Engineering education abroad, types of engineering education, admission requirements at engineering universities and other useful information.
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Engineering education provides students with the knowledge and principles of professional engineering practice. It includes bachelor's, master's, and PhD degrees. However, you can start working after obtaining a bachelor's degree. Engineering education includes chemical, mechanical, computer, construction, marine, mechanical, electrical, architectural, and other fields.
All industries and spheres of society depend on the precise and efficient work of engineers. They design, manufacture, and maintain almost everything that humans and the industry use, from corkscrews, boats, and cars to computers, spacecraft, and buildings. Technological progress would never have happened without engineers. Consequently, the people working in this sector play a huge role in the development of the future of our society.
The best engineering programs in the world are taught at these universities.
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Advanced searchIn the USA there are many engineering programs for international students. Admission requirements vary by college/university. Most universities recommend the applicants to take courses in high-level mathematics and science (calculus). Additionally, you must confirm your English language proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS) and pass the standardized exams SAT/ACT/GRE.
Before choosing a university, it is recommended to speak with students, alumni, and even faculty members to determine the strengths and weaknesses of the desired program. With an engineering degree from an American university, a graduate has a high chance of employment. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, engineering positions are in the top 20 highest paid professions[1].
British universities offer two types of engineering degrees: BEng (Bachelor of Engineering) and MEng (Master of Engineering).
The bachelor’s degree (BEng) lasts for 3 years, after which graduates can receive the status of Incorporated Engineer. Another option is to complete an integrated master's degree MEng with advanced study of core disciplines and become a Chartered Engineer. MEng takes 4 years or 5 years (with an additional year of practice). You can read more about the difference between the two qualifications here.
Admission criteria include IELTS from 7.0 and high A-Level grades in mathematics and physics.
In the UK, the term "engineer" can be applied to professions that do not require a degree, such as technologists, technicians, draftsmen, machinists, mechanics, plumbers, electricians, repairmen, and others.
Engineering in Switzerland can be studied either at one of the two federal institutes of technology (ETH Zürich, EPFL Lausanne), or one of the seven universities of applied sciences (UAS). ETH Zürich, located in the German-speaking part of Switzerland, offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees as well as continuing professional development programs. EPFL Lausanne, in turn, is located in the French-speaking part of Switzerland and implements the same educational levels as ETH Zürich. Seven Universities of Applied Sciences (UAS) only have bachelor’s and master’s programs in a limited number of engineering specializations.
For admission you need to provide a certificate of secondary (complete) general education, pass the university entrance exams or ECUS, and confirm German / French / English language proficiency. Most universities require an applicant to study for two years at a university in their home country.
Universities in Singapore, two of which are in the top 10 of the QS world ranking in engineering, offer a variety of programs in this discipline. The country's labor market has plenty of engineering positions. Prime Minister Li pointed out that STEM disciplines not only are regaining attractiveness among the youth of Singapore but will also be in high demand in the country for the next 50 years[2].
For admission, a foreigner needs to have12 years of secondary education and confirm your knowledge of English. Students who completed 11 years of school in their home country must pass the Foundation program or A-Levels. Also, universities have requirements for grades in certain subjects (mathematics, physics/chemistry/biology, English). Sometimes universities conduct additional entrance exams.
Russian universities offer a wide range of engineering programs: from aerospace to biomedical engineering. For admission, you must provide the results of the exam (in mathematics, physics, Russian, sometimes English and chemistry), pass entrance exams (also in mathematics, physics, Russian), sometimes pass an interview. It should be noted that not all engineering areas in Russian universities are developing uniformly. For example, it will take a long time before education in the field of robotics will reach a level comparable to other countries[3].
