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10 Best Engineering Universities & Courses in UK for 2024

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Kashyap Matani
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In the UK, do you know which field is the most prominent? Engineering. But why, you may ask?

Engineering provides countless employment options, a greater return on investment, and much more! UK engineering institutions are highly regarded and ranked globally for providing superior education and infrastructure to international students. International students would be better off pursuing a highly technical and research-focused degree program like engineering in the UK due to its rich cultural variety.

If you wish to seek a taste of international academia and the environment and are willing to study abroad, you have landed at the right place. Avail several perks of Yocket Premium, and know about UK universities that match your needs and finances for studying engineering and more!

Table of Contents

Why Study Engineering in the UK?

The UK is filled with the best technical universities, attracting international students from across the globe. In terms of the best engineering colleges in the UK, the facilities and opportunities are plenty to kick-start your career.

Let us understand what benefits you will gain while pursuing engineering courses in the UK:

  • The Shortage Profession List: Because STEM courses in the UK are listed as scarce, there are many engineering jobs available to overseas students in the UK, even if few UK residents occupy these positions.
  • Excellent Facilities: The UK, one of the top study destinations in the world, provides the greatest academic and state-of-the-art infrastructure and technology to foreign students.
  • Various Engineering Courses: Students can select from an extensive variety of engineering degrees in the UK, including mechanical, biotechnology, and civil engineering.
  • Accessible Scholarships: Leading engineering institutions in the UK provide financial aid to international students in many shapes and sizes, encompassing grants, bursaries, and need- and merit-based scholarships.
  • Excellent Job Opportunities: Engineering colleges in the UK provide students with the best placement opportunities worldwide. For instance, the average salary for civil engineering graduates from the top universities in England lies in the range of GBP 30,000 - 50,000 (INR 2,746,155 - 4,577,963), and for chemical engineers, the salaries lie somewhere at GBP 70,000 (INR 6,409,149).

Also see: What Are The Job Opportunities In The UK for International Students?

Now let's get to the good part. In the next bit of the blog, we will unveil the greatest universities for engineering in the UK. Take notes!

Top 10 Universities to Study Engineering in the UK

So, what is it that makes engineering universities in England comparatively stronger than their counterparts? Recognized in the top rankings in the world for their excellent academic and research outputs, let us share with you some of the best engineering universities in the UK:

  • University of Cambridge
  • University of Oxford
  • Imperial College London
  • University of Warwick
  • University of Manchester
  • University of Edinburgh
  • University of Bristol
  • University of Leeds
  • University of Surrey
  • University College London

Now, let us dive deeper into each, one by one:

1. University of Cambridge

The University of Cambridge is one of the most renowned institutions in the UK! It is no surprise that it ranks first among the best engineering universities in the UK. The university is famous for offering its students top-notch, internationally recognized-academics.

Cambridge World University Ranking 2024

2

QS Subject Ranking in Engineering 2023

2

Type

Public

Average annual tuition fee for international students 

GBP 33,825

INR 30,96,992

Location

Cambridge

Popular courses

Aerospace Engineering

Bioengineering

Chemical Engineering

Electrical Engineering

2. The University of Oxford

One of the top technical universities in the world, with a stellar reputation, is the University of Oxford's Engineering Science Department. The department is renowned for giving students experience in the industry, preparing them for the real world.

Oxford World University Ranking 2024

3

QS Subject Ranking in Engineering 2023

3

Type

Public

Average annual tuition fee for international students

GBP 27,840 - 39,010

INR 25,49,010 - 35,71,727

Location

Oxford

Popular courses

MSc Software Engineering

MEng Engineering Science

MEng Civil and Offshore Engineering

3. Imperial College London

Known for providing students with an extensive selection of engineering disciplines, Imperial College London is a preeminent research school in the UK and throughout the globe. Among these are design engineering, aeronautical engineering, earth science and engineering, and others.

Imperial College London Ranking 2024

6

QS Subject Ranking in Engineering 2023

8

Type

Public

Average annual tuition fee for international students

GBP 31,500

INR 28,84,117

Location

London

Popular courses

Aeronautical Engineering

Civil Engineering

Chemical Engineering

Mechanical Engineering

4. University of Warwick

The University of Warwick, which is ranked among the top 10 in the UK for the highest earnings, is especially renowned for giving its students a thorough understanding of every engineering topic it offers. The institution also offers several scholarships to students from other countries.

University of Warwick World Ranking 2024

67

QS Subject Ranking in Engineering 2023

134

Type

Public

Average annual tuition fee for international students

GBP 22,280 - 28,410

INR 20,39,940 - 28,66,679

Location

Coventry

Popular courses

Mechanical engineering

MEng Electronic Engineering

Automotive Engineering

Civil Engineering

5. Manchester University

The University of Manchester offers an extensive variety of engineering specialties and has won multiple awards for its research outputs. The BEng in Chemical Engineering is one of the most well-known engineering degrees that the University of Manchester offers.

