
Are you dreaming of becoming an engineer who builds the future- designing bridges, developing AI or innovating clean energy solutions? Then studying Engineering in the UK is your next big step!
The UK is home to some of the world’s best engineering universities, offering cutting-edge research, hands-on training and globally recognized degrees. Whether you’re interested in Mechanical, Civil, Electrical, Computer, or Aerospace Engineering, UK provides world-class education with excellent career prospects for Indian students.
Let’s explore the top engineering universities in the UK, their courses, fees, scholarships, and how you can start your engineering study journey in 2025–26.
Why Study Engineering in the UK?
UK has been at the heart of engineering innovation from the Industrial Revolution to today’s breakthroughs in AI, renewable energy and aerospace.
Top Reasons to Choose the UK for Engineering
- World-Ranked Universities – Home to 25+ universities in the Top 200 globally for engineering.
- Practical Learning – Industry-integrated projects, lab work and internships.
- High Employability – 90%+ engineering graduates find jobs within 6 months.
- Post-Study Work Visa – Stay back for 2 years under the Graduate Route.
- Shorter Courses – BEng (3 years), MEng (4 years), MSc (1 year).
- Global Recognition – UK degrees are valued by employers and institutes worldwide.
“UK engineering universities don’t just teach — they help you build the world.”
Top Engineering Universities in the UK for Indian Students (2025–26)
Here’s a list of the top-ranked and industry-connected UK universities for engineering covering multiple disciplines and budget ranges.
1. University of Cambridge
QS World Rank 2025: Top 3 for Engineering
Popular Courses: Mechanical, Civil, Chemical, Aerospace, Electrical Engineering
Duration: BEng (3 years), MEng (4 years)
Highlights:
- World-class labs and innovation centers.
- 90%+ graduates employed or in research within 6 months.
- Strong focus on sustainability and technology.
Fees: £36,000 – £42,000 per year
Scholarships: Cambridge Trust, Gates Cambridge, Commonwealth
2. University of Oxford
QS Rank: Top 5 for Engineering Science
Popular Courses: General Engineering, Biomedical, Energy Systems, AI Engineering
Duration: 4 years (MEng)
Highlights:
- Broad-based foundation before specialization.
- Strong research partnerships with Rolls-Royce, IBM, and Siemens.
- Access to cutting-edge AI and robotics labs.
Fees: £39,000 – £45,000 per year
Scholarships: Clarendon, Chevening, Oxford-India Scholarship
Produces engineers who lead innovation across industries.
3. Imperial College London
QS Rank: Top 10 globally for Engineering & Technology
Popular Courses: Civil, Mechanical, Chemical, Biomedical, Electrical Engineering
Duration: BEng (3 years), MEng (4 years)
Highlights:
- Known for research and real-world engineering.
- Collaborations with NASA, BP, and Dyson.
- Strong career links in London’s tech hub.
Fees: £35,000 – £43,000 per year
Scholarships: Imperial India Foundation, GREAT, President’s Scholarship
Top choice for ambitious engineers aiming for global careers.
4. University of Manchester
QS Rank: Top 30 for Engineering
Popular Courses: Aerospace, Civil, Electrical, Software, Materials Science
Duration: BEng – 3 years | MEng – 4 years
Highlights:
- Known for materials and aerospace research.
- Collaborations with Airbus, Siemens, and Jaguar Land Rover.
- Affordable compared to London universities.
Fees: £28,000 – £34,000 per year
Scholarships: Global Futures Scholarship (£5,000–£10,000)
The birthplace of the Industrial Revolution still leads in innovation.
5. University of Edinburgh
QS Rank: Top 40 for Engineering
Popular Courses: Electronics, Mechanical, Civil, Chemical, Computer Engineering
Duration: BEng – 3 years | MEng – 4 years
Highlights:
- Research-driven programs with global recognition.
- Focus on renewable energy and sustainability.
- Beautiful campus in Scotland’s capital.
Fees: £27,000 – £33,000 per year
Scholarships: Edinburgh Global, Chevening, GREAT
Ideal for students who want high-quality education in a vibrant city.
6. University of Southampton
QS Rank: Top 70 for Engineering
Popular Courses: Electronics, Mechanical, Aeronautics, Marine Engineering
Duration: 3–4 years
Highlights:
- Known for Electronics and Electrical Engineering.
- Works closely with companies like Rolls-Royce and BAE Systems.
- Offers professional placements and internships.
Fees: £26,000 – £31,000 per year
Scholarships: Southampton International Merit Award (£3,000–£5,000)
One of the UK’s leading technology and design universities.
7. University of Leeds
QS Rank: Top 80 for Engineering
Popular Courses: Civil, Chemical, Environmental, Mechanical Engineering
Duration: 3–4 years
Highlights:
- Industry placements and hands-on lab experience.
- High graduate employment rate.
- Affordable tuition compared to top-tier London universities.
