Introduction

If the construction line suits you, is doing MS in civil engineering the best option? The answer is “YES”. Civil Engineering is a huge subject that requires a thorough understanding of techniques, materials, and design and construction disciplines. The syllabus of this program is pre arranged such that it covers a progressive level of information regarding substance and design modules of this field. MS in Civil Engineering abroad is one of the extremely sought-after programs.

Pursuing one of the top universities for civil engineering masters programs can boost the career of talented civil engineers. Professionals in this field of civil engineering are tasked with designing projects that demand overall practical and technological expertise. In universities abroad, the master's in civil engineering course is around 1-2 years. Hands-on experience with modern technology and software and industry experience to meet international engineering standards mean an edge over the rest.

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Why Study MS in Civil Engineering Abroad?

Civil engineering is a broad program, offered across many top universities around the world. Here are some of the top reasons why international students should opt to study civil engineering masters programs abroad. 

  1. Technical Expertise: Civil engineering is a highly technical program, designed to help students gain insights into design, development, construction, materials, and much more. By pursuing civil engineering masters courses, students will have a complete insight from planning, to designing and implementation. 
  2. Professional Degree: The civil engineering degree is a stepping stone to a professional career as international students can sit for their licensure test after completing their masters. While pursuing the program, students can participate in industry visits, project work, and many such activities to hone their professional skills. 
  3. Growth in Skills: Students who are applying for a master’s degree in civil engineering will be able to hone their creativity and design skills through the program. They will learn about different construction techniques, designing tools, etc. that are used in different civil engineering projects.
  4. High Paying Jobs: After the completion of their course, students can opt for high-paying positions at work. On average, a civil engineering graduate can earn up to USD 62,000 per year. Some of the high-paying job roles includes:
  • Structural Engineer
  • Civil Engineer
  • Coastal Engineer
  • Project Manager

Suggested: Study Engineering Abroad

Course Structure

Pursuing MS courses in civil engineering will prove to be quite promising for international students. International students can learn a lot from the course curriculum, subjects, and specialisations in the program. Let us take a look at the course structure for Master in civil engineering. 

  1. Course Duration: The MS in Civil engineering course duration is 1-2 years. Most countries also include paid internships and placement options for students. 
  2. Core Courses Structure- The MS degree in civil engineering is a professional and globally-acknowledged degree. The program offers a wide range of technical skills to the students. The following are the civil engineering masters courses offered for international students. 
  • Engineering Mathematics
  • Mechanics, Materials and Structures
  • Fluid Mechanics
  • Soil Mechanics
  • Structural Engineering
  • Engineering Design

Suggested: Best Countries to Study Abroad

Course Subjects

Pursuing MS courses in civil engineering will prove to be quite promising for international students. International students can learn a lot from the course curriculum, subjects, and specialisations in the program. Let us take a look at the course structure for Master in civil engineering. 

  1. Course Duration: The MS in Civil engineering course duration is 1-2 years. Most countries also include paid internships and placement options for students. 
  2. Core Courses Structure- The MS degree in civil engineering is a professional and globally-acknowledged degree. The program offers a wide range of technical skills to the students. The following are the civil engineering masters courses offered for international students. 
  • Engineering Mathematics
  • Mechanics, Materials and Structures
  • Fluid Mechanics
  • Soil Mechanics
  • Structural Engineering
  • Engineering Design

Suggested: Best Countries to Study Abroad

Top Specializations

A limited number of programs are presented through online platforms. Full-time based education is most preferred for this field of engineering. There is a wide range of specialisations offered in a master’s degree in civil engineering. Some of these specialisations are: 

  1. Coastal Ecosystem Dynamics
  2. Coastal Engineering
  3. Geosystems Engineering
  4. Materials & Pavements
  5. Public Works
  6. Structural Engineering
  7. Sustainable Construction Engineering
  8. Transportation Engineering
  9. Water Systems Engineering

Suggested: Specialisations in Civil Engineering

Core Skills

The emphasis on each part might vary depending on what modules the university offers or the choices made by the student. However, all masters in civil engineering best universities focus on training engineers in ecological designs and inspiring them to take modification into account. And for that there are some required skills a students must have, and some of them are:


1. Technical Training 

Students should have some basic technical knowledge for pursuing the top civil engineering masters programs. Having some prior knowledge about technical requirements will be a plus point for students. Technical skills such as mapping, planning, construction, designing, engineering, etc. are valued. 


