Top 10 Toughest Engineering Courses in the World 2025
Talk to Expert
Engineering courses are some of the toughest courses in the world. With wide applications in the real world, engineering courses help to develop the engineers of tomorrow who create solutions using the concepts of Maths and Science. Read this article to learn about the toughest engineering courses in the world.
Rightly said - “engineers are some of the smartest people in the world”. But what goes behind transforming a normal person into one of the smartest people? The answer is problem-solving real-world related study that helps to think and create solutions for several problems at a time. It is no surprise that the smartest engineers undergo difficult coursework to raise their aptitude to their maximum potential. In this article, we will uncover the top 10 toughest engineering courses in the world and several more details associated with them.
Also Read:
List of 10 Most Difficult Engineering Courses in the World
The most difficult engineering courses in the world incorporate the understanding of complex theories and problems. Some engineering fields often require students to practice on hazardous chemicals while others require them to develop challenging technical parts to withstand dynamic air pressure or the strongest chemical reactions in the world.
Predict your IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE in just 4 steps!
The good thing about some of these hardest engineering courses is that they pay off with high-paying jobs and the ability to provide life-changing solutions to mankind. The 10 most difficult engineering courses in the world are given below:
| Most Difficult Engineering Courses in the World |
|
|---|---|
| Nuclear Engineering |
Aerospace Engineering |
| Biomedical Engineering |
Chemical Engineering |
| Civil Engineering (Structural) and Architectural Engineering |
Computer Engineering |
| Materials Science and Engineering |
Electrical Engineering |
| Mechanical Engineering (Solid Mechanics and Quantum Mechanics ) |
Petroleum Engineering |
Also Read: Fully-funded Scholarships for Indian Students to Study Abroad
Details on the Top 5 Hardest Engineering Courses in the World
Below are the details on the most difficult engineering degrees in the world.
1. Nuclear Engineering
Nuclear engineering, one of the toughest engineering in the world, is a branch of engineering sciences that involves designing, developing, operating, and maintaining systems that utilise nuclear energy. This field deals with the applications of nuclear processes, particularly nuclear fission and fusion, for various purposes (mainly for electrical energy production through nuclear fission processes).
But this is not it, the most difficult engineering course in the world also prepares students for the following:
- Medical Isotope Production: Creating radioactive materials used in medical diagnosis and treatment.
- Radiation Detection: Developing and using instruments to detect and measure radiation.
- Nuclear Waste Management: Storing nuclear radioactive wastes is a big problem. Nuclear engineering also teaches the students to design safe and secure methods for storing radioactive waste without polluting the environment.
- Navy Nuclear Propulsion: Designing and maintaining nuclear reactors for powering submarines and aircraft carriers.
Explore popular universities
Above were some fields and applications of nuclear engineering courses other than its conventionally presumed scope of electronic energy generation.
Pursuing this toughest engineering course has several benefits, such as establishing a career in government agencies, nuclear power industries, research institutions, medical Physics and other consulting firms. However, there are also some challenges associated with this course such as the requirement of a strong foundation in Maths and safety focus.
The main points of learning in the Nuclear Engineering course include Nuclear Reactor Physics, Heat Transfer and Fluid Dynamics, Nuclear Materials Science, Radiation Safety and Shielding, and Nuclear Fuel Cycle Management.
The other info on the toughest engineering course in the world, i.e. nuclear engineering is given below.
| Scope |
Medical Isotope Production, Small Modular Reactors (SMR), Advanced Reactor Designs, etc. |
| Best Countries to Pursue |
US, UK, France, Canada, Germany, China and Japan |
| Best Universities for Nuclear Engineering |
|
| Average Starting Salary |
$70,000 to $90,000 per year |
| Popular Designations |
|
2. Aerospace Engineering
Placed at number 2 of the toughest engineering courses in the world, Aerospace engineering is a branch of engineering that deals with the designing, developing, testing, and operation of aircraft, spacecraft, and related systems. It is a vast field with two major overlapping sub-disciplines, i.e. aeronautical engineering and astronautical engineering. The aerospace engineers are responsible for developing large flight vessels ensuring flight safety and other operations considering factors like - less fuel consumption, air dynamics, etc.
