Civil Engineering: Countries, Cost, Universities, and Colleges

Civil Engineering is literally everything you see around you when you step outside. It includes roads, schools, offices, hospitals, power plants, and much more.
These are the things we take for granted, but without them, life would be completely different.

What do Civil Engineers do? They are involved in the construction of urban facilities. Civil Engineers design, build, manage and maintain infrastructure. You can study this promising profession at various universities and colleges around the world.

The advantages of studying to become a civil engineer include:

• A wide range of specializations - you can choose what aligns with your interests, skills, and preferences.
• Guaranteed employment - if you enroll in the higher education institutions listed later in this article, you can start earning while studying. Qualified engineers are highly sought after in the job market, so you won't have trouble finding work.
• Good level of remuneration with the possibility of receiving regular bonuses.

 

Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering Abroad

The main requirement for studying civil engineering for a bachelor's degree in American and European universities is a good level of English proficiency and a decent high school diploma. However, this list of requirements is not exhaustive. You would also need to provide:

1. Diploma (if available)
2. Academic transcript
3. Motivation letter
4. Resume/CV
5. IELTS certificate
6. Certificates of other achievements (if applicable)

In some institutions, you may also be required to undergo an interview with a university representative or take standardized tests such as the SAT for universities in the United States.

 

Master's Degree in Civil Engineering

All the requirements mentioned above for a Bachelor's Degree also apply to a Master's Degree, except that you won't need to provide a High School Diploma for admission to a Master's program. However, you will need to submit a copy of your Bachelor's Degree.

 

Specializations in the field of civil construction

Environmental Engineering and Science

This profession involves preparing for the resolution of major global issues related to air, soil, and water pollution.

Transport Engineering

Students in this field acquire knowledge of designing and repairing surface transportation. This specialization also involves learning about proper equipment operation and the development of transportation systems.

Geotechnical Engineering

This specialization involves studying the use of natural materials in civil construction. A student who undergoes training in this field can work in military, mining, oil and other related engineering industries.
 

Top Universities in the World for Civil Engineering

Best Countries for Studying Civil Engineering

When it comes to the best countries for studying civil engineering, we select several of the most interesting ones for international students, where the level of education is high and career prospects after graduation offer good employment opportunities for foreigners.

Studying Civil Engineering in Canada

Memorial University of Newfoundland

Bachelor's Degree

At this university, you can obtain a Bachelor’s Degree in civil engineering, which encompasses several different specializations. Once you complete your studies, you can work in various sectors, including highway and airport design, port construction, dam engineering, environmental pollution control and much more.

Master's Degree

A Master’s graduate from Memorial University of Newfoundland will acquire the same skills as a Bachelor’s graduate, but they will be expanded and deepened, allowing for specialization in a specific area.

Ph.D

By earning a doctoral degree in Civil Engineering from Memorial University of Newfoundland, you will solidify your knowledge in the field, building upon what you learned as a Bachelor's and Master’s student and acquiring new skills.

Niagara College International

Diploma

Upon completion of this educational program, you will gain in-depth knowledge in the field of computer-aided drafting, laboratory testing, structural design, geotechnical analysis, project management and more.

Humber College Institute of Technology & Advanced Learning (Humber College)

Diploma

In the diploma program at Humber College Institute of Technology & Advanced Learning, you will acquire all the necessary skills for a career in civil infrastructure. Specifically, you will learn how all the essential elements for the functioning of society, including buildings, transportation, municipal services (water supply, wastewater, etc.) work together.

St. Lawrence College

Diploma

A three-year advanced diploma program with a focus on municipal construction, structural design, water resources, and surveying. Obtaining this diploma will provide a solid foundation for studying key subjects in civil construction. At the end of the program, you will write a final project.

Seneca College of Applied Arts and Technology

Diploma

Within this program, you will learn the fundamentals of preparing for a career as a construction technician. You will study computer-aided drafting, municipal and construction practices, materials testing, and field surveying. The program starts three times a year - January, May and September.

Diploma

This is an educational program in Civil Engineering Technology. In this three-year advanced diploma program, you will study the principles of designing highways, municipal and construction structures, geotechnics, soil mechanics, building codes and regulations and develop skills in materials testing and surveying.

University of Northern British Columbia

Bachelor's Degree

UNBC offers a bachelor's degree in civil engineering, supplemented with training in business skills and opportunities for specialized learning in multiple areas.

Studying Civil Engineering in the UK

London South Bank University (LSBU)

Bachelor's Degree

Civil Engineering is about designing, building, and maintaining structures that can change the world. That's what you will learn by completing a bachelor's degree at London South Bank University (LSBU).

Master's Degree

If you pursue a master's degree in Civil Engineering at London South Bank University (LSBU), you will acquire more specialized skills compared to the bachelor's program. Additionally, you will consolidate your knowledge and gain practical experience.

Studying Civil Engineering in Turkey

Yasar University

Bachelor's Degree

Here, you can receive a quality education in the field of civil engineering and gain an understanding of various aspects within this field, which will enable you to easily find employment afterward.

