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Petroleum Engineering Abroad in 2024 for Indian Students
Petroleum engineering involves extracting oil and gas from beneath the earth's surface. With the increasing global demand for energy, it is the responsibility of petroleum engineers to meet this need safely and sustainably. In this field, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of the entire extraction process, including exploration, drilling, recovery and transportation. You will also learn how to harness energy efficiently and explore ways to minimize the negative environmental impact of mining. Since petroleum reserves are unevenly distributed worldwide, many job opportunities in this sector are located overseas. In this blog, you will get to learn how petroleum engineering abroad is an excellent way to showcase your ability to work with people from different cultures to prospective employers.
1. Study Petroleum Engineering Abroad vs India
Let's explore some of the key factors to consider for each choice. Here's a table summarizing study Petroleum Engineering Abroad vs studying in India:
Factors |
Studying in Abroad |
Studying in India |
Cost |
Higher tuition fees and living expenses in many countries |
Generally more cost- effective |
Quality of Education |
Access to top-notch education and research facilities in renowned universities abroad |
Quality education available, especially in top institutes like IITs and ISM |
Specialization Options |
Opportunities to explore niche specializations in Petroleum Engineering |
Specialized programs offered |
Networking Opportunities |
International exposure and networking with students and professionals from diverse backgrounds |
Strong ties to Indian petroleum industry |
Job Opportunities |
Potential for global job opportunities, exposure to international job markets |
Access to Indian job market and industries |
Cultural Experience |
Exposure to diverse cultures, languages, and global perspectives |
Familiarity with Indian culture and environment |
Language Proficiency |
Opportunity to learn a new language if studying in a non-English speaking country |
English medium of instruction in many institutions |
Industry Connections |
Exposure to industries and companies with significant presence in Petroleum Engineering |
Proximity to Indian petroleum industry |
Personal Growth |
Opportunity for personal growth, independence, and adaptability |
Familiar environment, close to family and friends |
2. Top Countries to Study Petroleum Engineering Abroad in 2024
Studying petroleum engineering abroad is quite important as they are high in demand and students chose them to have very promising careers, so when it comes to the country of their choice, With a wide range of countries and study abroad universities available to choose from, it can be quite nerve-wracking for students, who are planning their education abroad, to make an informed decision. Here are some top countries to study petroleum engineering abroad.
2.1 Petroleum Engineering in the USA
The degrees pursued by universities in the USA are recognized throughout the world. The USA has been a popular study destination for international students for a very long time due to its high-quality education, offered by highly accredited universities, the diverse population and the lifestyle which can be experienced by every international student. Following are the best universities in the USA from the top worldwide to study Petroleum Engineering.
- Colorado School of Mines
- University of Texas at Austin
- Stanford University
- Texas A&M University
- Pennsylvania State University
Benefits to study Petroleum Engineering in the USA: A degree in petroleum engineering from a reputed university in the USA can lead to high earning potential for graduates. Furthermore, the USA is known for its advanced research facilities and technology, and students pursuing higher studies in Petroleum Engineering will have access to these facilities. This exposure to advanced research facilities and hands-on training can help students gain practical experience, which can be highly valuable for their careers.
2.2 Petroleum Engineering in Canada
Canada is an excellent place to study petroleum engineering abroad and has a continuously growing petroleum industry since it is among the top suppliers of petroleum in the international market. Petroleum engineering jobs in the country are also expected to rapidly increase in the coming years, which means more employment opportunities for graduates in the said field. There are some most popular universities in Canada for petroleum engineering are:
- University of Calgary
- University of Alberta
- University of Waterloo
- University of Regina
- University of British Columbia
Benefits to study Petroleum Engineering in Canada: Petroleum engineers in Canada earn a median salary of INR 1,60,30,000 and enjoy excellent benefits, including medical, dental, and life insurance. In addition, Canadian universities offer competitive tuition rates and generous financial assistance programs that make it possible for students to afford a quality education.