While a degree in aerospace engineering can be beneficial for students in several ways, there may be some potential challenges in getting one such as knowledge of core Maths topics such as calculus, linear algebra, differential equations and multi-disciplinary topics such as Physics, aerodynamics, thermodynamics, etc.
The other info on one of the toughest engineering courses in the world, i.e. aerospace engineering is given below.
| Scope |
Hypersonic Flights(faster-than-sound passenger jets), Reusable Launch Vehicles (to reduce the cost of space travel), Space Exploration |
| Best Countries to Pursue |
US, UK, France, and Canada |
| Best Universities for Nuclear Engineering |
|
| Average Starting Salary |
$65,000 to $75,000 per year |
| Popular Designations |
|
Related Blogs:
3. Biomedical Engineering
It is a branch of engineering that employs engineering principles to solve problems in Biology and medicine. Aiming to improve healthcare facilities, biomedical engineering acts as a bridge to fill the gap between Biology and the engineering world. Being listed among the toughest engineering courses, biomedical engineering not only challenges the students to take up rigorous coursework but also provides life-changing solutions to the healthcare industry such as pacemakers and artificial limbs to diagnostic tools like MRI machines and prosthetics.
Biomedical engineers also contribute to areas like tissue engineering, biomaterials development, and medical robotics.
What makes biomedical engineering the most difficult engineering course in the world is its requirement for one to know both the Physics principles (mechanics, electronics, etc.) and Biological sciences (anatomy, physiology, etc.).
Graduates from this field can work in the following fields: medical research and development, clinical engineering, prosthetics and orthotics, and biomaterials sciences.
The other info on one of the toughest engineering courses in the world, i.e. biomedical engineering is given below.
| Scope |
Artificial Organs and Tissue Engineering, Bioprinting, Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs), Personalised medicine, etc. |
| Best Countries to Pursue |
US, UK, Canada, Singapore, and Australia |
| Best Universities for Nuclear Engineering |
|
| Average Starting Salary |
$75,000 per year |
| Popular Designations |
|
4. Chemical Engineering
Chemical engineering is a fascinating engineering branch that bridges the gap between Chemistry and engineering subjects. This too is considered the toughest engineering course in the world owing to its rigorous curriculum and the tendency to build from raw or scratch chemical substances to form usable and sustainable solutions for significant problems (for example - the generation of polymers, pharmaceuticals, biofuels and personal care items).
Thus, it is safe to say that the chemical engineers are the masterminds behind:
- Essential materials: Plastics, polymers, fibres
- Life-saving drugs: Pharmaceuticals, antibiotics
- Everyday products: Food processing, personal care items
- Clean energy solutions: Biofuels and fuel cells
Due to its applications across various industries, chemical engineering poses a strong job prospect for graduates with high pay.
The main concepts of learning include chemical reaction engineering, heat and mass transfer, process design and control and thermodynamics.
The other info on one of the toughest engineering courses in the world, i.e. aerospace engineering is given below.
| Scope |
Nanotechnology, Biotechnology and Environmental Engineering |
| Best Countries to Pursue |
US, Europe and Asia |
| Best Universities for Nuclear Engineering |
|
| Average Starting Salary |
$70,000 per year |
| Popular Designations |
|
Also Check: How to get into Top Colleges for Undergraduate Courses
5. Civil Engineering (Structural)
Civil engineering (structural) is a specialised field within civil engineering that deals with the design, analysis, and construction of the skeleton or "bones" of a structure. Structural engineers are essentially the ones who ensure our buildings, bridges, dams, and other creations can safely withstand all the forces acting upon them. The course requires strong Mathematical knowledge, relevant software knowledge, visualisation & spatial reasoning, and bonding between several mixing substances to make strong building structures.
