How to Study Engineering in UK: Guide for International Students

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By Nikita George

Study Abroad Content Expert

June 26, 2025 | 12 min read

Engineering in UK might seem like a far-fetching dream for some of you out there, right? But here is the good news, IT IS POSSIBLE!

You have got the right guide in front of you. Scroll down and read our latest blog explaining each and every step to help you pursue your dream of studying Engineering in the best universities in the UK.

Table Of Content

1Is the UK Good for Engineering?2What are the 21 Types of Engineering?3Top 10 Engineering Universities 4Requirements to Study Engineering in UK 5Scholarships for Engineering Students in UK 6Engineering in UK Fees 6How CanApprove Helps You to Apply for Engineering in UK 7Frequently Asked Questions

Is the UK Good for Engineering?

Yes, the UK is considered to be an excellent and smart choice for Engineering. Numerous factors contribute to its wide preference and opportunity. The UK has increasing demand for skilled professionals in engineering fields like civil, mechanical, electrical, etc.

Globally recognized degrees
Wide range of specializations
Strong industry connections
Post-study work option
Promising career prospects in engineering field

What are the 21 Types of Engineering?

Engineering is a vast term encompassing a wide array of branches and specializations. Let’s look at the 21 different core types of engineering courses list:

Mechanical Engineering
Civil Engineering
Aerospace Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Chemical Engineering
Industrial Engineering
Computer Engineering
Software Engineering
Materials Engineering
Mechatronics Engineering
Structural Engineering
Agricultural Engineering
Mining Engineering
Petroleum Engineering
Nuclear Engineering
Marine Engineering
Robotics Engineering
Automotive Engineering
Geotechnical Engineering
Biomedical Engineering
Environmental Engineering

Top 10 Engineering Universities in UK

The UK stands out to be a remarkable country with the top-ranked Engineering universities that cover all the core branches. With a strong focus on quality education, experienced faculty and well-equipped campus designed to support student success, the universities of Engineering in UK have consistently been producing world-class engineers.

Let’s take a brief look at best Top 10 Engineering Universities in UK:

1. University of Cambridge

Renowned for its innovative research and well-equipped laboratories, University of Cambridge ranks the top in preparing and graduating an engineer ready for the job. Mechanical engineering courses are especially acclaimed due to both the academic excellence and hand-on experience training.

Popular Courses: Mechanical, Civil, Electrical, Aerospace engineering in UK

2. University of Oxford

This is the oldest university in the English-speaking world which dates back to the early 11th century. The department of Engineering Science in Oxford University puts forth an interdisciplinary learning and innovation.

Popular Courses: Chemical, Energy Systems, Civil, Electrical, Biomedical engineering in UK

3. Imperial College London

Ranked 2nd in the world in the QS World University Rankings 2025, Imperial College is a world-leading university for Science, Technology, and Engineering and core courses in UK.

Popular Courses: Aeronautical, Chemical, Civil, Computing, Bioengineering

4. University of Manchester

Manchester University holds a strong position in the field of Engineering in UK. If you are seeking for a good engineering institution with excellent and well-equipped lab facilities, then this should be your choice.

Popular Courses: Electrical and Electronics, Mechanical, Mechatronics, Nuclear, Aerospace

5. University College London

Studying at University College London enhances career as an engineer with their strong industry connections. It covers a broad range of disciplines and you can learn skills from the best faculties ever.

Popular Courses: Biochemical, Civil, Mechanical, Robotics and Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science

6. University of Edinburgh

This is a leading global university consistently ranked among the top 100. With their strong industry ties particularly in tech, energy and transport, students are offered internship and placement opportunities in reputed companies.

Popular Courses: Robotics and AI, Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Bioengineering, Structural

7. University of Southampton

University of Southampton has more than 70 undergraduate and postgraduate courses, a year in industry option which means students can work in industry-related jobs gaining hands-on experience, and an engineering foundation year.

Popular Courses: Maritime, Electronics, Artificial Intelligence, Computational Engineering and Design

8. University of Leeds

Being one of the top universities in the UK, University of Leeds has a wide range of accredited Engineering disciplines, each designed to bring out the best in every student. Leeds partners with top companies like Rolls-Royce, Siemens, Arup, and BP for internships and employability programs.

Popular Courses: Chemical, Structural, Environmental Engineering, Architectural Engineering

9. University of Bristol

University of Bristol offers extensive internship opportunities along with their academic course. Students can learn in advanced labs and there is a strong focus on sustainable engineering, robotics, energy systems.

Popular Courses: Robotics, Electrical, Mechanical, Computer Science, Bioengineering

10. University of Sheffield

University of Sheffield is home to the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC), having strong industry links with Boeing, Rolls-Royce, and McLaren. Being a part of Russell Group, this university has high-impact research and academic excellence.

Popular Courses: Civil, Mechanical, Aerospace, Electrical, Chemical, and Manufacturing.

Requirements to Study Engineering in UK

To help you get started, here is an overview of the key requirements to study Engineering in UK:

Academic Requirements

For Undergraduate:

You have to complete 10+2 ( CBSE/ICSE/State Board ).
Strong performance in preferred subjects such as Mathematics, Physics and Computer Science.
Minimum percentage of 70% – 80% is required and this varies by university.

For Postgraduate:

Must complete a bachelor’s degree in engineering (B.E./B.Tech) from a recognized university.
A minimum CGPA of 6.5-7.5 is required.
Some universities may ask for work experience.

UCAS Application Process

UCAS is the official online platform for students to apply for the undergraduate courses in the UK universities. You can apply to up to 5 courses/universities through this platform.