2. Mathematical Skills

Civil engineering relies mostly on technical aspects and concepts of mathematics and physics. So, it is important for students to develop some mathematical skills such as geometry, statistics, algebra, calculations, etc. These skills will aid in engineering projects. 


3. Communication Skills 

Students of civil engineering also need to have proper communication skills. Both oral and written communication skills will help the students in conveying their thoughts and ideas to their peers. 


4. Leadership Skills 

Students also require leadership skills to make the most out of their masters programs in civil engineering. It is a field that involves project management and proper planning. So, leadership skills are really important for completing projects on time. 


5. Decision-Making Skills 

Quick thinking and proper decision-making skills are widely appreciated in the industry. Decision making capabilities can help future civil engineers to use their best resources and find solutions to complicated problems in construction projects. 

Suggested: Exams to Study Abroad

Top Universities

Master's degrees in civil engineering in other countries focus more on research than in Indian universities. So, those studying abroad at universities can influence a thorough understanding of the subject and innovative technologies. Here we have listed the top institutions and countries offering the master's degree program for civil engineering.

1. MS in Civil Engineering in USA

USA is considered to be the top destination for pursuing the MS in civil engineering programs. Studying civil engineering in USA will help students get into the basic as well as advanced concepts of the program. Most civil engineering programs in USA provide specialised training in subjects like coastal engineering, geotechnical engineering, structural analysis, etc. The average annual fee for an international student pursuing an MS course in civil engineering in USA is around USD 58,000 – 70,000 (INR 47,20,979 – 56,97,734)

University Name

QS World University Ranking 2023

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

1

University of California, Berkeley

27

Stanford University

3

Georgia Institute of Technology

88

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

85

Suggested: MS in Civil Engineering in USA

 2. MS in Civil Engineering in UK

Master’s courses are widely popular amongst international students in UK, due to the short duration of the courses which are for a duration of 1 year. International students in Canada will be trained in different fields of civil engineering such as engineering design, coastal engineering, solid mechanics, etc. Students will have to pay an annual fee of USD 20,000 - 40,000 (INR 16,27,924 – 32,55,848) to pursue MS in civil engineering. 

University Name

QS World University Ranking 2023

University of Cambridge

2

University of Oxford

4

University of Manchester

28

Imperial College

6

University of Leeds

86

Suggested: Masters in Civil Engineering in UK

3. MS in Civil Engineering in Canada

Canada houses more than 100 universities for masters programs in civil engineering, making it one of the top destinations for MS civil engineering. Most universities in Canada provide training on different subjects of engineering such as concrete structures, mechanics, structural engineering, geotechnical engineering, etc. On average, a student has to pay USD 15,000 – 25,000 (INR 12,20,943 – 20,34,905) per year for a civil engineering postgraduate course. 

University Name

QS World University Ranking 2023

University of Alberta

110

McGill University

31

University of Calgary

242

University of Manitoba

651-700

Dalhousie University

308

Suggested: Masters in Civil Engineering in Canada

4. MS in Civil Engineering in Australia

Australian education programs in civil engineering are recognized for engineering advancements as well as the research-based curriculum. Australian universities combine different aspects of civil engineering such as material science, geotechnics, and much more in their programs. The average annual fee for civil engineering courses in Australian universities is around USD 21,000 – 35,000 (INR 17,09,320 – 28.48,867).

