Top 10 Engineering Colleges Abroad For Indian Students

Studying engineering abroad can unlock global opportunities for students. With the rise in popularity of STEM courses, students now have a vast array of job prospects on a global scale. If you're thinking about pursuing engineering, then it's vital to choose the right university to make your investment count. Through this article, we'll explore some of the best engineering universities and/or colleges for Indian students to study abroad.

1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), U.S.

QS World Ranking - #1 in Engineering

MIT is a beacon in the world of higher education. Situated in Cambridge, Massachusetts, U.S., it's been at the forefront of engineering and technology since 1861.

As per the QS World University Rankings, it proudly stands as the top engineering university in the world. The 166-acre campus houses esteemed research centres like the Bates Center, MIT Lincoln Laboratory, and the Haystack Observatory. With affiliations to 98 Nobel Laureates, 26 Turing Award winners, and numerous influential company founders like those of Texas Instruments and Intel, MIT remains a top choice for students eager to study abroad.

Popular Courses -

• Mechanical Engineering
• Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
• Civil and Environmental Engineering
• Aerospace Engineering

Eligibility & Entry Requirements -

• SAT/ACT scores (optional but recommended)
• TOEFL/IELTS for non-native English speakers
• Strong academic record in math and science
• Letters of recommendation and personal statement

Average Tuition Fees - $57,986 per year

2. Stanford University, U.S.

QS World Ranking - #2 in Engineering

Leland Stanford Junior University, commonly known as Stanford, stands as another pillar in the realm of global education. Founded in 1885, it ranks second in engineering according to the QS World University Rankings.

This university not only shines in academics but also sports, with affiliations to 296 Olympic medalists. Stanford's commitment to nurturing entrepreneurs is evident in its prowess to attract startup funds.

Notable alumni include:

• Ellen Ochoa (astronaut)
• Sally Ride (the first US woman in space)
• Blake Ross (Mozilla Firefox developer)

Popular Courses -

• Electrical Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Computer Science
• Bioengineering

Eligibility & Entry Requirements -

• SAT/ACT (optional but preferred)
• TOEFL/IELTS for international students
• Strong academic record in STEM subjects
• Personal essays and recommendation letters

Average Tuition Fees - $59,710 per year

3. University of Cambridge, U.K.

QS World Ranking - #3 in Engineering

As one of the oldest educational institutions, the University of Cambridge offers a unique collegiate system. The university's facilities dot the city rather than being confined to a central campus. With affiliations to 121 Nobel Laureates and numerous pioneering alumni like Alan Turing and Charles Babbage, Cambridge remains a top institution for those who want to study abroad.

Popular Courses -

• Civil Engineering
• Aerospace and Aerothermal Engineering
• Electrical and Information Engineering
• Bioengineering

Eligibility & Entry Requirements -

• A*AA in A-levels or equivalent in CBSE/ISC
• IELTS score of 7.5 or TOEFL 110+
• Advanced Mathematics and Physics at the high school level
• Performance in the Engineering Admissions Assessment (ENGAA)

Average Tuition Fees - £35,517 per year

4. Georgia Institute of Technology, U.S.

QS World Ranking - #12 in Engineering

Georgia Tech, established in 1885, is renowned for its focus on computer engineering. As per the QS World University Rankings, it holds the 12th spot on the list of the top engineering colleges in the world. Students from all over the world join its diverse community every year to achieve academic excellence in the fields of architecture, electrical, and computer engineering.

In addition to being a public research university, Georgia Tech is a group of six colleges that have 31 departments pertaining to business, engineering, and computer science.

Popular Courses -

• Computer Engineering
• Electrical Engineering
• Aerospace Engineering
• Robotics and Automation

Eligibility & Entry Requirements -

• SAT/ACT (optional but recommended)
• TOEFL/IELTS for international applicants
• Strong academic record in math and sciences
• Personal statement and recommendation letters

Average Tuition Fees - $31,370 per year (for out-of-state students)

5. Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore

QS World Ranking - #5 in Engineering

Founded in 1991, NTU ranks fifth in the engineering category according to the QS World University Rankings. This national research university offers comprehensive programmes through its various colleges and schools.

With research centres like the Earth Observatory of Singapore, it's an excellent destination for those eyeing the best engineering universities.

Popular Courses -

• Electrical and Electronic Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Computer Science and Engineering
• Civil and Environmental Engineering

Eligibility & Entry Requirements -

• CBSE/ISC students need at least 90% in key subjects
• IELTS (6.5) or TOEFL (90+)
• Competitive entrance exam or interview in some cases

Average Tuition Fees - $31,000 per year

6. University of Oxford, U.K.

QS World Ranking - #6 in Engineering

If you're thinking of studying abroad, then the University of Oxford in the U.K. undoubtedly stands out. Founded in 1096, it's the oldest university in the English-speaking world and takes pride in being the world's second oldest continuously operating university. It holds an impressive sixth rank in the engineering category, as per the QS World University Rankings. Instead of a main campus, Oxford's remarkable facilities are spread across the city, comprising 39 colleges, six halls, and various academic departments.

Amongst its alumni are 72 Nobel Prize winners, 6 Turing Awardees, and figures like Bill Clinton and Stephen Hawking. For those eyeing the best engineering universities, Oxford remains a top choice, often recommended by study abroad consultants.

