Best Country to Study Engineering in 2024: Top Picks and Why

Have you ever wondered about the secrets behind the world’s tallest skyscrapers or what materials they are actually made of? Are you curious about the technology that enables smartphones to recognise your face?  If questions like these intrigue you, an engineering course might be the perfect pick for you. 

Engineering degrees are highly valued worldwide, offering top starting salaries and promising job growth. Engineers play a crucial role in shaping the future, whether you’re planning to study in the US or abroad.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the engineering field is projected to experience faster-than-average employment growth from 2022 to 2032, creating nearly 1,88,000 job openings annually. This growth creates the demand for skilled engineers across various industries, such as technology and software, manufacturing, aerospace, healthcare, and biotechnology around the world.  

But which is the best country for Indian students to study engineering in? If that’s your question too, this guide has all the answers for you. Dive in!

Key Highlights

Here’s a snapshot of everything discussed in detail in this blog on the “best country to study engineering” in 2024.

Particulars	Details
Best Country to Study Engineering	USA UK Canada
Study Engineering Abroad for Indian Students Fees*	INR 34L to INR 66L ($48K to $80K)
Popular Engineering Branches	Biomedical Engineering Software Engineering Medical Engineering
Best Universities to Pursue Engineering Abroad	Massachusetts Institute of Technology Imperial College London University of Oxford
English Proficiency Test Requirements to Study Engineering Abroad	IELTS TOEFL PTE
Top Scholarship to Reduce Cost of Studying Engineering for Indian Students	Ratan Tata Scholarship for Engineering NUS Science and Technology Undergraduate Scholarship
Top Recruiters for Engineers	Microsoft Apple Google

*Please note: Fees to study engineering abroad for Indian students vary depending on the university, the country, and the chosen course.

Why Study Engineering Abroad?

Engineering degrees are among the most sought-after degrees abroad, with applications increasing annually due to promising career prospects. In the United States, employment for software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers is expected to grow 25 percent from 2022 to 2032, surpassing the average growth rate for all occupations.

This indicates that engineering is among the highest-paying professions, with prospects continuing to improve. Read on to learn about other reasons why you should pick the best country to study engineering abroad. 

1. Global Recognition: Engineering degrees from reputed international institutions are recognised worldwide, enhancing career prospects. In the QS World University Rankings by Subject in 2024, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) holds the top global position for engineering & technology subjects.

2. Diverse Specialisation: Top engineering universities worldwide offer many exciting specialisations, ranging from artificial intelligence to renewable energy. For instance, MIT in the US provides excellent engineering specialisation courses, including Aeronautics and Astronautics, Biological Engineering, Chemical Engineering, and Nuclear Science and Engineering.

3. Scholarship Opportunities: Various scholarship opportunities are available to you as an engineering student looking to study abroad, enabling you to pursue your dream college and complete an engineering course without worrying about tuition fees.

For instance, the Tata Scholarship at Cornell University provides financial aid to undergraduate students from India. It is funded by an INR 2.5 Cr ($25 million) endowment and supports about 20 scholars at a time. This scholarship ensures talented Indian students can attend Cornell without burning holes in their pockets. 

4. Handsome Payouts: According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), engineers earned a median annual salary of INR 76L ($91K), surpassing the median yearly salary of INR 40L ($48) for all other occupations. Due to its attractive payouts, engineering has always been and remains one of the most desirable careers globally.

Best Country to Study Engineering Abroad in 2024

Engineering programmes are among the most picked courses after 12th science. If you are considering pursuing a degree in this field, you may wonder: Which country is best for engineering for Indian students? Let us tell you that each country has its unique advantages; some offer comprehensive programs, while others focus on research-oriented courses.

The United States is home to more than 70 out of over 500 engineering universities worldwide. It is no surprise that the US and UK are favoured destinations among students. However, countries such as Singapore, Canada, Australia, and Germany are also increasingly becoming popular.

While the best country to study engineering abroad is a highly sought-after topic among students, here is a list of the top 5 options. 

1. USA

The USA is home to top technical universities like MIT and Harvard University. It is considered a hub for pursuing the best technical specialisations because of its extensive research opportunities and promising job prospects. That’s why many Indian students are eager to study at the top universities in the USA. 

