Why study engineering abroad?

Engineering is a part of the prestigious group of STEM subjects — standing for science, technology, engineering and mathematics. STEM degrees are becoming increasingly popular all over the world thanks to the diverse range of skills they offer students. From the subject specific knowledge you’ll gain about the subject you love, to the additional key life skills offered by the degree, engineering graduates are in high demand for employers across the world.

By choosing to complete your engineering degree abroad, you are opening up a whole new world of opportunities and skills.  Europe is a great option for those looking to study engineering abroad, with many countries offering their courses in English. Degrees from European universities also tend to be recognised around the world. A degree from an Irish university, for example, gives you the opportunity to gain a post-study work visa to get practical experience in an English-speaking country after you graduate.

Benefits of studying engineering abroad

Take a look at some of the reasons you should consider an academic adventure abroad in engineering:

Prepare for an international career

Engineering is a global industry. Most engineering firms have global operations — so having already shown you are a multicultural citizen of the world can go a long way in proving to employers you are a good fit for their business.

Develop key life skills

By choosing to study your engineering degree in Europe, you are going to be learning about much more than just your subject. Studying overseas is a great way to develop the key skills that are so valuable in university, employment and beyond. By studying in English, you will get a firmer grasp of the English language — particularly with the terminology necessary for your degree and future career.

Outside of the classroom, speaking English with your new friends and classmates is excellent practice for the future, as well improving your fluency and confidence in the language.

As well as developing your English skills, studying engineering abroad allows you to improve your communication skills in other ways. As a university student, you will be required to give presentations, take part in discussions and debates, and write clear and concise essays.

Improve your employability

If you’re hoping to be an engineer after you graduate, a degree in engineering at a high-ranking university is already a great way to boost your employability. Studying this degree in another country provides an array of additional skills that employers will notice, such as developing your confidence and showing initiative, experiencing different styles of teaching and learning; as well as out of classroom benefits such as seeing the world and networking opportunities. Studying at an overseas university also shows that you are open to a challenge and can put yourself out of your comfort zone — skills that are particularly useful to a career in engineering.

Gain a global perspective

As well as learning more about the culture of your new chosen home, as an international student you will be surrounded by friends and classmates from all over the world, allowing you to discover cultures from further afield than Europe — such as China, India, Russia and more.

Engineering degrees are highly practical. By studying abroad, you will be working on projects with other international and domestic students. This is a great opportunity to practice your teamwork and problem-solving skills – combining your different perspectives by working together to tackle complex engineering problems.

Get inspired

Your engineering degree is going to be exciting — but don’t forget to experience what is going on outside of the classroom. Living in a new place is an amazing experience and you’ll have plenty of opportunity to find inspiration. London gives you the Millennium Bridge, a steel suspension bridge across the River Thames that was also featured in the Harry Potter series. Germany is famous for its impressive vehicles, so automotive engineering students can feel inspired by just walking down the street. Rome shows that engineering has been at the forefront of society for thousands of years — with construction of the Colosseum staring in the year 70 AD.

Create an international network

One of the most important parts of any university experience is the connections you make with your fellow students — and studying engineering in Europe is no exception. Firstly, your fellow engineers will make great connections for your future career and give you plenty of opportunity to take your work all over the world. Secondly, and most importantly, the friends you make here will transform your time abroad. From settling into your new university life, to discovering new places and food, you'll be creating many new memories with your new friends.

Why study engineering in Ireland?

Irish universities are recognised around the world for their high-quality of education and engineering degrees are no exception. The Irish government invests over €782 million into its higher education institutions each year, helping to ensure that Ireland maintains one of the best education systems in the world.

Out of the many places you can choose to study engineering abroad, Ireland is an excellent choice. The capital city of Dublin is a great place for international students to experience the subject. University College Dublin offers a variety of engineering degrees to suit your interests, as well as an interdisciplinary approach to teaching and research. The University has strong links to major employers — both globally and based in Dublin, ensuring you graduate with a reputable degree and the necessary skills to impress employers.

How do I study engineering in Ireland?

If you’re looking to study engineering in Ireland, Dublin International Study Centre provides pathway programmes to undergraduate study. Our International Foundation Year in Engineering and Sciences combines English language support with subject-specific modules, preparing you for university study in Ireland so you can successfully progress to your degree of choice.

After building your knowledge on the foundations of engineering at the International Study Centre, you can progress to one of many degrees in the College of Engineering and Architecture at UCD.

One student who successfully completed her International Foundation Year before progressing on to a degree in Biomedical Engineering is Aleksandra from Russia. Aleksandra found that the skills she learnt at the International Study Centre made her more confident once she began her undergraduate degree. You can learn more about Aleksandra and her journey to academic success by watching her story below.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Which engineering degree is best to study abroad?

The "best" engineering degree to study abroad depends on your interests and career goals. Popular choices include electrical, mechanical, civi and aerospace engineering. Research the programs and job prospects in your desired field to make an informed decision that is right for you.

Is studying abroad good for engineering?

Yes, studying abroad can be beneficial for engineering students, as it provides exposure to different cultures, teaching methods and technologies. It can expand your perspective, improve your language skills, and grow your professional network, making you a more competitive candidate in the job market.

Why is engineering important for our future?

Engineering is important for our future as it drives technological advancement, solves complex problems, and provides solutions a better quality of life around the world.