Masters in Robotics in USA: Top Colleges, Admissions, Fees, Scholarships, Jobs
Masters in Robotics in USAA Masters in Robotics in USA is a 1.5 to 2-year course aimed at providing students with the capabilities for developing robotic systems. At the end of the course, students get an MS in Robotics, an MS in Robotics Engineering, or an MS in Mechatronics degree. Robot Dynamics, AI, Machine Learning, and Computer Vision are some of the core subjects within the course. Admissions are usually based on the GRE, in some cases, along with IELTS/TOEFL exam scores for Indian students.
The annual course fee for the program is $35,000 to $65,000. Apart from that, the monthly living costs in the USA for international students can range from $1,000 to $2,000. Indian students can get scholarships of up to $100,000 or 100% tuition fee concessions, based on their eligibility.
After completing a Masters in Robotics in the USA, Indian students can find career opportunities in Google, Tesla, Apple, and other prominent companies in robotics companies. The average expected starting salary will range from $90,000 to $120,000 per year, depending on the specific job role.
Masters in Robotics in USA: Highlights
Check the quick highlights of Masters in Robotics in USA for Indian students in the table below.
Feature | Details |
Duration | 1.5 – 2 years |
Top Universities | MIT, Carnegie Mellon, Stanford, Georgia Tech, University of Michigan |
Degree Types | MS in Robotics, MS in Robotics Engineering, MS in Mechatronics |
Core Subjects | Robot Dynamics, AI, Machine Learning, Computer Vision, Control Systems |
Elective Subjects | Human-Robot Interaction, Autonomous Vehicles, SLAM, Embedded Systems |
Popular Entrance Exams | GRE (optional/waived in many), TOEFL, IELTS |
Tuition Fees (Annual) | $35,000 – 65,000 (₹29 – 54 lakhs approx.) |
Scholarships | University-specific scholarships, Fulbright, Inlaks, Aga Khan, etc. |
Top Recruiters | Google, Boston Dynamics, NVIDIA, Amazon Robotics, Tesla, Apple |
Average Salary after Graduation | $90,000 – $120,000/year (₹74 – ₹99 lakhs approx.) |
Work Permit (Post-study) | 3 years |
Job Roles | Robotics Engineer, Mechatronics Engineer, ML Engineer, Computer Vision Eng. |
Why Choose Masters in Robotics in USA?
Here are a few important benefits that you can expect from a Masters in Robotics in USA:
- Top-ranked universities: The USA has some of the highest-ranked universities for Robotics studies across the globe.
- Advanced research technologies: You can have access to the most advanced equipment and facilities for research during your Masters in Robotics in USA.
- Variety of specialisations: During your Masters in Robotics in USA, you can choose between AI, Machine learning (ML), medical robotics, and many other specialisations.
- Focus on innovation and creativity: You will find a supportive environment for your innovativeness and creativity in Masters in Robotics in US universities.
- Worldwide recognition: As home to some of the best institutions for robotics studies, the USA can provide you with a globally recognised degree that can enhance your career prospects anywhere in the world.
- High earning potential: You can expect a high starting salary after studying a Masters in Robotics in USA, which is enabled by the industry connections of the US industries.
- Practical training: If you want to, you can apply for an Optional Practical Training (OPT) program after completing your Masters course in Robotics in the USA.
Best Universities for Masters in Robotics in USA
Here are the top colleges in the USA for studying a Masters in Robotics, along with their QS world rankings and annual tuition fees.
University | QS World Rank (2025) | Annual Tuition (USD) |
Carnegie Mellon University (Robotics Inst) | 52th | $60,400 - 60,600 |
Georgia Institute of Technology | 106th | $18,000 - 19,000 |
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor | 45th | $28,000 - 29,000 |
University of Pennsylvania | 15th | $32,000 - 33,000 |
Northwestern University | 33th | $82,000 - 85,000 |
New York University (NYU) | 38th | $35,000 - 38,000 |
Boston University | 102th | $60,000 - 65,000 |
University of Wisconsin–Madison | 297th | $25,000 - 26,000 |
Washington University in St. Louis | 152th | $59,000 - 62,000 |
Masters in Robotics in USA: Eligibility Criteria
Check the eligibility criteria for freshers and applicants with work experience given separately in the table below.
