Study civil engineering abroad

Civil engineering is all about the design and building of major infrastructure and construction projects like roads, bridges and buildings. It’s an essential role that helps build the towns and cities we live in and connects the world around us.

It’s one of the oldest engineering subjects, and is a popular option for international students to study abroad. Civil engineering degrees are available in universities all over the world, at all levels of study including bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate levels.

Studying civil engineering abroad means you can access to some of the very best programs, universities and engineering schools in the world. It also means you’ll get to experience a different approach to the subject, which can help broaden your understanding and expand your perspective.

Making the big decision to live and study in another country is also a fantastic opportunity to encounter new cultures, meet new people and improve your language skills. It can also help stand out to employers and show your willingness to try new things.

Find out more about the benefits of studying abroad.

The structure and course content of each civil engineering program will differ from university to university. For example, some programs share the first year across several engineering disciplines including civil, mechanical and electronic engineering to help you get an understanding in all three areas.

Most civil engineering programs are made up of compulsory modules, but some do offer optional or elective courses you can take to help you personalise your degree. Most undergraduate programs last three or four years, and some have the option of an additional year abroad or in placement.

The learning methods will include a mixture of workshops, group work, and hands on practical work. The program will also include lectures, seminars and tutorials, and you’ll be assessed through exams, presentations, coursework, as well as a final year dissertation or project.

During an undergraduate civil engineering program you’ll cover a number of areas and modules, including:

Deciding where in the world you want to study civil engineering will have a huge impact on your studies and your quality of life, so it’s important you think carefully. To help you make the right decision, think about things like:

• The sort of country you want to live in

  You could be studying abroad for three or more years so make sure it’s somewhere you want to live. Think about the climate, culture and lifestyle you want when making your decision.

• How long you want to study for

  Think about what level of degree you want to study and how quickly you want to graduate. For example, in some countries you could achieve a master’s in four years, but it could take at least six years in others.

• The quality of the program

  If your main concern is studying at the best or most highly respected university possible, look at the rankings for civil engineering programs and focus your search on those at the top.

If you plan to return home to work after graduation, make sure the program you study is recognized by the governing body in your home country. For example, degrees need to be recognized by the Council of Civil Engineering in the UK for you to work as a chartered civil engineer.

Here’s more help on how to choose where to study abroad.

Standard entry requirements for international students to study civil engineering include:

• Secondary education with good grades in maths and science subjects
• A personal statement displaying your interest in the civil engineering
• English language proficiency test scores
• Academic references
• A bachelor’s degree (B.Eng or BSc) in civil engineering to study at postgraduate level

The exact requirements and acceptable grades will differ by program and university, so check their website carefully before you apply. Here is more on how to study abroad.

A degree in civil engineering will set you up for a job in the construction industry, but it’s also possible to find work in other sectors like finance, business and management. Jobs that are related to civil engineering degrees include:

• Civil engineer
• Design engineer
• Nuclear engineer
• Site engineer
• Structural engineer
• Construction manager
• Patent lawyer
• Quantity surveyor
• Urban designer

If you know what career you want to pursue after your degree, make sure the program you choose helps you achieve it.