Master’s (MS) in Mechanical Engineering Abroad: Top Universities, Rankings, Fees, Eligibility & More

About Master’s in Mechanical Engineering abroad

The Master’s in Mechanical Engineering (MSME) is a STEM course designed for students with undergraduate degrees in Mechanical Engineering or related courses. 

The USA, UK, Germany, Australia, and Canada are at the forefront of technological progress in automated manufacturing, 3D computer-aided design, nanotechnology, and robotics. 

This increases the demand for professional mechanical engineers who graduate from universities abroad. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are about 18,000 openings for mechanical engineers in the USA every year, offering multiple opportunities for graduates. 

In countries like the USA and Australia, an MS in mechanical engineering is a STEM-designated course that offers graduates Optional Practical Training (OPT) to help them gain practical skills. 

A Master’s in Mechanical Engineering program may cost between $40,000 and $70,000 annually in the USA. Meanwhile, it can be somewhat affordable in Canada, the UK, and Australia. The costs for pursuing this degree depend on the university’s location and ranking.

Why study an MS in Mechanical Engineering abroad?

You might ask: Why study an MS in Mechanical Engineering abroad? Here are the key benefits that make the decision worthwhile.

Advanced Infrastructure

Universities in the US, UK, and Europe are at the forefront of robotics, nanotechnology, 3D printing, and sustainable design. An M.Tech degree course from a top Indian institution, such as IITs, has a vastly outdated curriculum. Abroad, you have access to the lab and infrastructure that lets you explore the latest technological developments. 

Better Job Opportunities

Jobs abroad, be it at an EV maker like Tesla or IoT-intensive warehouse operations at Amazon, are available more easily for foreign graduates. In India, one is stuck with jobs designing trucks at Tata Motors or making engines for Kirloskar. There is no excitement in working for Indian engineering brands. 

Specialisation and Research 

Universities abroad offer ample opportunities and funds for research. Niche domains exist, such as developing the latest wind turbines for renewable energy or safe nuclear power. In India, the technology in use is a decade old, and investment in manufacturing new products is very limited. 

Return on Investment

The salary for mechanical engineers in India is far below international levels. For that reason, most Indian students of mechanical engineering shift to software development and finance sectors after an undergraduate degree. Abroad, it is not unusual to earn a $100,000 salary after an internship, with much more after a few years of experience. 

Top countries to study MS in Mechanical Engineering

The best country for your MS in Mechanical Engineering depends on factors like the quality of education, research opportunities, job prospects, cost of living, and cultural fit for the individual student. Here is a list of the top countries in the world for pursuing an MS in Mechanical Engineering. 

 

Countries	Description	Universities
United States	The USA is known for its high-quality education, research opportunities, and strong job prospects for mechanical engineers.	Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) University of California, Berkeley University of Michigan-Ann Arbor.
Canada	Canada has excellent Mechanical Engineering programs, a supportive international student environment, and favorable immigration policies.	University of Waterloo, McGill University University of Toronto University of British Columbia.
United Kingdom	The UK has a strong reputation for Mechanical Engineering and offers shorter program durations than other countries.	Imperial College London University of Cambridge
Germany	It is a popular destination for Mechanical Engineering studies	Technical University of Munich Karlsruhe Institute of Technology Technische Universität Berlin
Australia	Australian universities are known for their cutting-edge engineering education and research.	University of Melbourne University of New South Wales University of Sydney University of Queensland
Sweden	Swedish universities offer high-quality Mechanical Engineering programs at relatively lower tuition fees	KTH Royal Institute of Technology Chalmers University of Technology

Top universities in the world for an MS in Mechanical Engineering 

The MS in Mechanical Engineering is among the most prominent programs in engineering colleges worldwide. These universities have the latest mechanical engineering curriculum, which prepares students for several private and governmental sectors.  

Here’s a list of the top universities in the world for MS in Mechanical Engineering and their global ranks per the QS World University Rankings By Subject 2024.