What’s more? Having many Indian students and faculty members on campus is a great advantage for Indian students studying in the US. Furthermore, the US is home to approximately 4.4 million professionals employed in the software engineering industry, ranking 3rd globally in terms of workforce size in this field.

Regarding the requirements for international students to study engineering, American universities usually require proof of English proficiency through IELTS or TOEFL scores. 

Here’s an overview of studying engineering in the US. 

Particulars	Details
Popular Engineering Branches	Mechanical Engineering Software Engineering Biomedical Engineering
Duration of the Programme	Bachelor’s: Around 4 years Master’s: 2 to 2.5 years
Job Prospects	Software Engineer Biomedical Engineer Environmental Engineer

Let’s now explore some of the top universities in the US for studying engineering, including their average tuition fees.

Top Universities	Average Annual Tuition Fees
Massachusetts Institute of Technology	INR 50L to INR 66L ($60K to $80K)
Stanford University	INR 35L to INR 55L ($42K to $65K)
Cornell University	INR 50L to INR 54L ($61K to $65K)

Want to know more? Read this blog on ”Engineering In USA For International Students.”

2. UK

The UK is home to several oldest and most renowned engineering institutions, including the University of Cambridge and the Imperial College London. In the 2025 QS World University Rankings, these universities secure the top 5 spots, highlighting the country’s reputation for engineering excellence.

Typically, the best UK institutions offer Bachelor’s in Engineering (BE) or Bachelor’s in Technology (BTech) degrees at the undergraduate level, with similar variants available at the master’s level.

What’s more? The UK holds the 5th position globally for innovation and has pioneered numerous engineering marvels, ranging from steam power and aeronautics to iconic designs like the world’s fastest car called the supersonic Thrust.

Here’s an overview of studying engineering in the UK.

Particulars	Details
Popular Engineering Branches	Chemical Engineering Computer Engineering Electrical Engineering
Duration of the Programme	Bachelor’s: 3 to 4 years Master’s: 1 to 2 years
Job Prospects	Electrical Engineer Chemical Engineer Aerospace Engineer

Let’s now explore some of the top universities in the UK for studying engineering, including their average tuition fees.

Top Universities	Average Annual Tuition Fees
Imperial College London	INR 34L to INR 48L (£38K to £54K)
University of Cambridge	INR 41L (£39K)
University of Oxford	INR 35L to INR 50L (£33K to £48K)

3. Canada

Wondering why you should study engineering in Canada? Like the USA and the UK, engineering is an in-demand profession in Canada. You can gain professional and hands-on experience during your studies to align perfectly with your career potential. 

Moreover, an engineering career can be financially rewarding in Canada. Salaries average around INR 72L ($86K) annually and vary depending on job title, skill set, and professional experience. 

What’s more? Renowned Canadian Universities, namely the University of Waterloo and McGill University, are well-known for offering a wide range of engineering programs, including but not limited to mining, robotics, software engineering, and computer science. 

Here’s an overview of studying engineering in Canada.

Particulars	Details
Popular Engineering Branches	Clinical Engineering Electrical Engineering Biomedical Engineering
Duration of the Programme	Bachelor’s: Around 4 years Master’s: 1 to 2 years
Job Prospects	Electrical Engineer Biomedical Engineer Civil Engineer

Let’s now explore some of the top universities in Canada for studying engineering, including their average tuition fees.

Top Universities	Average Tuition Fees
University of Waterloo	INR 60L ($73K) for 2 terms
University of Toronto	INR 11L to INR 13L ($13K to $16K) per year
University of British Columbia	INR 50L to 54L ($64K to $64K) per year

4. Australia

Next on the list of the best countries to study engineering for Indian students is Australia. It has a world-class reputation for its educational standards, with its universities consistently ranked among the best globally in the QS World Rankings 2025, including the University of Melbourne. Engineering courses are designed to meet international standards, ensuring you graduate with a qualification you can take anywhere.

Referred to as the “Land Down Under,” Australia is also one of the best countries for engineering master’s degrees. For instance, the Master of Professional Engineering programme at Monash University offers a solid foundation for professional development and provides a competitive advantage in the graduate employment market. The university ranks 66th in the world for producing the most employable graduates. 

