Biomedical engineering applies engineering principles and methods to problems in medicine and healthcare. In the United States, employment of bioengineers and biomedical engineers is projected to grow 5% from 2024 to 2034. Graduates may pursue careers in research, product development, manufacturing, and related fields.
If you’re interested in studying biomedical engineering in college, you can also consider studying abroad to access additional learning and career opportunities. In the article below, we compiled several countries where students can study biomedical engineering and highlighted universities with relevant programs.
Top Countries to Study Biomedical Engineering
1. Netherlands
The Netherlands is an appealing place to study biomedical engineering because it offers English-taught programs and an international learning environment. The official Study in NL website states that about 2,000 programs are taught entirely in English and that about 95% of Dutch people speak English. You can learn more about English-taught universities in the Netherlands.
Biomedical engineering programs in the Netherlands combine engineering with subjects such as mathematics, physics, computer science, biology, and medicine to address healthcare challenges.
Universities with current biomedical engineering programs include Eindhoven University of Technology, University of Groningen, and Delft University of Technology.
2. Belgium
Belgium offers English-taught degree options for international students. The official Study in Flanders portal lists foreign-language programs and scholarship opportunities in Flanders and Brussels. Tuition and living costs vary by institution, program, and location, so applicants should review the current fee information for their chosen university. You can also explore English-taught universities in Belgium.
Biomedical engineering programs in Belgium typically combine engineering, life sciences, research, and project work. Some programs also include internships or clinical experience.
Universities with current biomedical engineering programs include KU Leuven, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Ghent University, and the University of Liège.
3. United States of America
The United States offers a wide range of biomedical engineering and related bioengineering programs. Depending on the university, students may combine classroom instruction with laboratory research, design projects, and interdisciplinary coursework. You can also review our guide to universities in the United States.
Universities with current biomedical engineering degrees include Johns Hopkins University, Duke University, and Boston University.
4. Ireland
Ireland offers biomedical engineering programs and has a substantial MedTech sector. IDA Ireland states that the sector includes more than 300 companies and employs more than 50,000 people.
Eligible non-EEA graduates may be able to remain in Ireland under the Third Level Graduate Programme to seek graduate-level employment. Graduates with a Level 8 award may receive up to 12 months of permission. Graduates with a Level 9 award or higher may receive up to 24 months, subject to the program’s conditions.
Universities with biomedical engineering programs include University College Dublin, the University of Galway, the University of Limerick, and Trinity College Dublin.
5. Sweden
Sweden exempts citizens of European Union and European Economic Area countries, as well as citizens of Switzerland, from application and tuition fees at universities. Other applicants generally pay fees unless an exemption applies. Competitive scholarships are available through the Swedish Institute and individual universities. You can explore more information about universities in Sweden.
Examples of biomedical engineering and closely related medical engineering options include the Biomedical Engineering master’s programs at Linköping University and Chalmers University of Technology, the Medical Engineering master’s program at KTH Royal Institute of Technology, and biomedical engineering studies at Lund University.
6. Germany
Germany is known for its engineering and research opportunities. There are generally no tuition fees for bachelor’s programs or most master’s programs at state higher education institutions. However, exceptions apply, and students may still need to pay semester contributions. For example, Baden-Württemberg charges many non-EU citizens €1,500 per semester, and some institutions in Bavaria may charge tuition. The Technical University of Munich also charges tuition fees to newly enrolled international students from third countries in bachelor’s and master’s degree programs from the winter semester of 2024/25. Applicants should review their chosen university’s current fee page. You can also read more about tuition-free universities in Germany.
Current examples include the Biomedical Engineering and Medical Physics master’s program at the Technical University of Munich, the Biomedical Engineering master’s program at RWTH Aachen University, and the international Biomedical Engineering master’s program at the University of Lübeck.
7. United Kingdom
Most full-time undergraduate courses in the United Kingdom take three years to complete, although they typically take four years in Scotland. Biomedical engineering degrees often combine technical coursework with projects and laboratory activities. Some universities also offer optional industry placements.
Universities with biomedical engineering programs include Queen Mary University of London, the University of Surrey, the University of Glasgow, Loughborough University, and the University of Southampton.
If you’re considering studying biomedical engineering in another country, plan early and research each program carefully. Entry requirements, tuition, application procedures, and visa rules vary by country and university, so review the official pages for your chosen program and destination before applying.
We hope this article on the best countries to study biomedical engineering was informative and insightful. Make sure to also check out the Available Programs for International Students!