University Name	Country	Global Rank
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)	United States	1
University of Oxford	United Kingdom	2
Stanford University	United States	3
University of Cambridge	United Kingdom	4
ETH Zurich	Switzerland	5
University of California, Berkeley (UCB)	United States	6
Tsinghua University	China (Mainland)	7
Imperial College London	United Kingdom	8
Harvard University	United States	9
EPFL – École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne	Switzerland	10
Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore)	Singapore	11
National University of Singapore (NUS)	Singapore	12
California Institute of Technology (Caltech)	United States	13
Delft University of Technology	Netherlands	14
Georgia Institute of Technology	United States	15
Peking University	China (Mainland)	16
University of Toronto	Canada	17
The University of Tokyo	Japan	18
Carnegie Mellon University	United States	19
Technical University of Munich	Germany	19
Politecnico di Milano	Italy	21
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)	United States	22

 

Course Curriculum for an MS in Mechanical Engineering 

We’ve researched and analyzed the curriculum of multiple universities from abroad and listed down the mandatory subjects that they offer:  

1. Engineering Mathematics
2. Electrical and electronics system
3. Mechanics, structure, and materials
4. System modelling
5. Thermodynamics

You can pick courses from multiple specializations:

1. BioMechanical Engineering
2. Controls
3. Design
4. Dynamics
5. Energy Science and Technology
6. Fluids
7. Manufacturing
8. Mechanics
9. Micro-Electromechanical Systems (MEMS)
10. Nanoengineering
11. Ocean Engineering
12. Transportation Systems

Some of the prominent electives are:

1. Advanced CAM & Automation
2. Machine Tool & Fixture Design
3. Modern Materials and Advanced Manufacturing Technologies
4. Additive Manufacturing
5. Welding Engineering
6. Lean Manufacturing
7. Statistical Quality Control
8. Aerodynamics and Hydrodynamics
9. Electronics Cooling

Top specializations in MS in Mechanical Engineering

Choosing the right specialisation during your MS in Mechanical Engineering is important. Here are a few high-growth options you should explore: 

Robotics & Automation

While not new, the design and building of programmable machines is at the center of modern mechanical engineering. It draws upon mechanical, electrical, and electronic engineering to increase efficiency in manufacturing.

Smart Systems

This is an emerging field for machines that are aware of their environment. The best examples are self-driving vehicles from Tesla and Audi. In the USA, Aurora Innovation and Kodiak Robotics are developing the first self-driving trucks, and the same is set to happen elsewhere. Other smart systems include drones, both for surveillance and the battlefield. 

Green Energy Systems

Engineers in this sector work with various sources, including solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, and biomass energy. They also focus on improved use of electrical power through more efficient engineering of refrigerators and air conditioning units.

Nanotechnology and Material Engineering 

Nanotechnology is the science of manipulating matter at the nanoscale. The aim is to create new materials and devices that are stronger, safer, and less harmful to the environment. It has downstream applications in space research, aerospace engineering, and electronics. 

Eligibility for studying an MS in Mechanical Engineering 

To study a Master’s program in Mechanical Engineering, students need to fulfill the following eligibility criteria: 

1. Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or any other STEM engineering course that has Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics as core subjects
2. A minimum GPA of 3.0 or above
3. English test proficiency scores like TOEFL, PTE, IELTS, Duolingo
4. GRE scores (with a higher focus on the quants section)
5. Any STEM-related extracurricular activities or internships (especially if relevant to the field)

Other admission prerequisites that are necessary for eligibility requirements include: 

• Official transcripts 
• A personal essay
• Resume
• 2 letters of recommendation
• Proof of funds 
• Relevant visa 

Almost all the countries that offer this particular course have similar eligibility criteria for the program. However, the competition becomes tough if the pool of applicants is larger, which usually happens during the admission season in the USA. In such cases, you must have a strong GRE and relevant scores, such as language proficiency scores, to secure a spot. 

GMAT/GRE requirements for studying an MS in Mechanical Engineering 

The GRE and GMAT score requirements differ from country to country. However, most countries, such as the USA, Canada, and Australia, have waived this requirement. Many universities, such as Drexel University in the USA, do not require GRE scores. 

However, not all universities in the USA have waived GRE requirements. For instance,  the University of Washington requires all applicants to submit GRE test scores. 

