Engineering remains one of the most desired and sought-after professions for Indian students. Although India has a significant number of excellent engineering institutes like the IITs and NITs among many others, pursuing engineering degrees abroad has gained traction among students partly due to the availability of world-class infrastructure, state-of-the-art research facilities, global exposure and better job prospects abroad.

Specialised engineering programs are offered by top universities in the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and Europe which are globally ranked and aligned to industry needs. These programs not only provide students with technical skills but also expose them to innovation-based learning, internships in global organisations and multicultural experiences. In this blog, we will discuss the best engineering colleges abroad, and why it is beneficial to study there. We will also cover what students should expect upon graduation in terms of their careers.

Studying engineering itself has a lot of perks but pursuing engineering from top global colleges abroad comes with some really nice perks. Listed below are some of the top benefits;

1. Global Recognition - Engineering degrees obtained from top universities abroad are highly valued globally.
2. International Exposure - Studying in a multicultural environment helps students enhance communication and adaptability skills which proves utterly beneficial for an international career.
3. Advanced Research Opportunities - Students studying engineering abroad have access to world-class laboratories for research purposes, creative industry projects and top-notch faculty.
4. Internships and Industry Links - Universities abroad generally have partnerships and ties with industry leaders like Google, Microsoft, etc, allowing students to intern and eventually work at these leading tech giants.
5. Innovative Learning Models - Focus on a practical, project-based approach to learning, rather than rote memorisation.
6. Work Opportunities - Students with globally recognised engineering degrees will have plenty of opportunities to work for the best organisations globally.
7. Post-Study Work Visas - Many countries like Canada, Australia, and Germany offer post-study work visas for up to 2–3 years.
8. Path to PR - Studying and working abroad after completion of the course is an easy path to obtaining permanent residency.

The exact eligibility criteria for studying engineering abroad will depend on the destination country and the particular university/college. Nonetheless, here are certain general requirements that every Indian student needs to meet to secure admission overseas;

• Completion of Higher Secondary Education (10+2) with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM).
• Usually 60-70% aggregate in PCM, top universities may even demand 80-90% or higher.
• Standardised Tests like SAT/ACT (for undergraduate programs)
• TOEFL/IELTS/PTE for English proficiency.
• A bachelor’s degree in engineering from a recognised university to study engineering abroad at the postgraduate level.

Documents Required

• Academic transcripts (10th & 12th) and bachelor’s for Master’s applicant
• Valid passport
• Letters of Recommendation (LORs)
• Statement of Purpose (SOP)
• Resume (for Master’s applicants)
• Proof of funds (bank statements/sponsor letter)
• Entrance test scores (SAT/GRE/IELTS, etc.)
• English proficiency test scores
• Recent medical health record
• Character certificate
• Migration Certificate
• Work experience/Internship Letter (if applicable)

Note: These are general documents required. It will vary depending on the destination country and the specific university.

There are many top-rated universities abroad offering innovative engineering programs. Listed below are some of the best engineering colleges abroad for Indian students. It has been divided country-wise for easy listing and understanding;

- United States of America (USA)

1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

MIT is consistently ranked the number one University in the world for engineering. With a legacy of innovation and having 90+ Nobel laureates, MIT caters to practical and hands-on learning and cutting-edge advanced research. Media Lab and Computer Science and AI Laboratory (CSAIL), are both significant research centres at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and both are considered world leaders in the field of innovation.

2. Stanford University

Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, Stanford is the place where the world’s tech leaders are born and bred. Stanford graduates either go on to work for companies like Google, Tesla and LinkedIn or create their own. There are special courses offered by the university in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Bioengineering and Sustainable Design.

3. University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley)

UC Berkeley is a Public Ivy League school and the world’s leading university in sustainability-oriented engineering. The College of Engineering has over 35 research centres including Berkeley Energy and Climate Institute. Its vibrant academic culture, proximity to the startups and the presence of a strong alumni network (Nobel Prize winners and tech CEOs) make it preferred to Indian students.

