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What is Mechanical Engineering?
Quick read
- Mechanical engineering covers mechanics, thermodynamics, materials, design, manufacturing and control.
- Popular master's specialisations include automotive, aerospace, robotics, renewable energy and advanced manufacturing.
- Germany is a favourite for mechanical engineers because of its industry and low tuition at public universities.
- UK graduate mechanical engineers start around £26,000–£30,000 (Prospects, 2025).
- Accredited degrees help if you want chartered status later.
Mechanical engineering is about designing and making things that move or use energy: engines, machines, vehicles, turbines, medical devices and robots. Courses combine maths and physics with design projects, lab work and computer-aided engineering.
Abroad, Indian students usually take a master's after a BTech or BE. Many programmes let you specialise in automotive, aerospace, mechatronics, energy or manufacturing, and finish with a thesis or industry project.
Why study Mechanical Engineering abroad
Industry links
Automotive, aerospace and energy companies work closely with universities in Germany, the UK and Canada.
Lab facilities
Wind tunnels, engine test beds and advanced manufacturing labs support hands-on projects.
Specialist master's
Narrow programmes such as automotive or renewable energy engineering are widely available.
Professional recognition
Accredited degrees support registration as a professional or chartered engineer.
Specialisations you can choose
- Automotive engineering
- Aerospace engineering
- Mechatronics and robotics
- Renewable and sustainable energy
- Advanced manufacturing
- Thermal and fluid engineering
- Materials engineering
- Computational engineering
Degree options
| Programme | Duration | Typical entry | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor's (BEng/BSc Mechanical Engineering) | 3–4 years | Class 12 with physics and maths | Students after Class 12 |
| Integrated master's (MEng, UK) | 4–5 years | Class 12 with physics and maths, high marks | Students aiming at chartered status in the UK |
| MSc / MEng / MASc | 1–2 years | BTech/BE in mechanical or related engineering | Indian engineering graduates |
| Postgraduate diploma (Canada) | 1–2 years | Bachelor's degree | Applied, job-focused training at a college |
Best countries to study Mechanical Engineering
GermanyStrong automotive and machinery industry, research-led technical universities, low tuition at public universities.Study in Germany
United KingdomAccredited one-year MSc programmes in automotive, aerospace and energy.Study in the UK
CanadaEngineering master's (MEng/MASc) and a work permit of up to 3 years.Study in Canada
AustraliaMaster of Engineering programmes accredited by Engineers Australia.Study in Australia
IrelandMedical device and manufacturing employers around Galway, Cork and Limerick.Study in Ireland
Mechanical Engineering: costs and work rights in 13 countries
The table compares typical international tuition per year in each country (a range across subjects, from our country guides), how long a master's usually takes, and the post-study work route. Notes specific to Mechanical Engineering are added where they matter.