Requirements differ depending on the program, university, and country. Accurate and detailed information should be checked on the official university websites. Usually, the following is required:
| # | University | Country | Bachelor’s/year | Master’s/year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | Stanford University | USA | 73,964 USD | 57,861 USD |
| 3 | University of Cambridge | United Kingdom | 44,787 USD | 42,836 USD |
| 4 | Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETHZ) | Switzerland | 1,779 USD | 1,779 USD |
| 5 | University of California, Berkeley | USA | 48,006 USD | 60,766 USD |
| 6 | University of Oxford | United Kingdom | 35,445-49,666 USD | 36,359 USD |
| 8 | Nanyang Technological University | Singapore | 27,941 USD | 32,090 USD |
| 10 | National University of Singapore | Singapore | 28,980 USD | 28,183 USD |
| 13 | Georgia Institute of Technology | USA | 31,370 USD | Upon request |
| 22 | University of Toronto | Canada | 43,331 USD | 43,740 USD |
| Country | University | Programs | Cost/year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Germany | Heilbronn University | Master in Software Engineering and Management | 1,695 USD |
| Poland | Warsaw University of Technology | Bachelor of Environmental Engineering | 3,390 USD |
| Poland | Silesian University of Technology | Bachelor of Civil Engineering | 4,633 USD |
| Netherlands | Universiteit Utrecht | Bachelor of Civil Engineering | 19,298 USD |
| Lithuania | Kaunas University of Technology | Bachelor of Electronic and Electrical Engineering | 3,164 USD |
| № | Country | University | Programs | Bachelor’s/year | Language |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16 | South Korea | Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) | Chemical Engineering, electrical and electronic engineering | 7,000 USD | Korean |
| 20 | Italy | Politecnico di Milano | Civil engineering, electrical/electronic engineering | 4,405 USD | Italian |
| 21 | Japan | University of Tokyo | Civil engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical and electronic engineering, mathematical/chemical engineering, materials science | 3,746 USD | Japanese |
| 25 | Germany | Technical University of Munich | Mechanical/aerospace/biomedical engineering, mechanical engineering, etc. | Free | German |
| 38 | Japan | Kyoto University | Global engineering, architecture, engineering sciences, electrical and electronic engineering, etc. | 3,746 USD | Japanese |
| 47 | Italy | Politecnico di Torino | Aerospace/biomedical/chemical and food engineering, civil engineering, material science | 2,207-2,939 USD | Italian |
| 79 | South Korea | Yonsei University | Chemical and biomolecular engineering, architectural and urban engineering, electrical and electronic engineering, construction and environmental engineering, materials science, etc. | 3,266 USD | Korean |
| 86 | Brazil | University of São Paulo | Agricultural / aerospace / environmental / biochemical engineering, etc. | Free | Portuguese |
| 103 | Austria | Vienna University of Technology | Chemical and technological engineering, civil engineering, electrical engineering, environmental engineering | 821 USD | German |
| 114 | France | Sorbonne University | Environmental/agricultural engineering etc. | Free | French |
| Country | Duration | University | Language of Instruction | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | 1 year | University of Leicester | English | 20,523 USD |
| Canada | 1-2 years | Thompson Rivers University | English | 18,640 USD |
| United Kingdom | 1 year | University of Bradford | English | 12,248 USD |
| Malaysia | 1 year | University of Southampton | English | 7,730 USD |
| Netherlands | 1 year | Holland International Study Center | English | 19,662 USD |
The information given in the tables is approximate. The exact prices must be checked with universities.
Engineers have many specializations. Some create microscopic objects that cannot be seen with a naked eye. Others design items that we use every day, like smartphones and laptops. Some build huge structures: cars, planes and skyscrapers. Engineers know how to turn the products of the imagination into real innovation, so the opportunities for engineers are endless.
| Program | Description |
|---|---|
| Chemical Engineering | Application of physical sciences (chemistry and physics), life sciences (biology, biochemistry and microbiology), mathematics and economics to convert raw materials or chemicals into compounds useful to humans. Chemical engineers ensure that this process is carried out safely, sustainably and economically. |
| Civil Engineering | Design and construction of bridges, roads, canals, dams and buildings. Civil Engineering has traditionally been broken down into several sub-disciplines: Environmental Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, Construction Engineering, Transportation Engineering, Municipal or Urban Engineering, Water Resources Engineering, Materials Science, Coastal Engineering, and Geodesy. |
| Mechanical Engineering | Application of physical and material principles for the analysis, design, manufacture and maintenance of mechanical systems. Mechanical engineering includes the production and use of thermal and mechanical energy for the design, production, operation and maintenance of machines and tools. |
| Electrical Engineering | Application of electricity, electronics and electromagnetism. Electrical Engineering covers a range of sub-topics, including energy, electronics, control systems, signal processing, and telecommunications. Electrical engineering typically deals with problems related to large-scale electrical systems, such as power transmission and motion control, while electronics engineering deals with the study of small-scale electronic systems such as computers and integrated circuits. |
| Computer Engineering | Design of computers and computer systems. The job of such an engineer may include developing new hardware or using computers to run an industrial plant. Computer engineers also work with software. |
| Mechatronics Engineering | Convergence of electrical and mechanical systems. Such combined systems are known as electromechanical systems and are widely used. Examples include automated manufacturing systems, heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, and various aircraft and automobile subsystems. |
As the needs and knowledge of humanity increase, so do the requirements for technology. Some specializations disappear or are about to disappear, new, more promising areas emerge and develop. This process is especially influenced by the current state of affairs in one area or another. For example, due to the environmental situation, environmental engineering has acquired particular importance.
