Study mechanical engineering abroad
An in-depth guide to studying mechanical engineering as an international student.
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
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.
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.
How to study mechanical engineering abroad
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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
Bachelor's in mechanical engineering
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Mechanical Engineering - BSc Altinbas University, Turkey
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 4 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 8,500 USD
- Start date
- February, September
-
Mechanical Engineering and Processing Equipment - BSc Platov South-Russian State Polytechnic University, Russia
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 4 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 4,000 USD
- Start date
- January
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Mechanical Engineering - BEng (Hons) MAHSA University, Malaysia
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- -
- Tuition fees per year
- 7,200 USD
- Start date
- -
-
Mechanical Engineering - BEng Arizona State University, USA
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 4 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 30,634 USD
- Start date
- January, May, August
-
Mechanical Engineering - BEng University of Birmingham, UK
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 3 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 23,400 GBP
- Start date
- September
Diploma in mechanical engineering
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Mechanical Engineering - UGDip MAHSA University, Malaysia
- Program type
- Undergraduate diploma
- Duration
- 30 months
- Tuition fees per year
- 4,200 USD
- Start date
- January, April
-
Mechanical Engineering Technician - UGDip Humber College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning, Canada
- Program type
- Undergraduate diploma
- Duration
- 2 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 15,412 CAD
- Start date
- January
Certificate in mechanical engineering
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CNC Machinist Technician - Cert Northern Alberta Institute of Technology, Canada
- Program type
- Undergraduate certificate
- Duration
- 1 year
- Tuition fees per year
- 22,050 CAD
- Start date
- January, September
-
Computer Numeric Control (CNC) Machinist Technology - Cert Mohawk Valley Community College, USA
- Program type
- Undergraduate certificate
- Duration
- 1 year
- Tuition fees per year
- 6,892 USD
- Start date
- January, September
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CNC Machining, Metrology, and Manufacturing Technology - Cert Goodwin University, USA
- Program type
- Undergraduate certificate
- Duration
- 1 year
- Tuition fees per year
- 24,888 USD
- Start date
- January, May, September
Associate in mechanical engineering
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CNC Machining - ASc Goodwin University, USA
- Program type
- Associate
- Duration
- 2 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 24,888 USD
- Start date
- January, May, September
Mechanical engineering graduate programs
Master's in mechanical engineering
-
Mechanical Engineering - MEng Altinbas University, Turkey
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 2 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 3,450 USD
- Start date
- February, September
-
Mechanical Engineering - MEng Purdue University, USA
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 1 year
- Tuition fees per year
- 22,500 USD
- Start date
- January, August
-
Mechanical Engineering - MSc Arizona State University, USA
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 2 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 25,118 USD
- Start date
- January, August
-
Mechanical Engineering - MEng University of Birmingham, UK
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 4 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 23,400 GBP
- Start date
- September
-
Mechanical Engineering - MSc Linköping University, Sweden
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 2 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 19,000 USD
- Start date
- September
Doctorate in mechanical engineering
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Mechanical Engineering - Thermal/Fluid Sciences Track - PhD University of Maryland, Baltimore County, USA
- Program type
- Doctorate
- Duration
- 3 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 22,896 USD
- Start date
- January, August
-
Mechanical Engineering - PhD University of Wyoming, USA
- Program type
- Doctorate
- Duration
- 3 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 15,500 USD
- Start date
- May, September
-
Mechanical Engineering Science - PhD Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Hungary
- Program type
- Doctorate
- Duration
- 4 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 9,000 EUR
- Start date
- February, September
-
Mechanical Engineering - PhD American University of Beirut, Lebanon
- Program type
- Doctorate
- Duration
- 3 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 30,060 USD
- Start date
- January, August
-
Mechanical Engineering - PhD Koç University, Turkey
- Program type
- Doctorate
- Duration
- 3 years
- Tuition fees per year
- -
- Start date
- January, August
Diploma in mechanical engineering
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Mechanical Engineering Technician – Design - OCDip Centennial College, Canada
- Program type
- Postgraduate diploma
- Duration
- 1 year
- Tuition fees per year
- 16,531 CAD
- Start date
- January, September
-
Mechanical Engineering Technician - OCDip Fanshawe College, Canada
- Program type
- Postgraduate diploma
- Duration
- 11 months
- Tuition fees per year
- 24,028 CAD
- Start date
- September
-
Mechanical Engineering Technician – Non-Destructive Evaluation - OCDip Durham College, Canada
- Program type
- Postgraduate diploma
- Duration
- 28 months
- Tuition fees per year
- 15,002 CAD
- Start date
- September
Certificate in mechanical engineering
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Practical Elements of Mechanical Engineering - OCGCert Fanshawe College, Canada
- Program type
- Postgraduate certificate
- Duration
- 1 year
- Tuition fees per year
- 16,726 CAD
- Start date
- January, September
Pathway in mechanical engineering
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Computer-Aided Mechanical Engineering Pathway - PGP Glasgow Caledonian University, UK
- Program type
- Postgraduate pathway
- Duration
- 5 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 11,845 GBP
- Start date
- August
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.