Choose your desired course
Register in the UCAS official platform using the following detail:
- Personal details
- Academic transcripts
- Personal statement
- Reference letter
Pay the application fee
Submit the application before the deadline.
Track UCAS response

English Language Requirements

International students are expected to meet English language requirements to study Engineering in UK.
You can either take pre-sessional language courses offered by some universities like University of Bristol or take English language tests like IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge.

IELTS – 7.0 -7.5
TOEFL – 100 – 110
Cambridge C1 Advanced – overall score of 191- 193
Cambridge C2 Proficiency – overall score of 191 – 200

Additional Qualifications

Since universities like Oxford, Cambridge are competitive, Class 12 qualification alone is not sufficient. You may are strongly advised to take further qualifications like:

International Baccalaureate.
A levels.
Advanced Placement (AP) tests.
95% or above in the relevant subjects.
Complete first year of bachelor’s degree in any university outside the UK.

Documents Required

Academic transcripts
Proof of language proficiency
Statement of purpose
Letter of recommendation
UCAS application
CV/Resume ( if required for PG )
Passport
Work experience ( if required )

Scholarships for Engineering Students in UK

Engineering in UK can be expensive for most international students. But here is the solution – Scholarships. These include prestigious awards like Chevening, Commonwealth, and GREAT Scholarships. There are university-specific scholarships from top institutions such as the University of Manchester, University of Sheffield, and Imperial College London.

Let’s explore some of the best UK scholarships for Indian students in detail:

Commonwealth Scholarships

This scholarship is offered to students from Commonwealth countries, primarily merit-based and support master’s and PhD by covering tuition fees, living cost and travel.

Chevening Scholarships

Chevening scholarships cover tuition fees, living cost and travel expenses for a one year master’s program of international students. This is funded by the UK government and is based on academic excellence.

GREAT Scholarships

This scholarship is partly funded by the UK government and universities, offering £10,000 towards tuition fees for one-year postgraduate programs. International students from selected countries including India can avail this scholarship.

University-Specific Scholarships

University of Oxford – Clarendon Fund Scholarships
University of Manchester – Engineering the Future Scholarships
University of Cambridge – Cambridge International Scholarships
Imperial College London – Faculty of Engineering Awards
University of Sheffield – International Merit Scholarships

Engineering in UK Fees

Fees for studying Engineering in UK varies depending on the university and course you choose. Top universities like University of Oxford, University of Cambridge and Imperial College London may charge higher tuition fees as compared to other universities. There are additional charges like lab fees and living expenses. Here is an estimated average fees range:

For Undergraduate Programs

Undergraduate programs in Engineering span 3-4 years that combines academic and practical, industry-focused learning.

The average fees range – £20,000 – £38,000 per year

For Postgraduate Programs

These are usually 1 year MSc courses in Engineering offering advanced specialization. These programs often include research projects, lab work, and industry-linked learning.

The average fees range – £22,000 – £40,000 per year.

How CanApprove Helps You to Apply for Engineering in UK

1. Finds the right course and university for you
Helps you choose the right course matching your academic profile and goals.

2. Supports you with the application process
CanApprove assists you throughout the application process from documentation to application submission.

3. Guides you in drafting SOP and LOR
Our experts will guide you in preparing Statement of Purpose and Letter of Recommendation.

4. Prepares you for IELTS and Entrance tests
They offer access to IELTS training to meet your English language requirements.

5. Apply for UK student visa with ease
From the offer letter to the visa application process, CanApprove provides expert guidance to help you apply for a UK student visa with ease.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which type of engineering is best in UK?

In the UK, fields like Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, and Computer Engineering are in high demand. Aerospace, Biomedical, and Chemical Engineering also offer great opportunities, depending on your interests and strengths.

How much does it cost to study engineering in UK?

Engineering in the UK can cost between £11,000–£65,000 (INR 12–71 lakhs) per year, depending on the university and program. Scholarships and financial aid options are available to help manage costs.

What are the requirements to study engineering in the UK?

For undergraduate engineering courses in the UK, students must complete Class XII with strong marks in Maths, Physics, and Chemistry; top universities may also require A-Levels, IB, or a Foundation Year. For postgraduate programs, a relevant Bachelor’s degree (like B.Tech or B.E) with an excellent score.

Is the UK in demand for engineers?

Yes, the UK has a high demand for engineers across various sectors, mainly due to a shortage of skilled professionals, major infrastructure projects, technological advancements, and the shift to renewable energy.

What is the cheapest UK university for international students?

UK universities like Wrexham Glyndŵr, Chester, Bedfordshire, and Teesside are known for offering affordable tuition fees for international students.

What qualifications do you need to be an engineer UK?

To become an engineer in the UK, a common path involves completing a bachelor’s degree in engineering or technology, followed by a relevant master’s degree or an Engineering Doctorate.

How many years for engineering in the UK?

In the UK, most engineering degrees like BEng or BSc take 3 years, while integrated MEng programs may last 4 to 5 years.

What is the salary of an engineer in the UK?

The average salary for an engineer in the UK varies depending on experience, location, and specific field, but generally ranges from £30,000 to £60,000 annually.

How to apply for Engineering in UK?

To apply for engineering in the UK, international students need strong grades in math and physics, meet English language requirements, choose a course and university, and apply via UCAS.

How to apply for university in UK for international students?

To apply to a UK university as an international student, you’ll generally need to first research and select universities and courses, then apply through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). Once you’ve received an offer, you’ll need to secure a UK student visa.