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    Study petroleum engineering abroad

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

    Find petroleum engineering programs

    Explore petroleum engineering programs abroad

    See other programs in petroleum engineering

    Petroleum engineering degrees abroad

    Petroleum engineering describes the extraction of oil and gas from below the Earth’s crust. As the global demand for energy supplies continues to grow, it's the responsibility of petroleum engineers to meet this need in a safe and sustainable manner.

    You’ll develop a strong grasp of the entire extraction process, from exploration and drilling to recovery and transportation. You’ll learn how to harness energy in the most efficient ways, and consider how the negative environmental effects of mining could be reduced.

    Due to the uneven distribution of petroleum reserves around the world, lots of jobs in the sector are based overseas. Studying abroad is the perfect way to demonstrate your ability to work with people from different cultures to future employers.

    Petroleum engineering program structure

    Bachelor’s degrees in petroleum engineering are offered as three or four-year BEng programs. The length of your program will depend on where you study and whether you complete an industrial placement as part of your course.

    Spending a year in industry is a worthwhile experience that could give you the upper hand when it comes to applying for graduate jobs. You’ll put what you’ve learned into practice and build professional connections.

    Those looking to seamlessly transition from an undergraduate to a postgraduate course might consider enrolling in a four-year integrated MEng program. Otherwise, you can take a master’s degree separately over one or two years.

    If you’re hoping to contribute to cutting-edge research in the sector, a PhD might be for you. Doctorate level degrees generally add a further four to six years on top of your studies.

    Petroleum engineering programs combine theoretical lectures, seminars, and tutorials with practical laboratories, group workshops, and field trips. Below are some of the core units you can look forward to studying as part of your degree:

    • Petroleum fundamentals and chemistry
    • Petroleum geology
    • Reservoir behavior
    • Fluid mechanics and thermodynamics
    • Mathematics for engineering
    • Fundamentals of engineering materials
    • Fundamentals of engineering mechanics
    • Mass and energy balances
    Petroleum engineering program structure

    Bachelor’s degrees in petroleum engineering are offered as three or four-year BEng programs. The length of your program will depend on where you study and whether you complete an industrial placement as part of your course.

    Spending a year in industry is a worthwhile experience that could give you the upper hand when it comes to applying for graduate jobs. You’ll put what you’ve learned into practice and build professional connections.

    Those looking to seamlessly transition from an undergraduate to a postgraduate course might consider enrolling in a four-year integrated MEng program. Otherwise, you can take a master’s degree separately over one or two years.

    If you’re hoping to contribute to cutting-edge research in the sector, a PhD might be for you. Doctorate level degrees generally add a further four to six years on top of your studies.

    Petroleum engineering programs combine theoretical lectures, seminars, and tutorials with practical laboratories, group workshops, and field trips. Below are some of the core units you can look forward to studying as part of your degree:

    • Petroleum fundamentals and chemistry
    • Petroleum geology
    • Reservoir behavior
    • Fluid mechanics and thermodynamics
    • Mathematics for engineering
    • Fundamentals of engineering materials
    • Fundamentals of engineering mechanics
    • Mass and energy balances

    Best countries to study petroleum engineering

    Best universities to study petroleum engineering

    See all universities offering petroleum engineering programs

    How to study petroleum 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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    Petroleum engineering study abroad programs

    Petroleum engineering undergraduate programs

    Bachelor's in petroleum engineering

    • false

      Energy, Oil and Gas Management - BSc University of Nicosia, Cyprus

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      4 years
      Annual tuition fee
      10,901 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 9,120 EUR

      Start date
      September, February, June
      Show program overview about Energy, Oil and Gas Management
    • false

      Oil and Gas Engineering - BEng North-Caucasus Federal University, Russia

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      4 years
      Annual tuition fee
      3,850 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 3,850 USD

      Start date
      September
      Show program overview about Oil and Gas Engineering
    • false

      Oil and Gas Engineering - BEng Platov South-Russian State Polytechnic University, Russia

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

      Fee in university's local currency 4,000 USD

      Start date
      October
      Show program overview about Oil and Gas Engineering
    • false

      Oil and Gas Management - BEng (Hons) MAHSA University, Malaysia

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      3 years
      Annual tuition fee
      4,800 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 4,800 USD

      Start date
      January, April
      Show program overview about Oil and Gas Management
    • false

      Petroleum 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 Petroleum Engineering
    See all bachelor's degrees in petroleum engineering

    Diploma in petroleum engineering

    • false

      Oil and Gas Field Operations - UGDip Northern Lights College, Canada

      Program type
      Undergraduate diploma
      Duration
      1 year
      Annual tuition fee
      3,429 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 4,306 CAD

      Start date
      September, February
      Show program overview about Oil and Gas Field Operations
    • false

      Petroleum Engineering Technology - UGDip Northern Alberta Institute of Technology, Canada

      Program type
      Undergraduate diploma
      Duration
      2 years
      Annual tuition fee
      13,818 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 17,353 CAD

      Start date
      September
      Show program overview about Petroleum Engineering Technology
    See all undergraduate diplomas in petroleum engineering

    Petroleum engineering graduate programs

    Master's in petroleum engineering

    • false

      Oil, Gas and Energy Engineering - MSc University of Nicosia, Cyprus

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      18 months
      Annual tuition fee
      8,283 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 6,930 EUR

      Start date
      February, September, June
      Show program overview about Oil, Gas and Energy Engineering
    • false

      Gas Turbine Technology - MSc Cranfield University, UK

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      1 year
      Annual tuition fee
      31,636 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 23,000 GBP

      Start date
      October, March
      Show program overview about Gas Turbine Technology
    • false

      International Oil and Gas Law and Policy - LLM University of Dundee, UK

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      1 year
      Annual tuition fee
      24,965 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 18,150 GBP

      Start date
      January, September
      Show program overview about International Oil and Gas Law and Policy
    • false

      Mechanics and Mathematical Modeling for Oil and Gas Industry - MSc Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, Russia

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      2 years
      Annual tuition fee
      5,600 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 5,600 USD

      Start date
      September
      Show program overview about Mechanics and Mathematical Modeling for Oil and Gas Industry
    • false

      Petroleum and Gas Engineering - MSc University of Portsmouth, UK

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      1 year
      Annual tuition fee
      24,208 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 17,600 GBP

      Start date
      September
      Show program overview about Petroleum and Gas Engineering
    See all master's degrees in petroleum engineering

    Doctorate in petroleum engineering

    • false

      Oil, Gas and Energy Engineering - PhD University of Nicosia, Cyprus

      Program type
      Doctorate
      Duration
      3 years
      Annual tuition fee
      5,379 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 4,500 EUR

      Start date
      February
      Show program overview about Oil, Gas and Energy Engineering
    See all doctorates in petroleum engineering

    Future petroleum engineering careers

    As a petroleum engineering graduate, you’ll have the knowledge and skills needed to spark up a lucrative career in the energy sector and beyond.

    With people and businesses around the world depending on the supply of petroleum for their daily activities, your degree will open up several international career paths. Here are some of the job prospects you could explore:

    • Petroleum engineer
    • Petroleum geologist
    • Reservoir engineer
    • Production engineer
    • Drilling engineer
    • Production technologist
    • Environmental advisor
    • Field engineer

    If you’re hoping to get a headstart in the graduate job market, it’s important to look for relevant work experience opportunities. Speak to your university’s career service about the benefits of internships and how best to secure one.