Top 25 Universities for Studying Engineering Abroad

If you’ve imagined designing robots, bridges, apps, or fighting climate issues with technology, the right school of engineering can get you there. In some universities globally, there are legends, not so much because of the rankings, but because of the opportunities, cultures, and networks that open doors for their students. Whether it is learning on actual projects in Silicon Valley, learning in the midst of London, or studying in lively Asian campuses, every location has something unique to offer. Here at this blog, we’re going to take you through some of the world’s top engineering universities, letting you get a taste for what makes each one special and why students from all over the world dream to be at them.

1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) – USA

MIT consistently leads the world in engineering education, groundbreaking research, and entrepreneurial spirit.

• Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts
• Founded: 1861, with classes beginning in 1865
•  It is ranked #1 in QS World University Rankings 2026.
• Programs: Offers BSc, MSc, and PhD programs across engineering disciplines such as AI, robotics, aerospace, and EECS (Source: Mit Engineering)
• Focus Areas: Emphasis on innovation, hands-on research, and building startups (Source: Mit Engineering)
• Ranking: Ranked #1 in graduate engineering programs by U.S. News for 2025–26
• Research Impact: Its School of Engineering conducts over 50% of MIT’s sponsored research (MIT SDM – System Design and Management)
• Post-Study Work: Eligible for OPT (1–3 years), with strong H-1B placement rates
• Cost: Approximately USD 80,000 per year (tuition + living)
• Scholarships: Generous need-based aid and research assistantships available
• Employability: Exceptional graduates are highly recruited by major tech companies and research organizations
• Entry Requirements: TOEFL 90+, GRE for some programs, GPA 3.5+
• Support: Robust career services, global mentoring, and strong international student support

2. University of Oxford – UK

Oxford is centuries-old academic excellence with modern, research-driven engineering education. Its Department of Engineering Science is renowned for combining rigorous theory with hands-on applications.

• Location: Oxford, England
• Founded: 1096 (oldest English-speaking university)
• QS Ranking 2026: #4 globally, top 10 for engineering
• Programs: Undergraduate and graduate degrees in Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Biomedical, and Chemical Engineering
• Focus Areas: Strong emphasis on research-led teaching, global collaborations, and interdisciplinary innovation
• Ranking: Among the top 10 globally for engineering (QS & Times Higher Education)
• Post-Study Work: Eligible for UK Graduate Route visa (2 years)
• Cost: Approx. £45,000/year (tuition + living for international students)
• Scholarships: Rhodes, Clarendon, departmental awards, and international bursaries
• Employability: Exceptional graduates highly sought after in academia, R&D, consulting, and global corporations
• Entry Requirements: A*AA at A-levels / IB 39+, IELTS 7.0+, strong academic record
• Support: Career services, international office, mentoring programs, active student networks

3. Stanford University – USA

A pivotal institution in Silicon Valley, Stanford fuses entrepreneurial culture with technology-driven education.

• Location: Stanford, California (Silicon Valley)
• Founded: 1885
• In the QS World University Rankings 2026, Stanford University is ranked #3
• Programs: Offers BSc, MSc, and PhD in engineering fields such as AI, bioengineering, and aerospace
• Focus Areas: Creativity, innovation, and applied research with industry collaboration
• Ranking: Ranked among the top 3 global engineering schools The Times of IndiaThe Wall Street Journal
• Post-Study Work: OPT for up to 3 years, H-1B pathways available
• Cost: Approximately USD 82,000 per year
• Scholarships: Limited undergrad aid, graduate assistantships available
• Employability: High – strong recruitment by Silicon Valley tech firms
• Entry Requirements: TOEFL , strong GPA, GRE optional for graduate applicants
• Support: International student center, faculty mentors, campus career fairs

4. University of California, Berkeley – USA

Berkeley’s College of Engineering is elite, especially in computer science and electrical engineering, with deep ties to Silicon Valley.

