | US$95 | INR 9,042 |
Source: UNLV 2027-2028 Tuition and Fees.
All INR conversions in the article use a conversion rate of US$ 1 = INR 95.1825 as of 29 October 2026. Rates fluctuate daily, verify before applying.
The 30-credit degree exceeds the 18 credits represented by one published academic year. Because registration may drop below seven credits in a final term, applicants should not double the annual figure to estimate programme tuition.
Cost of Living in Las Vegas for Computer Science Students
UNLV estimates US$33,877 (INR 32.24 Lakhs) for one graduate student’s 2027-28 off-campus living and study expenses. The monthly figures below are calculated by dividing each official annual component by 12.
| Expense | Annual US$ | Annual INR equivalent | Monthly US$ | Monthly INR equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Housing and utilities | US$19,152 | INR 18.23 Lakhs | US$1,596.00 | INR 1.52 Lakhs |
| Food | US$6,530 | INR 6.22 Lakhs | US$544.17 | INR 51,795 |
| Books, materials and equipment | US$1,330 | INR 1.27 Lakhs | US$110.83 | INR 10,549 |
| Transportation | US$3,431 | INR 3.27 Lakhs | US$285.92 | INR 27,214 |
| Miscellaneous and personal | US$3,434 | INR 3.27 Lakhs | US$286.17 | INR 27,238 |
| Total | US$33,877 | INR 32.24 Lakhs | US$2,823.08 | INR 2.69 Lakhs |
Adding annual tuition, mandatory insurance and living expenses produces a calculated first-year baseline of US$69,800 (INR 66.44 Lakhs). The US$95 (INR 9,042) application fee raises the pre-award planning total to US$69,895 (INR 66.53 Lakhs).
Read More: cost of living in the USA for international students
Budget limit
UNLV has not published a single 30-credit programme total because the charge changes with yearly rates and registration intensity. Build a term schedule before arranging funds, especially for a low-credit final semester.
ROI reality: The verified first-year baseline is US$69,800 (INR 66.44 Lakhs) before travel, so assistantship decisions materially change affordability. Treat any award as zero until UNLV issues a written offer.
UNLV MS Computer Science Admission 2027
Admission requires a four-year bachelor’s degree, qualifying computer science foundations and either a 2.75 overall GPA or a 3.00 GPA across the final two undergraduate years. The department also requires two recommendations and Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test results, although it publishes no minimum GRE score.
Fall 2027 and Spring 2028 Intakes
The programme admits students in fall and spring, with no summer entry listed. Fall 2027 is open, while Spring 2028 applications are scheduled to open on 1 February 2027.
Academic Eligibility for Indian Applicants
UNLV evaluates international credentials in-house and accepts a course-by-course evaluation from a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services. The Indian equivalents below are approximate because UNLV does not publish a fixed percentage conversion.
| Requirement | Official standard | Indian applicant meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Previous degree | Four-year bachelor’s degree or approved international equivalent | A recognised four-year Indian bachelor’s degree meets the duration rule, subject to UNLV’s credential review |
| Overall GPA route | 2.75 on a 4.00 scale | Approximately 60% to 65%, or CGPA 6.5 to 7.0 on 10 |
| Final-two-years GPA route | 3.00 on a 4.00 scale | Approximately 65% to 70%, or CGPA 7.0 to 7.5 on 10 |
| Computer science preparation | Equivalent basic undergraduate courses with a B average or better | Show graded preparation in algorithms, programming, data structures and core systems |
| Conditional background route | One or two missing foundation courses may be completed after enrolment | These prerequisite courses do not count toward the 30-credit master’s requirement |
| GRE General Test | Results required, with no published minimum | Submit the official score without inventing a target from unrelated cohorts |
| Recommendations | Two letters concerning graduate-programme potential | Select referees who can evidence advanced computing or research readiness |
| Indian academic documents | Institution-issued marks sheets and a Provisional Certificate | Consolidated marks sheets are accepted when yearly records are unavailable |
A non-computer-science degree is not automatically disqualifying because the department allows a bachelor’s degree in any field. However, the B-level foundation requirement makes transcripted computing preparation central to the decision.
English Language Proficiency
International applicants must submit a test taken within two years unless UNLV approves an English-medium post-secondary degree exemption. The current TOEFL policy separately lists the revised and legacy score scales, so applicants should submit only the scale shown on their report.
| Route | UNLV minimum | Important condition |
|---|---|---|
| TOEFL iBT, revised test beginning January 2026 | Overall 4.0 on the 1.0 to 6.0 scale | No band below 3.5 |
| TOEFL iBT, legacy test | Overall 80 on the 0 to 120 scale | Use only for a legacy-format score report |
| IELTS Academic | Overall 6.5 | No band below 6.0 |
| PTE Academic | Overall 65 | No communicative skill below 59 |
| Duolingo English Test | Overall 105 | No subscore below 100 |
| English-medium degree exemption | Post-secondary degree taught primarily in English | Provide official proof of the language of instruction |
UNLV also publishes ELS Level 112, Common European Framework of Reference for Languages Level B2 and Michigan English Test 58 as accepted routes. The table prioritises tests commonly actionable from India.
