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    Study chemical engineering abroad

    An in-depth guide to studying chemical engineering as an international student.

    Find chemical engineering programs

    Explore chemical engineering programs abroad

    See other programs in chemical engineering

    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
    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

    Types of chemical engineering degrees

    Best countries to study chemical engineering

    Best universities to study chemical engineering

    See all universities offering chemical engineering programs

    How to study chemical engineering abroad

    1. University & program search

      Find the right program for you and your career aspirations

    2. Application guidance

      We'll get you to the right place to start your application

    3. Visa & travel advice

      Get help after application, all the way to your first day at university

    Our team of advisors is ready to support you at every step of your study abroad journey.
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    Chemical engineering study abroad programs

    Chemical engineering undergraduate programs

    Bachelor's in chemical engineering

    • false

      Chemical Engineering - BSc University of Utah, USA

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      4 years
      Annual tuition fee
      29,863 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 29,863 USD

      Start date
      August, May, January
      Show program overview about Chemical Engineering
    • false

      Chemical Engineering - BSc Louisiana State University, USA

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      4 years
      Annual tuition fee
      28,700 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 28,700 USD

      Start date
      August, May, January
      Show program overview about Chemical Engineering
    • false

      Chemical Engineering - BSc University of Nebraska-Lincoln, USA

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      4 years
      Annual tuition fee
      27,000 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 27,000 USD

      Start date
      January
      Show program overview about Chemical Engineering
    • false

      Chemical Engineering, Engineering Materials major - BSc Florida A&M University, USA

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      4 years
      Annual tuition fee
      17,940 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 17,940 USD

      Start date
      August, January
      Show program overview about Chemical Engineering, Engineering Materials major
    • false

      Science (Applied Chemistry) / Engineering (Chemical Engineering) - BSc RMIT University, Australia

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      5 years
      Annual tuition fee
      27,471 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 35,520 AUD

      Start date
      July, February
      Show program overview about Science (Applied Chemistry) / Engineering (Chemical Engineering)
    See all bachelor's degrees in chemical engineering

    Associate in chemical engineering

    • false

      Chemical Engineering - AES Moraine Valley Community College, USA

      Program type
      Associate
      Duration
      2 years
      Annual tuition fee
      9,408 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 9,408 USD

      Start date
      August, January, June
      Show program overview about Chemical Engineering
    • false

      Chemical Engineering - ASc South Seattle College, USA

      Program type
      Associate
      Duration
      2 years
      Annual tuition fee
      9,687 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 9,687 USD

      Start date
      April, September, June, January
      Show program overview about Chemical Engineering
    See all associate degrees in chemical engineering

    Diploma in chemical engineering

    • false

      Chemical Technology - UGDip Northern Alberta Institute of Technology, Canada

      Program type
      Undergraduate diploma
      Duration
      2 years
      Annual tuition fee
      13,800 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 17,259 CAD

      Start date
      September
      Show program overview about Chemical Technology
    See all undergraduate diplomas in chemical engineering

    Certificate in chemical engineering

    • false

      Chemical Technology - Cert Mohawk Valley Community College, USA

      Program type
      Undergraduate certificate
      Duration
      2 years
      Annual tuition fee
      6,892 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 6,892 USD

      Start date
      September, January
      Show program overview about Chemical Technology
    See all undergraduate certificates in chemical engineering

    Chemical engineering graduate programs

    Master's in chemical engineering

    • false

      Advanced Chemical Engineering - MSc Cranfield University, UK

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      1 year
      Annual tuition fee
      28,359 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 20,500 GBP

      Start date
      October
      Show program overview about Advanced Chemical Engineering
    • false

      Chemical Engineering - MSc Florida A&M University, USA

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      2 years
      Annual tuition fee
      25,868 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 25,868 USD

      Start date
      August, January
      Show program overview about Chemical Engineering
    • false

      Chemical Engineering - MSc University of Dayton, USA

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      2 years
      Annual tuition fee
      14,325 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 14,325 USD

      Start date
      August, May, January
      Show program overview about Chemical Engineering
    • false

      Chemical Engineering - MSc American University of Beirut, Lebanon

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      2 years
      Annual tuition fee
      19,710 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 19,710 USD

      Start date
      August, January
      Show program overview about Chemical Engineering
    • false

      Chemical Engineering - MEng University of Birmingham, UK

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      4 years
      Annual tuition fee
      32,370 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 23,400 GBP

      Start date
      September
      Show program overview about Chemical Engineering
    See all master's degrees in chemical engineering

    Doctorate in chemical engineering

    • false

      Chemical Engineering - PhD Florida A&M University, USA

      Program type
      Doctorate
      Duration
      2 years
      Annual tuition fee
      25,868 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 25,868 USD

      Start date
      August, January
      Show program overview about Chemical Engineering
    • false

      Chemical Engineering - PhD RMIT University, Australia

      Program type
      Doctorate
      Duration
      4 years
      Annual tuition fee
      28,214 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 36,480 AUD

      Start date
      February, July
      Show program overview about Chemical Engineering
    • false

      Chemical Engineering - PhD University of Wyoming, USA

      Program type
      Doctorate
      Duration
      3 years
      Annual tuition fee
      15,500 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 15,500 USD

      Start date
      September, May
      Show program overview about Chemical Engineering
    See all doctorates in chemical engineering

    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.