Engineering is among the world’s most in-demand and rewarding occupations. In the United States, engineering occupations have a faster-than-average growth rate.

Engineers also earn $91,420 in median annual wages (BLS, May 2023). This is over 190% higher than the median annual wage for all occupations ($48,060). 

As an engineer, you’ll also find high demand in diverse industries. Check out the manufacturing, technology, energy and utilities industries. Consider the construction and infrastructure and healthcare and biomedical industries, too.

But we also understand that it’s a daunting goal, especially if you’re an international student. In the US, the cost of attendance is $35,000- $125,000/year.

The best solution: Look for the best value engineering degrees for international students. With these degrees, you’ll enjoy a high return on investment (ROI).

When we say “best value,” we mean affordable cost of attendance, thanks to financial aid, then, you enjoy excellent post-graduation work opportunities.

Here, we’ll feature the best value engineering degrees for international students worldwide. We considered cost, quality, and career prospects, among others.

Related:

• Top Public Universities for Value in Engineering Education
• Top Value Engineering Programs for Non-Traditional Students
• Top STEM Degrees for ROI: Engineering and Beyond
• Online Engineering Degrees Offering Great Value

Factors That Determine a Best Value Engineering Degree

Here’s a closer look at these factors:

Tuition costs

Tuition and fees comprise 40% of the cost of attendance. Always compare these direct costs between countries and colleges.

In general, public universities have more affordable tuition than private colleges. Certain countries, such as Germany, have low or free tuition for international students.

Financial aid

Universities that offer merit- and need-based financial aid are excellent options. If you plan well, you can get a full-tuition scholarship, even a full-ride one.

Post-graduation work opportunities

Look for countries with strong job markets for engineers, such as the US, Canada, and Germany. Consider countries with favorable work visa policies. Prioritize colleges with internships and co-op programs that boost work opportunities.

Accreditation and quality

Look for ABET (US) or EAC (Canada, Australia, and Europe) accreditation. This ensures quality academics and support services, among others.

Cost of living considerations

Consider your housing, food, and living expenses in different countries. Berlin, for example, has a lower cost of living than Sydney. Check for housing options for international students, too.

Best Value Countries for Engineering Degrees for International Students

United States

Many prestigious US colleges offer the best value engineering degrees for international students. Consider Stanford, MIT, and UC Berkeley. But their high cost of attendance is an issue. Apply for financial aid programs, including grants and scholarships. Consider the STEM OPT visa  (i.e., post-graduation work permit).

Germany

Consider Germany for its affordable engineering programs for international students. Choose public universities for their low-cost or tuition-free education. Go for engineering programs with strong industry partnerships, too.

Canada

Check out Canada for its quality yet low-cost engineering degrees for global students. Here, colleges offer more affordable tuition than in the US. Plus, you’ll find work-study options and strong post-graduation work opportunities.

Australia

The Land Down Under is among the world’s top universities for international engineering students. Consider Monash University, UNSW, and the University of Melbourne. You’ll enjoy competitive tuition and strong job placement with their programs. Check out its strong programs in civil, mechanical, and mining engineering.

Netherlands

The Netherlands offers the best engineering schools with scholarships for international students, too. International students say that tuition and fees are lower than in the US and UK. You’ll love the programs taught in English and the high employability for engineers, too.

India and China

If you’re looking for the cheapest engineering degrees for international students, think Asia. India and China have the best engineering programs. You’ll find low-cost yet high-quality engineering education with a growing global recognition.

When considering these countries, look at the whole picture. You want to consider the cost of attendance, culture, and location, too.

Best Value Engineering Degrees in the United States

Purdue University – College of Engineering

Purdue offers high ROI engineering degrees for international students through:

• More affordable tuition compared to other top-ranked programs
• Availability of merit-based scholarships for high-achieving international students
• Strong post-graduation work opportunities via internships and job placement services

Boilermakers choose from mechanical, aerospace, civil, electrical, and computer engineering programs.

Texas A&M University – College of Engineering

TAMU offers engineering degrees with strong post-graduation job prospects. Aggie engineering students enjoy:

• Lower in-state tuition and scholarships for international students
• High employment rates and salaries after graduation

TAMU has prestigious programs in chemical, electrical, and biomedical engineering.

