Study mechanical engineering abroad

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

Explore mechanical engineering programs abroad

See other programs in mechanical engineering

Mechanical engineering degrees abroad

Mechanical engineering is the study of machines and includes their design, manufacture, analysis and maintenance. It’s concerned with objects and systems in motion and can cover a huge range of fields including aerospace, manufacturing, electronics and the automotive industry.

Most mechanical engineering programs are a combination of science, maths and computing. It’s a subject that touches on all aspects of our lives and is a popular choice among international students looking to study abroad.

Mechanical engineering program structure

The learning and teaching methods for most mechanical engineering programs will be made up of lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical workshops, lab sessions and design classes.

You’ll be assessed through things like written essays, project reports and exams. Undergraduate programs can last five years and can include a work placement year which gives you real hands-on experience.

The exact structure and content of each mechanical engineering program will be different depending on the university, however most will cover the same core areas:

Thermodynamics
Engineering concepts
Engineering mathematics
Electrical and electronic systems
Mechanics, structures and materials
Systems modeling
Bioengineering

Mechanical engineering program structure

The learning and teaching methods for most mechanical engineering programs will be made up of lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical workshops, lab sessions and design classes.

The exact structure and content of each mechanical engineering program will be different depending on the university, however most will cover the same core areas:

Thermodynamics
Engineering concepts
Engineering mathematics
Electrical and electronic systems
Mechanics, structures and materials
Systems modeling
Bioengineering

Why study mechanical engineering abroad

Mechanical engineering is widely considered one of the most challenging subjects you can study, and will arm you with a wide range of skills. Mechanical engineers are always in high demand in the job market, and getting your degree abroad can give you an extra edge.

Studying abroad also means you’ll have more programs to choose from so you can find the university and course that works best for you.

Choosing to live and study overseas is also a great personal adventure where you’ll experience new cultures, make lifelong friends and improve your language skills. Find out more about the benefits of studying abroad here.

Where to study mechanical engineering abroad

When making the big decision of where to study mechanical engineering, there’s a few things worth considering to help you choose:

Work out what type of country you’d want to live in. Think about things like the culture, lifestyle and climate you would be happy living with. Remember you could be living there for several years, so it needs to somewhere you’ll enjoy.
Think about the university experience you want. It’s important you enjoy your time outside the classroom when you’re studying abroad, so look at what each university offers in terms of student clubs, societies and sports.
The content and reputation of the program. Look at what each program covers, and how well it ranks for mechanical engineering. Don’t base your decision on ranking alone, but it’s well worth considering if you want to study the best possible program.

It’s also worth looking at each program’s accreditation. In order to work as a mechanical engineer your degree may need to be recognized by that country’s governing body, so check this before you apply. Here’s more help on how to choose where to study abroad.

Best countries to study mechanical engineering

When working out which country is best to study mechanical engineering it’s worth thinking about which offer the best programs, and which offer the best placement and job opportunities.

The US is home to many of the best mechanical engineering courses, and it’s possible to gain experience by working in top international organizations. Germany is another popular study destination, thanks to its strong manufacturing sector, and quality universities.

Elsewhere, the UK offers a number of the best ranked mechanical engineering programs, and there are also fantastic opportunities in technology hubs like Japan, Singapore and China.

- USA
- UK
- Canada
- Australia
- Russia
- Hungary
- Lebanon
- Lithuania
- Malaysia
- Ireland
- Turkey
- Sweden
- Finland
- Cyprus

Best universities to study mechanical engineering

Mechanical engineering is a popular subject around the world, so there are many options when it comes to choosing a university or engineering school abroad.

To narrow down your search and help you find the right university, think about:

The campus environment you’d prefer, for example a city based university or a smaller leafy college town
If the university’s program includes a year in industry or a year abroad, and what options they offer
What the university offers outside of the classroom
Where the university ranks for its mechanical engineering programs

It’s worth applying to more than one university if you can to improve your chances of finding a place, but only ever apply to places you want to study in.

See all universities offering mechanical engineering programs

How to study mechanical engineering abroad

University & program search
Find the right program for you and your career aspirations
Application guidance
We'll get you to the right place to start your application
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.
Our services are 100% free for students like you because we're funded by universities.

Start your search Get free advice

Mechanical engineering study abroad programs

You can study mechanical engineering at a range of levels, including undergraduate, postgraduate and doctorate.

At undergraduate level you can study a BSc, or BEng (Bachelor of Engineering). There is little difference between the two, however a BEng tends to involve more practical elements. You can also sometimes choose to convert a BEng to an MEng, which includes an extra year of study and is a master’s level degree.

Undergraduate engineering programs can last between three and five years, depending on the country you are studying in, and whether or not you include a year in placement or a year abroad.

As a postgraduate you can study an MSc in mechanical engineering over one or two years. You can also study for a PhD once you have your master’s, which can last up to four years.

Mechanical engineering undergraduate programs

Mechanical engineering graduate programs

Entry requirements to study mechanical engineering abroad

To understand the precise entry requirements you’ll need to meet to be accepted onto a mechanical engineering program abroad, you’ll need to check with the university.

All universities and programs will have individual requirements, but there are some common criteria you’ll need to meet:

Secondary education with good grades in maths, physics and other science subjects
A personal statement that outlines your future plans and your interest in mechanical engineering
English language proficiency test scores
Academic references
A bachelor’s degree (BEng or BSc) in mechanical engineering to study at postgraduate level

If you want to study mechanical engineering in the UK and you’re from a country from outside the EU/EEA, you may need an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate. Here is more on how to study abroad.

Future mechanical engineering careers

Most mechanical engineering graduates will go on to become engineers, but there are several options you could choose from, including:

Mechanical engineer
Structural engineer
Aerospace engineer
Automotive engineer

However, because mechanical engineering degrees give you such a wide range of skills, there are plenty of other career paths you could take. Popular roles include:

Auto electrician
Transport planner
Patent lawyer
Production manager
Manufacturing consultant/researcher

If you know what career you want to pursue after graduation, make sure you choose a program that matches your aspirations.

Study mechanical engineering abroad

Explore mechanical engineering programs abroad

Bachelor's programs inmechanical engineering

Master's programs inmechanical engineering

PhD programs inmechanical engineering

Mechanical engineering degrees abroad

Mechanical engineering program structure

Why study mechanical engineering abroad

Where to study mechanical engineering abroad

Best countries to study mechanical engineering

Best universities to study mechanical engineering

How to study mechanical engineering abroad

University & program search

Application guidance

Visa & travel advice

Mechanical engineering study abroad programs

Mechanical engineering undergraduate programs

Mechanical engineering graduate programs

Entry requirements to study mechanical engineering abroad

Other engineering & aviation degrees

Future mechanical engineering careers

Bachelor's programs in
mechanical engineering

Master's programs in
mechanical engineering

PhD programs in
mechanical engineering