Scholarships to study an MS in Mechanical Engineering

The average tuition fee range for an MS in Mechanical Engineering in the USA, UK, and Australia ranges from $50,000 to $80,000 (for the complete program). In Canada and Germany, the tuition fees are considerably lower. In any case, funding the entire program also means funding for living costs equal to or even more than the tuition fees. 

Scholarships can greatly reduce the burden of the huge expenses of foreign education. Thankfully, most of the top-rated universities offering an MS in Mechanical Engineering in all countries offer scholarships. Let’s take the UK as an example. Universities such as the University of Wolverhampton, St Mary’s University, Coventry University, and the University of Nottingham offer university-based scholarships for Mechanical Engineering.

Some organizations also offer scholarships for engineering students. In the USA, such scholarships include the AFCEA San Diego Scholarship Program, ASHRAE Undergraduate Engineering Scholarships, and ASME Mechanical Engineering Scholarships.

However, most students choose government scholarships, especially international students. These scholarships include the Fulbright Foreign Student Program, DAAD Scholarships, and the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships. 

Here is a more comprehensive list of scholarships for Mechanical Engineering students in the United States:

Organization-based scholarships

Organization-based scholarships	Details
IISE Scholarships and Fellowships	Applicants must be full-time students above freshman level, enrolled in an IISE-accredited industrial engineering program
Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowship	A merit/need-based scholarship program for Indian students to pursue a Master’s degree at selected USA colleges and universities
ASME Mechanical Engineering scholarships	Grants for students pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in Mechanical Engineering
ASHRAE Undergraduate Engineering Scholarships	Engineering scholarships for incoming full-time students at accredited USA institutions. Funded by ASHRAE, the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers.
SWE Scholarship Program – Scholarships for women	Funded by the Society of Women Engineers (SWE).

Non-Governmental Scholarships

Non-Governmental Scholarships	Details
Rotary Peace Fellowships	Scholarships awarded to students studying for a Master’s degree
Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme	Scholarships for postgraduate international students

 

University-specific USA scholarships for international students

University-specific Scholarships	Details
American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship	Scholarships for international students who are showing leadership potential.
Brandeis University Wien International Scholarship Program	Scholarship for high-achieving students with an interest in student community contribution.
Clark University Global Scholars Program	$10,000 as well as a guaranteed $2,500 taxable stipend for a paid internship awarded to deserving postgraduate students
Emory University Needs-Based Scholarship Program	Need-based scholarship for international students
Michigan State University International Scholarships	Scholarships to study at MSU
University of Minnesota International Scholarships	A Global Excellence Scholarship and #YouAreWelcomeHere Scholarship, a renewable scholarship that offers $15,000 per year.
Illinois State University International Awards	Tuition waivers, merit awards, and graduate assistantships to incoming international students.

Career scope of an MS in Mechanical Engineering 

Mechanical engineers with an MS degree have an excellent scope and a wide range of career options across multiple industries. Mechanical Engineering careers also offer higher salaries than other non-STEM occupations. 

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) in the USA, employment for mechanical engineers will grow by 9% between 2024 and 2034, which is estimated to create 18,100 jobs in the USA annually. 

As of June 2024, the average annual salary for a graduate mechanical engineer in the USA was $135,878, while the top earners made $140,000 annually. On average, mechanical engineers earn $115,000 annually in Australia and $84,142 annually in Canada. The earning potential of mechanical engineers is high in both private and governmental sectors.

Today, professional mechanical engineers are in high demand in the government sector, such as architectural engineers, machinery manufacturers, aerospace products and parts manufacturers, and, most importantly, the scientific research and development services industry. 

Mechanical engineers are also in demand in non-engineering industries, such as finance, management, law, military, government, medicine, research, technical sales, technical consulting, scientific journalism, and teaching. 

Based on Glassdoor 2024, here are the most prominent and latest job roles for graduate mechanical engineers and their annual incomes:

Job position	Average Annual Salary
Mechanical Engineering manager	$96,726
Robotics engineer	$92,210
Automation engineer	$86,990
Mechanical Inspector	$82,206

Is a Master’s in Mechanical Engineering worth it?