- Choose a test date that keeps the score under two years old on the application date and leaves time for an official report.
- Do not self-convert a legacy TOEFL score to the revised scale because UNLV publishes separate thresholds for each version.
- English-medium graduates should obtain institution-issued proof because India is not on UNLV’s country-based exemption list.
Check Out: University of Nevada, Las Vegas courses and fees
Tip for Indian students: Meeting the 2.75 GPA floor does not replace the B-level computer science foundation requirement. Map each prerequisite to an Indian transcript course before paying the application fee.
UNLV MS Computer Science Application 2027
The Fall 2027 application is open, and international applicants must submit every required item by 1 May 2027. Applicants seeking a graduate assistantship should instead complete their file by the earlier 1 March 2027 cutoff.
Application Timeline for International Students
UNLV offers fall and spring entry for this programme, while summer entry is not listed. The university states that its published Pacific Standard Time cutoff controls each portal closure.
| Intake or stage | Official date | IST planning time |
|---|---|---|
| Fall 2027 application opening | 1 September 2026 | Application is open |
| Fall 2027 assistantship cutoff | 1 March 2027, 11:59 p.m. PST | 2 March 2027, 1:29 p.m. IST |
| Fall 2027 international final deadline | 1 May 2027, 11:59 p.m. PST | 2 May 2027, 1:29 p.m. IST |
| Fall 2027 admission-letter deadline for immigration processing | 1 July 2027 | No time published |
| Spring 2028 application opening | 1 February 2027 | Submit after the portal opens |
| Spring 2028 international final deadline | 1 October 2027, 11:59 p.m. PST | 2 October 2027, 1:29 p.m. IST |
| Spring 2028 admission-letter deadline for immigration processing | 15 November 2027 | No time published |
UNLV publishes no fixed interview stage or decision-release date for this M.S. programme. The Graduate College posts the formal decision letter after both the university and Computer Science reviews are complete.
How to Build a Complete Application
International applicants use the engineering application route on UNLV’s official graduate application page. A complete file must satisfy both Graduate College and department requirements.
- Upload the application, institution-issued transcripts, grading key and provisional degree certificate where applicable.
- Submit two recommendations, GRE General Test results and evidence of B-level preparation in core undergraduate computer science.
- Provide a current English score or institution-issued evidence supporting the English-medium degree exemption.
- Submit financial certification and a bank letter before I-20 issuance, even when an assistantship application is pending.
For funding consideration, use 1 March 2027 as the working completion date, not merely the admission deadline. This sequence leaves the department able to assess both academic fit and assistantship readiness from the same file.
Decision timing
A decision date is not published, but the admission letter must arrive by 1 July 2027 for fall immigration processing. Monitor the application account and resolve missing documents before that separate milestone.
Application tip: A Fall 2027 funding applicant should treat 1 March 2027 at 11:59 p.m. PST as the operative cutoff. The equivalent Indian deadline is 2 March at 1:29 p.m. IST.
UNLV MS Computer Science Scholarships 2027
A graduate assistantship is the most financially significant published route because it combines a stipend with tuition and insurance benefits. It is competitive, department-assigned funding rather than an automatic scholarship attached to admission.
Funding-cycle context: College scholarships below use the 2027-28 application cycle, while the assistantship package is UNLV’s current published minimum for engineering master’s students.
| Funding route | Published value | INR equivalent | Eligibility and timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering master’s graduate assistantship | US$17,000 academic-year stipend | INR 16.18 Lakhs | Admitted graduate students apply through the funding portal; recommended Fall 2027 cutoff is 1 March 2027 |
| Howard R. Hughes College of Engineering scholarships | Donor-dependent amount not published | No amount to convert | Graduate engineering students use one general application opening 2 November 2026 |
| UNLV Graduate Access Childcare Scholarship | US$150 to US$2,500 reimbursement | INR 14,277 to INR 2.38 Lakhs | Admitted students need documented childcare expenses, financial need and a 3.3 graduate GPA; no fixed deadline |
The assistantship package also covers health insurance and waives nonresident tuition while the appointment remains active. UNLV additionally covers registration tuition for up to nine credits per semester, but it does not state that every mandatory fee disappears.
The engineering scholarship application considers factors such as discipline GPA, financial need, major and donor conditions. Because individual award names and values can change with donor funding, applicants should not deduct an estimated scholarship from the first-year budget.