University Name

QS World University Ranking 2023

The University of New South Wales

45

The University of Sydney

41

The University of Melbourne

33

Monash University

57

The University of Queensland

50

Suggested: Study masters in Australia

5. MS in Civil Engineering in Germany

Germany has some of the best education programs for students to choose in the field of civil engineering. Students get introduced to the different departments of civil engineering such as concrete structures, construction analysis, mechanics, transport studies etc. The MS in civil engineering programs cost around USD 8000 – 12000 (INR 651,169 - 976,754) per year in Germany. 

University Name

QS World University Ranking 2023

Technical University of Munich

49

Ludwig Maximilians University Munich

-

RWTH Aachen University

147

University of Stuttgart,

-

Universität Hamburg

228

 Suggested: Masters in Civil Engineering in Germany

Requirements

International students wanting to pursue the best MS courses for civil engineering in top colleges will have to fulfil certain eligibility criteria and requirements. Here we are providing an overview of the requirements to qualify for the best masters degree for civil engineers. 

  • Bachelor’s Degree
  • English Language Tests Scores
  • GRE/GMAT Scores
  • Work Experience
  • Passport and Visa

  1. Bachelor’s Degree

It is one of the common requirements that students have to fulfil for the admission process. Students have to submit their bachelor’s degree results from a recognized university with a GPA of more than 3.6. 

  1. English Language Tests Scores

Students also have to submit the reports from their English Language Proficiency Tests in order to pursue the best civil engineering masters programs. Exams such as TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE are important requirements for students. This is a requirement that needs to be fulfilled for both the admission process and the visa. The minimum required scores should be: 

  1. GMAT/GRE

To pursue a masters degree in the field of civil engineering, students have to give some standardised entrance examinations as well. For instance, GMAT is required for pursuing management courses while GRE is essential for all masters programs. The score requirements are mentioned below. 

  1. Work Experience 

Students pursuing MS in civil engineering abroad need to have some sort of work experience in the industry. Work experience of at least 2 years is required for admission to the top masters in civil engineering colleges abroad. 

  1. Passport and Visa

All overseas students who wish to enrol for the MS in civil engineering at any university abroad must have a current passport and a student visa. Make sure to apply for your visa at least 3 months before the anticipated date of departure.

Documents Required to Apply for Best Civil Engineering Masters Programs Abroad

Students have to submit the following documents with their application for the masters in civil engineering programs at top universities abroad.

  1. Education transcripts of previous institutions
  2. Standardised test scores
  3. Letters of Recommendation (at least 2)
  4. English Language Test Scores
  5. Updated Resume or CV
  6. Statement of Purpose
  7. Proof of finances
  8. Valid Passport
  9. Study Permit

Important Resources to Read About Abroad

Engineering in India vs Abroad

Best Engineering Colleges Abroad

Student Accommodation Abroad

Engineering Management Courses & Universities in USA

Education Loans for Abroad

Popular Study Abroad Countries

Admission Process for Top Civil Engineering Masters Programs

International students who want to build a career in the field of construction, architecture, and design will find this course extremely helpful. Here is a step-by-step guide for applying to the best masters programs for civil engineering. 

  1. Find out the best colleges and universities that offer MS in civil engineering subjects and programs. 
  2. Now go through the university websites and gather all information about the admission process, eligibility, documents, etc. 
  3. Submit all the necessary documents such as entrance exam scores, certificates, transcripts, and letters of recommendation. 
  4. Fill out the application form with accurate details and pay your application fee. 
  5. Once the application is processed, you will be asked to attend an interview with the authorities as a part of the admission process. 
  6. After clearing the interview, you will be given the admission letter. 
  7. Now you can book your seat at the university, pay your term fees, and start the program. 

Suggested: Benefits of Studying Abroad!