| Country | Bachelor's / year | Master's / year | Post-study work | What to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| £15,000–40,000≈ ₹18.3 lakh – ₹48.8 lakh | £17,000–36,000≈ ₹20.7 lakh – ₹43.9 lakh1–2 years | Graduate visa: 2 years (18 months if you apply from 1 January 2027) Details | One-year taught master's are common. | |
| A$30,000–50,000≈ ₹19.5 lakh – ₹32.5 lakh | A$32,000–55,000≈ ₹20.8 lakh – ₹35.8 lakh1–2 years | Temporary Graduate visa (485): usually 2–3 years; Indian graduates up to 3 years after a master's Details | Master of Engineering is often 2 years (shorter with credit). | |
| C$20,000–60,000≈ ₹13.4 lakh – ₹40.2 lakh | C$10,000–50,000≈ ₹6.7 lakh – ₹33.5 lakh1–2 years | PGWP: up to 3 years, depending on programme length Details | Colleges also offer postgraduate diplomas; check the field-of-study rule for PGWP. | |
| €16,000–30,000≈ ₹17 lakh – ₹31.8 lakh | €16,000–30,000≈ ₹17 lakh – ₹31.8 lakh1–2 years | Stamp 1G: 12 months, up to 24 months after a master's Details | Most taught master's take 1 year. | |
| Up to €20,000up to ≈ ₹21.2 lakh | Up to €25,000up to ≈ ₹26.5 lakh1.5–2 years | 18-month job-seeker residence permit Details | Many English-taught master's; check German-language needs for jobs. | |
| NZ$36,000–55,000≈ ₹19.4 lakh – ₹29.7 lakh | NZ$40,000–60,000≈ ₹21.6 lakh – ₹32.4 lakh1–2 years | Post Study Work Visa: up to 3 years after a master's Details | Includes 1-year and 1.5–2 year master's. | |
| €9,000–20,000≈ ₹9.5 lakh – ₹21.2 lakh | €12,000–30,000≈ ₹12.7 lakh – ₹31.8 lakh1–2 years | Orientation year: 1 year Details | Research universities and universities of applied sciences both teach in English. | |
| AED 44,000–165,000≈ ₹11 lakh – ₹41.3 lakh | AED 42,000–181,000≈ ₹10.5 lakh – ₹45.3 lakh1–2 years | No dedicated route: employer work visa or a 60–120 day Job Seeker visa Details | Branch campuses award the parent university's degree. | |
| €1,000–27,000≈ ₹1.1 lakh – ₹28.6 lakh | €2,700–43,000≈ ₹2.9 lakh – ₹45.6 lakh1–2 years | Job-search authorisation: 24 months Details | Public universities teach mostly in Spanish; English-taught options are mainly at private schools. | |
| €7,000–15,000≈ ₹7.4 lakh – ₹15.9 lakh | €8,000–20,000≈ ₹8.5 lakh – ₹21.2 lakh1–2 years | Post-study permit: up to 9 months Details | English is an official language; small universities and colleges. | |
| €6,800–12,000≈ ₹7.2 lakh – ₹12.7 lakh | €4,000–18,000≈ ₹4.2 lakh – ₹19.1 lakh1–2 years | Up to 12 months after a master's; none after a bachelor's Details | Public universities teach mainly in Greek; private universities teach in English. | |
| €3,000–10,000≈ ₹3.2 lakh – ₹10.6 lakh | €3,500–12,000≈ ₹3.7 lakh – ₹12.7 lakh1–2 years | Up to 9 months after a master's or PhD Details | English-taught programmes at state and private universities. | |
| €2,500–10,000≈ ₹2.6 lakh – ₹10.6 lakh | €2,300–12,000≈ ₹2.4 lakh – ₹12.7 lakh1.5–2 years | 12-month job-search permit Details | English-taught programmes at state and private universities. |
Ranges are typical yearly international tuition across subjects; lab-based and professional courses often sit at the upper end. Living costs, visa and health cover are extra. Approximate exchange rates (based on ECB reference rates, March 2026). Actual rates on your payment date will differ.
Not sure which country suits Mechanical Engineering?Share your marks, budget and goals and we'll compare countries and universities for you.
Universities to consider for Mechanical Engineering
Universities on our list known for Engineering, ordered by global ranking, with no more than two per country. Entry rules and fees differ by course, so check the university page or ask us.
