🇺🇸 University Park, Pennsylvania · QS #82 (Engineering)
BSc Mechanical Engineering
Design the machines and systems that move the world — from engines and robotics to energy and manufacturing. A STEM-designated engineering degree at a top-tier US public university, with a direct pipeline to aerospace, automotive and energy employers.
4 years
Full-time duration
$43,500
Tuition / year (intl.)
Aug 2026
Next intake (Fall)
TOEFL 80
English requirement
Overview
✓ Study at a top-tier US engineering college(Penn State · QS #82)
✓ A STEM-designated degree — qualify for 36-month OPT work authorisation
✓ A direct pipeline to internships in aerospace, automotive and energy
This degree takes you from statics, dynamics and thermodynamics to advanced work in machine design, fluid mechanics and controls. You'll build and test real systems in labs and design teams, take on summer internships, and graduate ready for the most in-demand engineering roles.
Graduates join aerospace, automotive, energy and manufacturing teams across the US and worldwide — and, because the degree is STEM-designated, qualify to work in the US for up to three years on OPT.
Grades just below the bar? We offer pathway and transfer routes into top US engineering programs — your counsellor will find the right one.
What you'll study
Core courses
01 Statics & Dynamics
02 Thermodynamics
03 Fluid Mechanics
04 Machine Design
05 Heat Transfer & Controls
06 Senior Design Project
After you graduate
Career outcomes
$72,000
Median starting salary for mechanical engineers
3-year OPT
STEM-designated work authorisation in the US
96%
Employed or in further study within 6 months
Top employers
Boeing, GM, Lockheed Martin, Caterpillar, GE
How to apply
Application timeline
June – October 2025
Prepare your application
Gather transcripts, take TOEFL/SAT if needed, draft your essays. Your counsellor reviews every element free of charge.
November 2025 (Early) / January 2026 (Regular)
Submit your application
Apply via the Common Application or the university's direct portal. Early Action deadline is typically November 1; Regular Decision is January 5.
February – March 2026
Receive your decision
Penn State releases decisions on a rolling basis from winter into spring. Your counsellor helps you compare financial aid packages across universities.
April – July 2026
Accept, I-20 & F-1 visa
Accept your offer by May 1, pay your deposit, receive your I-20, pay the SEVIS fee ($350), and attend your visa interview.
August 2026
Move-in & orientation
Arrive in State College, PA for international student orientation and begin your BSc Mechanical Engineering programme.
Fees & funding
Tuition fees & costs
Tuition (international)
Per annum (upper-division eng. higher)
$43,500
Total degree cost
4 years × $43,500
~$174,000
Enrolment deposit
Required to confirm seat & I-20
$500
SEVIS fee (I-901)
One-time US government fee
$350
Scholarships
Funding you may be eligible for
Penn State International Merit Award
Penn State · Merit-based
$5,000–$15,000
Coverage: Tuition fee reduction per year
Eligibility: International undergrads with strong academic record
Duration: Renewable each year
Deadline: Automatic consideration on admission
Source: psu.edu admissions & aid, 2026
AMIDEAST Scholarship
Regional · MENA students
Varies
Coverage: Tuition + living allowance (varies by award)
Eligibility: Citizens of MENA countries
Duration: Full degree programme
Deadline: Varies — your counsellor tracks deadlines
Source: amideast.org, 2026
Government Scholarships (home country)
Saudi SACM, Egyptian Mission, etc.
Full award
Coverage: Tuition + living expenses + flights
Eligibility: Varies by country — strong academic record required
Duration: Full degree
Deadline: Varies — your counsellor checks eligibility
Source: sacm.org.sa / mohe.gov.eg, 2026
🎓
Your counsellor matches you with every scholarship you qualify for — university-based and government — at no cost.
Loans & financing
Alternative funding options
MPOWER Financing
International student loan · No cosigner required
Up to $100,000
Available for international students at 400+ US universities. No cosigner, collateral, or US credit history required. Fixed rates from ~7.5% APR.
On-campus employment
Earn while you study
Up to 20 hrs/week
F-1 students may work up to 20 hours/week on campus during the academic year and full-time during breaks. Penn State offers thousands of campus jobs — research assistantships, labs, dining, and facilities.
Living costs
Monthly budget in State College
State College is a classic US college town with a very affordable cost of living compared to major US cities — one of the reasons international students choose Penn State.
Rent (shared apartment)$600–$900
Food & groceries$250–$400
Transport$0–$50
Health insurance (univ.)$200–$250
Books & supplies$50–$100
Personal & leisure$150–$300
Estimated total$1,250–$2,000/month
F-1 visa financial proof: you must demonstrate ~$28,000/year in living expenses (in addition to tuition) through bank statements or sponsor letter.
Your counsellor guides you through the full F-1 process — from I-20 to embassy interview preparation.
Student stories
Hear from our students
"Penn State's engineering college is huge and incredibly well-connected — the career fairs are packed with Boeing, GM and Lockheed. I got a summer internship at an aerospace firm after my sophomore year. My counsellor helped me with everything from applications to the visa interview."
KM
Karim M.
BSc Mechanical Engineering, Penn State — Class of 2027 · 🇪🇬 Egypt
"The STEM OPT is a game-changer — I have 3 years to work in the US after graduation. State College is super affordable, and the campus is beautiful. My counsellor secured me a merit scholarship I didn't know I qualified for."
NA
Nour A.
BSc Mechanical Engineering, Penn State — Class of 2026 · 🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Is the SAT required for international students?
Many US universities have adopted test-optional policies. Penn State is test-optional for international applicants — a strong SAT/ACT can strengthen your application but is not required. Your counsellor advises whether submitting a score helps.
Can I work in the US after graduating?
Yes. As a STEM-designated degree, the BSc in Mechanical Engineering qualifies you for 36 months of Optional Practical Training (OPT) — 12 months standard plus a 24-month STEM extension. After that, your employer can sponsor you for an H-1B work visa.
How competitive is Penn State engineering admissions?
Penn State engineering is selective, and students typically enter the College of Engineering before choosing a major. Strong maths and physics grades, a compelling personal statement, and relevant projects make the difference. Your counsellor helps your application stand out.
Can I work on campus during my studies?
F-1 students may work up to 20 hours per week on campus during the academic year and full-time during breaks. Penn State offers thousands of campus jobs — research assistantships are especially valuable for engineering students building their resume.
Is State College a good place to live?
State College is a classic US college town — safe, affordable, and centred around Penn State. It has free student buses, a large international community, and is surrounded by the scenic Nittany Valley. Living costs are far below San Francisco, New York or Boston.