University of Manchester Ranking 2024

32

QS Subject Ranking in Engineering 2023

21

Type

Public

Average annual tuition fee for international students

GBP 24,500

INR 22,43,202

Location

Manchester

Popular courses

MEng chemical engineering with energy and environment

BEng computer systems engineering

MEng Civil Engineering

6. University of Edinburgh

One of the best places in the world to study engineering in the UK is the University of Edinburgh, which enjoys a stellar international reputation. Additionally, the university offers a rich culture and an advanced technological infrastructure to international students.

University of Edinburgh Ranking 2024

22

QS Subject Ranking in Engineering 2023

66

Type

Public

Average annual tuition fee for international students

GBP 30,400

INR 27,83,402

Location

Edinburgh

Popular courses

Chemical Engineering

Civil Engineering

Electronics and Computer Science Engineering

Structural and Fire Safety Engineering

7. University of Bristol

Your engineering education at the University of Bristol's Engineering Department is summed up by strong academic results combined with real-world projects. The institution gives students an array of options for specialties and fields, including nuclear engineering, smart cities, security, and quantum engineering.

University of Bristol Ranking 2024

9

QS Subject Ranking in Engineering 2023

110

Type

Public

Average annual tuition fee for international students

GBP 25,900

INR 23,71,385

Location

Bristol

Popular courses

MEng Computer Science

BEng Civil Engineering

8. University of Leeds

The University of Leeds is well-known across the world for providing a wealth of options for overseas students seeking employment and research opportunities in the United Kingdom. The University of Leeds, one of the best engineering universities in the UK, comprises five schools that constitute its engineering department.

University of Leeds Ranking 2024

75

QS Subject Ranking in Engineering 2023

108

Type

Public

Average annual tuition fee for international students

GBP 25,250

INR 23,11,871

Location

Leeds

Popular courses

Civil engineering

Mechatronics and robotics

Architectural engineering

9. University of Surrey

Among the top engineering institutions in the UK, the University of Surrey is a well-regarded institution of higher learning. Everything at the university is excellent, including a professional and experienced faculty, technological infrastructure, research opportunities, and excellent employability rates.

University of Surrey Ranking 2024

244

QS Subject Ranking in Engineering 2023

236

Type

Public

Average annual tuition fee for international students

GBP 23,100

INR 21,15,019

Location

Guildford

Popular courses

Mechanical engineering

Chemical engineering

Computer and internet engineering

10. University College London

Last but not least, University College London is among the world's greatest academic institutions for all disciplines it provides. UCL expects and provides perfection in every degree, offering the highest standard of engineering degree in the United Kingdom.

University College London World Ranking 2024

9

QS Subject Ranking in Engineering 2023

37

Type

Public

Average annual tuition fee for international students

32,100

2,939,052 INR

Location

London

Popular courses

  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Civil Engineering
  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Electronic and Electrical Engineering

Also see: Best UK Banks For International Students.

Now that you know the top universities to study engineering in the UK, what is next? Explore some of the most sought-after engineering courses in the UK!

Yocket Premium

Top Engineering Courses to Study in UK for International Students

The best engineering universities in the UK are renowned for offering varied disciplines in the broader field of engineering. There are numerous types of engineering courses, specifically unique and tailored to perfection.

Let us now straightaway move on to exploring the plethora of courses in the UK for engineering aspirants:

  • Chemical Engineering in the UK

In chemical engineering, products are designed from raw materials. After graduating, you can work in industries such as plastics, food and beverage, energy, oil and gas, and others.

Best universities

  • University of Edinburgh
  • Imperial College London
  • University of Cambridge

Job roles

  • Environmental engineer
  • Food scientist
  • Project manager

Average Annual Salary

GBP 30,000

(INR 27,46,778)

  • Civil Engineering in the UK

Upon graduating from civil engineering, which is one of the oldest engineering programs in the UK, you will have several career opportunities. In the UK, you can accept contracts and offer consultations as a civil engineer.

Best universities

  • University of Edinburgh
  • Oxford University
  • University of Cambridge
  • University of Bristol

Job roles

  • Design engineer
  • Contractor
  • Consultant
  • Project head

Average Annual Salary

GBP 30,450 (INR 27,87,979)

  • Mechanical Engineering in the UK

Most UK engineering institutions offer mechanical engineering as one of their most popular engineering specialties. Even more advanced study is possible with a PhD in mechanical engineering.

