Best Undergraduate Engineering Schools in the World. Engineering as an idea predates engineering as a profession by millennia. To uncover the origin of human brilliance that led to the creation of tools, one should actually turn to the past. Have you ever considered the wheel and its unidentified engineer? Think of the Pyramids and the Roman Aqueducts as examples of ancient constructions that continue to completely elude us. Without the use of engineering expertise, those enormous structures simply cannot be designed or constructed.
Modern engineering, also referred to as an applied STEM field in our culture, first appeared a few centuries ago. This is the period that saw the invention of steam engines, mining equipment, drills, pulleys, gears, and all those common engineering slang terms. This kept young minds from receiving the skills training they needed to support the Industrial Revolution. As a result, engineering became an increasingly exclusive field with a focus on intellectual prowess to understand how science is applied in the creation and construction of things. As a result, engineering courses were added to university curricula, and substantial funding was provided to equip such training centers.
There are already tens of thousands of engineering colleges worldwide that are authorized, with over ten thousand of them in India alone. In conformity with the principles of mathematics, physics, and other sciences, students are instructed to sharpen their intellectual and creative capacities. The majority of the disciplines under the Engineering heading—including Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, and Chemical Engineering—may be known to you. Demand for more specialized training has given rise to more categories. Naval engineering, computer engineering, information engineering, aerospace, nuclear engineering, environmental engineering, software engineering, and even biomedical engineering are now in demand.
Typically, a Bachelor in Technology or a Bachelor in Engineering is provided as an undergraduate engineering degree. Students who earn a BTech or BE degree from a reputable college or university find themselves in high demand and well-paid despite the fact that competition is frequently fairly fierce. Many people decide to enter the workforce, while others opt to either specialize further in academics with an MS or PhD or move on to furthering their management skill development with an MBA. All things considered, earning an engineering undergraduate degree is a highly sought-after credential.
In this article, we attempt to compile a rating of some of the most well-known engineering schools worldwide, with a particular emphasis on North American, European, and Asian universities. In order to qualify for the final degree, the majority of undergraduate engineering programs around the world are four years lengthy and include short-term research or building projects.
Table of Contents
Best Undergraduate Engineering Schools in the World
1. ETH Zurich (Zürich, CH)
Electrical Engineering and Information Technology, Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, and Materials Science are the four bachelor’s degrees in engineering sciences that the engineering sciences department at ETH Zurich provides to aspiring engineers.
The university’s bachelor’s degrees are earned in three years, with the first year or two spent by students learning the fundamentals of the many fields before they specialize and produce a thesis project.
A student who has earned a bachelor’s degree in engineering in their chosen field has a variety of alternatives for continuing their studies and narrowing their focus through one of ETH Zurich’s master’s programs.
While some of the university’s Master of Science degree programs can be finished in three semesters, others require four, many of them can.
Students can choose from a variety of specializations in these graduate programs, including ones in nuclear engineering, neural systems and computation, and biomedical engineering.
2. National University of Singapore (Queenstown, SG)
Electrical, chemical, mechanical, and biomedical engineering bachelor’s degrees are among the many options available to students at the College of Design and Engineering of the National University of Singapore.
In order to give undergraduate students the freedom to create their own specialized degrees, the design and engineering college recently updated its curriculum to make use of the 40 modular credits for unconstrained electives.
In order to complete their bachelor’s degree in their chosen field, undergraduates can now pursue a second major, add more minors, or pursue specializations.
Students who want to advance their education and understanding in engineering can choose from a variety of Master of Science degrees that are coursework-based or go the research route to achieve a master’s or doctoral degree.
3. Oxford University (Oxford, UK)
It will take undergraduate engineering students at the University of Oxford four years to finish their coursework and graduate with a Master of Engineering from the institution.
Prior to spending the following two years of study focusing in one of the school’s numerous categories of engineering science, the first two years of study acquire the fundamental knowledge and abilities the university believes are vital to all areas of engineering.