- Complete the academic application before the 1 March 2027 assistantship cutoff because the department needs an admissible file before making a funding recommendation.
- Use the engineering scholarship application opening on 2 November 2026 to identify donor awards matching computer science and international status.
- Treat the childcare award as later-stage support because applicants need an established UNLV graduate GPA and documented local childcare expenses.
Check Out: University of Nevada, Las Vegas scholarships overview
Funding order
Prepare finances against the gross first-year budget, then replace costs only after a written assistantship or scholarship offer. A pending application does not reduce the financial certification requirement for I-20 issuance.
Scholarship reality: The US$17,000 (INR 16.18 Lakhs) assistantship stipend is valuable because tuition and insurance benefits accompany it. Competition and department assignment mean it cannot support a visa budget before confirmation.
UNLV MS Computer Science Salary 2027
UNLV publishes no course-cohort salary, offer rate or placement report for this master’s programme. The department states only that graduates enter software development, gaming and healthcare or continue into doctoral study, so salary planning requires separately labelled market evidence.
External benchmark context: These May 2025 national medians come from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and are not UNLV graduate outcomes.
| Occupation | Evidence scope | Median annual pay | INR equivalent | 2025-35 growth |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer and information research scientists | External U.S. occupation benchmark | US$140,300 | INR 1.34 Crore | 22% |
| Software developers | External U.S. occupation benchmark | US$135,980 | INR 1.29 Crore | 10% |
| Information security analysts | External U.S. occupation benchmark | US$129,180 | INR 1.23 Crore | 21% |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, May 2025 wage data.
The research-scientist benchmark aligns most closely with the thesis route, while software and security figures relate to different exam tracks. These medians describe experienced occupation-wide workers, not starting salaries or expected pay for an international graduate.
ROI for Indian Applicants
The verified first-year cost baseline is US$69,800 (INR 66.44 Lakhs) before travel, while a complete programme total remains unpublished. Because UNLV provides no course-cohort earnings, a numerical payback period would mix incompatible evidence and create false precision.
- The US$69,800 (INR 66.44 Lakhs) first-year baseline makes confirmed assistantship funding the first affordability test before arranging an education loan.
- The absence of course-level placement data means applicants should request recent MS outcomes before treating the BLS medians as a borrowing basis.
- The three BLS benchmarks vary by role, so select a thesis, project or exam track that supports the occupation used in personal salary modelling.
- Post-completion work can begin with 12-month Optional Practical Training, while an additional 24-month STEM extension depends on the I-20 code and employer eligibility.
- Indian return plans should compare the INR 66.44 Lakhs first-year cost with verified India offers because US medians are not portable salary evidence.
BLS figures are gross national medians, so take-home pay changes with location, tax residency and deductions. Use the official IRS withholding estimator only when eligible because it excludes nonresident tax status.
Outcome evidence limit
Named industries show possible directions but do not prove hiring volume, sponsorship or salary. Ask the department for recent role-level outcomes before using employment assumptions in a loan decision.
ROI reality: The course can support research and applied computing paths, but no verified UNLV salary or offer rate proves repayment capacity. Funding certainty and intended work geography should control the decision.
USA Visa for UNLV MS Computer Science Students 2027
Indian students normally need an F-1 visa, which carries a US$185 (INR 17,609) application fee. The I-901 Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) fee is US$350 (INR 33,314). Graduates may seek 12-month Optional Practical Training (OPT), while qualifying science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) status may add a 24-month extension.
- STEM extension eligibility depends on the exact Form I-20 programme code and an E-Verify employer, so confirm both before relying on 36 months.
- An H-1B route needs employer sponsorship and the higher applicable actual or prevailing wage because no single national salary threshold applies.
- Permanent residence has no automatic course-linked timeline because the employment category, sponsorship and visa availability determine progression.
- An F-2 spouse or unmarried child under 21 may accompany the student, but an F-2 dependant cannot work.
Read More: post-study work options in the USA
Visa reality: OPT provides a temporary work window rather than a placement or settlement guarantee. Confirm the I-20 code and employer eligibility before using a 36-month work assumption in ROI planning.
UNLV MS Computer Science Ranking 2027
University of Nevada, Las Vegas is in the 601 to 800 global band for Computer Science in the Times Higher Education 2026 subject ranking. The same edition places UNLV joint 112th among ranked U.S. computer science institutions.
Latest subject-ranking context: The 2026 edition is the current discipline-specific result available for a Fall 2027 applicant.
| Ranking | Edition | Scope | UNLV position |
|---|---|---|---|
| Times Higher Education Computer Science | 2026 | Global | 601 to 800 |
| Times Higher Education Computer Science | 2026 | United States | Joint 112 |
The ranking evaluates the broader computer science subject across teaching, research environment, research quality, industry and international outlook. It does not measure this M.S. programme’s placement rate, individual track quality or graduate salary.