• Location: Berkeley, California
•  It is ranked #=17 in QS World University Rankings 2026.
• Programs: Offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in fields such as EECS, environmental engineering, and bioengineering
• Ranking: Among the top 10 globally for engineering US News
• Post-Study Work: OPT available for STEM fields (up to 3 years)
• Cost: Around USD 75,000 per year (for out-of-state international students)
• Employability: Excellent graduates find roles in leading tech, energy, and government sectors
• Entry Requirements: TOEFL 90+, GRE for grad programs, strong GPA
• Support: Dedicated international office, career center, and engineering faculty guidance

5. ETH Zurich – Switzerland

ETH Zurich is Europe’s preeminent technical university, praised for its strong research culture and engineering excellence.

• Location: Zurich, Switzerland
• Founded: 1855
• It is ranked 7th globally in the QS World University Rankings, specifically in the 2026 edition.
• Programs: Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD in engineering disciplines such as robotics, energy systems, and civil engineering
• Ranking: #1 technical university in mainland Europe
• Post-Study Work: 6-month job seeker visa, followed by potential work permits
• Cost: Minimal tuition (~CHF 1,300/year) plus ~CHF 20,000 living expenses
• Scholarships: Excellence & E4D scholarships available
• Employability: Excellent graduates are recruited in research and industry across Europe
• Entry Requirements: High GPA; German often required for undergrad, English for MSc
• Support: International student office, language center, and housing assistance

6. Tsinghua University – China

Tsinghua is China’s premier engineering powerhouse renowned for research, academic rigour, and international collaboration.

• Location: Beijing, China
• Established: 1911
• It is ranked #=17 in QS World University Rankings 2026.
• Programs: Offers engineering degrees especially in materials, electronics, and AI
• Ranking: Top in China and among global top 10 for engineering Top Universities
• Post-Study Work: Limited, with possible extensions via employer sponsorship
• Cost: Affordable approx. USD 10,000/year tuition; USD 8,000/year living
• Scholarships: Chinese Government Scholarship, Tsinghua Scholarship
• Employability: Strong placement in Asia, with recruiters including Huawei and Alibaba
• Entry Requirements: HSK for Chinese instruction, English proficiency for international programs; GPA ~3.5+
• Support: International student office and language programs

7. University of Cambridge – UK

Cambridge is world-renowned for scientific and technological breakthroughs. Its Department of Engineering is one of the largest in the world, with deep links to global industry and innovation hubs.

• Location: Cambridge, England
• Founded: 1209
• QS Ranking 2026: #2 globally, top 5 for engineering
• Programs: Undergraduate Tripos and postgraduate programs in Aerospace, Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, and Information Engineering
• Focus Areas: Interdisciplinary research, sustainability, AI, and advanced engineering systems
• Ranking: Consistently in the global top 5 for engineering and technology (QS, THE)
• Post-Study Work: Eligible for UK Graduate Route visa (2 years)
• Cost: Approx. £46,000/year (tuition + living for international students)
• Scholarships: Gates Cambridge, Cambridge Trust scholarships, departmental funding
• Employability: Outstanding graduates move into leadership roles in academia, technology firms, R&D, and entrepreneurship

7. Imperial College London – UK

Imperial is a top-tier STEM-focused institution in London, with strong engineering and applied science credentials.

• Accreditation: Engineering Council UK
• Ranking: Among top 10 globally for engineering
• Specializations: Civil, Mechanical, Chemical, EEE, Design Engineering
• Post-Study Work: Eligible for 2-year Graduate Route visa
• Cost: Approx. £47,000/year (tuition + living)
• Scholarships: President’s, GREAT, department-based awards
• Employability: Strong connections with UK/EU industry leaders
• Location: Central London  high-cost area with vast professional opportunities
• Entry Requirements: IELTS 7.0+, strong academic credentials (AAA or IB 40+)
• Support: Career services, international student support, active student societies

9. Harvard University – USA

Harvard’s School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) blends interdisciplinary engineering with world-class innovation.

• Accreditation: ABET
• Ranking: Within top 15 globally for engineering disciplines
• Specializations: Bioengineering, Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, CS
• Post-Study Work: OPT (12–36 months) and H-1B paths available
• Cost: Around US$82,000/year
• Scholarships: Generous need-based aid for undergraduates
• Employability: High prestige and strong placement in R&D and academic roles
• Location: Cambridge, MA, academic and safety hub near MIT
• Entry Requirements: TOEFL , GRE (graduate), solid academic track record
• Support: International office, SEAS advising, career guidance

10. EPFL – Switzerland

A leading research university, EPFL offers forward-looking engineering programs taught in English.