UNSW SydneySydney, AustraliaQS 2027: 19
Technical University of MunichMunich, GermanyQS 2027: 25
The University of SydneySydney, AustraliaQS 2027: 28
McGill UniversityMontreal, CanadaQS 2027: 30
University of TorontoToronto, CanadaQS 2027: 32
The University of ManchesterManchester, UKQS 2027: =40
Delft University of TechnologyDelft, NetherlandsQS 2027: 48
University of AucklandAuckland, New ZealandQS 2027: 67
University of BirminghamBirmingham, UKQS 2027: =68
University of Birmingham DubaiDubai, Dubai (UAE)QS (parent university) 2027: 68
Admission requirements
Bachelor's
- Class 12 with physics and maths
- Minimum marks set by each university
- English test or accepted Class 12 English mark
Master's
- BTech/BE in mechanical or a closely related branch
- Minimum grade set by each university; German universities check your subjects closely
- GRE for some programmes; rarely in the UK and Australia
Documents you will usually need
- Mark sheets and certificates
- Statement of purpose
- CV
- References
- Course descriptions (often needed for Germany)
- English test score report
English test scores
| Level | Typical requirement |
|---|---|
| Bachelor's | IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall with no band below 5.5–6.0 is typical |
| Master's | IELTS Academic 6.5 overall with no band below 6.0 is typical |
| Other tests | PTE Academic and TOEFL iBT are widely accepted; check each university's list |
| Germany | English-taught master's need an English test; German-taught programmes need German (often TestDaF or DSH) |
Typical ranges; each university and course sets its own scores. Prepare with our IELTS and PTE classes.
Professional recognition
Washington Accord
India is a full signatory of the Washington Accord (through the National Board of Accreditation), as are the UK, Australia, Canada, Ireland and New Zealand. Accredited engineering degrees from signatory countries are treated as substantially equivalent for professional recognition. Germany and the Netherlands are not signatories, so check recognition if you plan to register as an engineer later.
Engineers Australia / Engineering Council (UK)
These bodies accredit degrees in Australia and the UK. Accredited degrees are the easiest route to chartered status there.
Skills you will build
- CAD (SolidWorks, CATIA or similar)
- Simulation (FEA, CFD)
- MATLAB or Python
- Thermodynamics and mechanics
- Manufacturing processes
- Project management
- Technical report writing
- Teamwork
Careers and salaries after Mechanical Engineering
| Job role | UK salary guide | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanical engineer | £26,000–£30,000 starting; £45,000–£65,000 at senior level | Prospects job profile (UK), 2025 (opens in a new tab) |
| Automotive engineer | £25,000–£35,000 starting; £35,000–£50,000 with experience, £60,000+ senior | Prospects job profile (UK), 2025 (opens in a new tab) |
| Aerospace engineer | £25,000–£35,000 starting; £50,000–£80,000+ at senior level | Prospects job profile (UK), 2025 (opens in a new tab) |
UK salary guides are shown so all courses use the same comparison. Pay elsewhere differs, and a job offer abroad is never guaranteed.
Planning a career in Mechanical Engineering?Our counsellor can map courses to the jobs and countries you're aiming for.
Study Mechanical Engineering abroad: FAQs
Is Germany good for MS in Mechanical Engineering?
Yes, for many students. Public universities charge little or no tuition (except Baden-Württemberg and TUM), and the industry is strong. Learning German improves job chances considerably.
Can I do a master's in a different engineering branch?
Sometimes. Related branches (e.g. mechanical to mechatronics or energy) are usually fine. Big jumps need you to show the right subjects in your degree.
Is GRE needed for mechanical engineering master's?
Most universities in the UK, Australia, Ireland and Germany don't ask for it. Some Canadian programmes may.
What is the difference between MEng and MSc?
In the UK, an MEng is usually an integrated undergraduate master's; an MSc is a postgraduate degree. In Canada, MEng is a course-based master's and MASc is research-based.
Will my degree abroad be recognised in India?
Degrees from recognised universities are accepted by most employers. For government jobs or further study, you may need AIU equivalence.
Explore other courses
Business and finance
Computing and data
Engineering and architecture
Health and life sciences
Hospitality and social sciences
Sources
- Prospects: mechanical engineer job profile (opens in a new tab)
- Prospects: automotive engineer job profile (opens in a new tab)
- Prospects: aerospace engineer job profile (opens in a new tab)
- International Engineering Alliance: Washington Accord (opens in a new tab)
Researched 23 Oct 2026. Fees, rules and salaries change; confirm with the university or official source before you apply.