2.3 Petroleum Engineering in the United Kingdom
The United Kingdom became the world’s first industrialized country and still remains one of the world’s great powers, with considerable economic, cultural, military, scientific, technological and political influence internationally. Below are the top universities in the United Kingdom to study petroleum engineering abroad:
- Imperial College London
- University of Strathclyde
- Heriot-Watt University
- University of Manchester
- University of Surrey
Benefits to study Petroleum Engineering in the United Kingdom: Pursuing your petroleum engineering degree in the UK indicates a lucrative career ahead, with an employability rate of more than 93%. Last year’s surveys also indicate how most students find jobs within a few months of completing their programs. It offers highly convenient one-year master’s programs. Provides two years of work permit after the completion of your studies.
2.4 Petroleum Engineering in Australia
Encouraging petroleum exploration is a high priority for the Australian Government. The annual release of offshore petroleum exploration acreage is a key part of the Australian Government’s strategy to further petroleum exploration in Australia offshore waters which makes it an ideal destination for students who want to pursue a career in petroleum engineering.
- The University of Adelaide
- University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney)
- The University of Queensland
- Curtin University
Benefits to study Petroleum Engineering in Australia: Australia provides a wide range of engineering courses. It gives excellent employment prospects. Provide an opportunity to migrate to Australia. Australia provides co-op degrees in engineering ensuring that graduates have the practical experience and skills required by employers in the workforce. Australian professional responsible for the accreditation of undergraduate engineering programs recognized worldwide.
2.5 Petroleum Engineering in Germany
The demand in Germany remains high for skilled engineers in oil and gas technology and deep geothermal energy. There are several potential employers such as research institutions and universities, business consulting, and engineering companies.
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology
- Clausthal University of Technology
- Technical University of Munich
- RWTH Aachen University
Benefits to study Petroleum Engineering in Germany: German provides a range of specialization courses, especially in petroleum engineering. Germany is a country where education has a strong research focus, clearly imposed high standards, a more traditional and hierarchical approach to lectures and seminars, and a highly competitive application system. Excellent academic standards, a thriving economy, and major developments in engineering are some of the reasons why German universities should be on your study-abroad list.
3. Top Universities to Study Petroleum Engineering Abroad
It is important for students, who wish to pursue petroleum engineering, to know the best universities in the world which offer petroleum engineering. The table given below provides the top universities to study petroleum engineering abroad:
QS Ranking |
University |
Programmes Offered |
Annual Tuition fee |
1 |
University of Texas - Austin |
UT PGE MS Ph.D. |
For Bachelor's 35 Lacs to 45 Lacs For Masters 15 Lacs to 50 Lacs |
2 |
Stanford University |
Bachelor of Science Masters of Science Doctor of Philosophy |
For Bachelor's 45 Lacs to 50 Lacs For Masters 15 Lacs to 50 Lacs |
3 |
Texas A&M University |
Bachelor of Science Master of Science Master of Engineering Online Master of Engineering Doctor of Philosophy |
For Bachelors 29 Lacs to 32 Lacs For Masters 16 Lacs to 32 Lacs |
5 |
University of Alberta |
Bachelor of Science Masters of Science |
For Bachelors 27 Lacs to 37 Lacs For Masters 15 Lacs to 31 Lacs |
7 |
The University of Adelaide |
Bachelor of Engineering (Honors) Master of Engineering Master of Science |
For Bachelor's 35 Lacs to 45 Lacs For Masters 20 Lacs to 39 Lacs |
12 |
Heriot-Watt University |
Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) Master of Science Doctor of Philosophy |
For Bachelors 15 Lacs to 21 Lacs For Masters 16 Lacs to 30 Lacs |
14 |
Colorado School of Mines |
Bachelor of Science Masters of Science Masters of Engineering Doctor of Philosophy |
For Bachelors 19 Lacs to 30 Lacs For Masters 15 Lacs to 36 Lacs |
40 |
University of Oklahoma |
BS MS Ph.D. MBA |
For Bachelor's 20 Lacs to 35 Lacs For Masters 20 Lacs to 40 Lacs |
24 |
Pennsylvania State University |
BS MS PhD |
For Bachelor's 28 Lacs to 35 Lacs For Masters 15 Lacs to 50 Lacs |
34 |
University of Southern California |
BS MS Ph.D. Master of Science - Online |
For Bachelor's 50 Lacs to 70 Lacs For Masters 20 Lacs to 36 Lacs |
It is important for students to do their own research as rankings for the best oil and gas universities in the world might change based on different criteria used by different ranking indices.
