Master’s (MS) in Electrical Engineering 2024: Top Universities, Rankings, Fees, Eligibility & More

About Master’s in Electrical Engineering Abroad

Every year, thousands of students head to foreign universities for their Master’s in Electrical Engineering. The program delivers technical training to students with a background in the engineering domain and helps them tap into opportunities to gain practical experience in emerging areas of the field. During your MS in Electrical Engineering, you can deepen your knowledge, develop specialized skills, and enhance your career prospects.

Countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Australia, and Canada are home to some of the best programs. Some of the renowned global universities that offer an MS in Electrical Engineering are MIT, Stanford, the University of Cambridge, the Technical University of Munich, and the University of Melbourne. MS in Electrical Engineering programs come in various formats across different countries and universities. For example:

• Traditional MS programs take 1-2 years to complete.
• Some universities offer MEng (Master of Engineering) degrees that combine bachelor’s and master’s level coursework over 4-5 years.
• Additionally, part-time and online MS options are available for working professionals.
• Some universities also offer dual degree programs that combine an MS in Electrical Engineering with an MBA, Computer Science, Physics, or other engineering disciplines. These dual-degree programs take 2-3 years to complete.

Note that most programs require students to complete 30-36 credit hours of graduate-level coursework. All programs offer specializations, which means the students can shape their MS program in the way they want. Specializations include: 

• Signal Processing and Communications 
• Systems and Control
• Solid-State Circuits
• Devices and Materials
• Electromagnetics and Photonics
• Digital Systems Engineering

Top countries to study an MS in Electrical Engineering

The US, Canada, UK, Germany, and Australia are the top favorites among students who wish to pursue an MS in Electrical Engineering abroad. Here’s a quick introduction to the MSEE programs offered in these countries.

United States of America (USA)

The USA is one of the best countries for MS in Electrical Engineering. This is because of its strong infrastructure, high-quality education, and vast research opportunities. Some of the top universities that offer this program include MIT, Stanford, UC Berkeley, and Harvard. One of the crucial reasons why many students prefer the USA for their MSEE is that the average annual salary for electrical engineers here is $103,390.

Canada

Canada offers excellent MS in Electrical Engineering programs. Some of the top universities that offer the program are the University of Toronto and the University of Waterloo. Tuition fees range from CAD 5,000 to CAD 10,000 per year. So, Canada is a more affordable option compared to other top destinations. That doesn’t compromise on the quality of the education because Canadian universities are known for their strong focus on research and innovation.

Germany

Germany is emerging as a popular choice due to its highly subsidized tuition fees at public universities. Top institutions for MS in Electrical Engineering here include the Technical University of Munich and RWTH Aachen University. Even though students have to learn German to thrive here, thousands of students still apply for MSEE in these universities because of the quality of their education.

United Kingdom (UK)

The UK is home to renowned universities like the University of Cambridge and the University of Oxford. Students who value world-leading research opportunities have a preference for MS in Electrical Engineering programs in the UK. The universities here are known for their rich academic environment.

Australia

Australia is home to top-ranked engineering colleges like the University of Melbourne, the University of New South Wales, and the Australian National University. Tuition fees here range from AUD 6,000 to AUD 10,000 per year. Australian universities are particularly known for their industry-relevant curriculum and emphasis on practical skills.

Other countries that offer strong MS programs in Electrical Engineering include France, Switzerland, Japan, South Korea, and China.

All renowned universities in these countries offer the following advantages to students:

• Flexibility to choose optional modules that let them specialize in subjects of their interest
• Emphasis on practical skills through lab work and projects
• Access to specialist facilities and equipment
• Industry-relevant curriculum informed by research
• Opportunity for in-depth study through projects

Top universities in the world for MS in Electrical Engineering

We’ve compiled a list of the top 25 universities across the globe, as per their global QS Ranking in the 2024 report. These universities are ranked by their MS in Electrical Engineering (EE) program.

Please note that this is just the top 1% of universities. While this is a highly aspirational list, for most students, even other universities (not on the list) can be great options, and could offer even better ROIs. But how do you choose?

To make sure you confidently choose the best university, we have created SelectRight. All you need is to create your profile for free on SelectRight and then let the AI-powered algorithm match you to the best ones from 40,000 programs globally. Once you get your program shortlist, you can then compare them. You can also talk to a senior expert at any stage of your university search and take away all confusion from the process. In fact, more than 60,000 students have already found their perfect program via SelectRight. Join the club; find your best university today.

Course curriculum for MS in Electrical Engineering and specializations

MSEE programs require you to complete 30-36 credit hours of graduate-level coursework. There are core subjects and specializations.

Core subjects usually cover fundamental topics like:

• Engineering Analysis
• Signal Processing
• Communications
• Control Systems
• Electromagnetics
• Electronic Devices and Circuits

Common specializations include:

• Signal Processing and Communications
• Systems and Control
• Solid-State Circuits, Devices and Materials
• Electromagnetics and Photonics
• Digital Systems Engineering

Most programs also include other requirements:

• Thesis or Non-thesis Options
• Seminar or Colloquium Attendances
• Hands-on Lab Works
• Research Opportunities
• Industrial Experience or Internships

Eligibility for studying an MS in Electrical Engineering

Let’s understand each of the eligibility requirements for studying an MS in Electrical Engineering.

