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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 leading destinations 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 19,200 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 $38,000 and $60,000 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.
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. |
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| Canada | Canada has excellent Mechanical Engineering programs, a supportive international student environment, and favorable immigration policies. |
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| United Kingdom | The UK has a strong reputation for Mechanical Engineering and offers shorter program durations than other countries. |
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| Germany | It is a popular destination for Mechanical Engineering studies |
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| Australia | Australian universities are known for their cutting-edge engineering education and research. |
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| Sweden | Swedish universities offer high-quality Mechanical Engineering programs at relatively lower tuition fees |
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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 names | Country | Global rank |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | USA | 1 |
| Stanford University | USA | 2 |
| Delft University of Technology | Netherlands | 3 |
| University of Cambridge | UK | 4 |
| Harvard University | USA | 5 |
| ETH Zurich | Switzerland | 6 |
| National University of Singapore | Singapore | 7 |
| California Institute of Technology (Caltech) | USA | 26 |
| Pennsylvania State University | USA | 27 |
| University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) | USA | =30 |
| Politecnico di Milano | Italy | =9 |
| University of Oxford | UK | =9 |
| Imperial College London | UK | 11 |
| Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore) | Singapore | 12 |
| Tsinghua University | China | 13 |
| Georgia Institute of Technology | USA | 14 |
| University of Michigan-Ann Arbor | USA | 15 |
| Purdue University | USA | 16 |
| California Institute of Technology (Caltech) | USA | 17 |
| EPFL – École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne | Switzerland | 18 |
| RWTH Aachen University | Germany | 19 |
| KTH Royal Institute of Technology | Sweden | 20 |
| Shanghai Jiao Tong University | China | 21 |
| Technical University of Munich | Germany | 21 |
| The University of Tokyo | Japan | 21 |
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:
- Engineering Mathematics
- Electrical and electronics system
- Mechanics, structure, and materials
- System modelling
- Thermodynamics
You can pick courses from multiple specializations:
- BioMechanical Engineering
- Controls
- Design
- Dynamics
- Energy Science and Technology
- Fluids
- Manufacturing
- Mechanics
- Micro-Electromechanical Systems (MEMS)
- Nanoengineering
- Ocean Engineering
- Transportation Systems
Some of the prominent electives are:
- Advanced CAM & Automation
- Machine Tool & Fixture Design
- Modern Materials and Advanced Manufacturing Technologies
- Additive Manufacturing
- Welding Engineering
- Lean Manufacturing
- Statistical Quality Control
- Aerodynamics and Hydrodynamics
- Electronics Cooling
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:
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or any other STEM engineering course that has Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics as core subjects
- A minimum GPA of 3.0 or above
- English test proficiency scores like TOEFL, PTE, IELTS, Duolingo
- GRE scores (with a higher focus on the quants section)
- 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 requirement differs 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 10% between 2022 and 2032, which is estimated to create 28,500 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 |
Top recruiters for an MS in Mechanical Engineering graduates
The top companies looking for professionals with an MS in Mechanical Engineering are:
- Boeing
- General Electric (GE)
- Lockheed Martin
- Northrop Grumman
- Raytheon Technologies
- Ford Motor Company
- General Motors
- Tesla
- Apple
- Microsoft
- Amazon
- McKinsey & Company
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