4. Specializations to Study Petroleum Engineering Abroad
Bachelor's degrees to study petroleum engineering abroad are available as either three or four-year BEng programs. The duration of the program will vary depending on the institution and whether you choose to undertake an industrial placement as part of your studies. Completing a year in the industry can be a valuable experience that may give you an advantage when applying for graduate jobs. It allows you to apply what you have learned and establish professional connections. Petroleum engineering programs abroad encompass a combination of theoretical lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical laboratory work, group workshops, and field trips. Below are some of the key subjects you can expect to study as part of your degree:
- Petroleum fundamentals and chemistry
- Petroleum geology
- Reservoir behavior
- Fluid mechanics and thermodynamics
- Mathematics for engineering
- Fundamentals of engineering materials
- Fundamentals of engineering mechanics
- Mass and energy balances
5. Top Petroleum Engineering courses to study Abroad
For those who wish to smoothly transition from an undergraduate to a postgraduate course, a four-year integrated MEng program is worth considering. Alternatively, you can pursue a master's degree separately, which typically takes one or two years. If you have aspirations to contribute to cutting-edge research in the field, a Ph.D. program might be suitable for you. Doctorate-level degrees generally require an additional four to six years of study beyond your undergraduate studies. Courses available to study petroleum engineering abroad:
Top Courses |
Annual Fee |
Bachelor of Science in Petroleum & Natural Gas Engineering (BSc) |
74,01,344 INR |
Bachelor of Engineering Technology in Petroleum (Btech) |
28,62,523 INR |
Masters of Science in Petroleum Engineering (MSc) |
26,56,113 INR |
Master of Science in Civil & Petroleum Engineering (MSc) |
5,10,870 INR |
Master of Applied Science in Oil and Gas Engineering (MSc) |
11,46,823 INR |
Master of Engineering in Oil and Gas Engineering (MEng) |
5,24,991 INR |
Master of Engineering in Petroleum System Engineering (MEng) |
12,16,996 INR |
6. Eligibility Criteria for Studying Petroleum Engineering Abroad
Petroleum Engineering in Abroad can be studied at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Therefore, aspirants seeking admission to petroleum engineering must meet the eligibility criteria mentioned below.
For undergraduate courses: For admission to Petroleum Engineering at the undergraduate level, one should have passed Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics as main subjects or should have completed a three-year Diploma in Petroleum Engineering.
For postgraduate courses: For admission to Petroleum Engineering at the postgraduate level, an aspirant should be a graduate in Petroleum Engineering.
7. Admission Requirements to Study Petroleum Engineering Abroad
The admission criteria for these universities can differ, but in general, applicants should have completed a bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field. They may also need to submit GRE scores, transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. Additionally, international students may be required to demonstrate English language proficiency through tests like TOEFL or IELTS. It is advisable to check each university's admissions website for specific requirements. The admission requirements for the top petroleum engineering universities worldwide vary depending on the university and the course. However, the following points give a general overview of what is typically required for admission to the best petroleum engineering colleges globally:
- Class 12th exams with specific subjects such as Chemistry, English, and Physics (may vary by university).
- SAT or ACT scores (may vary by university).
- GRE or GMAT scores (may vary by university).
- English language proficiency test scorecard: IELTS, TOEFL, or Duolingo score.
- Latest resume.
- Statement of Purpose (SOP).
- LORs (Letters of recommendation) of previous Professors or Employers.
8. Salary Prospect After Studying Petroleum Engineering Abroad
The salary for petroleum engineers can differ based on several factors such as education level, experience, location, and job type. However, petroleum engineering is generally regarded as a very profitable career. If you graduate from one of the world's leading petroleum engineering universities, you have the opportunity to earn a high salary compared to others in the field. In terms of both salary and job opportunities, Petroleum Engineering ranks among the top engineering professions and is considered one of the highest-paying jobs available. The average salary range of petroleumengineers is INR 83,00,000-INR 1,70,40,000.
