
Study environmental engineering abroad
An in-depth guide to studying environmental engineering as an international student.
Environmental engineering degrees abroad
Environmental engineering is a vital and rewarding subject that uses the principles of science and mathematics to manage ecosystems, restore polluted lands, and protect our natural resources.
As an environmental engineering student, you’ll be focussed on the development of new technology that can reduce things like pollution and flooding. You’ll develop an in-depth understanding of water, air, waste, and environmental assessment, giving you an awareness of process sustainability.
Environmental sustainability is a global issue, with all parts of the world facing different challenges. By studying abroad, you’ll get to experience different environments first hand, increasing your appreciation of the challenges we face. It’s also an opportunity to access the best facilities and programs, broaden your personal horizons, and make life-long memories.


Environmental engineering program structure
As an undergraduate, you can study for a bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering over three of four years. You can earn a BEng (Bachelor of Engineering), which you can often choose to convert to an MEng (Master of Engineering) after the second year of study. This means adding an extra year to your program to earn a master’s level qualification.
Some universities offer environmental engineering as a BSc, which will be very similar to BEng programs but may not be accredited by an engineering body. In some countries, like the UK, most programs are combined with civil engineering or another related subject like chemical engineering or architecture.
As a postgraduate, you can continue your studies with an MSc in environmental engineering which typically takes one year of full-time study to complete. PhD programs are also available, and will usually involve between three and five years of unique research on a specific area of the subject.
The teaching on most programs will be a combination of theoretical and practical sessions. You’ll learn through lectures, seminars, field trips, and lab and design workshops. Assessments will vary for each module you take, but you can expect coursework, presentations, exams, and a final year dissertation.
Each university and program will have its own unique program curriculum, but typical core environmental engineering modules include:
- Engineering science
- Mathematics for engineers
- Hydraulics and soil mechanics
- Structural design and analysis
- Surveying
- Environmental engineering practice
- Environmental policy and regulation
- Geotechnical engineering
Environmental engineering program structure
As an undergraduate, you can study for a bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering over three of four years. You can earn a BEng (Bachelor of Engineering), which you can often choose to convert to an MEng (Master of Engineering) after the second year of study. This means adding an extra year to your program to earn a master’s level qualification.
Some universities offer environmental engineering as a BSc, which will be very similar to BEng programs but may not be accredited by an engineering body. In some countries, like the UK, most programs are combined with civil engineering or another related subject like chemical engineering or architecture.
As a postgraduate, you can continue your studies with an MSc in environmental engineering which typically takes one year of full-time study to complete. PhD programs are also available, and will usually involve between three and five years of unique research on a specific area of the subject.
The teaching on most programs will be a combination of theoretical and practical sessions. You’ll learn through lectures, seminars, field trips, and lab and design workshops. Assessments will vary for each module you take, but you can expect coursework, presentations, exams, and a final year dissertation.
Each university and program will have its own unique program curriculum, but typical core environmental engineering modules include:
- Engineering science
- Mathematics for engineers
- Hydraulics and soil mechanics
- Structural design and analysis
- Surveying
- Environmental engineering practice
- Environmental policy and regulation
- Geotechnical engineering
Alternative environmental studies degrees
Best countries to study environmental engineering
Best universities to study environmental engineering
How to study environmental engineering abroad
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Environmental engineering study abroad programs
Environmental engineering undergraduate programs
Bachelor's in environmental engineering
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Civil and Environmental Engineering - BEng (Hons) University of the West of England - UWE Bristol, UK
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 4 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
17,984 USD
Fee in university's local currency 13,000 GBP
- Start date
- September
-
Civil & Environmental Engineering - BS Rowan University, USA
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 4 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
21,970 USD
Fee in university's local currency 21,970 USD
- Start date
- September
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Civil and Environmental Engineering - Integrated BEng (Hons)/MEng Abertay University, UK
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Master's
- Duration
- 4 years
- 1 year
- Annual tuition fee
-
19,367 USD
Fee in university's local currency 14,000 GBP
- Start date
- September
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Civil and Environmental Engineering - BSc University of Nicosia, Cyprus
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 4 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
11,287 USD
Fee in university's local currency 9,420 EUR
- Start date
- September, June, February
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Civil Engineering / Environmental Engineering - BEng University of Newcastle, Australia
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 5 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
27,278 USD
Fee in university's local currency 35,270 AUD
- Start date
- February, September, July
Associate in environmental engineering
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Civil & Environmental 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
- September, January, June, April
Diploma in environmental engineering
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Building Environmental Systems Technology - UGDip Northern Alberta Institute of Technology, Canada
- Program type
- Undergraduate diploma
- Duration
- 1 year
- Annual tuition fee
-
15,832 USD
Fee in university's local currency 19,800 CAD
- Start date
- September
Environmental engineering graduate programs
Master's in environmental engineering
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Civil & Environmental Engineering - MSc Rowan University, USA
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
16,400 USD
Fee in university's local currency 16,400 USD
- Start date
- September, January, May
-
Civil and Environmental Engineering - Integrated BEng (Hons)/MEng Abertay University, UK
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Master's
- Duration
- 4 years
- 1 year
- Annual tuition fee
-
19,367 USD
Fee in university's local currency 14,000 GBP
- Start date
- September
-
Civil, Structural & Environmental Engineering - ME University College Dublin, Ireland
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
29,715 USD
Fee in university's local currency 24,800 EUR
- Start date
- September
-
Engineering (Environmental Engineering) - by research - MEng RMIT University, Australia
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
28,214 USD
Fee in university's local currency 36,480 AUD
- Start date
- July, February
-
Engineering Management - Environmental Engineering Track - MSc University of Maryland, Baltimore County, USA
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 2 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
22,896 USD
Fee in university's local currency 22,896 USD
- Start date
- August
Doctorate in environmental engineering
-
Chemical- Bio- and Environmental Engineering - PhD Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Hungary
- Program type
- Doctorate
- Duration
- 4 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
10,784 USD
Fee in university's local currency 9,000 EUR
- Start date
- February, September
-
Environmental Engineering - PhD RMIT University, Australia
- Program type
- Doctorate
- Duration
- 3 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
28,214 USD
Fee in university's local currency 36,480 AUD
- Start date
- July, February
-
Environmental Engineering - PhD University of Maryland, Baltimore County, USA
- Program type
- Doctorate
- Duration
- 3 years
- Annual tuition fee
-
22,896 USD
Fee in university's local currency 22,896 USD
- Start date
- August
Future environmental engineering careers
Many environmental engineering graduates go on to work in the civil engineering industry, but the technical, communication, and management skills you’ll develop are in demand with employers across all sectors. Some of the popular roles for graduates include:
- Environmental engineer
- Sustainability consultant
- Environmental manager
- Design engineer
- Hydraulic modeler
- Project coordinator
Take advantage of any opportunities at university that can help boost your career prospects. Many programs offer a sandwich year where you can work on placement and gain real-world experience.
Most universities are also full of great student organizations you can join which can give you valuable experience you might not get in the classroom.