However, to definitely say that some engineering specializations are more promising than others would not be entirely true. Almost all of them are in demand and interconnected in one way or another, and involve the growth and development of specialists.
| Program | Description | Possible position / job | Universities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Environmental engineering | Is developed to protect people from the effects of pollution and other negative factors associated with the environment and improves its quality by solving problems related to the management of resources and waste management (eg, CO₂ emissions, air and water pollution etc.) | An environmental engineer in state and municipal bodies: in environmental centers, in the environmental expertise and control of environmental safety departments, in industries, in the structures like FEMA and emergency situation centres, in metrology and standardization services, construction companies. When designing structures and infrastructure, environmental engineers evaluate the quality of materials, technologies used and their impact on nature. | University of British Columbia, University of Queensland, Technical University of Denmark |
| Petroleum engineering | It is associated with the development of methods of production and direct extraction of hydrocarbons, which can be both crude oil, natural gas and other energy sources. | Petroleum engineer in the office of an oil company, drilling engineer, production engineer for oil and gas production in the field. A petroleum engineer not only finds deposits of natural gas and crude oil below the surface of the earth, but also determines whether the effort to extract the product is worth the company’s time and money. The main tasks: prospecting for oil, assessing site potential, oil extraction and its transportation/storage. | Pennsylvania State University, Delft University of Technology, University of Oklahoma |
Bachelor of Engineering is awarded to a student after 3-5 years of study in engineering and has the following titles:
More narrow areas of engineering can be called Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (BSEE) and Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (BSME).
Master of Science in Engineering (MSE, MscEng) is different from the degree of Master of Engineering. An MSE can include writing a dissertation and the holder can apply for a PhD. The Master of Engineering, in turn, works on a project, not scientific work, and usually cannot go to doctoral studies after graduation.
Doctor of Engineering (EngD, DEng, DEngr, DrEng) — PhD in Engineering and Applied Sciences.
Many universities provide grants for engineering students:
Google Internships are offered to engineering students. Internships usually last 12-14 weeks. The requirements depend on each specific proposal, but a resume, transcript of assessments and an interview are required. Information to help you prepare for your internship can be found on YouTube[5].
Boeing invites bachelor’s and master’s students in aerospace, chemical, construction, computer, electrical, industrial, material, mechanical/structural, or software engineering. The internship is designed for 10-12 weeks of full time work. Detailed information can be found on the company's website.
Chevron internships accept outstanding students in chemical / electrical / mechanical / oil / construction engineering. Internships take place in the United States, so it is preferable for applicants to study at a local
university. More information can be found here.
Internships are to be searched in engineering-related companies. Large and well-known enterprises usually have high competition. Here it is important to carefully prepare your documents and have achievements that will distinguish you from the crowd.
Students choose a specialization during admission, so, as a rule, they know exactly what they will be doing. Engineers are in high demand in the market and can almost always find work. For example, in the USA it is a popular[6] and highly paid[1] profession. According to forecasts by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of jobs for engineers will increase by 139,300 from 2016 to 2026[7]. In some countries, after bachelor’s studies, you must additionally obtain a license to start working. However, it should be kept in mind that despite the large number of vacancies, competition is also high, especially in large firms[6].
| Country | Min. salary/year | Avg. salary/year |
|---|---|---|
| USA | 42,200 USD | 91,700 USD |
| Great Britain | 25,157 USD | 79,312 USD |
| Australia | 15,418 USD | 48,600 USD |
| Canada | 22,942 USD | 72,409 USD |
| Singapore | 24,580 USD | 53,332 USD |
| South Korea | 8,742 USD | 27,598 USD |
| Germany | 13,831 USD | 43,618 USD |
| France | 15,029 USD | 47,234 USD |
| Czech Republic | 8,810 USD | 27,790 USD |
| Russia | 4,310 USD | 6,517 USD |
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