Applicants should therefore use the band as a research-context signal, then compare faculty fit across the thesis, project and exam routes. A suitable supervisor or track matters more to a specialised study plan than the broad band alone.
Read More: University of Nevada, Las Vegas rankings
Honest take: The 601 to 800 subject band provides broad research context but no employment evidence. Use it after confirming that UNLV offers the faculty and completion track needed for your intended specialisation.
UNLV’s Computer Science M.S. fits applicants with transcripted computing foundations who can use a thesis, project or exam track deliberately. Its breadth supports research and applied specialisation, but missing course-level employment outcomes make funding and role evidence important tradeoffs. First compare the verified budget with confirmed assistantship support, then map prerequisite courses and faculty fit. For Fall 2027 funding consideration, complete every application item by 1 March 2027.
UNLV MS Computer Science FAQs
Ques. Can I apply to UNLV’s M.S. Computer Science without a computer science bachelor’s degree?
Ans. Yes, because UNLV accepts a bachelor’s degree in any field, but applicants must show B-level preparation in core undergraduate computer science. One or two missing courses may support conditional admission, yet those credits will not reduce the 30-credit master’s requirement.
Ques. What budget should an Indian student use for the first year?
Ans. Use the calculated US$69,800 (INR 66.44 Lakhs) baseline covering published annual tuition, mandatory insurance and official living costs. Do not double that figure for the whole degree because the 30-credit schedule can create a differently charged final term.
Ques. Is the GRE optional for the UNLV Computer Science M.S.?
Ans. No, the department’s current admission page asks for GRE General Test results but publishes no minimum score. Applicants should therefore submit the official result and let foundation grades, two recommendations and the complete transcript establish preparation.
Ques. Can a graduate assistantship make the programme affordable?
Ans. A current engineering master’s assistantship carries a US$17,000 (INR 16.18 Lakhs) academic-year stipend plus tuition and insurance benefits. Since selection is competitive, apply by 1 March 2027 but retain a funding plan based on gross costs until a written offer arrives.
Ques. How long can an Indian graduate work in the United States after this degree?
Ans. Standard post-completion OPT can provide 12 months of related work authorisation. A further 24-month STEM extension requires a qualifying I-20 code and E-Verify employer, while neither period guarantees employment, H-1B sponsorship or permanent residence.
Tuition Fees
| Year | 1st Year Fees |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fees | $24996 |
Other Expenses
| Head | Avg Cost Per Year |
|---|---|
| Housing | $12346 |
| Food | $4998 |
Previous Year Tuition Fees
| Year | 1st Year Fees |
|---|---|
| 2024 | $26658 |
| 2023 | $24050 |
| 2022 | $23411 |
| 2021 | $23341 |
Important Dates
| Event | Application Date |
|---|---|
| Application Deadline For Fall 2026 Intake | |
| Application Deadline For Spring 2026 Intake | |
Scores Required

Do you think the Rankings are wrong ? Report Here
TOP Scholarships
| Scholarship name | Award amount | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Foreign Affairs Information Technology (FAIT) Fellowship | waive its out-of-state tuition | Must enroll full-time in eligible programs (e.g., MS in CS, MIS, Cybersecurity). |
Key Resources for Your Study Abroad Journey
Course Guides
Best MS Courses in USA for International Students in 2025
Master of Science (MS) Computer Science in USA: Universities, Fees, Deadline and Eligibility
Masters (MS) in USA: Colleges, Courses, Deadlines, Eligibility & Fees
College Student Profiles
Scholarship Grants & Financial Aids
| Name | Scholarship Per Student | Level of Study | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FINCAD Women in Finance Scholarship | Scholarship per student$ 20,000/Yr$20,000 | Level Of StudyMaster | TypeMerit-Based | |
| The Google Lime Scholarship | Scholarship per student$ 10,000/Yr$10,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship Program | Scholarship per student$ 10,000/Yr$10,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Axol Science Scholarship | Scholarship per student$ 2,000/Yr$2,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeCompany-Sponsored | |
| VueVille Future Technology Scholarship | Scholarship per student$ 1,000/Yr$1,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| R&D Systems Scholarship | Scholarship per student$ 1,500/Yr$1,500 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based |
Similar Programs
| Program | Important Date | Total Fees | Median Exams Score | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USD 33,372 /Yr |
| |||
International Fall 2027 CS MS deadline (15th Feb 2027) | USD 15,414 /Yr |
| ||
Application Deadline For Spring Intake (5th Jan 2027) | USD 19,330 /Yr | |||
-- | USD 35,924 /Yr |
| ||
| USD 37,554 /Yr |
|
Do you think the Dates are wrong ? Report Here




















Comments