Data Sources & Methodology

Our Approach to Data

Every data point on MyDegree comes from a verifiable, publicly available source. We do not fabricate or estimate data without explicitly indicating that we have done so. Each university record carries a confidence score between 0 and 1 that reflects how recently and directly the data was verified.

Primary Data Sources

Tuition Fees

• Official university websites (international student fee schedules, 2024–25 intake)
• Study portals with direct university data feeds (Times Higher Education, QS World University Rankings)
• Government higher education department publications (e.g., DAAD for Germany, Study UK)

University Rankings

• QS World University Rankings 2025 — used as primary global ranking
• Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024 — supplementary ranking
• Ranking data is used as one signal, not the primary recommendation criterion

Graduate Salaries

• National Graduate Outcomes surveys (UK Graduate Outcomes Survey, NACE for USA)
• LinkedIn Salary Insights (aggregated, not personalised)
• Glassdoor and Levels.fyi for technology sector roles
• Payscale Graduate Salary Reports
• University-published graduate employment statistics

Salary figures represent median starting salaries in local currency, converted to USD and INR at the time of data collection. Actual salaries vary by role, company, and individual performance.

Acceptance Rates

• Official university Common Data Sets (USA)
• University annual reports and admissions statistics
• UCAS statistical releases (UK)
• Where direct data is unavailable, rates are estimated from multiple secondary sources and marked with a lower confidence score

Immigration & PR Pathway Data

• IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) official publications
• UK Home Office immigration statistics and Graduate Route visa guidance
• Australian Department of Home Affairs (Subclass 485, 189, 190 visa information)
• US USCIS H-1B statistics and OPT/STEM OPT programme data
• German BAMF (Federal Office for Migration and Refugees) publications
• Singapore MOM (Ministry of Manpower) Employment Pass data
• New Zealand Immigration website official guidance
• Netherlands IND (Immigration and Naturalisation Service) orientation year visa data

Immigration rules change frequently. We monitor key policy updates continuously but strongly recommend verifying current rules directly with the relevant government authority before making any immigration-related decision.

Indian Student Population Data

• SEVIS (US Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) annual reports
• IRCC open data on study permit holders by country of citizenship
• Australian DHA student visa statistics
• UK HESA (Higher Education Statistics Agency) international student data
• University international student office reports and published statistics

Living Cost Estimates

• Numbeo Cost of Living database (city-level data)
• University international student accommodation guides
• Expatistan and Mercer Cost of Living surveys

Safety Scores

• Numbeo Safety Index by city
• Global Peace Index (Institute for Economics & Peace)
• Local police crime statistics where publicly available

Confidence Scoring Methodology

Each data record is assigned a confidence score from 0.00 to 1.00:

• 0.90–1.00: Directly verified from official source within the last 12 months
• 0.75–0.89: Verified from secondary reliable source, or official source over 12 months old
• 0.60–0.74: Estimated from multiple proxy sources with reasonable certainty
• Below 0.60: Estimated; treat with caution and verify independently

Currency Conversion

All tuition fees, salaries, and costs displayed in Indian Rupees (₹) use an approximate exchange rate of 1 USD = ₹83.5. Actual rates fluctuate and will affect real costs. Always check current exchange rates before making financial decisions.

Data Update Schedule

• Tuition fees: Updated annually at the start of each academic year (August–October)
• Rankings: Updated annually when QS and THE publish new rankings
• Salary data: Updated annually from graduate outcome surveys
• Immigration rules: Monitored continuously; major policy changes updated within 30 days
• Acceptance rates: Updated annually from university publications

Limitations

Despite our best efforts, some data may be outdated, estimated, or not fully applicable to every individual's situation. University fees vary by programme, year of entry, and nationality. Immigration outcomes depend on individual circumstances, policy changes, and factors outside anyone's control. Always consult official sources and qualified professionals for decisions that affect your future.

Report an Error

If you identify an inaccuracy in any data on our platform, please let us know via our contact form. We take data quality seriously and will investigate and correct errors promptly.