What’s more? In Australia, engineers earn an average salary of INR 94L ($1.1L) per year, while experienced professionals can expect to earn up to INR 1.3Cr ($1.5L) annually. This is another compelling reason why Indian students look to study in Australia.

Here’s an overview of studying engineering in Australia. 

Particulars	Details
Popular Engineering Branches	Mechanical Engineering Civil Engineering Electrical Engineering
Duration of the Programme	Bachelor’s: 4 years Master’s: 2 years
Job Prospects	Project Engineer Mechanical Engineer Design Engineer

Let’s now explore some of the top universities in Australia for studying engineering, including their average tuition fees.

Top Universities	Average Annual Tuition Fees
University of Melbourne	INR 40L to INR 44L ($48K to $52K)
Monash University	INR 40L to INR 44L ($48K to $52K)
University of New South Wales	INR 94K to INR 95K ($1,130 to $1,130)

5. Singapore

Singapore is an attractive destination for engineering programs owing to its relatively low tuition fees compared to other Western countries, manageable living costs, and world-renowned universities like the National University Singapore. 

Further, English as the medium of instruction in Singapore’s top colleges makes it easier for Indian students to adapt. The abundance of job opportunities further enhances Singapore’s appeal as a preferred destination for engineering students. That said, software engineering (122%) is among the occupations that have seen the largest percentage growth in job postings in Singapore over the last 3 years. 

Additionally, Singapore’s proximity to India makes it convenient for Indian students to pursue quality higher education in engineering.

Here’s an overview of studying engineering in Singapore. 

Particulars	Details
Popular Engineering Branches	Software Engineering Electrical Engineering Electronic Engineering
Duration of the Programme	Bachelor’s: Around 4 years Master’s: 2 years
Job Prospects	Maintenance Engineer Software Engineer Mechanical Engineer

Let’s now explore some of the top universities in Singapore for studying engineering, including their average tuition fees.

Top Universities	Average Annual Tuition Fees
Nanyang Technological University	INR 25L ($31K)
National University of Singapore	INR 15L to INR 35L ($17K to $42K)
Singapore University of Technology & Design	INR 25L to INR 27L ($32K to $32K)

6. Germany

Did you know: STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) subjects are highly favored among graduate students in tertiary education in Germany? These disciplines attract 35% of students, offering a wide array of specialisations and research opportunities that cater to diverse interests. 

In terms of innovative research, Germany presents numerous opportunities for you to develop cutting-edge technology while studying in the country. Through active participation in research endeavours, students gain hands-on experience and contribute to the creation of advanced devices like robots.

Here’s an overview of studying engineering in Germany.

Particulars	Details
Popular Engineering Branches	Biomedical Engineering Civil Engineering Mechanical Engineering
Duration of the Programme	Bachelor’s: 3 to 4 years Master’s: 1 or 2 years
Job Prospects	Electrical Engineer Civil Engineer Mechanical Engineer

Let’s now explore some of the top universities in Germany for studying engineering, including their average tuition fees.

Top Universities	Average Tuition Fees
Technical University of Munich	INR 1.7L to INR 5L (€2,000 to €6,000) per semester
Technical University of Berlin*	INR 27K (€299) semester fee
University of Hannover*	INR 38K (€428) semester fee

*Please note: The Technical University of Berlin (TU Berlin) and Hannover do not charge tuition fees (except for continuing education master’s programs in the case of TU Berlin). However, students are required to pay a semester fee, which may vary slightly from semester to semester.

Top 5 Universities to Study Engineering Abroad

Now that you know the best country to study engineering abroad, you might be curious about the top universities offering engineering courses. Fortunately, leading engineering universities in the world offer a wide range of specialisations, from biomedical, and artificial intelligence to renewable energy.

For instance, engineering courses in the UK include a wide range of specialisations such as mechanical, electrical, civil, and aerospace engineering. Students have the flexibility to select from a range of degree programs including bachelor’s degrees and leading to PhDs.

Here is a list of the top 5 engineering universities in the world. 