9. Job Opportunities after studying petroleum Engineering Abroad
As a graduate in petroleum engineering, you will possess the necessary knowledge and abilities to embark on a highly profitable career in the energy industry and beyond. Considering the global reliance of individuals and businesses on petroleum for their everyday operations, your degree will provide numerous opportunities for international career paths. Here are a few potential job prospects you can consider:
Job Prospects |
Average Annual Salary |
Production Engineer |
20 Lacs - 30 Lacs |
Petroleum Engineer |
4 Lacs - 27 Lacs |
Petroleum Geologist |
2 Lacs - 28 Lacs |
Drilling Engineer |
4.5 Lacs - 35 Lacs |
Environmental Advisor |
3.5 Lacs - 40 Lacs |
Production Technologist |
7 Lacs - 50 Lacs |
Reservoir engineer |
14 Lacs - 30 Lacs |
Field engineer |
10 Lacs - 25 Lacs |
10. Top Recruiters for Petroleum Engineering Student
Many top Petroleum Engineering companies in India and the world include:
10. Conclusion
Multiple countries offer great value to the degree of Petroleum Engineering and they all focus on the development of a new generation of experts that can lead the market further and make it better. Now that students are aware of the best petroleum engineering in abroad universities in the world, they must do their research about the course curriculum and career outcomes before making a final decision. If you find this blog helpful and informative, and anyhow if this blog helped you in your research then let us know through mail.
11. Who We Are!
If you’re hoping to get a headstart in petroleum engineering abroad, it’s important to look for relevant study-abroad opportunities. Speak to expert counselors about how to secure the best university to study abroad. Career Clinic is one of the best study abroad education consultancies to guide you through your study abroad journey for next intake 2024. Contact us today to solve your queries now!
Frequently Asked Questions
Petroleum engineering has an extensive range of applications. Petroleum engineers can work in a variety of industries, such as the extraction and processing of oil and gas, pipeline building and maintenance, the discovery of new fuels, and more. The study, exploration, extraction, and distribution of the world's oil and natural gas reserves are under the purview of petroleum engineering. The methods and machinery utilized to extract oil and gas from the earth efficiently are designed and developed by petroleum engineers. Petroleum engineers have excellent employment and compensation prospects.
The top petroleum engineering colleges in the world have different entrance standards based on the institution. Most renowned colleges typically require applicants to hold a bachelor's degree in engineering or a closely related discipline and to have excelled in mathematics, physics, and chemistry throughout their undergraduate studies. Additionally, students could be expected to meet requirements for their GPA or performance on standardized tests like the GRE. Petroleum engineering schools may demand appropriate job experience and academic qualifications, such as internships in the energy sector. Letters of reference and personal statements may also play a significant role in the admissions decision.
They are providing exciting careers. Petroleum employment will grow as oil and gas projects accelerate worldwide. Studying Petroleum Engineering abroad can offer several benefits, such as exposure to diverse technologies, learning from experts in the field, experiencing different oil and gas markets, and gaining international perspectives. Global companies pay more than Indian companies. Many countries with significant oil and gas industries provide excellent educational programs and research opportunities for petroleum engineering students.
With a wide range of Countries and Universities available to choose from for students who are planning their education abroad. Several countries are renowned for their excellent Petroleum Engineering programs, including the United States, Canada, Norway, the United Kingdom, Australia, the Netherlands, and UAE. Each country offers unique advantages, such as cutting-edge research facilities, industry connections, and global networking opportunities.
You will possess the necessary knowledge and abilities to embark on a highly profitable career in the energy industry and beyond. Petroleum Engineering graduates can pursue various career paths, including Petroleum Engineers, Petroleum geologists, drilling engineers, reservoir engineers, production engineers, well completion specialists, petroleum geologists, petrophysicists, and research positions in academia or the energy industry. Career opportunities can be found in both upstream (exploration and production) and downstream (refining and distribution) sectors of the oil and gas industry.
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