- United Kingdom (UK)

1. University of Cambridge

Cambridge is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the world. Its integrated Engineering program provides for a broad specialisation. General Engineering, Aerospace, Structural Engineering and Energy are some of the offered specialisations.

World-class labs, close-knit college communities, and access to global research projects are the benefits for students. Its academic rigour, rich tradition, and the ability to join global tech giants after the completion of studies attract Indian students.

2. Imperial College London

Imperial College London is an exclusively STEM-focused, research, and entrepreneurship-oriented university. Its Dyson School of Design Engineering and Data Science has a global reputation as a leader and innovator.

Centrally located in London, students can reap the best of academics as well as exposure to a multitude of industries. Impeccable alumni and corporate affiliations across the world (such as Rolls-Royce, and Shell) are major career boosters for Indian students.

3. University of Oxford

Oxford is a mixture of scholarly tradition and scientific innovation. It offers deep analytical and design skills to its students with the help of cross-disciplinary collaborations and cutting-edge labs. The university also extends a lot of scholarships to Indian students via the Rhodes Trust and Clarendon Fund. Some of the top specialisations offered by Oxford University are – Energy Systems, Structural Engineering and Biomedical Engineering.

- Canada

1. University of Toronto

With its Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering, the University of Toronto is one of Canada’s most respected engineering schools providing an unparalleled range of programmes including Electrical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Software Engineering and AI.

Toronto is Canada’s financial and tech hub with students having opportunities for accessing co-op programs, internships as well as research collaborations with companies like IBM, Google and Nvidia.

2. University of British Columbia (UBC)

UBC is known for its efforts to support sustainability and global engineering. The Engineering Co-op Program from the university provides opportunities for students to work with companies such as Microsoft and SAP.

The Point Grey campus is famous for its picturesque surroundings, and the student body is very diverse forming the perfect welcoming place for Indian students who want quality education in a serene environment.

- Australia

1. University of Melbourne

The University of Melbourne integrates theoretical learning with practical experience. Its Melbourne School of Engineering has a high degree of integration with industries through the Engineers Australia accreditation. Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering and Software Development are some of the speciality courses that are provided at this prestigious university. The vibrant culture and high quality of living are plus points for Indian students searching for a balance between education and lifestyle.

2. Australian National University (ANU)

ANU has excellent links and connections with the government and defence tech sectors, which makes it a perfect choice for students interested in this specific career path. It also has global partnerships with MIT and Oxford; yet another point that appeals to the students. Indian students are also eligible for scholarships such as the ANU Global Diversity Scholarship.

- Germany

1. Technical University of Munich (TUM)

Based in Munich, TUM is among the most prestigious TU9 universities (an association of nine best universities of technology in Germany) as well as one of the leaders in applied sciences. With BMW, Audi and Siemens as collaborators, the students get access to current real-world engineering problems directly.

The non-existence of tuition fees for most courses (only semester contributions) and, the availability of English language master’s programs make TUM a preferred university for Indian students. The top engineering courses offered include Mechanical Engineering, Automotive, Robotics and AI.

2. RWTH Aachen University

RWTH is the largest technical University in Europe and it is a highly recognised institution across the globe, mainly known for its engineering and technology courses. It provides practice-oriented, research-based programs and is supported by the German Excellence Initiative. There are also several bilingual programs, which facilitate the smooth transition of international students.

Completing engineering courses from any of the top recognised universities across the globe opens doors for a successful international career. Here are certain career trajectories and expected salaries after completion of engineering abroad;

Yearly average salary can be significantly higher for graduates with internships, dual degrees, industry experience or specialised master’s programs.

For Indian students who are passionate about engineering and wish to venture into global prospects, studying abroad is an investment and a career-changing decision. With access to the latest technologies and real-world challenges, foreign universities will provide Indian students with an education and experience that goes beyond textbooks.

From Silicon Valley to Munich and Toronto to Sydney – the world’s best Engineering colleges are welcoming ambitious Indian students. All that is needed is correct direction, preparation, and a bold vision.