• Accreditation: Bologna-compliant
• Ranking: Among top 15 globally for engineering
• Specializations: Robotics, Computer Science, Energy, Environmental Engineering
• Post-Study Work: Six-month job search visa post-graduation
• Cost: CHF 1,300/year tuition + ~CHF 20,000 living
• Scholarships: Excellence Fellowships, Swiss Government programs
• Employability: Strong ties with European industry and research centers
• Location: Lausanne  safe, scenic lakeside city
• Entry Requirements: B2 English, high academic record (UG); MSc record important
• Support: Career centre, housing assistance, international student desk.

11. Nanyang Technological University (NTU) – Singapore

NTU is globally recognized for cutting-edge engineering, especially in nanotech and materials science.

• Accreditation: Engineering Accreditation Board Singapore
• Ranking: Within global top 20 for engineering
• Specializations: Mechanical, Aerospace, Electrical, Data Engineering
• Post-Study Work: 1-year pass; transition to S-Pass or Employment Pass possible
• Cost: US$20K – 30K/year (tuition) + US$10K living
• Scholarships: ASEAN scholarships, Nanyang Scholarship, research assistantships
• Employability: Strong placement across Asia-Pacific industries
• Location: Singapore  safe, modern, high quality of life
• Entry Requirements: IELTS 6.5+, strong GPA
• Support: International student centre, career guidance, on-campus housing

12. National University of Singapore (NUS) – Singapore

NUS provides top-tier engineering education, renowned for research and global internships.

• Accreditation: Engineering Accreditation Board Singapore
• Specializations: Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, Maritime, Biomedical Engineering
• Research & Internships: Excellent output and global student opportunities
• Location: Singapore, a global business hub with strong educational infrastructure

12. California Institute of Technology (Caltech) – USA

Caltech is an elite institution with a focus on science and engineering and a low student-to-faculty ratio.

• Accreditation: ABET
• Ranking: Within global top 10 for engineering
• Specializations: Aerospace, Electrical, Quantum, Mechanical
• Post-Study Work: OPT/STEM OPT eligible
• Cost: Approx. US$80,000/year
• Scholarships: Need-based aid for UG; assistantships for PG
• Employability: High, especially for research-focused careers
• Location: Pasadena, CA  smaller campus with tech focus
• Entry Requirements: TOEFL , GRE (grad), GPA 3.7+
• Support: Faculty mentoring, career center, tight-knit academic community

14. Delft University of Technology – Netherlands

TU Delft stands as the Netherlands’ leading technical university, blending innovation with strong industry links.

• Accreditation: NVAO, EUR-ACE
• Ranking: Top technical university in Europe
• Specializations: Civil, Maritime, Mechatronics, Design Engineering
• Post-Study Work: 1-year search visa followed by work visa
• Cost: Around €20,000/year (tuition + living)
• Scholarships: TU Delft Excellence, Holland Scholarship
• Employability: High across Europe’s engineering sectors
• Location: Delft  student-friendly and secure
• Entry Requirements: IELTS 6.5+, relevant UG background
• Support: Student associations, housing assistance, international offices

15. Georgia Institute of Technology – USA

Georgia Tech offers strong engineering programs with practical co-op and internship structures.

• Accreditation: ABET
• Ranking: Top 10 in the U.S. for engineering
• Specializations: Aerospace, Industrial, CS, Biomedical
• Post-Study Work: OPT/STEM OPT eligible
• Cost: Around US$50,000/year for tuition + living
• Scholarships: Limited for internationals
• Employability: Excellent  strong co-op and internship programs
• Location: Atlanta  affordable urban center
• Entry Requirements: TOEFL 90+, GRE for grad applicants
• Support: Career services, innovation labs, engineering advising

16. Peking University – China

Rising in global status, Peking University offers research-driven engineering programs within an acclaimed academic environment.

• Accreditation: CEEAA
• Specializations: Civil, Environmental, Computer Engineering
• Cost: Approx. US$8,000 tuition + US$7,000 living
• Employability: Strong local placement in Asia
• Programs: Includes English-taught MSc tracks
• Support: International student services, language assistance

17. University of Toronto – Canada

Canada’s leading engineering school with strengths in robotics, AI, and biomedical research; excellent student support and industry ties.

