Top 10 Aerospace Engineering Universities in Europe

Last updated on January 20, 2026

Shortlisting Aerospace Engineering universities in Europe is rarely straightforward. Europe offers some of the strongest and most specialised aerospace programs in the world, but the experience can vary sharply by country, city, and academic culture. 

This article is designed for students and parents who are actively shortlisting and want clarity beyond brand names. It breaks down where the best aerospace engineering course is taught in Europe, what makes each university distinct, and how cost, language, and industry access differ. 

Students who explore STEM opportunities in Europe and understand program structures early tend to make more confident, well-aligned decisions, reducing the risk of choosing a path that doesn’t fit their academic or career goals.

What Is Aerospace Engineering?

Aerospace Engineering deals with the design, testing, and operation of vehicles that fly within the atmosphere and beyond it. Graduates work in aviation, space exploration, satellites, propulsion systems, defence technology, and advanced simulation and materials research.

Europe plays a unique role in aerospace education. With organisations like Airbus, ESA, Safran, Rolls-Royce, MTU, DLR, and CNES, students studying the best aerospace engineering course in Europe are often learning in direct proximity to global research and manufacturing hubs.

What Will You Be Studying?

At the Master’s level, Aerospace Engineering programs in Europe are rigorous and technical. Students typically study:

• Aerodynamics and fluid mechanics
• Flight dynamics and control systems
• Aircraft and spacecraft structures
• Propulsion and energy systems
• Orbital mechanics and space systems
• Numerical methods and simulations

Most universities allow specialisation after the first year, making the Master’s in Aerospace Engineering in Europe especially suitable for focused students.

Aerospace vs Aeronautical vs Astronautical Engineering

• Aerospace Engineering is the umbrella field covering both air and space systems.
• Aeronautical Engineering focuses on aircraft operating within Earth’s atmosphere.
• Astronautical Engineering focuses on spacecraft, satellites, and launch systems.

In Europe, most universities teach Aerospace Engineering as a single integrated discipline, with elective tracks later.

Aerospace Engineering Course Requirements in Europe

To enter a Master’s program offering the best aerospace engineering course, Indian students generally need:

• A Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Aeronautical, or Mechanical Engineering with a minimum grade requirement based on the university.
• Strong coursework in mathematics, physics, thermodynamics, and fluid mechanics
• IELTS 6.5–7.5 (depending on university)
• A technically aligned Statement of Purpose, LORs help too.

Field switching is limited and strictly evaluated, and could be a shot in the dark.

Additional Country-Wise Requirements

• Germany: APS Certificate is mandatory; credit-by-credit evaluation
• France: Campus France procedure for select institutions
• Italy: Income-linked fee brackets and DSU scholarship options
• Netherlands/Sweden: Strong emphasis on research motivation

Top 10 Aerospace Engineering Universities in Europe (Master’s Programs)

1. TU Delft – Delft, Netherlands

Public University

• Master’s Program: MSc Aerospace Engineering – Fully English-taught
• Bachelor’s Program: BSc Aerospace Engineering – English-taught
  
• Global Subject Ranking: Top 5 globally (QS World University Rankings – Aerospace & Mechanical)
  
• What Sets It Apart: Largest aerospace faculty in Europe, deep ESA and Airbus integration
• Insight: Extremely competitive; profile quality matters more than CGPA alone
  
• Tuition: Approximately €20,000 per year.
  TU Delft offers several merit-based and faculty-level scholarships. These scholarships are highly competitive and usually require early application and strong academic profiles.
• Living Cost: Delft and the surrounding Hague–Rotterdam region require students to budget around €900–€1,100 per month. Housing is competitive, and many students choose to live slightly outside Delft to manage costs, which increases commute time but significantly improves affordability.

2. ISAE-SUPAERO – Toulouse, France

Public Grande École

• Master’s Program: MSc Aerospace Engineering – English-taught
• Bachelor’s Program: Mostly French-taught
  
• Global Subject Ranking: Top 10 globally (Shanghai GRAS – Aerospace Engineering)
  
• What Sets It Apart: Located in Airbus headquarters city; unmatched industry exposure
• Insight: Ideal for students targeting applied aerospace roles in Europe
  
• Tuition: Typically ranges between €9,000 and €12,000/year.
  Students may qualify for scholarships, ISAE-SUPAERO merit grants, and regional funding options, which can substantially reduce financial pressure for international students with strong academic backgrounds.
• Living Cost: Toulouse is one of the more affordable aerospace hubs in Europe.
  Students generally spend €800–€1,000 per month, including rent, transport, and food. Proximity to Airbus facilities makes shared housing popular among engineering students.

3. Technical University of Munich (TUM) – Munich, Germany

Public University

• Master’s Program: MSc Aerospace Engineering – English-taught
  
• Bachelor’s Program: Predominantly German-taught
  
• Global Subject Ranking: Consistently ranked among the Top 25 globally (QS and THE Engineering Rankings)
  
• What Sets It Apart: Research-intensive environment with close collaboration with DLR and leading industrial research labs
  
• Insight: Academically demanding programs where strong fundamentals and prior technical depth are critical for success
  
• Tuition: Typically ranges between €0 and €6,000 per year, depending on federal state regulations and student status
  
• Living Cost: Munich is one of Germany’s most expensive student cities, with average monthly expenses between €1,200 and €1,600. Housing availability is limited, making early planning essential

