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.
- ✓ 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.
Same field, different universities
| University | Country | Level | Duration | Tuition/year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Penn State ★ This programme | 🇺🇸 USA | Bachelor's | 4 years | $43,500 |
| Purdue (EE) QS #89 | 🇺🇸 USA | Bachelor's | 4 years | $31,104 |
| Imperial (Mech Eng) QS #2 | 🇬🇧 UK | Master's | 1 year | £40,400 |
| RWTH Aachen QS #90 | 🇩🇪 Germany | Master's | 2 years | €0 |
| Melbourne QS #14 | 🇦🇺 Australia | Master's | 2 years | AU$50,000 |
Your counsellor helps you compare and apply to multiple programmes simultaneously — at no cost.
What you'll need
| Academic | High school diploma with strong maths (90%+ average) | |
| Maths & Physics | Strong calculus and physics required | |
| English | TOEFL iBT 80 / IELTS 6.5 | |
| SAT / ACT | Test-optional at many US universities | |
| Documents | Transcripts, essays, recommendation letter, passport | |
Grades just below the bar? We offer pathway and transfer routes into top US engineering programs — your counsellor will find the right one.
Core courses
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
Application timeline
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 |
Funding you may be eligible for
Your counsellor matches you with every scholarship you qualify for — university-based and government — at no cost.
Alternative funding options
Available for international students at 400+ US universities. No cosigner, collateral, or US credit history required. Fixed rates from ~7.5% APR.
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.
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.
F-1 visa financial proof: you must demonstrate ~$28,000/year in living expenses (in addition to tuition) through bank statements or sponsor letter.
F-1 visa requirements
| Visa type | F-1 Student Visa | |
| I-20 required | Certificate of Eligibility issued by Penn State | |
| SEVIS fee (I-901) | $350 (one-time, paid before interview) | |
| Visa application fee (DS-160) | $185 | |
| Financial proof | ~$68,000/year (tuition + living expenses) | |
| Post-graduation (OPT) | 12 months standard + 24 months STEM extension = 36 months | |
Your counsellor guides you through the full F-1 process — from I-20 to embassy interview preparation.
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."
"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."
Frequently asked questions
Ready to apply for Mechanical Engineering?
Start your free application with a counsellor who knows US engineering admissions inside out.