Significant design and research projects are included in the third and fourth years of the program in order to develop real-world experience and a deeper comprehension of the selected area of concentration.
Three postgraduate engineering programs are offered at the University of Oxford. The Master of Science (Research), Doctor of Engineering, or Doctor of Philosophy programs are available to those who choose to pursue further research.
4. University of Cambridge (Cambridge, UK)
Depending on the degree a student wants to pursue, the undergraduate engineering curriculum at the University of Cambridge’s Department of Engineering lasts three to four years.
Although the programme of study is intended to take four years to complete with a Master of Engineering degree, engineering students have the option of finishing their studies in three years to receive the school’s Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Engineering.
The first two years of study address foundations of engineering that are common to many fields, just like many other undergraduate engineering courses on our list, while the third and fourth years require students to specialize in a particular subject.
Students can continue their study through postgraduate coursework at the institution by enrolling in taught programs that lead to the Master of Research or Master of Philosophy degree or in research programs that lead to additional master’s degrees and PhDs.
5. Nanyang Technological University (Jurong West, SG)
One of the biggest engineering schools in the world, Nanyang Technological University’s College of Engineering in Singapore enrolls more than 10,000 undergraduate students each year.
The college now offers 14 different degrees, including 11 bachelor’s programs in engineering and 3 bachelor’s programs in science.
The majority of the four-year bachelor’s degrees offered by the university include a number of interdisciplinary choices and double majors that are collaboratively managed by the university’s colleges.
Academically talented undergraduates can contribute to field research early in their careers by taking part in the university’s Undergraduate Research Experience in Campus (URECA) or Undergraduate Research Opportunity Programme (UROP) chances as one of the electives in their programmes of study. One of the biggest engineering schools in the world, Nanyang Technological University’s College of Engineering in Singapore enrolls more than 10,000 undergraduate students each year.
The college now offers 14 different degrees, including 11 bachelor’s programs in engineering and 3 bachelor’s programs in science.
The majority of the four-year bachelor’s degrees offered by the university include a number of interdisciplinary choices and double majors that are collaboratively managed by the university’s colleges.
Academically talented undergraduate students can get a head start on their careers by taking advantage of the university’s Undergraduate Research Experience in Campus (URECA) or Undergraduate Research Opportunity Programme (UROP) chances as one of their electives.
6. Harvard University (Cambridge, MA)
Students interested in engineering can choose from a wide range of study options at Harvard University’s John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences.
In a variety of engineering areas, the school offers courses leading to Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Master of Science, and PhD degrees.
There are several chances for research in emerging sectors of engineering and applied sciences in each of the school’s academic specialties.
The university offers PhD degrees in a variety of disciplines, including materials science, electrical engineering, environment science, and quantum science and engineering.
The engineering school at Harvard University collaborates with a number of research organizations and projects to offer cutting-edge research in a variety of subjects.
13 facilities across the nation are accessible to researchers thanks to its participation in the National Nanotechnology Coordinated Infrastructure initiative.
7. Tsinghua University (Beijing, CN)
Tsinghua University in Beijing divides the study of engineering disciplines into a number of schools, each of which has engineering departments for more specialized topics.
Over the course of its history, the university’s Department of Electrical Engineering has graduated almost 13,000 students.
A number of well-known academics and professionals in China who have received various honors and held important positions were also generated by the department.
Many of the field’s research centers are located in China at the School of Materials Science and Engineering, which also holds a high ranking among institutions teaching the subject. Both the QS World University Ranking by Subject and the U.S. News Ranking by Subject have placed the institution among the top nine worldwide.
8. University of California, Berkeley (Berkeley, CA)
The University of California, Berkeley offers a wide range of departments for the study of engineering. Among the departments of the school devoted to the subject are electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, civil and environmental engineering, and engineering science.
The Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences offers undergraduate programs that grant degrees in computer science, electrical engineering, and computer science in addition to nuclear engineering and materials science.