4. RWTH Aachen University – Aachen, Germany

Public University

• Master’s Program: MSc Aerospace Engineering – English-taught
  
• Bachelor’s Program: German-taught
  
• Global Subject Ranking: Ranked within the Top 50 globally (THE Engineering & Technology Rankings)
  
• What Sets It Apart: Strong emphasis on systems engineering, simulation, and large-scale technical research
  
• Insight: Particularly well-suited for students aiming for research-oriented or doctoral pathways
  
• Tuition: No tuition fees; students pay a semester contribution of approximately €300
  
• Living Cost: Aachen remains relatively affordable, with monthly expenses averaging €850–€1,000

5. University of Stuttgart – Stuttgart, Germany

Public University

• Master’s Program: MSc Aerospace Engineering – English-taught
  
• Bachelor’s Program: German-taught
  
• Global Subject Ranking: Ranked within the Top 100 globally (QS Subject Rankings)
  
• What Sets It Apart: Home to one of Europe’s oldest and most established aerospace engineering faculties
  
• Insight: Offers a balanced blend of theoretical instruction and applied engineering exposure
  
• Tuition: Students typically pay a minimal semester contribution, depending on enrollment status
  
• Living Cost: Stuttgart students should budget approximately €900–€1,100 per month for living expenses

6. Politecnico di Milano – Milan, Italy

Public University

• Master’s Program: MSc Aeronautical Engineering – English-taught
  
• Bachelor’s Program: Limited English-taught options available
  
• Global Subject Ranking: Ranked among the Top 50 globally (QS Mechanical & Aeronautical Engineering Rankings)
  
• What Sets It Apart: Strong focus on design-driven engineering and close collaboration with industry partners
  
• Insight: Access to DSU and regional scholarships can significantly lower overall study costs
  
• Tuition: Generally falls between €3,000 and €4,000 per year, depending on family income and fee brackets
  
• Living Cost: Milan is one of Italy’s costlier cities, with students spending approximately €900–€1,100 per month

7. Politecnico di Torino – Turin, Italy

Public University

• Master’s Program: MSc Aerospace Engineering – English-taught
• Bachelor’s Program: Mostly Italian-taught
• Global Subject Ranking: Top 150 globally (QS + Shanghai GRAS)
• What Sets It Apart: Systems and propulsion engineering focus
• Insight: Cost-effective option with solid outcomes
• Tuition: €2,500–€3,500/year
• Living Cost: €800–€1,000/month

8. KTH Royal Institute of Technology – Stockholm, Sweden

Public University

• Master’s Program: MSc Aerospace Engineering – English-taught
• Bachelor’s Program: Swedish-taught
• Global Subject Ranking: Top 100 globally (THE Engineering Rankings)
• What Sets It Apart: Research-driven with sustainability focus
• Insight: Best suited for research-inclined profiles
• Tuition: ~€15,000/year
• Living Cost: €1,000–€1,200/month

9. Cranfield University – Cranfield, UK

Public Research University (Postgraduate-only)

• Master’s Program: MSc Aerospace Engineering – English-taught
• Bachelor’s Program: Not offered
• Global Subject Ranking: Top 50 globally (QS – subject-specific reputation)
• What Sets It Apart: Industry-only postgraduate ecosystem
• Insight: Strong choice for applied and professional roles
• Tuition: £28,000–£35,000/year
• Living Cost: £900–£1,100/month

10. University of Manchester – Manchester, UK

Public University

• Master’s Program: MSc Aerospace Engineering – English-taught
• Bachelor’s Program: Available
• Global Subject Ranking: Top 50 globally (QS + THE)
• What Sets It Apart: Strong balance of research and industry
• Insight: Broad aerospace exposure across domains
• Tuition: ~£30,000/year
• Living Cost: £850–£1,000/month

Here are Some Other Interesting Courses for You (High Demand 2026–2027)

Students exploring the best aerospace engineering course often also consider:

1. Space Systems Engineering
2. Mechanical Engineering with Aerospace Track
3. Robotics and Autonomous Systems
4. Computational Engineering and Simulation
5. Advanced Materials Engineering

Understanding how these compare often requires clarity on Master of Engineering vs Master of Science, especially for long-term career outcomes. Students also benefit from evaluating co-op programs in Master’s degrees, which can significantly influence employability and ROI, particularly when studying STEM in Europe.

FAQs

1. Is switching fields advisable for Aerospace Engineering abroad?
Only from closely related fields like Mechanical Engineering, and only with sufficient subject overlap.

2. Are aerospace and aeronautical engineering the same?
No. Aerospace includes both air and space systems; aeronautical focuses only on aircraft.

3. Does aerospace engineering have scope in the future?
Yes. Growth areas include space exploration, UAVs, defence systems, and satellite technology.

4. Is aerospace engineering a good career choice in India vs abroad?
Europe offers stronger research exposure and industry access; India offers limited but growing opportunities.

5. Which country is best for aerospace engineering?
The USA, UK, Germany, and France remain top choices due to strong industries (NASA, Boeing, Airbus, Rolls-Royce, Safran). Canada is strong for aviation and space research, while China offers emerging opportunities. The “best” country depends on whether your focus is research, industry, or regional mobility.

Choosing the Right Aerospace Engineering University in Europe

Europe offers some of the world’s most specialised and cost-effective aerospace education, but the best aerospace engineering course depends on alignment, not ranking alone. Country, language, research focus, and career goals must connect logically.

This is where informed shortlisting matters.

For those at the shortlisting stage, a free session with Maven’s advisors can help assess fit, feasibility, and long-term outcomes before commitments are made.