Criteria | Freshers (0–1 year experience) | Experienced (1+ years) |
Academic Qualification | Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Computer Science, Mechatronics, etc., with 3.0 GPA or more (out of 4). | Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Computer Science, Mechatronics, etc., with 3.0 GPA or more (out of 4). |
GRE | Mandatory for most institutions. | Mandatory for most institutions. |
IELTS/TOEFL |
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SOP (Statement of Purpose) |
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LORs (Letters of Recommendation) | 2–3 academic LORs, preferably from professors. | 1–2 LORs from employers + 1 academic (recommended). |
Resume/CV |
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Portfolio/Projects | Emphasise undergraduate robotics, AI, and embedded systems projects. | Highlight professional robotics or automation projects, GitHub repositories, and publications, if any. |
Preferred Background | Final-year student or recently completed in engineering or computer science | Professional in robotics, automation, ML/AI, embedded systems, or manufacturing fields |
Masters in Robotics in USA: Application Process
Here are the steps to complete the application process for Masters in Robotics in USA:
- Apply through the university’s official website: Visit the official website of the university you want to apply to. You will find the application portal for Masters in Robotics there.
- Upload important documents: Depending on the university, you must upload documents related to your qualification and other areas of eligibility on the application portal.
- Pay the application fee: The specific fee for applying to Masters in Robotics in USA is usually $50 to $100, with some universities not charging an application fee. You must pay this amount during the application through the university’s portal.
- Accept the admission letter and get a student visa: You will receive an admission letter from the university through email based on their decision regarding your application. Proceed to apply for a student visa and plan your arrival in the USA after receiving the admission letter.
Masters in Robotics in USA: Documents Required
The following are the documents you must carry during your admission to Masters in Robotics in USA:
- Official academic records from the post-secondary level.
- 2-3 LORs
- SOP
- CV
- IELTS/TOEFL scorecard
- GRE scorecard (if applicable)
Masters in Robotics in USA: Visa Application Timeline
Here are the expected dates for the visa application for studying Masters in Robotics in the USA.
Event | Important/Tentative Dates |
F-1 visa interview (last date) | August 2025 |
Visa approval and travel prep | July - August 2025 |
Departure for the USA | August - September 2025 |
Top Entrance Exams for Masters in Robotics in USA
Check the top entrance exams along with their purpose and requirements for Masters in Robotics in the USA in the table below.
Exam | Purpose | Required by |
GRE (Graduate Record Examination) | Assessing verbal, quantitative, and analytical skills | Required or recommended by CMU, MIT, UMich, Georgia Tech, etc. |
TOEFL iBT | Testing English proficiency. | Required for all international applicants. |
IELTS | Alternative to TOEFL | Most universities in place of TOEFL. |
Duolingo English Test | Online alternative to TOEFL/IELTS | Some universities. |
PTE Academic | Another English language proficiency test | Selected universities. |
Masters in Robotics in USA: Cutoff
Check the table below for the cutoff for various universities for each of the prominent entrance exams for Masters in Robotics in the USA.
University | GRE (Quant/Verbal) | TOEFL iBT (Min) | IELTS (Min) |
Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) | 160 / 155 | 100 | 7.5 |
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | GRE optional | 100 | 7.0 |
Stanford University | GRE optional | 89 | 7.0 |
University of Michigan – Ann Arbor | 160 / 155 | 100 | 7.0 |
Georgia Institute of Technology | 160 / 150 | 90 | 6.5 |
University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) | 158 / 155 | 100 | 7.5 |
Johns Hopkins University | 160 / 155 | 100 | 7.0 |
University of Southern California (USC) | 158 / 150 | 90 | 6.5 |
Northwestern University | GRE optional | 95 | 7.0 |
University of California, San Diego (UCSD) | 160 / 155 | 85–100 | 7.0 |
Masters in Robotics in USA: Syllabus
The table below will provide you with an understanding of the Masters in Robotics syllabus in the USA based on the year, semester, core courses, and elective courses.
Year | Semester | Core Courses | Elective Courses |
Year 1 | Fall |
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Spring |
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Year 2 | Fall |
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Spring |
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Masters in Robotics in USA: Scholarships
The table below shows the available scholarships for Indian students studying Masters in Robotics in the USA along with their amounts and eligibility.