The department also offers master’s and doctoral degrees in computer science, electrical engineering, and computer science.
University research departments produce state-of-the-art work in disciplines like nanotechnology, biological engineering, earthquake engineering, and computing theory.
The federal government, NASA, and business collaborate with researchers at the Center for Utilization of Biological Engineering in Space at UC Berkeley to create biological production methods for food, medicine, and fuel for a voyage to Mars.
9. Stanford University
The engineering school at Stanford University offers prospective engineers the chance to pursue graduate and postgraduate degrees in addition to Bachelor of Science degrees in the main engineering fields.
Stanford University provides multidisciplinary engineering degrees in topics like biomechanical engineering, engineering physics, and atmosphere and energy, in addition to majors and minors in these disciplines.
The school’s Individually Designed Major in Engineering allows students to pursue an engineering degree in a discipline other than those that the school typically offers.
The degree plan for students in this program must be developed in collaboration with an advisor from the engineering school and a second advisor from a related profession.
The engineering school’s research labs and centers carry out work in disciplines such experimental physics, aerospace robotics, and nanotechnology.
10. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Cambridge, MA)
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology, which holds the distinction of being the top engineering school in the world, offers exceptional opportunities for students studying engineering at all levels of education.
At MIT, undergraduate engineering students can simultaneously pursue any number of engineering degrees while using the “makerspace,” nanotechnology resources, and sandbox for start-up businesses.
Additionally, undergraduate students collaborate with their teachers and other academics to advance the field.
The engineering department at MIT conducts research on some of the most fascinating and difficult topics the world is now confronting. Nuclear energy, artificial intelligence, and climate change are just a few of the topics having dedicated research labs and facilities within the school.
The school’s engineering faculty members have won a slew of honors for their services to the industry and for helping to shape the education of the next generation of engineering leaders.
Conclusion
Some of the most sought-after and well-paid occupations in the world are in engineering. Make sure you are the greatest at what you do, or at the very least, have the best tools to build the appropriate set of talents that the industry requires of you in order to obtain “the finest seats” in the engineering field.
Though it’s not the only option, attending one of the top engineering schools in the world can be a terrific place to start. Knowing the top engineering schools is an excellent place to start, but you shouldn’t discount other engineering programs just because they aren’t included in the top 100 lists. Before choosing, carefully weigh your options!
FAQS on Best Undergraduate Engineering Schools in the World
What is the best country to study engineering?
Canada
India
China
France
New Zealand
United States
Which university is best for engineering in the world?
National University of Singapore.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
Harbin Institute of Technology.
Hong Kong Polytechnic University.
Shanghai Jiao Tong University.
Huazhong University of Science & Technology.
Stanford University.
Zhejiang University.
Which engineer is most in demand?
Data Science & Machine Learning
Automation & Robotics Engineer
Petroleum Engineer
Civil Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Alternative Energy Engineer
Mining Engineer
Project Engineer.
Which Engineer is highly paid?
With an average salary between ₹ 8,00,000 and ₹10,00,000 per annum, the aerospace engineer is among the highest paying engineering jobs.
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FAQs
Why engineering is the best major? ›
As an engineer, you can choose to work on projects that benefit society. Engineers help clean the environment, develop prosthetic aids, create clean and efficient transportation systems, find new sources of energy, alleviate the world's hunger problems, and increase the standard of living in underdeveloped countries.
Is it worth it to get an engineering degree? ›If you're interested in a career where your work contributes a positive impact on the world or society, engineering may be an excellent field to consider. Many engineers make important breakthroughs in technology and have a significant impact on the quality of life of individuals, both locally and globally.
How hard is an engineering degree? ›Engineering ranks among one of the hardest degrees you can do. The degree requires you to have everything from logic and common sense to a tremendous amount of patience when things don't go your way. Engineering can be very difficult because you're essentially becoming a “professional problem solver”.
Which engineering has highest salary? ›- Systems Engineer. ...
