Studying Civil Engineering: Countries, Cost, Universities, and Colleges

Civil Engineering is a crucial field that plays a significant role in shaping our surroundings when we step outside, including roads, schools, offices, hospitals, power plants, and much more.

Civil Engineers are responsible for designing, constructing, managing, and maintaining these infrastructures. They can study this promising profession at numerous universities and colleges worldwide.

Advantages Studying Civil Engineering Abroad

  • 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

Admission requirements

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

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

A private research institute located in Cambridge, USA. It is a global leader in the fields of science and technology, making it an excellent choice for obtaining an engineering degree.

Delft University of Technology

The oldest and largest technical university in the Netherlands. It is part of the IDEA League.

National University of Singapore (NUS)

The largest university in the country in terms of student population and available programs. It is also the oldest higher education institution in Singapore. It ranks 20th in the international THE ranking of universities worldwide.

University of California, Berkeley (UCB)

UCB is the oldest and flagship campus in the University of California system. It was founded in 1868 and offers innovative academic programs.

University of Cambridge

The University of Cambridge is the second oldest of the seven ancient universities, following the University of Oxford. It consistently ranks among the top universities in prestigious international rankings such as QS and THE.

Imperial College London

Established in 1907, Imperial College London ranks sixth in the list of the top 200 universities in the world.

ETH Zurich

ETH Zurich is one of the leading universities in science and technology, known for its cutting-edge research and innovations. It has produced 21 Nobel prizewinners.

Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU)

The main technological university in Singapore, offering a wide range of technological and economic disciplines. It ranks 54th among all institutions worldwide in terms of education quality.

Stanford University

One of the most prestigious and highly ranked institutions not only in the United States but also worldwide. It was founded in 1885 and has produced 85 Nobel prizewinners, which is considered a record number.

EPFL

École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) is considered one of the most prestigious educational institutions in Europe. It is often compared to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) as both universities offer a highly advanced level of education. You can study here and become a top-notch civil engineer.

 

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

6054
07-07-2023
Anna Pukshanskaia
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