4 schools shaping leaders in sustainable electrical engineering

Sustainability is becoming essential in electrical engineering as the world faces climate change. The International Energy Agency (IEA) forecasts that clean energy investments will reach US$1.7 trillion in 2023, driving companies to prioritise sustainable design in their projects.

Electrical engineers are key players in this green shift, creating new technologies that make a difference. For instance, they’ve improved solar panel efficiency by over 20% in the last decade and developed energy-efficient devices that use up to 50% less power. Smart grids, which help manage energy better and reduce waste, could cut carbon emissions by up to 58%.

With the growing need for sustainable solutions, there’s also a demand for skilled professionals in this evolving field. It is expected to grow 5% by 2032 (US Bureau of Labor Statistics), highlighting the need for professionals with expertise in renewable technologies and sustainable practices.

To meet this demand, top educational institutions are making sustainability a core part of their curricula, research, and campus initiatives, providing students with the know-how necessary to succeed.

Researchers at TU Graz combine advanced technologies and interdisciplinary collaboration to drive progress in their respective fields. Source: Graz University of Technology

Graz University of Technology

When deciding where to study in Europe, one cannot miss Graz, the second largest city in Austria. With a vibrant student scene and supreme quality of life, Graz provides the perfect balance between urban living and nature. There are many prestigious institutions located within the city as well, such as Graz University of Technology (TU Graz).

TU Graz is home to a campus community with nearly 15,000 students from over 100 nations. Here, students learn how to develop the technologies that will define both today and tomorrow. This forward-looking approach is exemplified in the university’s many study programmes, such as the Faculty of Electrical and Information Engineering’s Master’s Degree Programme in Electrical and Electronics Engineering.

In this programme, students learn the scientific methods to systematically develop innovative solutions for socially relevant topics like energy supply infrastructures, energy efficiency, electromobility, or microelectronics. They have access to excellent technical equipment to excel in research and development across various industries, such as the Nikola Tesla Laboratory.

With their strong foundation in electrical engineering principles, graduates of this programme are well-equipped to become industry leaders. But the university’s support doesn’t end there. Students benefit from partnerships with major players in the semiconductor, energy, and automotive industries, many of which are located in the surroundings of Graz. These include NXP, Infineon, Andritz, Elin, Siemens, Magna, AVL, and others.

Even as a student, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to be involved in industrial and scientific projects, which can translate into full-time roles later on. And if graduates feel committed to research, they can pursue PhDs at TU Graz instead. By the way, the opportunities for studying at TU Graz are supported in many ways, as the university facilitates access to education with low tuition fees and scholarships.

The University of Manchester ranks as the sixth-best UK institution for employability. Source: The University of Manchester

The University of Manchester

The University of Manchester is a premier destination for students seeking an enriching educational experience in one of the UK’s friendliest cities. This welcoming environment complements the university’s commitment to excellence, as it ranks 34th among universities worldwide, according to the QS World University Rankings 2025: Top global universities.

A member of the prestigious Russell Group, the university is renowned for its high-quality research and teaching, which lays a strong foundation for the future success of its graduates. The Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering is an example of this commitment, offering top-tier master’s courses and research programmes.

One such programme is the Master’s in Electronic and Electrical Engineering, where students develop the skills to implement and harness new technologies transforming our world. With accreditation from the Institution of Engineering and Technology, students benefit from access to advanced facilities such as the National Instruments Teaching Lab and the National Grid Power Systems Research Centre. However, it’s not just technical skills that students learn; they hone the ability to innovate solutions that make a difference to the planet. The programme focuses on critical areas such as renewable energy, energy storage systems, and clean technology, addressing some of the most pressing challenges of our time.

Tampere Universities, consisting of Tampere University and Tampere University of Applied Sciences, aims to pioneer a new model for Finnish higher education and research. Source: Tampere University

Tampere University

Tampere University, a leading institution in Finland known for its multidisciplinary approach, attracts aspiring technical professionals and digital entrepreneurs worldwide. With a diverse community of 22,500 students and around 4,200 staff members from over 80 countries, this institution is a popular choice for those aspiring to excel in technical fields and digital entrepreneurship. 

The university’s Faculty of Information Technology and Communication Sciences (ITC) personifies this multidisciplinary approach, combining humanities, natural sciences, engineering, social sciences, and even theatre and drama. But it doesn’t stop there; the same interdisciplinarity is reflected in the faculty’s research and teaching infrastructures for electrical engineering, including Wireless Communications Engineering and Radio Systems, Electrical Energy Engineering, and more.

With such a broad scope of disciplines, Tampere University’s students are equipped with adaptive, transformative skills that drive humanity forward responsibly. Graduates are highly valued in the industry for their fundamental knowledge and practical problem-solving skills. With impressive employability rates, they find opportunities in smart energy, transportation, and automotive industries, as well as in the production and manufacturing sectors beyond the basic ICT field.

For over 160 years, Politecnico di Milano has been a leading institution for engineering, architecture, and industrial design. Source: Politecnico di Milano

Politecnico di Milano

Politecnico di Milano, one of Italy’s top public universities and ranked #111 globally (QS World University Rankings 2025: Top global universities) offers an international learning environment that attracts students from over 100 countries. On campus, over 8,000 international students are cultivating essential skills in engineering, architecture, and design. 

Those in the Master of Science in Electrical Engineering programme, for instance, are specialising in areas such as electrical power systems, renewable energy, and smart grid technologies. They follow a curriculum that covers fundamental engineering principles and prepares them for the future of energy systems and their applications in transportation and automation. 

The programme’s collaboration with industry leaders, such as Enel S.p.A., ensures that students gain practical insights and experience, further enhancing their employability.

And as one of Europe’s leading institutions for funded research projects, the university is at the forefront of addressing global challenges. Students benefit from curricula enriched by cutting-edge research, taught by world-class faculty passionate about pushing the boundaries of knowledge. 

*Some of the institutions featured in this article are commercial partners of Study International