- Electrical Engineer. ...
- Chemical Engineer. ...
- Big Data Engineer. ...
- Nuclear Engineer. ...
- Aerospace Engineer. ...
- Computer Hardware Engineer. ...
- Petroleum Engineer.
It's no secret that some majors are harder than others. We've done the research and concluded that chemical, aerospace, biomedical, electrical, and computer engineering are the top 5 hardest engineering majors you can enroll in.
Which field of engineering is best in future? ›- Civil engineering technician.
- Cartographer.
- Aerospace engineering technician.
- Industrial engineer.
- Agricultural engineer.
- Mechanical engineer.
- Marine engineer.
- Civil engineer.
They hold huge responsibilities in their work to complete their tasks competently, and if they do so, their companies are rewarded greatly. Because there's so much money in this industry, specialized workers, such as software engineers, are paid well. They also often receive large performance-based bonuses.
Are engineers really in demand? ›The job outlook for engineers continues to show a high demand for talent. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates a large need for engineers and computer-related employees over the next 10 years due to job growth and replacing those leaving the workforce.
Which engineering is toughest? ›Mechanical Engineering is one of the broadest and probably the most complicated branches of engineering. At the most basic level, mechanical engineers deal with the basic laws concerning physical nature (for example, the principles of force, motion, and energy).
Which engineer is hardest to study? ›Top 3 Hardest Engineering Majors | Top 3 Easiest Engineering Majors |
---|---|
1. Chemical engineering (19.66 hours) | 1. Industrial engineering (15.68 hours) |
2. Aero and astronautical engineering (19.24 hours) | 2. Computer engineering and technology (16.46 hours) |
Which is the hardest degree in the world? ›
- Chartered Accountancy.
- Astrophysics.
- Quantum Mechanics.
- Law.
- Aerospace/ Aeronautical Studies, Engineering.
- Biomedical Studies, Neurosciences, Biochemistry.
- Nursing.
- Dentistry, Medicine.
- AI Research Engineer. Approximate Labs —Remote. ...
- Test Engineer/DFT Engineer. Volt Workforce Solutions —Milpitas, CA3.7. ...
- Principal Software Engineer. ...
- Sr Data Engineer - $120k-$300k (Python, ML Pipelines) ...
- Founding Software Engineer. ...
- VP of Engineering. ...
- Inference Service Engineering Manager. ...
- Staff Engineer.
The most demanded engineering courses include Computer Science and Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Solar Engineering, Wind Energy Engineering, Nanotechnology, etc.
Can engineers make 200K? ›Engineering jobs are consistently some of the highest paying, with a medium annual wage of around $100K. On the higher end of the pay range, many engineering jobs will even reach a starting salary of $200K.
Which engineering has the most math? ›Aerospace Engineering
Like mechanical engineering, aerospace engineers have a heavy course load with a lot of mathematics classes, and with many complex concepts that you will have to call upon quickly and often.
Industrial engineering, while being far from a walk in the park, is arguably the least demanding of all engineering degrees. Not because it is considered easy by any means, but because there tend to be more industrial engineering graduates when compared to to computer, electrical or chemical engineers in the field.
What is the least competitive engineering major? ›Mechanical Engineering and Materials Engineering
These two are often the least popular engineering specialties to major in, which can make them easier to get into, especially compared to more competitive engineering degrees like computer science.
- Petroleum Engineering. ...
- Electrical Engineering. ...
- Aerospace Engineering. ...
- Computer Engineering. ...
- Chemical Engineering. ...
- Biomedical Engineering. ...
- Civil Engineering.
Chemical Engineering
The total number of jobs will rise from 26,300 to 28,700 in 2030. The rate of growth for the chemical engineering field is higher than the national average. The demand for chemical engineering services largely depends on the demand for the products of several manufacturing industries.
International Students Are 70% Of EE Grad Students In U.S.
Do engineers make over 100k? ›
Yes, you can make $100,000 per year as an engineer.