Fees: £24,000 – £30,000 per year
Scholarships: Leeds India Merit Scholarship (£3,000–£7,000)
A perfect balance of academic quality and affordability.
8. University of Bristol
QS Rank: Top 50 for Engineering
Popular Courses: Aerospace, Mechanical, Civil, Robotics Engineering
Duration: 3–4 years
Highlights:
- Pioneer in robotics and smart technology.
- Partners with aerospace and automotive industries.
- Excellent research facilities.
Fees: £28,000 – £35,000 per year
Scholarships: Bristol Think Big Scholarship (£5,000–£20,000)
Known for research excellence and strong industry links.
9. Loughborough University
QS Rank: Top 100 for Engineering
Popular Courses: Mechanical, Automotive, Civil, Chemical Engineering
Duration: 3–4 years
Highlights:
- Known for engineering + technology innovation.
- Ranked high for student satisfaction and employability.
- Offers optional placement year.
Fees: £25,000 – £32,000 per year
Scholarships: Loughborough Global Excellence Award (£2,000–£5,000)
A top practical choice for students seeking career-oriented engineering education.
10. University of Sheffield
QS Rank: Top 100 for Engineering
Popular Courses: Civil, Electrical, Chemical, Mechanical Engineering
Duration: 3–4 years
Highlights:
- World-leading research in materials and process engineering.
- Partnership with major companies like Boeing.
- Affordable and student-friendly city.
Fees: £24,000 – £29,000 per year
Scholarships: International Merit Award (£2,000–£3,000)
Great for students who value innovation and community.
Average Tuition Fees for Engineering in UK
Program | Duration | Average Annual Fees |
BEng (Bachelor of Engineering) | 3 years | £22,000 – £35,000 |
MEng (Master of Engineering) | 4 years | £25,000 – £40,000 |
MSc (Postgraduate Engineering) | 1 year | £23,000 – £33,000 |
Engineering degrees outside London are often 20–25% cheaper.
Scholarships for Indian Engineering Students
Scholarship | Offered By | Value |
Chevening Scholarship | UK Govt | Fully Funded |
GREAT Scholarship (India) | British Council | £10,000 |
Commonwealth Scholarship | UK Govt | Fully Funded |
Global Futures Scholarship | Manchester | £5,000–£10,000 |
Bristol Think Big | University of Bristol | £5,000–£20,000 |
Cambridge Trust | University of Cambridge | £10,000+ |
Strong academic performance and early applications increase your scholarship chances.
Eligibility for Indian Students
- 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM)
- Minimum 75–85% marks
- English Proficiency: IELTS 6.0–6.5 or MOI (Medium of Instruction) accepted
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Letters of Recommendation (LORs)
- Valid Passport
Some universities also accept JEE or SAT scores for direct admission.
Career Opportunities After Engineering in UK
After graduation, students can stay and work in the UK for 2 years under the Graduate Route Visa.
Top Career Fields:
- Civil Engineering
- Mechanical & Automotive Engineering
- Data Science & AI
- Electrical & Electronics Engineering
- Renewable Energy
- Software & Systems Engineering
Average Salary Range: £30,000 – £60,000 per year
Top Employers: Rolls-Royce, IBM, Jaguar Land Rover, Siemens, BP, Google
UK engineers are in global demand — across technology, energy, and infrastructure.
Cost of Living for Engineering Students
City | Monthly Living Cost |
London | £1,200 – £1,800 |
Manchester | £900 – £1,200 |
Leeds | £850 – £1,100 |
Bristol | £950 – £1,300 |
Sheffield | £800 – £1,000 |
Students can work up to 20 hours per week to support living costs.
Conclusion
Studying engineering in the UK opens doors to a future filled with innovation, creativity, and global opportunities.
From Cambridge and Imperial to Manchester and Loughborough, UK universities provide the perfect mix of theory, research, and industry experience. And with Stubard, your dream of studying engineering abroad becomes easy from university selection and scholarship help to visa and accommodation support.
At Stubard, we guide Indian students to the best engineering universities in the UK — based on budget, career goals, and specialization.
Contact Stubard today for free counselling and start your engineering degree in the UK for 2025–26 confidently!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which university is best for engineering in the UK?
Top engineering universities include Cambridge, Oxford, Imperial College London, Manchester, and Edinburgh.
2. How much does it cost to study engineering in the UK?
Tuition fees range from £22,000 – £40,000 per year, depending on the university and specialization.
3. Can I study engineering in the UK without IELTS?
Yes, many universities accept MOI (Medium of Instruction) certificates from Indian students.
4. What is the duration of engineering courses in the UK?
BEng takes 3 years, MEng takes 4 years, and MSc takes 1 year.
5. Is a UK engineering degree valid in India?
Yes, UK engineering degrees are recognized globally and accepted by the AIU and global employers.
6. What is the average salary of an engineer in the UK?
Engineers earn between £30,000 and £60,000 per year, depending on experience and field.