The other details on one of the 10 most difficult engineering courses in the world are given below.
| Scope |
Sustainable building designs, Building Information Modeling (BIM) and smart materials and structures. |
| Best Countries to Pursue |
US, UK, Canada, Singapore, Netherlands and Australia |
| Best Universities for Nuclear Engineering |
|
| Average Starting Salary |
$65,000 per year |
| Popular Designations |
Structural Engineer Seismic Design Engineer Bridge Engineer Building Engineer Construction Engineer |
Also Check:
| Affordable and Cheapest Universities in Australia | Affordable and Cheap Universities in USA |
| Cheap and Affordable Universities in Germany | Easiest Universities to Get into UK |
This was all about the top 10 hardest engineering courses in the world, their applications, future prospects, and the best universities and countries for getting an education in these fields. If you have any doubts then, drop your queries in the comments below.
Q: How long does Hertfordshire University take to reply?
Q: Is it difficult to get admission in the University of Manchester?
The University of Manchester acceptance rate is 27% for international students, which means admissions are highly competitive. Out of 100 applicants, only 27 are admitted to the university. This also shows that the university has particular standards for admission, and potential students should be prepared for admission. Early applicants can primarily benefit as it gives students a better chance of acceptance. Therefore, international applicants who wish to study at the University of Manchester must have a good acdemic profile.
Q: Is Hertfordshire University hard to get into?
With a 70% acceptance rate, the University of Hertfordshire is not hard to get into and follows easy selection criteria during admissions. This does not mean the university accepts all the students applying for different programs. The selection is based on academic performance, English language requirements, references, and many more. Some of the programs at Hertfordshire even demand an experience of 4-5 years. Students must fulfill the eligibility criteria to enroll in any programme at Hertfordshire University. In addition, students with average performance can showcase their relevant experience or extracurricular activities participation to increase their selection probability.
Q: Does the University of Essex require IELTS?
International students whose native language is not English must meet the University of Essex English language requirements to get admission. The university accepts IELTS scores as proof of English language proficiency. Mentioned below are the IELTS scores required for UG and PG admission at the university:
English Language Test | Score |
|---|---|
IELTS | Overall score of 5.5 to 8.0 with minimum of 5.5 to 7.5 in each section |
The university also accepts the score of other English language tests such as TOEFL and PTE for admission to undergraduate and graduate programs:
English Language Test | Score |
TOEFL iBT | Overall score of 72 to 114 |
PTE | Overall score of 59 to 84 with minimum of 59 to 80 in each section |
Also read: Required IELTS Score for UK Universities
Q: What is the acceptance rate of Hertfordshire University?
The University of Hertfordshire has a 70% acceptance rate, making it easy to get into and having simple admissions requirements. Academic achievement, English language proficiency, references, and many other factors are taken into consideration while making the selection. At Hertfordshire, some programs may require four to five years of experience. To enroll in any programme at Hertfordshire University, students must meet the qualifying requirements. In addition, students with average performance can showcase their relevant experience or extracurricular activities participation to increase their selection probability.
Q: Is Essex University good for an MBA?
Essex University is among the top business and management universities in the UK that offer quality education to international students. It ranks at 61 in the UK by the 'Complete University Guide' for Business and Management studies. The university offers an MBA programme at a low cost for international students. Applicants can complete the first year of education of the MBA programme from INR 17 L to INR 27 L. Therefore, yes the university is good for an MBA in the UK.
Check the list of Top Ranked MBA Universities in the UK
Q: What is the cost of an Essex MBA?
The University of Essex MBA cost is vary from INR 17 L to INR 27 L for first-year. The university offers an affordable MBA programme to international students. The table below includes the complete first year cost of studying MBA program:
Fees components | Amount (for 1 year) |
|---|---|
Tuition & fees | INR 27,67,000 |
Hostel & Meals | INR 6,59,321 |
Insurance | INR 85,888 |
Total approximate fees | INR 35,12,209 |
Also read: MBA in the UK Cost
Q: How is Bangor University (UK) for MBA?
