From planes to spacecraft, aerospace engineering is at the forefront of transportation and space technology. It remains one of the most exciting engineering fields and can be a well-paid career. For example, current salary estimates for aerospace engineers in the Netherlands commonly fall around €44,000 to €60,000 per year, depending on the data source, experience level, and employer. In this article, we will discuss seven of the best European universities for students who are interested in joining this exciting field.
Top Aerospace Engineering Schools in Europe
1. Delft University of Technology
Aerospace engineering is one of Delft University of Technology‘s leading engineering fields in Europe. With bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Aerospace Engineering and a dedicated Aerospace Engineering Graduate School for Ph.D. candidates, Delft provides one of the most comprehensive aerospace pathways in Europe. The faculty’s facilities include the SIMONA research flight simulator, low-speed and high-speed wind tunnels, a structures and materials laboratory, and a clean room for satellite development. For these reasons, Delft is a strong choice for prospective aerospace engineers.
The TU Delft campus also supports entrepreneurship and industry collaboration. More than 250 companies, startups, and R&D partners are based on the campus, making it attractive to students who want to work on innovative products.
2. Polytechnic University of Turin
The Polytechnic University of Turin has roots as the School for Engineers, founded in 1859. It remains one of Italy’s leading technical universities and a strong European option for aerospace engineering. For prospective students of aerospace engineering, the polytechnic may be one of the best places to study.
The university offers a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, and Ph.D. program in Aerospace Engineering. These programs cover mathematical, scientific, and engineering foundations, helping graduates prepare for design, development, production, and research roles in the aerospace industry.
The city of Turin is also part of one of Italy’s important aerospace regions. Piedmont has a strong aerospace supply chain, with companies, research partners, and training institutions connected to the sector. This gives students opportunities to learn in a region with close ties to aerospace industry and innovation.
3. RWTH Aachen University
One of Germany’s prominent technical universities, RWTH Aachen University is a strong place in Europe to study aerospace-related engineering. The university offers Aeronautical Engineering and Astronautics as a Master of Science program within the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering. After completing the master’s program, students may apply for doctoral study at one of the faculty’s chairs.
The Master of Science in Aeronautical Engineering and Astronautics focuses on strengthening students’ technical skills. The university also aims to prepare flexible graduates who can work in both research and industrial contexts.
The city of Aachen is one of the many benefits of studying at RWTH. The city is home to Aachen Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and to a long thermal-bath tradition represented today by places such as Carolus Thermen. These places are worth visiting while relaxing outside of class time.
4. Technical University of Madrid
The Technical University of Madrid, officially the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, is one of Spain’s leading technical universities and among the leading schools for aerospace engineering in Europe. Founded in 1971 through the integration of several higher technical schools, the university has a long engineering tradition through its predecessor institutions.
The School of Aeronautical and Space Engineering offers aerospace-related study at the bachelor’s, master’s, and Ph.D. levels. Students can study the Undergraduate Degree in Aerospace Engineering, continue to master’s options such as Aeronautical Engineering, Air Transport System, and Space Systems, or pursue the Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering. Courses and specializations cover areas such as aerospace vehicles, aerospace propulsion, airports and air transport, and navigation and aerospace systems.
5. KTH Royal Institute of Technology
The KTH Royal Institute of Technology, located in the capital of Sweden, has earned a reputation as one of the best aerospace engineering universities in Europe. In the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026, KTH is ranked among the top 100 universities in the world and 40th for Engineering.
For students with an engineering background, KTH offers aerospace engineering study at the master’s and doctoral levels. The two-year master’s program in Aerospace Engineering consists of three terms of courses and one final term dedicated to the master’s degree project. Students can choose specializations in Aeronautics, Space, Lightweight Structures, and Systems Engineering.
6. University of Cambridge
Widely regarded as one of the best universities in the world, the University of Cambridge offers aerospace study through its Engineering course. Students begin with a broad engineering foundation and can specialize in Aerospace and Aerothermal Engineering in the later years of the program. At the postgraduate level, the Department of Engineering offers research pathways such as the MPhil and Ph.D. in Engineering, allowing suitable aerospace-related research topics where supervision is available.
The University of Cambridge frequently ranks among the best universities in the world. In the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026, the university is ranked joint 3rd in the world and second in Europe.
7. ETH Zurich
ETH Zurich, one of Europe’s highest-ranked technical universities, offers aerospace-related study through master’s options such as Mechanical Engineering and Space Systems. The Mechanical Engineering master’s program integrates core areas such as mechanics, thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, materials and manufacturing science, control systems, and product development. The Space Systems master’s program also allows students to choose a focus such as aerospace engineering, space robotics, scientific missions, or modern space communications technology.
Students with a relevant bachelor’s degree in engineering can apply to these ETH master’s pathways. Through these programs, they can build advanced knowledge in mechanical, aerospace, and space systems topics. Completing a degree from ETH Zurich can strengthen students’ chances of finding a fulfilling career after graduation.
FAQs about Studying Aerospace Engineering
Is it Hard to Study Aerospace Engineering?
Aerospace engineering can be challenging because it draws on mathematics, physics, mechanics, materials, control systems, and computing. However, it is manageable for students who build strong foundations and make use of university support, practice problems, labs, and online resources. Master’s and Ph.D. study is usually more specialized and research-intensive than undergraduate study.
We hope that this article on the best aerospace engineering schools in Europe was helpful. Make sure to also check out the Available Programs in Europe!
