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Are you fascinated by computers, robots, chips, and everything tech? If yes, then electronic engineering is for you. Take a look around. Electronics are everywhere - from smartphones and wearables to big communication networks, TVs and laptops to MRI machines and pacemakers, etc. By studying electronic engineering, you can be immersed in cutting-edge technology and the most happening future!
Moreover, studying electronic engineering courses abroad gets you closer to your goal with excellent education and research opportunities, a diverse learning environment, an immersive culture, and a great global job market. You will also have several specialisations and niche subjects to choose from - from nanotechnology and photonics to mechatronics that can greatly increase your employability.
Read further to understand what an electronic engineering degree entails, what the entry requirements are, which countries are the best to pursue the programme and the career outcomes.
What is electronic engineering?
Electronic engineering, an offshoot of electrical engineering, deals with the design, development, and application of electronic systems, devices, and circuits. It involves working with components such as semiconductor devices, transistors, diodes, capacitors, and resistors to magnify and control the flow of electrical currents.
Electronic engineering encompasses areas such as consumer electronics, digital electronics, embedded systems, analogue electronics, etc. Electronic engineering has many applications in radio engineering, telecommunications, solid-state physics, signal processing and control, computer engineering, robotics, and many more.
The difference between electrical and electronic engineering is that electrical engineering deals with power generation and distribution, while electronic engineering focuses on low-power devices and systems.
An electronic engineering degree helps you design and work with electronic systems and devices like mobile phones, smartphones, TVs, laptops, wearable devices, MRI machines, mobile networks, GPS systems, satellite communication systems, home automation systems, industrial automation, robotics, smart grids, diagnostic tools, and much more.
Check out our website which lists more than 300 electronics engineering courses abroad.
Best countries to study electronic engineering
According to the Times Higher Education (THE) Rankings for 2024, the best countries to study electronic engineering are the US and the UK.
There are about 50 universities in the US that are ranked among the top 200 globally as per THE rankings. Harvard University is at the number 1 spot. The UK has about 25 universities among the top 250 worldwide.
Apart from these two players, the other countries featuring among the best in the world include:
- Canada - About 29 universities are listed among the top 600 universities
- European countries - Netherlands, Switzerland, Germany, Denmark, and Sweden feature in the top 100 as per THE rankings
- Asian countries - China, Singapore, Japan, and Hong Kong have also made it to the top (several universities ranking in the top 50).
What is taught as part of an electronic engineering course?
Electronic engineering includes core topics like circuit design, microelectronics, control systems, communication systems, signal processing, and so on. The electronic engineering course curriculum typically includes subjects like:
- Electronics systems
- Analog integrated circuits
- Microcontrollers
- Microelectronics
- Advanced digital design
- Communications systems engineering
- VLSI systems design
- Analog electronics
- Digital electronics
- Embedded systems
Top-ranking universities for electronic engineering
Some of the top-ranking universities (as per the QS World University Rankings by subject) offering electrical and electronic engineering degrees abroad are:
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA
- Stanford University, USA
- University of California, Berkeley, USA
- University of Cambridge, UK
- ETH Zurich, Switzerland
- National University of Singapore, Singapore
- EPFL – École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne, Switzerland
- Harvard University, USA
- University of Oxford, UK
- Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore
Subject specialisations
The subject specialisations that are offered as a part of the electronic engineering degrees include:
Masters in Electrical and Electronic Engineering (MEng Honours): The first year of this course deals with labs and problem-solving topics. In the next year, students will learn core subjects like analogue and digital electronics, power electronics, communications and control, mathematics, and computing. In the third year, you can opt for industrial placement for a hands-on learning experience or do a team project. You will choose major modules in the final year along with your project work. This is a full-time 4-year master's programme.
MRes in Connected Electronic and Photonic Systems: This course helps develop business awareness and leadership skills in students along with providing an understanding of photonic and electronic systems, management theory, applications, and research experience. This course also delves into cost analysis tools used to determine and adopt novel technological solutions. The duration of this course is about 11 months.