Popular Courses -

• Civil Engineering
• Biomedical Engineering
• Energy Systems
• Materials Science

Eligibility & Entry Requirements -

• AAA in A-levels or equivalent in CBSE/ISC
• IELTS 7.5 or TOEFL 110+
• MAT (Mathematics Admissions Test) score for some courses

Average Tuition Fees - £40,910 per year

7. The University of California, Berkeley, U.S.

QS World Ranking - #6 in Engineering

The University of California, Berkeley, is a prominent name. Established in 1868, it's renowned not just as a top research university but also as California's first land-grant institution.

It's amongst the best engineering universities in the USA. Hosting 14 colleges and schools, over 45,057 students get a world-class education here.

Popular Courses -

• Mechanical Engineering
• Civil and Environmental Engineering
• Data Science and AI
• Bioengineering

Eligibility & Entry Requirements -

• SAT/ACT (optional)
• TOEFL 100+ or IELTS 7.0+
• Strong academic background in math and science subjects

Average Tuition Fees - $44,008 per year (for out-of-state students)

8. Imperial College London, U.K.

QS World Ranking - #8 in Engineering

Imperial College London, with its focus on science, technology, and medicine, is another top choice for those wishing to study abroad. Established in 1907, it holds the eighth spot in engineering as per the 2021 QS World University Rankings. With the main campus in South Kensington and an innovation hub in White City, it's home to over 27,000 students.

Popular Courses -

• Electrical and Electronic Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Chemical Engineering
• Biomedical Engineering

Eligibility & Entry Requirements -

• AAA in A-levels or equivalent in CBSE/ISC
• IELTS 7.0 or TOEFL 100+
• High scores in Math and Science subjects

Average Tuition Fees - £37,900 per year

9. National University of Singapore, Singapore

QS World Ranking - #9 in Engineering

For those considering Asia, the National University of Singapore (NUS) is a flagship institution. Founded in 1905, it's amongst Asia Pacific's most revered academic institutions. The QS World University Rankings honours it with the ninth spot in engineering.

With a student body of over 35,908, its alumni include names like R Nathan, the sixth President of Singapore, and Olivia Lum, the CEO of Hyflux Group. As study abroad consultants would affirm, it's a prime destination for engineering enthusiasts.

Popular Courses -

• Civil Engineering
• Electrical and Computer Engineering
• Industrial and Systems Engineering
• Bioengineering

Eligibility & Entry Requirements -

• CBSE/ISC students need at least 90% in key subjects
• IELTS 6.5+ or TOEFL 90+
• Strong academic record in science and mathematics

Average Tuition Fees - $30,000 per year

10. California Institute of Technology, U.S.

QS World Ranking - #10 in Engineering

Caltech, short for the California Institute of Technology, is a famous hub for science and engineering research and education. It's nestled in Pasadena, California.

At Caltech, you'll find various cutting-edge research facilities like:

• The Jet Propulsion Laboratory (which NASA owns)
• The Caltech Seismological Laboratory
• The International Observatory Network

It stands out in the United States as one of the few institutes solely dedicated to teaching technical and applied sciences. It has a highly competitive admissions process that ensures that only the most exceptional students make the cut.

Popular Courses -

• Aerospace Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Applied Physics
• Robotics

Eligibility & Entry Requirements -

• SAT/ACT (optional)
• TOEFL 110+ or IELTS 7.5+
• Exceptional academic performance in STEM subjects

Average Tuition Fees - $60,816 per year

Selecting a university for engineering abroad is an important choice that affects your career and education. The following are important factors to look at when choosing the best foreign engineering colleges for Indian students:

1. Location of the University

Climate, cultural compatibility, and proximity to the tech centers or industries specific to your area of study play a major role in your selection. Countries such as the US, UK, Canada, and Singapore have some of the world's best foreign universities for engineering with state-of-the-art research infrastructure.

2. Course Content

Compare and contrast the syllabus of various engineering colleges abroad based on your interest and specialty.. Ensure the universities provide practical exposure, industry interface, and specialization courses suitable for your future career.

3. Extracurriculars

The best engineering universities offer more than academic opportunities. Confirm if the university offers clubs, hackathons, and research programs led by students that will add value to your learning process.

4. Student Resources

Make sure the university offers strong academic support, mentorship, and career development. The top foreign engineering universities have well-equipped laboratories, libraries, and internship facilities to make the students succeed.

5. Costing

Tuition and living costs differ greatly. The top engineering schools overseas can provide scholarships or financial assistance, so investigate funding sources to make studying overseas more affordable.

6. Work Opportunities

Research internship and post-graduation employment opportunities. Nations with a robust job market in the STEM fields, like the U.S. and Germany, provide greater work opportunities during and after your education.

By keeping these parameters in mind, you can pick the best engineering colleges abroad for Indian students suitable to your study and career goals.

While these institutions represent the pinnacle of engineering education, aspiring students should consider reaching out to study abroad consultants like Azent for personalised guidance tailored to their ambitions. The counsellors at Azent provide invaluable insights, helping students navigate their journey to these esteemed foreign institutions for engineering studies.