Study chemical engineering abroad
An in-depth guide to studying chemical engineering as an international student.
Chemical engineering degrees abroad
Chemical engineering is the science of converting raw materials into useful products, processes, or technologies. It involves elements of chemistry, biology, engineering, mathematics, economics, and physics.
The field of chemical engineering has expanded in recent decades to accommodate the increasing global demand for renewable energy, clean water and sanitation, pharmaceuticals, food manufacturing processes, and artificial materials. You’ll study every stage of the chemical engineering chain, from molecular-level laboratory work, to technological implementation at manufacturing plants.
By studying chemical engineering abroad, you could be at the forefront of exciting international advancements in the sector. You’ll see how multinational companies are designing, developing, and manufacturing new products for human consumption. You’ll network with industry experts, improve your employability, and make new friends on the adventure of a lifetime.
Chemical engineering program structure
The content and duration of your studies will depend on the type of chemical engineering program you select. Undergraduates can choose to study a bachelor of engineering (BEng) program over three or four years, or a master of engineering (MEng) qualification over four or five years.
Although these courses initially share similar modules and content, MEng students will ultimately study a wider range of topics in greater depth. Only students with an MEng will achieve fully-chartered engineer status from the Institution of Chemical Engineers.
Once you’ve completed your master’s, you can choose to study a PhD. A PhD is the highest level of postgraduate qualification and can take anywhere from four to seven years to finish.
Chemical engineering programs are renowned for their high number of contact hours and expectations of independent study. You’ll be taught through a combination of lectures, seminars, practical laboratory sessions, group workshops, and tutorials. Some institutions will invite industry professionals to deliver guest lectures and organize visits to engineering sites.
All chemical engineering students are encouraged to complete a sandwich year during their studies to gain hands-on experience in the industry, network with professionals, and boost their employability. Assessment methods will vary from module to module, but you can expect to complete exams, essays, reports, presentations, group work, and independent research projects.
Although the titles of modules and their content will differ slightly between universities around the world, most chemical engineering courses will cover these topics:
- Separation processes
- Thermodynamics
- Cell biology
- Heat, mass, and momentum
- Fluid mechanics
- Managing the environment
- Plant design
- Process systems and operations
Best universities to study chemical engineering
How to study chemical engineering abroad
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Chemical engineering study abroad programs
Chemical engineering undergraduate programs
Bachelor's in chemical engineering
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Chemical Engineering - BSc Arizona State University, USA
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 4 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 30,634 USD
- Start date
- January, May, August
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Chemical Engineering with Industrial Study - BEng University of Birmingham, UK
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 4 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 23,400 GBP
- Start date
- September
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Chemical Engineering - BSc University of Nebraska-Lincoln, USA
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 4 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 27,000 USD
- Start date
- January, June, August
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Chemical Engineering - BSc University of Kentucky, USA
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 4 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 29,050 USD
- Start date
- January, August
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Science (Applied Chemistry) / Engineering (Chemical Engineering) - BSc RMIT University, Australia
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 5 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 35,520 AUD
- Start date
- February, July
Chemical engineering graduate programs
Master's in chemical engineering
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Chemical Engineering - MSc Arizona State University, USA
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 2 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 25,118 USD
- Start date
- January, August
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Chemical Engineering (International Study) - MEng University of Birmingham, UK
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 4 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 23,400 GBP
- Start date
- September
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Chemical Engineering - MEngSc University College Dublin, Ireland
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 1 year
- Tuition fees per year
- 24,800 EUR
- Start date
- September
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Engineering (Chemical Engineering) - by research - MEng RMIT University, Australia
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 2 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 36,480 AUD
- Start date
- February, July
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Chemical Engineering - MProf University of Newcastle, Australia
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 2 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 38,825 AUD
- Start date
- February, July, September
Doctorate in chemical engineering
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Chemical Engineering - PhD RMIT University, Australia
- Program type
- Doctorate
- Duration
- 4 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 36,480 AUD
- Start date
- February, July
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Chemical Engineering - PhD University of Wyoming, USA
- Program type
- Doctorate
- Duration
- 3 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 15,500 USD
- Start date
- May, September
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Chemical Engineering - PhD Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, USA
- Program type
- Doctorate
- Duration
- 2 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 24,669 USD
- Start date
- January, August
Future chemical engineering careers
Today, so many aspects of human life depend on the work of chemical engineers. Companies and businesses are increasingly relying on chemical engineers to produce their products and provide their services.
That’s why chemical engineers are amongst the most in-demand graduates around the world. Your scientific and analytical skills could kickstart your career in any of the following roles:
- Energy process engineer
- Quality assurance engineer
- Biomedical engineer
- Chemical manufacturer
- Plant manager
- Wastewater engineer
- Food process engineer
- Product/process development engineer
If you’re unsure about which branch of chemical engineering you’d like to get into, try securing some work experience during your university holidays. This will help you narrow down your interests and give you a taste of potential careers. Your university’s career service can support you with work experience and internship applications.