• Accreditation: CEAB
• Ranking: Top 20 globally for engineering
• Specializations: Electrical/Computer, Civil, Mineral, Biomed
• Post-Study Work: PGWP for up to 3 years
• Cost: CAD 60,000/year
• Scholarships: Lester B. Pearson, Ontario Graduate Scholarships
• Employability: Excellent, especially in North America
• Location: Toronto  diverse, safe, dynamic urban center
• Support: International office, co-op programs, strong student services

18. University of Tokyo – Japan

A top Asian institution, UTokyo offers elite engineering programs focused on societal impact and innovation.

• Accreditation: JABEE
• Specializations: Mechanical, Civil, Robotics Engineering
• Language Options: Programs offered in English and Japanese
• Cost: Approx. US$7,000 tuition + US$10,000 living
• Scholarships: MEXT, UTokyo Fellowships
• Employability: High within Japan and Asia
• Support: Language support, housing, and visa assistance

19. Carnegie Mellon University – USA

CMU leads in AI, robotics, and software systems, delivering a blend of theoretical depth and real-world innovation.

• Focus Areas: AI, Robotics, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering
• Cost: Around US$80,000/year
• Employability: Excellent  major tech firms recruit heavily
• Support: Strong alumni network, career mentoring, and tech partnerships

20. Technical University of Munich (TUM) – Germany

TUM is Germany’s premier engineering university, respected for automotive, mechanical, and electrical disciplines.

• Accreditation: ASIIN
• Cost: Very low  around €200/semester tuition + €12,000 living
• Employability: Strong placement in German automotive and engineering firms
• Language: English MSc, German UG
• Scholarships: DAAD and TUM-specific awards
• Support: Job portals, housing help, international orientation

21. Politecnico di Milano – Italy

Italy’s top university for engineering and design, Politecnico combines creative and technical education.

• Programs: Architecture, Civil, Industrial Engineering
• Cost: Approx. €4,000 tuition + €10,000 living
• Post-Study Work: 12-month permit available
• Language: English MSc programs offered
• Scholarships: Merit-based funding
• Location: Milan  design capital, modern and historical blend

22. UCLA – USA

UCLA’s engineering school is highly rated, especially in biomedical, civil, and electrical projects, with access to West Coast tech networks.

• Specializations: EE, Mechanical, Biomedical Engineering
• Cost: Approx. US$75,000/year
• Employability: High, particularly in California’s tech ecosystem
• Support: International student advising, counseling, internship programs

23. UIUC – USA

Known for excellence in computers, electrical, and civil engineering, UIUC also has a strong presence in research and internships.

• Specializations: Electrical/Computer Engineering, Mechanical, Computer Science
• Cost: Approx. US$60,000/year
• Scholarships: Fellowships and research assistantships available
• Employability: Strong recruitment from big tech companies

24. KAIST – South Korea

KAIST is South Korea’s top tech institute, specializing in robotics, AI, and materials science with excellent industry ties.

• Accreditation: ABEEK
• Cost: Approx. US$7,000 tuition + US$6,000 living
• Scholarships: Full tuition and stipend for international students
• Language: English-based programs offered
• Support: International support center and student housing

25. UNSW Sydney – Australia

UNSW is among Australia’s leading engineering schools, known for practical research and strong industry connections in a safe, multicultural city.

• Specializations: Solar Energy, Civil, Mechanical, Biomedical Engineering
• Post-Study Work: 2–4 year visa pathways available
• Cost: Around AUD 55,000/year total
• Scholarships: International Scientia, Future of Change awards
• Location: Sydney- safe, global, diverse
• Support: Career accelerator, internships, strong placement assistance

Takeaway

Each school we’ve discussed here has its own magic: some bring you into contact with world tech titans, others submerge you in revolutionary research, and a few surround you with rich cultures that transform you just as much as your coursework. Whatever you decide, the mission is to dream bigger, work harder, and believe in the difference you can make as an engineer. Because the fact is, the world is waiting for the solutions you’ll create.