The chances of earning over $100k for an engineer are actually pretty good because the highest-paid engineer positions typically pay at least $115,000 per year.
Generally speaking, it's brcause there's too many engineers. They're easily replacable and especially for civil and mechanical engineer. But if you have a masters or are a specialist in something , you'll be in high demand. Industry and location/country also matter very much obviously.
Are engineers happy in life? ›According to a recent survey, a staggering 87% of engineers sampled said they were extremely satisfied with their jobs.
Is engineering hard to find a job? ›Engineering often has firm rules about what experience and licensing is necessary for a particular title, so getting started in the field can be daunting. However, engineering roles are competitive in nearly every industry they work in, so there is a need for new engineers and experienced engineers in many areas.
Are engineering jobs declining? ›Employment of engineers is projected to grow 4.0 percent from 2014 to 2024, adding about 65,000 new jobs.
Why engineers are better than everyone else? ›Without engineers, there would be no network connections, no working computers, no structures, no legwork in products, nothing. While some companies may be able to continue working without engineers, every company requires an engineer to set up their initial technology and get them moving along the business train.
What is the #1 best engineering job? ›- Biomedical Engineer.
- Petroleum Engineer.
- Environmental Engineer.
- Civil Engineer.
- Mechanical Engineer.
- Architect.
- Environmental Engineering Technician.
What Is the Hardest Engineering Major? Engineering is a notoriously challenging field. These majors require lots of homework and classes that cover high-level topics like advanced calculus and physics.
What aspects of engineering are most appealing to you? ›One of the most appealing aspects of the field is that you will get to work with highly qualified people. Engineering is a highly technical field, and it takes a lot of training and experience to become an expert. As a result, most engineers are very highly qualified.
Why are engineers so happy? ›Engineers' happiness is related to creativity in most engineering roles. Engineering jobs, on the whole, are stimulating and can be very versatile.
Why do engineers make so much? ›
They hold huge responsibilities in their work to complete their tasks competently, and if they do so, their companies are rewarded greatly. Because there's so much money in this industry, specialized workers, such as software engineers, are paid well. They also often receive large performance-based bonuses.
What is the life of an engineer? ›A day in an engineer's life will consist of going through design plans, making corrections, coming up with new ideas, working with the engineering team, the design team, and other departments, monitoring the project's progress, testing the quality of a product, and reporting to clients.
What is the happiest engineering job? ›- Petroleum Engineering. ...
- Electrical Engineering. ...
- Aerospace Engineering. ...
- Computer Engineering. ...
- Chemical Engineering. ...
- Biomedical Engineering. ...
- Civil Engineering.
- Mechanical Engineering. ...
- Computer Science Engineering. ...
- Electronics and Computer Engineering. ...
- Aerospace Engineering. ...
- Civil Engineering. ...
- Chemical Engineering.
With no formal training in aeronautical engineering, Elon Musk has been able to create and lead his rocket science team at SpaceX. He took his aerospace company to the level of NASA and international space associations.
What is the toughest engineering branch to study? ›Electrical engineering is considered to be one of the toughest Engineering courses by students, mostly because of the abstract thinking involved. An electrical engineer's job involves a lot of creative and abstract thinking because the elements of the machine or system they are working on are not visible to their eyes.
Which engineering has the least math? ›Mostly all the engineering streams have maths in it. But among them computer science has it the least that I can think of. Electrical, electronics, mechanical and civil requires good knowledge on maths.
What is the most highly valued skill needed for engineering? ›- Technology and computer science skills.
- Communication.
- Management.
- Problem-solving.
- Business operations.
- Research and critical thinking.
- Leadership.
- Up to date technical knowledge. Technical knowledge and skills are the main skillset recruiters are looking for. ...
- Communication. ...
- Leadership. ...
- Interpersonal. ...
- Critical reasoning. ...
- Creativity. ...
- Innovation. ...
- Enthusiasm.