Best universities 

  • University of Edinburgh
  • Oxford University
  • University of Cambridge 
  • University of Manchester 

Job roles

  • Design engineer
  • Senior engineer
  • Process engineer 

Average Annual Salary 

GBP 20,000 to 28,000

(INR 18,31,185 - 25,63,659)

Also see: Pursue Masters In Mechanical Engineering In The UK.

  • Electronic Engineering in the UK

For international students wishing to study engineering in the UK, electronics engineering is the most desired engineering subject. You will have tons of work alternatives in the UK, thanks to this discipline.

Best universities

  • University of Leeds
  • University of Surrey
  • University of Manchester

Job roles

  • Electronics engineer
  • Control engineer
  • Senior engineer

Average Annual Salary

GBP 21,000 to 25,000

(INR 19,22,744 - 22,88,981)

  • Computer Science Engineering in the UK

After graduating, there are many employment options in computer science engineering, a sector with the highest interest among the youth worldwide.

Best universities

  • The University of Leeds
  • The University of Surrey
  • The University of Warwick
  • The University of Manchester

Job roles

  • Computer science engineer
  • Software engineer
  • Analyst

Average Annual Salary

28,000 GBP (INR 25,63,659)

Also see: Job Options After MS In Computer Science In The UK.

Having covered the top engineering universities and most demanded engineering courses in the UK, now we list some eligibility criteria that must be met by international students, to pursue education in the UK.

What are Admission Requirements to Study Engineering in the UK?

To study at engineering institutions in the UK, you need to meet certain eligibility criteria. Along with academic qualifications, you must have certain important documents sorted too. Let us have a look at them below:

  • The two most crucial prerequisites for engineering degrees in the UK are a relevant undergraduate degree and a class 12 diploma for bachelors. Applying to the best engineering institutions in the UK requires at least a first-class degree or 60%.
  • International students wishing to pursue aerospace engineering degrees in the UK must submit their results from English proficiency tests. The minimum score requirements for the English language to study in the UK are - IELTS: 6.0-6.5: TOEFL iBT: 90; and PTE: 59.
  • Another significant prerequisite for engineering universities in the UK is the GRE or GMAT. For both exams, the minimum score is 300–320 on the GRE and 590–650 on the GMAT.
  • Masters or PhD engineering courses also require 2-3 years of prior work experience.
  • Your statement of purpose and letters of recommendation must be solid as well, describing you as a student and your achievements.


Lastly, you must have a UK student visa to study there.

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Cost of Studying Engineering in the UK

Tuition and living expenses make up the majority of the costs incurred when enrolled in a course at one of the finest engineering institutions in the UK. There, the average yearly value for engineering is between GBP 20,000 and 30,000 (INR 1,831,185 - 2,746,778).

The average yearly cost of living for international students studying in the UK is about GBP 2,500 (INR 2, 39,163). Numerous considerations, including location, transportation, etc., are taken into account when calculating the cost of living.

Even though the costs might seem like a lot, there are always ways to save! In the last portion of the blog, we will cover some scholarships for international students pursuing engineering in the UK.

Scholarships for Engineering in the UK

There are numerous scholarships for international students to pursue engineering in the UK. Some of them are mentioned below:

Scholarship

Awarded to 

Felix Scholarships

Postgraduate students from India and other developing countries

Amount/Benefit: 100% tuition fee and a set living expense.

Commonwealth Scholarships

The scholarship covers airfare to and from the United Kingdom, tuition and examination fees, a personal maintenance allowance, and an initial entry allowance for the thesis grant.

Amount/Benefit:  Varies

University of Sussex Chancellor’s International Scholarships

International students will be awarded Chancellor's International Scholarships based on their academic performance and potential.

Amount/Benefit: 50% off international student tuition fees and is offered for one year.

Engineering Excellence Scholarship

International undergraduate students who exceed the academic conditions of the standard UCAS offer at the University of Sheffield and attain A-level grades of A*AA or above.

Amount/ Benefit: The scholarship amount is dependent on your academic achievement:  A*AA - 1,000 GBP, A*A*A - 2,000 GBP, and A*A*A* - 3,000 GBP.

Also see: UK Scholarships For International Students.

From The Desk of Yocket

Engineering in the UK is infamous as it offers international students an array of opportunities for academic and career progress. Students can even pursue higher education or dive into research engineering after studying at the best engineering universities in the UK aforementioned.

Although applying to an overseas university might seem dreadful and overwhelming, Yocket Premium is here to help you through it all. Receive 1:1 counseling sessions, tips on acing your TOEFL and SATs, understand the application process for different universities, and know about the scholarships, amongst other things.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Engineering in UK

What is the tuition fee to study engineering in UK?

What is the average salary after pursuing engineering in the UK?

Which are the best engineering courses UK?

Which engineering course in the UK pays the highest salary?

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