Bangor University (UK) offers an affordable MBA programme for international students. The below table includes the complete first-year package to study MBA program:
Fees components | Amount (for 1 year) |
Tuition & fees | INR 19,26,441 |
Hostel & Meals | INR 5,67,511 |
Total approximate fees | INR 24,93,952 |
Also read MBA in the UK Cost in 2024
Top 10 Toughest Engineering Courses in the World FAQs
Q. Which is the toughest engineering branch in the world?
A. It's difficult to say definitively which engineering branch is the toughest because it depends on individual strengths and interests. However, some of the toughest branch in BTech include Nuclear Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Civil Engineering, and Aerospace Engineering.
Q. Which is the toughest course in the world?
A. Determining a specific field as the “toughest course in the world” may be difficult and the answer depends on several parameters such as personal interests and knowledge. However, in most countries and regions, the medical field (or healthcare studies) is known to be the most difficult of all owing to the different studies of analysing the symptoms, finding solutions and doses to treat the human body out of the prevalent and much mutating disease in today’s world.
Q. Which are the top 5 hardest engineering courses?
A. The top 5 most difficult engineering courses in the world are nuclear engineering, chemical engineering, aerospace engineering, biomedical engineering and civil engineering.
Q. Which are the top 5 toughest engineering branches in India?
A. The hardest engineering branches in India involve chemical engineering, electrical engineering, biomedical engineering, aerospace engineering and computer engineering.
Q. Which is the most powerful branch in engineering?
A. There is no single "most powerful" branch in engineering. However, some engineering fields have historically been considered the most influential due to their impact on society and technological progress. These include:
- Computer Engineering: The rapid advancement of technology has made computer engineering a highly influential field. It encompasses hardware and software development, and its applications are widespread across various industries.
- Electrical Engineering: Electrical engineering has been a cornerstone of modern society, powering everything from homes and businesses to transportation and communication systems.
- Mechanical Engineering: Mechanical engineers design and develop mechanical systems, machines, and devices, playing a crucial role in industries like manufacturing, transportation, and energy.
- Civil Engineering: Civil engineers design and build infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, buildings, and water systems, shaping the physical environment we live in.
- Chemical engineering: It plays a critical role in developing processes for producing chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and materials. It involves the design and operation of chemical plants, as well as the optimisation of chemical reactions. This field has made significant contributions to industries such as pharmaceuticals, energy, and materials science.
Q. Which are the easiest engineering branches?
A. The label of the "easiest" engineering discipline often depends on personal viewpoint, shaped by individual interests, skills, and learning styles. What one person finds challenging, another might find relatively easy. However, some students find certain engineering branches to be less demanding such as in terms of certain subject knowledge required (Mathematics and Physics) as compared to others. These engineering branches might include:
- Industrial Engineering: This branch focuses on optimising processes and systems, often involving more business and management aspects than traditional engineering fields.
- Agricultural Engineering: This field combines engineering principles with agricultural sciences, focusing on designing and developing equipment and systems for agricultural production.
- Environmental Engineering: This branch focuses on protecting the environment and developing sustainable solutions to environmental problems.
Q. Which is the no. 1 toughest course in the world?
A. Based on a combination of factors like the breadth and depth of knowledge required, the intensity of study, abstractness of concepts, and demanding practical applications, Medicine (specifically an MBBS or MD degree) is frequently cited as one of the most.
Priya Garg is a seasoned content writer and editor. With her rich experience in content writing, teaching and research & analysis, Priya believes in providing only the correct information which is also up-to-date. H... Read Full Bio
Statement of Purpose
Letter of Recommendation
Student Visa Application
Admission Essay Writing
Student Curriculum Vitae
After applying to Hertfordshire University UK, the applicants are going to receive an initial decision about their application within 2-3 working days. After the submission of the application and documents, the applicants are required to pay their tuition deposit. Then, complete the Sponsorship interview and the financial declaration. International students are required to pay a deposit of £5,000 before registration. The balance can be paid in line with the liability dates related to the year and entry of the semester.