Top Engineering Universities	QS World University Rankings 2025	Average Annual Tuition Fees
Massachusetts Institute of Technology	1	INR 50L to INR 66L ($60K to $80K)
Imperial College London	2	INR 34L to INR 48L (£38K to £54K)
University of Oxford	3	INR 35L to INR 50L (£33K to £48K)
Harvard University	4	INR 40L to INR 42L ($48K to $50K)
University of Cambridge	5	INR 19L to INR 30L (£22K to £34K)

1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology

MIT is considered the best place globally for engineering students. If you enjoy creating things, visit the Maker Lodge to get trained on cutting-edge equipment. 

For those interested in designing new machines, the New Engineering Education Transformation (NEET) offers students unique chances to work on projects spanning different fields while pursuing their degree in their chosen major.

What’s more? 90% of undergraduates work alongside faculty to research and make discoveries that improve life and make a better world for everyone.

Best Engineering Courses 

• Aeronautics and Astronautics
• Biological engineering
• Chemical engineering

Here is a table highlighting the English Language requirements. 

English Proficiency Test	Scores
IELTS	7 – 7.5
TOEFL	90 – 100
PTE	65 – 70

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2. Imperial College London

Since its inception in 1907, Imperial College London has blended its significant expertise in science, engineering, medicine, and business (STEMB) with a focus on scientific discovery, innovation, and entrepreneurship. 

What sets it apart? It is the only university in the UK to focus entirely on science and engineering. The courses are designed to build up your engineering expertise step by step. Special attention has been given to prioritise a balance between theory and practice, incorporating many team-based projects alongside lectures.

Best Engineering Courses 

• Aeronautics
• Bioengineering
• Chemical engineering

Here is a table highlighting the English Language requirements. 

English Proficiency Test	Scores
IELTS	7
TOEFL	100
PTE	69

3. University of Oxford

The Engineering Science programme at the University of Oxford is highly regarded for its comprehensive curriculum, which perfectly balances theoretical knowledge with hands-on application. It includes a diverse array of subjects, covering everything from microelectronics to offshore oil platforms.

Currently, there are 660 undergraduate students enrolled in Engineering Science at Oxford University.

Hear from one of the past software engineering students. Their experience might just inspire you!

“I started the Programme at a time in my life when I had just entered the software industry. I had a background in industrial engineering but no formal knowledge of software engineering. It provided an excellent background for me, allowing me to choose the subjects that were most important to my career.” – Anonymous

Best Engineering Courses

• Biomedical Engineering 
• Information Engineering 
• Engineering Mathematics

Here is a table highlighting the English Language requirements.

English Proficiency Test	Scores
IELTS	7
TOEFL	100

4. Harvard University

Harvard University is the oldest university in the US. Founded in 1636, it has a beautiful 209-acre campus in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Harvard’s location in Cambridge opens up numerous opportunities, particularly due to the city’s reputation as a hub for STEM companies. 

Engineering graduates from this university have launched their startups, and some have secured positions at major global corporations such as Intel, Tesla, Microsoft, Merck, and IBM.

Best Engineering Courses 

• Bioengineering
• Data Science
• Environmental Engineering 

Here is a table highlighting the English Language requirements. 

English Proficiency Test	Scores
IELTS	6.5
TOEFL	80

5. University of Cambridge

Established as one of the oldest universities globally, Cambridge provides a unique learning environment. The engineering program at Cambridge is designed to equip you with essential analytical, design, and computing skills crucial for modern engineering practices. 

During the first and second years of the course, you will get to know the fundamentals of engineering. This foundation enables you to make a well-informed decision about your specialisation starting from the third year. Some of the specialisation options for you to choose from include bioengineering, aerospace engineering and electrical engineering. 

Best Engineering Courses 

• Bioengineering 
• Information and Computer Engineering
• Environmental Engineering

Here is a table highlighting the English Language requirements. 

English Proficiency Test	Scores
IELTS	7
TOEFL	100

Eligibility for Studying Engineering Abroad

Did you know that overall employment in architecture and engineering fields in the US is expected to grow faster than average from 2022 to 2032? Due to this growth, there are projected to be about 1,88,000 job openings each year on average. 

