With its diversified fields, becoming an engineer will put you at the forefront of solving society’s problems on multiple levels, and by taking the first step of this journey in a new country, you’ll be positioned to do this in ways that will help you stand out among your peers when the time comes to start your career.

What are some of the typical requirements for studying engineering abroad?

While your eligibility to study an engineering degree abroad is dependent on the requirements of the individual university you choose to apply to, there are some broad criteria you’ll need to meet regardless. Some of these are:

Proof of academic achievement: You must provide your academic transcripts, grades, and course details. These will illustrate your level of academic performance.

English language proficiency: International students are often required to show that they possess a knowledge of English that allows them to speak, read and write in countries where it’s the main language. Standardised tests like TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing System) would be used in such cases.

Entrance exams: The university you want to apply to may require you to pass entrance exams required specifically for the engineering course you want to study. In the United States, for example, the SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test) or the ACT (American College Testing).

Letters of recommendation: You may need to submit a letter of recommendation from teachers or professors who will be able to vouch for you on academic and personal grounds.

Which countries are best for studying engineering abroad?

While many international universities offer engineering programmes, you may want to consider one of the following countries first if you’re looking to join the best in cutting-edge research or find top career prospects.

Canada

Canada is frequently listed as a top country in which to pursue an engineering degree. There is demand for engineers in every sector, and the courses are affordable compared to countries like the US and the UK. After you graduate, you’ll also be able to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit which allow you to remain in Canada for three more years while gaining work experience.

Canada has three intake periods per year during which international students are onboarded: January, May, and September. September is the most popular option, given the availability of programmes during autumn. As an international student, you’ll be able to contribute to cutting-edge research.

Australia

Australia’s quality of education is world-renowned. Options to remain in the country after earning your degree include:

  • Skilled Recognised Graduate Visa (Subclass 476): This allows students to live, work, and study in Australia for up to 18 months.
  • Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485): Students are allowed to live, work, and study in Australia temporarily after completing their studies.

Germany

With its reputation for industrial innovations, relatively low tuition cost and over 3,600 engineering degree courses on offer from 200 universities, Germany is highly regarded the world over. The country produces experts who lead their respective fields and guide the next generation of engineers.

Practical, hands-on learning and industrial collaborations at some of the highest-ranked engineering institutions in the world make it the first choice of many, too. Graduates who wish to remain in the country have the following permits to choose from:

  • Residence permit for job seekers: You can apply for this permit if you don’t have a job offer but plan to stay in Germany to find one.
  • Residence permit for working: If you’ve already secured a job offer, then this permit allows you to stay in the country to work.
  • Permanent residency permit: Otherwise, if you meet the requirements, you may apply for this permit to work, live and stay in Germany indefinitely. It also allows your spouse and children to join you if you receive permanent residency status.

United States

The US is a popular choice across many engineering fields. According to the QS World University Rankings 2025, the US is the most popular destination for international students and is home to universities recognised globally for their quality engineering education.

Qualifications from US institutions are highly regarded, and US-based engineers are known to enjoy lucrative careers. Once you’ve earned your degree, you’ll have the following options to remain in the US if you hope to further your education or start seeking work.

  • OPT allows holders of the F-1 student visa to gain work experience for one year in the US in any field related to their studies.
  • STEM OPT:This is an option that grants holders of the F-1 visa off-campus employment, but to be eligible, you must have studied in the US for at least one year, have a job offer related to your field of study and have authorisation from your university’s International Student Help Desk. You will also need to notify the US Citizenship and Immigration Service.

United Kingdom

The UK has a long, proud history of engineering excellence going back centuries. Known for its cutting-edge research, engineering contributes about £646 billion to the UK economy annually, making up over 30% of the nation’s total economic output.

After you graduate, you’ll be able to stay in the UK to look for work or continue studying by applying for one of the following permits:

  • Graduate visa: After graduation, this permit allows you to stay in the UK for another two years. If you already hold a doctoral qualification, it may be extended to three. This visa cannot, be extended, however.
  • Skilled Worker visa: This is the option you’ll select if you’ve secured a job offer from an eligible employer. It can last up to five years before an extension is necessary.

How we can help you

If you're set on taking your academic career abroad, leave the legwork to us. We offer a comprehensive selection of services that will help you choose the institution that best suits you, handle all your university and visa application paperwork, advice on immigration, and more.

Don’t give up on your dreams of studying abroad. Our experts at Sable International have all the information you need to take your academic and career ambitions to new shores. Between 400 institutions and 24 countries, we’ll guide you from the first step of your journey.

For more information about how to study abroad, get in touch with us at study@sableinternational.com or call us on +27 21 657 1543.

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