Study materials engineering abroad

Explore materials engineering programs for international students.

Find programs that match your goals quickly and easily using our advanced search filters

Image reflecting the subject area of Engineering & Aviation

Find your perfect materials engineering programs abroad

Find materials engineering programs you love that match your needs and aspirations, where you stand a high chance of acceptance.

Materials Engineering degrees abroad

Material engineers apply their knowledge of material properties to engineering designs and projects.

As a materials engineering student, you’ll develop a thorough understanding of the structure and behaviors of different materials, including metals, polymers, ceramics, and biomaterials. You’ll explore how materials perform in different environmental conditions, and consider how they could be used to develop problem-solving technologies and products.

The engineering industry is a global one, and the expertise of materials engineers are highly-prized across the world. By studying abroad, you’ll gain an international perspective that’ll help you kickstart a career anywhere you choose.

Materials Engineering program structure

Bachelor’s degrees require at least three years of full-time study, but completing an industrial placement as part of your BEng will increase your total program length to four years. Placements allow you to put your skills into practice and network with experts in the field.

Universities in the US follow the liberal arts model, so you’ll take general education classes alongside your materials engineering major. Undergraduate programs in the US take four years to finish.

Students wishing to work in research, development, or education can gain specialist knowledge through a postgraduate degree. A master’s program generally takes one or two years to complete, while a PhD adds a further five or so years to your studies.

Teaching is mainly delivered through lectures, seminars, practical workshops, and computer labs. Assessment methods vary between modules, but research projects, exams, presentations, written assignments, and computer-based tests are common.

Every university’s program content will be slightly different depending on the elective modules offered. However, most institutions cover these core areas:

  • Fundamentals of materials science
  • Design for structural applications
  • Design for functional applications
  • Modeling materials behavior
  • Physics of materials
  • Microstructures of materials
  • Mechanics of materials
  • Structure of solids
Illustration featuring a variety of academic and scientific symbols, including a graduation cap on top of a profile of Einstein's head, a book, a ruler, a lightbulb, a microscope, a DNA helix, and molecular structure, against a backdrop of a university building with trees and clouds.

Materials Engineering study abroad programs

What are the top materials engineering undergraduate programs abroad?

See all undergraduate degrees in materials engineering abroad

What are the top materials engineering postgraduate programs abroad?

See all postgraduate degrees in materials engineering abroad

Future materials engineering careers

As a materials engineering student, you’ll graduate with the tools needed to shape a forward-thinking and exciting career.

Your technical and professional skills can be transferred across several sectors, including manufacturing, research and development, education, and technology. Here are some of the job prospects available to you:

  • Materials engineer
  • Product/process development scientist
  • Manufacturing systems engineer
  • Materials tester
  • Aerospace engineer
  • CAD technician
  • Design engineer
  • Metallurgist

Adding practical, real-world experience to your CV is sure to grab the attention of recruiters. The majority of universities have a careers office where staff can help you find and apply for relevant placement opportunities.

Illustration of a student reading a book, surrounded by various symbolic elements including a scroll, pencil, question mark, briefcase, plant, skyscraper, and coins, representing education and growth.