 

Career as a Civil Engineer

Civil Engineering encompasses many in-demand specialties. By studying these fields, you can build a successful career in this industry, aiming for a high income as a valuable specialist. The average salary of a civil engineer in Canada is around 50,000 Canadian Dollars, ensuring a middle-class standard of living.

However, the benefits of this profession go beyond just high earnings. It is simply fascinating! You will become a part of the world and contribute to it according to your vision. You will become a qualified professional who can work as a production organizer (if you have leadership qualities), designer, constructor and more. This profession involves not only controlling and planning all production processes but also organizing them.

Earlier, we mentioned salaries. Let's delve into this topic further to provide you with a more comprehensive understanding of potential earnings. For instance, if you work as a constructor in Turkey, you can earn between 7,000 and 20,000 Turkish Liras per month (excluding bonuses and incentives).
If you decide to study in the UK and work there as well, you can expect a salary of 2,000 to 3,000 Pounds as a Civil Engineer or 5,000 pounds as an Engineer. If you work in the capital city, you may earn up to 5,000 Pounds per month.

Which country is the safest?

Salary is not the only factor you should consider when choosing a country to study and work in. Safety is also important. Among the aforementioned countries with Civil Engineering programs, Canada and Turkey are considered the safest for living. They are relatively tolerant towards immigrants, and the risk of being targeted due to skin color is close to zero.
The situation is slightly different in the UK, where the crime rate is higher, so you should keep it in mind.

And what about the cost of living?

Well, we can immediately say that the cheapest option would be to live in a less prominent city in Turkey. If you prefer to live in the capital, you will need to spend at least $500 on accommodation per month. This is relatively low. If you choose to study and live in London, you will have to spend around £900 per month, excluding rent.

Many universities are willing to award scholarships to international students based on their academic performance. If you show activity and interest in student life, you can very well achieve receiving a scholarship every month, which will help cover your living expenses.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it beneficial to pursue a career as a Civil Engineer abroad?

Yes, it is highly beneficial. Construction is an extremely in-demand field in today's society. Civil engineers are highly valued in the Western world, where construction projects continue to progress rapidly, and there is a daily need for the construction of various structures.

How expensive is it to study Civil Engineering abroad?

It largely depends on the country you want to study in. The most affordable option is Turkey, while the most expensive is the United Kingdom. In reality, the cost not only varies by country but also by the university you choose to enroll in. In the UK, the average cost of studying civil engineering at a reputable institution is around £15,000, but you have the opportunity to receive scholarships for international students. Additionally, many universities offer free accommodation and meals to fellow students.

What qualities and skills should a Civil Engineer possess to build a successful career abroad?

Here is a list of qualities that distinguish a professional constructor and are particularly valuable when building a career abroad:

• Strong mathematical, scientific, and informational skills.
• Ability to think methodically and effectively manage projects.
• Quick problem-solving skills through timely decision-making.
• Ability to work within established timelines and stay within budgetary constraints.
• Ability to oversee multiple projects while still addressing technical details.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills to effectively convey thoughts to others.
• Good negotiation skills.
• Thorough knowledge of local legislation.

 

Is it possible to obtain citizenship by enrolling and completing a local university program in Civil Engineering?

It depends on the country. For example, it is more challenging in Turkey than in the United Kingdom, while obtaining citizenship in Canada is easier than in the UK.

Why is it best to study Civil Engineering abroad?

An international diploma from a foreign university opens up significant employment prospects both in your home country and beyond. If you enroll in a Western higher education institution, you will have access to state-of-the-art equipment and facilities during your studies. Upon graduation, you will have a substantial set of skills and knowledge that will help you build a successful career in this field.

Is it safe to study Civil Engineering abroad?

Yes, it is generally safe. However, it depends heavily on the country. For example, Turkey and Canada are much safer than the United Kingdom.
Before traveling, try to gather as much information as possible about the country where you plan to study.
To ensure your safety, remain vigilant, keep your valuables with you and avoid provocative behavior.

Is it necessary to obtain a Master's Degree in Civil Engineering if I have a Bachelor's Degree?

It solely depends on your desire. If you genuinely enjoy what you do, you can further enhance your skills and acquire valuable knowledge through a Master's program. If you aim to enter the academic field, pursuing a Master’s Degree is recommended.

Does the school I attended matter for admission as a civil engineer?

No, it does not matter. However, your academic transcript holds significance. Many Western universities pay special attention to it. If you want to increase your chances of admission to a prestigious institution, it is better to have good grades on your transcript. However, the transcript is not the sole criterion considered during the admission process. The university administration also looks at personal achievements. 

What should I write in my cover letter when applying for Civil Engineering abroad?

It depends on you, but we can give you a little tip: the administration of many top universities appreciates it when students demonstrate their enthusiasm for a particular field in their personal statements. If you can showcase your interest and enthusiasm, it will increase your chances of admission.

Do foreign universities support Civil Engineering students with disabilities?

Yes, they do. Supporting foreign students is a primary and fundamental task for universities. It goes hand in hand with providing quality education. All students should have equal opportunities and not encounter any difficulties in their studies. If a person is physically unable to attend classes, they could be offered alternative distance learning options.