Top Scholarships

Students who are seeking admission to the top MS in Civil Engineering in any country will be able to apply for scholarships that are offered by the top institutions abroad. These scholarships cover all sorts of expenses such as study costs, maintenance fees, health insurance, etc. Here are some of the scholarships offered by universities.

  1. Global Excellence Academic Scholarship

The Global Academic Excellence Scholarship offered by the University of Adelaide is for international students and is considered to be a highly competitive grant. Students beginning their postgraduate studies in UK can apply for the scholarship. 

Scholarship Eligibility Criteria:

  • Students should be commencing their studies in the period between 2021-2025. 
  • Scholarship is available for international students who have a direct entry for postgraduate coursework. 
  • Students must belong to any international country other than New Zealand and Australia.

Amount: 50% waiver in total tuition fees

  1. Lester B. Pearson International Scholarships

This scholarship is offered to international students pursuing a master’s course in the University of Toronto. Students can use the scholarship to cover different education-related costs. International students showing excellent academic results are considered eligible. 

Scholarship Eligibility Criteria:

  • International students with a Canadian student visa can apply. 
  • Students must display a certain level of creativity and originality in the community. 
  • Students must have academic achievements along with participation certificates in creative pursuits. 

Amount: The amount may vary and covers tuition, books, and full residence support for academic years.

  1. UK University of Dundee EU Scholarship

Awarded by the University of Dundee, this scholarship covers the educational costs of international students. Students pursuing an eligible postgraduate course can apply. 

Scholarship Eligibility Criteria:

  • International students who have an offer letter from the University of Dundee for a postgraduate course in the eligible fields can apply. 
  • Students showing excellent academic records in their previously attended institutions can apply. 
  • Students must be pursuing a full-time course, 180-credit postgraduate-taught program over the course of a year.

Amount: USD 5,000 for each year of the course

Suggested: Best Scholarships for Engineering

Cost of Studying Masters in Civil Engineering Abroad

When you are applying for masters courses in civil engineering abroad, it is vital to have an understanding of the overall cost and expenses that you have to bear. The cost of pursuing a civil engineering masters degree abroad can be divided into two categories: Tuition fees and cost of living. 


1. Tuition Fees

The masters in civil engineering program fee in most colleges and universities abroad is around USD 10,000 – 45,000 (INR 8,13,962 – 36,62,829) per year. However, counties such as Germany, Italy, and the UK have less fees for international students. 


2. Cost of Living

Aside from the program fees, students will also have to bear expenses for living in the country. On average, students have to spend around USD 500 - 2000 (INR 40,698 – 1,62,792) on accommodation, transportation, food, and other expenses per month. 

Suggested: How to Study Abroad for Free?

Work Opportunities

After the completion of the MS courses in civil engineering from the best universities, students can join the top companies around the world for job opportunities. Students can work in various fields of engineering, technology, design, etc. Here we are going to have a look at some of the job roles and their average annual salary after MS in civil engineering.

Job Roles

Average Annual Pay

Structural Engineering

USD 71,846 (INR 5722979.06)

Civil Engineer

USD 73,689 (INR 5869785.43)

Project Manager

USD 88,654 (INR 7061840.40)

Senior Structural Engineer

USD 102,020 (INR 8126525.12)

Senior Geotechnical Engineer

USD 98,338 (INR 7833231.00)

Suggested: Getting a Job While Studying Abroad

The worth of this degree is quickly increasing, seeing major opportunities that have fascinated students with a clear interest in this field of study.Students have to make sure that they fulfil all the above-mentioned requirements for masters in civil engineering abroad. If you are still looking to pursue MS in civil engineering abroad, contact our Yocket Professionals for further assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions on Masters (MS) In Civil Engineering

Which are the best countries for civil engineering masters courses?

Which are the best MS Civil Engineering courses?

Do countries offer free MS civil engineering courses for international students?

Is it important to have work experience for pursuing civil engineering masters programs abroad?

How much is the average salary for civil engineering graduates?