One of the most common questions is: Is doing an MS in Mechanical Engineering abroad worth the investment? Let us examine the job scope and the return on investment (ROI) of an MS in Mechanical Engineering course. 

Job roles and industry demand

Mechanical engineers with a good master’s degree have many career options. They can work as a design engineer, a research & development engineer, an automation engineer, a robotics engineer, etc. The demand for mechanical engineers is expected to grow at 9% annually over the next decade. 

Salary potential

What you will earn depends on the location, company, and experience. But here are some indicative figures:

In India, an entry-level mechanical engineer earns between ₹3-5 lakh per annum. An experienced project leader can earn up to ₹10-15 lakh or more.

Abroad, a Master’s in Mechanical Engineering from top universities often earns significantly higher starting salaries. It is not unheard of to start from $95,000 annually. This helps offset the cost of education abroad. 

Return on Investment (ROI) factors

To judge if an MS in Mechanical Engineering degree is worth it, consider: 

• The cost of the degree and living expenses. 
• The starting salary in the country you wish to settle. 
• Post-study work opportunities and the possibility of permanent residence.

Of course, what also matters is the reputation of the industry, your acumen, and industry ties. If you pick a reasonably well-known university, the ROI is very promising.

Top recruiters for an MS in Mechanical Engineering graduates

The top companies looking for professionals with an MS in Mechanical Engineering are:

1. Boeing
2. General Electric (GE)
3. Lockheed Martin
4. Northrop Grumman
5. Raytheon Technologies
6. Ford Motor Company
7. General Motors
8. Tesla
9. Apple
10. Microsoft
11. Amazon
12. McKinsey & Company
13. Boston Consulting Group

Job prospects and salaries after an MS in Mechanical Engineering 

The strong demand for mechanical engineers, along with the presence of major industry leaders and high salaries, makes it an attractive career choice for students. Due to the latest technological developments, the USA is an attractive destination for many students pursuing an MS in Mechanical Engineering. So, let’s take the USA as an example to understand the scope for MS in Mechanical Engineering graduates. 

Below are some high-demand job roles and their salaries per Glassdoor in 2024:

Job roles	Average Annual Salary
Aerospace Engineer	$243,167
Automotive Engineer	$132,975
Manufacturing Engineer	$120,040
Mechanical Design Engineer	$135,560
Research and Development Engineer	$150,063
Project Manager	$121,077
Consultant	$1,21,851

 

FAQs

1.Which countries offer the best programs in robotics within MS in Mechanical Engineering?

The USA and Germany offer the best robotics programs in the industry. Several universities, such as Carnegie Mellon University, the University of Michigan, and the University of Pennsylvania, offer robotics as part of an MS in Mechanical Engineering. In Germany, the Technical University of Munich and RWTH Aachen University also provide top-notch robotics programs within their MS in Mechanical Engineering courses.

 

2.What are the career prospects for graduates specializing in Mechanical Engineering?

The career prospects are huge after graduating in Mechanical Engineering. Freshers can earn between $80,000 to $121,000 annually in the USA. 

 

3.Are there any emerging specializations in an MS in Mechanical Engineering programs?

Yes, there are many emerging specializations in an MS in Mechanical Engineering abroad:

• Advanced manufacturing
• Acoustical engineering
• Sustainable design
• Artificial intelligence
• 3D printing

 

4.Which universities offer a Mechatronics course?

Mechatronics is a program that combines mechanical, electrical, and software engineering to design and develop intelligent systems. Currently, MIT and Stanford in the USA offer advanced mechatronics specializations within their Mechanical Engineering programs.

5. Which course is best for a Master’s in Mechanical Engineering? 

The most in-demand specialisations are in robotics, aerospace, automotive engineering, and material engineering. The best courses in these domains are offered by:

• Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
• Carnegie Mellon UniversityStanford University
• ETH Zurich
• Imperial College London
• Technical University of Munich (TUM)

If you are pressed for time, you can opt for one-year master’s programs in mechanical engineering from Cornell University, Cranfield University, and the University of Manchester.