Studying engineering abroad can be a fantastic experience, but it is essential to understand the eligibility requirements. While the exact requirements can vary depending on whether you’re pursuing an undergraduate or postgraduate programme and the specific university you’re interested in, here is a list of the standard requirements. 

• You must have completed class 12th with Chemistry, Physics, and Maths as your core subjects.
• You should have studied from a recognised board of education.
• A minimum GPA of between 3 to 4 is required. 
• You must hold a bachelor’s degree in engineering to qualify for a Master’s program abroad.
• If you’re interested in biomedical engineering, having Biology as a core subject in class 12th is essential. 
• If you want to pursue a master’s abroad, you might have to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) test.
• You should have passed an English Proficiency test such as IELTS (6.5 or higher), TOEFL (90 or higher), or PTE (65 or higher).
• You might have to include Letters of Recommendation or a statement of purpose in your application. 

Please note: Eligibility criteria will vary depending on the course and the university. Hence, please check the university’s official website before applying. 

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Scholarships to Reduce the Cost of Studying Engineering Abroad

Studying engineering courses abroad is a dream for many Indian students. However, if you’re concerned about the high university fees, you’d be happy to know that scholarships can provide significant relief by covering tuition, housing, and living expenses.

When exploring the best country to study engineering, you’ll find various scholarships available to support your academic journey.

Read on to explore some notable scholarships offered by Trust and the top universities. 

Scholarship Programme	Offered By	Benefits
Ratan Tata Scholarship for Engineering	The Tata Education and Development Trust	$25 million (INR 2.5 Cr)
NUS Science and Technology Undergraduate Scholarship	National University of Singapore	$6,000 (INR 5L) annual living allowance $1,750 (INR 1.5L) one-time computer allowance upon enrolment

Read More: “Scholarships For BTech Students Abroad”

High-paying Jobs After Studying Engineering Abroad 2024

Choosing the best country to study engineering opens up a wide range of job opportunities. Engineering provides more career options than any other field, with engineers often finding employment in academic institutions, government agencies, and diverse industries.

Starting a career in engineering now is particularly exciting, with prominent personalities like Elon Musk and Ratan Tata pushing the boundaries of technology. According to research from Oxford University, the demand for engineering jobs is expected to increase by 40% by 2030.

If you’ve reached this point, you’re likely convinced to pursue engineering abroad. If so, it’s crucial to understand the earning potential. 

Here is a list of the top high-paying engineering jobs and their salaries.

Job Roles	Average Annual Salary
Mechanical Engineer	INR 65L ($78K)
Civil Engineer	INR 71L ($85K)
Software Engineer	INR 65L ($77K)
Biomedical Engineer	INR 90L ($1L)
Aerospace Engineer	INR 73L ($87K)

Please note: The average annual salary can vary based on your skill set, experience level, and the company you apply to.

Top Recruiters for Best Engineering Courses Abroad

Cities like Seattle and WA are especially great for software engineers. This is because big tech companies like Microsoft, Salesforce, Adobe, and DocuSign have a significant presence there, making it a top spot for software engineering jobs.

That said, numerous opportunities are awaiting you. Moreover, a degree from a top university will put you in high demand, allowing you to choose the ideal company to kickstart your fantastic career. 

Here is a list of the top recruiters in the world. 

• Tesla
• Nasa
• Apple
• Google
• Amazon
• Intel
• BMW Group

To Conclude

The answer to the question of which country is best for engineering for Indian students isn’t direct. With numerous high-quality courses available in leading countries around the world, making a choice can be challenging. However, the key lies in assessing personal preferences and interests.

It’s crucial to consider what you enjoy and excel at and which engineering fields are in high demand. Additionally, take into account the cost of living expenses when evaluating the best country to study engineering in 2024.

Well, remember the high-paying job opportunities we mentioned in the previous section? They can quickly offset your educational expenses within just a few years. 

While we’ve covered all the details related to studying engineering abroad for Indian students, if you have any doubts, Leap’s got your back. LeapScholar has over 1500 experts to help you pursue your dream education abroad. Book a free call with our experts today!

Frequently Asked Questions