1. A bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering (or a closely related field)
2. A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0
3. GRE (Graduate Record Examination) scores (recommended, though not mandatory)
4. Proof of English proficiency
5. Statement of Purpose (SOP)
6. 2-3 Letters of Recommendation (LORs)
7. Resume/CV
8. Official transcripts from previous institutions

GMAT/GRE requirements for studying an MS in Electrical Engineering

In the USA, some universities make GRE scores mandatory. For these programs, a competitive GRE score is typically around 290 or higher. For top programs, a quantitative score of 305 or higher is expected.

Since COVID-19, many universities have waived off the GRE/GMAT score requirements. This also includes the top universities in the USA. For instance, Stanford, MIT, and Carnegie Mellon have made the GRE optional for MS in Electrical Engineering admissions.

In the UK, universities do not ask students to submit GRE or GMAT scores for MS in Electrical Engineering programs. This includes top universities like the University of Oxford, the University of Cambridge, Imperial College London, and the University of Manchester.

Scholarships for students who aspire to study an MS Electrical Engineering abroad

Many countries offer scholarships to help international students fund their education. Here is an overview:

Note: Most of these scholarships only cover the tuition fees. Beyond that, many other expenses make an international education financially prohibitive for students. That’s why most students need to get an education loan. Most students often go to bank branches near their homes and miss out on what could have been a loan that saved them lakhs. That’s why we built FundRight to take away this anxiety. Students can register for free on FundRight and get loan offers from 15+ banks and NBFCs in India and abroad, and compare and choose their best loans. Find out how much you can save; register on FundRight today.

Career Scope after an MS in Electrical Engineering

Here’s why students can expect their careers after MSEE to be rewarding.

1. A Master’s in Electrical Engineering can significantly boost your starting salary compared to just having a bachelor’s degree.
2. A master’s allows you to pivot into new interests and industries. Here are some directions you can take:
   • Medical Technology
   • Consumer Electronics
   • Industrial Automation
   • Wireless Wearable Tech
   • Wireless Power Transfers
   • Internet of Things (IoT)
   • Energy-saving and Climate-friendly Technologies
   • Drones and Robotics
3. In the USA, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 5% annual increase in the number of jobs for electrical engineers. This translates to an estimated 17,800 job openings each year. Even in other countries, the demand for graduates in electrical engineering is always on the rise.

Top Recruiters for MS in Electrical Engineering graduates

In the USA, some of the top recruiters for graduates with a Master’s in Electrical Engineering include:

• Airbus
• Amazon Web Services
• Analog Devices
• AXA
• BAE Systems
• Central Government Home Office
• Defence Equipment and Support
• Deloitte
• Ericsson
• Google
• Inmarsat
• O2
• Samsung
• Sky
• Surrey Satellite Technology
• Thales
• Vodafone

In the UK, leading companies seeking electrical engineers include:

• Arup
• BAE Systems
• BT Group
• Dyson
• Jaguar Land Rover
• National Grid
• Network Rail
• Rolls-Royce
• Siemens
• Thales
• UK Power Networks
• Vodafone

Job prospects and salaries offered after studying an MS in Electrical Engineering

With an MS in Electrical Engineering, you’ll find job opportunities across industries such as:

• Power and Renewable Energy
• Manufacturing and Industrial Production
• Construction and Building Services
• Transportation Organizations (Road and Rail Networks)
• Specialist Engineering and Consultancy
• Telecommunications
• Petrochemical Industries (Production and Distribution)
• Research and Development

Salaries vary depending on your location, experience, and specialization. Here is an overview of salaries.

Master of Science in Electrical & Electronics Engineering Jobs by Salary In The USA

Master of Science in Electrical & Electronics Engineering Jobs by Salary In The UK

FAQs

What are the common specializations or focus areas within an MS in Electrical Engineering programs abroad?

MS in Electrical Engineering programs offer a wide range of specializations such as:

• Signal Processing and Communications
• Systems and Control
• Solid-State Circuits, Devices, and Materials
• Electromagnetics and Photonics
• Digital Systems Engineering

What is the duration of post-study work visas in the USA, UK, and Australia?

The duration of post-study work visas varies across countries:

• USA: The Optional Practical Training (OPT) program allows international students to work in the USA for up to 12 months after graduation. STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) graduates, including those with an MS in Electrical Engineering, can extend their OPT for an additional 24 months.
• UK: The Graduate Route visa allows international students to stay and work in the UK for up to 2 years after their studies.
• Australia: The Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) allows eligible international students to live and work in Australia for 2-4 years after completing their studies, depending on their qualifications.

What are the differences in the language proficiency requirements for MS in EE in top countries for this program?

Most top countries for MS in Electrical Engineering require proof of English language proficiency through tests like TOEFL or IELTS. However, some countries have different language requirements:

• Germany: Some universities require German language proficiency, especially for research-oriented programs or those with industry collaborations.
• Canada: Some universities in Quebec may require French language proficiency.

What is the duration of the MS in Electrical Engineering program in the USA, UK, and Australia?

The program duration for MS in Electrical Engineering typically varies as follows:

• USA: 1.5-2 years (including coursework and thesis/project)
• UK: 1 year (primarily coursework-focused)

Australia: 1.5-2 years (including coursework and research project)