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign – Grainger College of Engineering

UIUC is among the best universities for STEM degrees for international students. Here are the reasons why it’s a top choice:

• Consistently ranked among the 10 leading engineering schools in the US
• More affordable tuition costs
• Offers merit-based competitive international student scholarships

Illinois choose from AI and robotics, civil, mechanical, and electrical engineering programs.

Arizona State University – Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering

ASU is a top choice for value in engineering education in the US because it:

• Offers among the most affordable engineering programs for international students ($34,290/year)
• Good placement in tech industries and Silicon Valley firms

Sun Devils choose from software, mechanical, aerospace, and environmental engineering programs.

Best Value Engineering Degrees in Canada

University of Toronto – Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering

Canada is among the best countries for international students studying engineering. Of its universities, the University of Toronto is among the best because it:

• Offers affordable tuition and fees
• Provides financial aid, including entrance scholarships

You can select from numerous engineering programs, too. These include software, mechanical, electrical, and civil engineering programs.

University of British Columbia – Faculty of Applied Science

UBC is a top choice for engineering students because of its:

• Competitive tuition and fees
• Work-study programs that help pay for college
• High employability rates, especially in Canada’s growing tech sector

Engineering programs available are in biomedical, chemical, civil, and mining. 

McGill University – Faculty of Engineering

Choose the Harvard of the North for your international engineering education because it:

• Offers lower tuition costs than comparable universities in the US
• Provides world-class quality academic instruction and hands-on training
• Offers merit-based scholarships

You can choose from its mechanical, electrical, aerospace, and  AI engineering programs. When applying for jobs, you can take pride in your McGill education, too. It’s akin to a Harvard education, thus, its name.

Best Value Engineering Degrees in Europe

Technical University of Munich – Germany

Consider TUM if you want to:

• Enjoy a tuition-free education (Applies to most international students. Only semester fees apply)
• Have access to work visas
• Receive excellent job placement services
• Be competitive for jobs in Germany and other countries

TUM offers strong programs in automotive, mechanical, AI & robotics, and electrical engineering.

Delft University of Technology – Netherlands

Choose TU-Delft for its:

• Programs and courses taught in English
• Reasonable tuition and fees
• High demand for its engineering graduates across Europe

TU-Delft offers civil, structural, electrical, and sustainable energy engineering programs.

KTH Royal Institute of Technology – Sweden

KTH, Sweden’s most prestigious technical university, is a top choice because it:

• Has lower tuition and fees than universities in the US and UK
• Offers KTH scholarships that cover partial or full tuition
• Provides strong industry links for excellent job opportunities

Choose from software, aerospace, environmental, and mechanical engineering programs.

Scholarships and Financial Aid for International Engineering Students

Look for these financial aid opportunities as an international student.

• Government-funded scholarships include:
  • Fulbright Program (US) for full funding for graduate engineering students 
  • DAAD Scholarships (Germany) for partial or full funding
  • Commonwealth Scholarships (UK, Canada, Australia) for tuition aid

• University-specific, merit-based scholarships offered by engineering schools, such as:
• Purdue’s GEARE program
• TAMU’s International Student Scholarships
• UIUC’s Engineering Visionary Scholarships

• Private and corporate scholarships, with the best ones being:
• Google Generation Scholarship (Up to $10,000)
• Microsoft Tuition Scholarship (Amount varies)
• Siemens Engineering Scholarships (Amount varies)

You must explore every possible financial aid option. Apply to every scholarship program you’re eligible for. Every dollar that comes your way as an international student is a step closer to your goal.

Tips for International Students Choosing an Affordable Engineering Degree

Keep these tips in mind when you’re planning your engineering education:

Research cost of living.

Direct costs are only part of it. Indirect costs comprise 60% of your cost of attendance. So, do your research on the cost of living. Consider affordable cities in the country you want to study in.

Look for work-study opportunities.

Consider paid internships and assistantships to defray your costs.

Consider online or hybrid options.

These programs offer lower tuition and fees. You’ll also save on transportation and book expenses.

Choose countries with favorable work policies.

Canada, Germany, and Australia have favorable work policies.

Conclusion

In conclusion, here are the key takeaways:

• Choosing from best value engineering degrees for international students is a balancing act. Balance your tuition, scholarships, and job opportunities.
• Countries like Germany, Canada, and the Netherlands offer high-ROI programs.
• Scholarships and financial aid help international students lower costs significantly.

If you’re an international student, smart planning results in high ROI for your engineering education.