Funding Option | Amount | Eligibility / Notes |
Fulbright Scholarship | Full tuition + stipend |
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Inlaks Foundation Award | Up to USD 100,000 |
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Civil Society Leadership Awards | Tuition + living | Indian students with community commitment. |
Georgia Tech Karishma Fellowship | $6,000 | Indian graduate students in robotics/engineering programs |
NYU Dean’s Scholarship | $35,000 (Year 1) | STEM master’s students, including robotics. |
WUSTL Master’s Fellowship | 100% tuition coverage | Based on research/merit. |
AUVSI & IEEE Robotics Awards | $2,500–$10,000 | Robotics-specific graduate scholarships. |
FIRST Robotics Alumni Awards | Tuition or cash grants | U.S. and international competition participants. |
Cost of Living in USA
Check the table below for the monthly expenses you will have while studying for a Masters in Robotics in USA.
Expense Category | Monthly Cost (USD) |
Accommodation (Rent) | $400 – $1,200 |
Food & Groceries | $150 – $300 |
Utilities & Wi-Fi | $80 – $150 |
Transportation | $70 – $150 |
Health Insurance | $100 – $250 |
Books & Supplies | $40 – $100 |
Personal Expenses | $100 – $300 |
Career Scope After Masters in Robotics in USA
Check the career scope you will have after Masters in Robotics in USA in the table below.
Job Title | Description |
Robotics Engineer | Designing, building, and testing robots and automated systems for different industries like healthcare, defence, and manufacturing. |
Machine Learning Engineer | Developing ML algorithms for smart machines, robots, and automated systems. |
Computer Vision Engineer | Building visual perception systems in robots. |
Controls Engineer | Developing motion, system control, and path planning for robotic applications. |
Mechatronics Engineer | Integrating mechanical, software, and electronics to design integrated machines. |
Autonomous Vehicle Engineer | Working on algorithms and systems for enabling self-driving technologies. |
R&D Engineer (Robotics) | Conducting research and developing prototypes for next-generation robotics systems in various industries. |
Software Engineer – Robotics | Coding robot operating systems, real-time communication, and sensor integration. |
Industrial Automation Engineer | Deploying automation and robotic arms for production lines and factories. |
Masters in Robotics in USA: Salary Package
Check the average salary for the prominent job roles after studying Masters in Robotics in USA given below.
Job Role | Average Salary (USD/year) |
Robotics Engineer | $90,000 – $120,000 |
Computer Vision Engineer | $105,000 – $130,000 |
Machine Learning Engineer | $110,000 – $140,000 |
Mechatronics Engineer | $85,000 – $110,000 |
Autonomous Vehicle Engineer | $110,000 – $150,000 |
R&D Engineer (Academic/Industry) | $80,000 – $110,000 |
Software Engineer (Robotics) | $100,000 – $130,000 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Ques: How to choose the right Robotics Masters program in the USA in 2025?
Ans: Apart from researching the universities available, you must also consider the specialisations, career goals, and others. Along with that, the career scope and funding options are also crucial considerations for choosing the right program.
Ques: Are there any fully funded Robotics Masters programs in the USA in 2025?
Ans: Yes, you can get fully-funded Robotics Masters programs in the USA in 2025. Carnegie Mellon, Stanford, and Duke are some of the universities that can provide you with 100% tuition fee concessions in the tuition fees of their Robotics Masters programs.
Ques: Where can I find Robotics Masters programs focusing on medical robotics in the USA in 2025?
Ans: Johns Hopkins University, Northwestern University, Arizona State University, and Worcester Polytechnic Institute can offer Robotics Masters programs focused on medical robotics.
Ques: Which one is better between MIT and Carnegie Mellon in terms of Robotics Masters program in 2025?
Ans: MIT is known to offer a theoretically strong and higher level of specialised approach in Masters in Robotics. On the other hand, Carnegie Mellon’s Robotics Masters program is more focused on practical applications and interdisciplinary aspects.
Ques: Which one is better among Masters in Robotics and Masters in AI for autonomous vehicle development?
Ans: Overall, Masters in Robotics can be considered better for autonomous vehicle development. At the same time, the role of AI in vehicle development is also increasing the relevance of a Master in AI in this area.