US$217 for an engineering degree: The cheapest countries for future engineers

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16 Jul 2024

A degree in engineering can promise you three things: employment prospects, financial goals and social recognition.

Upon graduation, engineers have the highest average starting pay at a median annual wage of USD $91,420. According to the US Bureau of Labour Statistics, the engineering field is projected to grow, with over 188,000 job openings per year for the next decade or so.

Despite all the benefits an engineering degree will reap, it is without a doubt one of the most expensive programmes to pursue.

College Tuition Compare shares that the average undergraduate tuition fees in top institutions cost an estimated US$49,237 for international students in the 2023/24 academic year.

These costs add up tremendously, especially when combined with your living expenses such as rent, groceries, and transportation.

But if you’re determined to fulfil your dreams of becoming an engineer, there are countries that offer quality programmes where you won’t have to break the bank to do so.

Germany is home to some of the biggest automobile brands such as Volkswagen, BMW, and Mercedes Benz. Source: David Hecker/AFP

The cheapest countries to pursue a degree in engineering

Germany

Not only is Germany known for its low living costs, but it is also known for its affordable engineering degrees. The country is probably most famously known for its public universities not charging low tuition fees, making it among the world’s cheapest countries for international students.

The average tuition fee for international students in Germany’s public universities is around US$217 to US$762 (200 to 700 euros) per academic year. If you choose to attend one of the country’s private universities, the fees can amount to US$5,445 to US$21,782 (5,000 to 20,000 euros).

The country is also generous with its scholarships, with examples including the DAAD Scholarship and Humboldt Research Fellowship. It is also easier for international students to live and work in Germany upon their graduation now, thanks to initiatives like the Promotion of International Talent for Integration into Studies and the Labour Market, more commonly known as “FIT.”

Some of Germany’s top universities include:

New Zealand

Pursuing a degree in engineering in New Zealand means you’ll be learning in a practical teaching environment while getting an internationally recognised engineering degree.

Depending on your chosen university, the tuition fee for a standard four-year programme ranges from US$24,656 to US$32,184 (40,696 to 53,122 New Zealand dollars).

More than that, there is a growing demand for engineers in the country. New Zealand is in chronic need of engineers to match the growing economy, meaning there could be more job opportunities for international students to fill. This makes it the perfect choice for international students looking to relocate overseas.

Some of New Zealand’s best universities include:

China has become an international hub for those interested in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths), specifically. Source: Wang Zhao/AFP

China

Considered the fastest-growing economy and the world’s largest education system, China boasts many ambitious and technical engineering courses. With plenty of new economic development and upcoming engineering projects, students will be exposed to an array of experiences in multiple sectors and disciplines.

Most programmes here last for four years, and the average total tuition fee costs around US$44,077. This makes pursuing your degree in engineering in China a bang for your buck, especially since the programmes in some universities are offered in English too.

Some Chinese universities to check out:

More international students can earn a degree in engineering from certain Hong Kong universities for the 2024/25 academic year. Source: ISAAC LAWRENCE / AFP

Hong Kong

Eight higher education institutions administered under Hong Kong’s University Grants Committee (UGC) will be upping their annual intake of international students from 3,000 to 6,000 for the 2024/25 academic year. This means that there’s no better time than now to pack your bags for Hong Kong and pursue that engineering degree from some of the best universities in Asia.

A standard four-year programme here ranges from US$74,300 to US$93,000. Each university offers a range of financial aid and scholarships too, so seizing those opportunities could even lessen your financial burden too.

Explore these three Hong Kong universities:

South Korea

If you’ve ever visited South Korea, you’ll know that studying here is like a dream. The country expertly balances millennia of tradition with modern-day innovation, so much so that you’d be able to experience the upcoming world’s highest spokeless ferris wheel and the blossoming Haneul Park near each other.

Earning a degree in engineering in South Korea will range from US$19,800 to US$38,965. While you might have to spend a year learning the language, picking up Korean could even help you gain a tuition fee waiver.

Check out some of the top South Korean universities:

Canada

Compared to the UK, Australia or the US, Canada has a lower cost of living and cheaper tuition fees. It’s no different, even if you’re pursuing a more expensive degree such as engineering.

Here, students will get the best of both worlds – a quality education at an affordable cost. Tuition fees range from approximately US$5,100 to US$14,600 per year.

Canadian universities are known to include research components in their degree programmes, allowing students the opportunity to participate in exciting projects.

Some of Canada’s top universities include:

Disclaimer: This article was last updated on July 16, 2024.