MSc Analogue and Digital Integrated Circuit Design: This course is for students interested in integrated circuit (IC) design and provides an in-depth understanding of mixed-signal, digital, and analogue circuits. You will analyse and examine the design and performance of low-power circuits and embedded systems. The duration of this course is 1 year.
MSc Communications and Signal Processing: A one-year programme, this course focuses on problem-solving in the areas of communications and signal processing. You will understand mobile communications, wireless communication, and advanced signal processing.
MPhil in Electronic and Electrical Engineering: This research programme focuses on a variety of topics in electrical and electronic engineering, such as nanotechnology, circuits and systems, radar, photonics, optical systems and networks, communications, and large-scale networks. This is a full-time programme of 3 years.
Eligibility criteria for studying electronic engineering courses
The eligibility criteria for electronic engineering courses vary between universities, countries, and the subjects chosen. A Tier-1 university that attracts more applicants will have stricter entry requirements compared to a smaller university. Go through each university and country's requirements carefully before you apply.
For bachelor’s degrees
Here are the typical requirements for pursuing an undergraduate electronic engineering degree abroad. You must be 17 years or older when applying for bachelor programmes.
Academic requirements
- Completion of 12 years of schooling, that is high school (10+2) or equivalent from a reputed school or institute with mathematics, electronics, chemistry, or physics as core subjects.
- GCSE A levels or equivalent
- Strong academic performance (60%-70% marks)
Entrance tests/Competitive tests
SAT or ACT scores if applicable
Language proficiency
- IELTS 6.5 or higher
- TOEFL IBT 80 or above
- Other equivalent language test scores
For postgraduate degrees
You may not have to meet all these requirements if you have relevant work experience. So, please check the university requirements for PG courses.
Academic requirements
- A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field - electronics, or other related subjects in engineering (mechanical, electrical, or mathematics) from a recognised university
- Some universities also accept bachelor’s degrees in physics or computer science.
- Good academic grades (60%-70% passing marks)
Entrance tests/Competitive tests
GRE score of 320 or higher (most universities accept applications without GRE - check individual university criteria)
Language proficiency
- IELTS 6.5 or higher
- TOEFL IBT 88 or above
- Other equivalent language test scores
Cost of studying undergraduate and postgraduate electronic engineering courses
The cost of studying electronic engineering depends on the country, the programme, and the university of your choice. The tuition fee in the US or the UK for undergraduate or postgraduate courses is higher when compared to other countries like Canada, Australia, Singapore, or Hong Kong.
The critical factors to consider here are the availability of scholarships and whether the institution receives government funding. A public university will be less expensive than a private institution.
Here are the approximate tuition costs for electronic engineering courses abroad:
|
Type of Degree |
Approx. Tuition Costs Per Annum |
|
Undergraduate courses |
INR 14,86,838 - 40,09,588 |
|
Postgraduate courses |
INR 9,13,668 - 35,46,237 |
Career prospects
A degree in electronic engineering provides ample opportunities for students to specialise and get employed in sectors such as mobile communications, renewable energy, construction, healthcare, automobile and aircraft design, biomedical engineering, transport, defence, semiconductor design, nanotechnology, networks, computing and the government.
Electronic engineers develop equipment for various industries including medical radio and television stations. Graduates with electronic engineering specialisations like embedded systems, VLSI, IoT, etc., are in high demand.
The average salary for electronic engineers in the US is about $103,899 per annum [Source: Indeed], about CAD 127,956 per year in Canada and GBP 70,960 in the UK [Source: Salary Expert]. Entry-level electronic engineers can earn up to $80,000 per annum in the U.S.
Some of the in-demand jobs for electronic engineering graduates include:
- Control Engineer
- Power Engineer
- Signal Processing Engineer
- Microelectronics Engineer
- Microwave Engineer
- Telecommunications Engineer
- Energy Engineer
- Semiconductor Design Engineer
- Circuit Design Engineer
- Instrumentation Engineer
- Researcher
- Professor
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So, we hope you’re now convinced of how beneficial an electronic engineering degree abroad can be. It is also a great choice if you are good at math, physics, design, and problem-solving.
With a plethora of specialisation options available in various countries, you can do your due diligence and make an informed decision. Explore our database of electronic engineering courses abroad to find the right fit for you.
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