Mechanical engineering applies science and technology to solve real-world problems involving moving parts. The field covers areas such as design, manufacturing, energy systems, materials, and robotics. Today, we will discuss several top mechanical engineering schools in Europe.
Top Mechanical Engineering Schools in Europe
1. Technical University of Munich
The Technical University of Munich was founded in 1868 as the Polytechnic School. TUM reported 51,954 students for the winter semester 2025/26.
The TUM School of Engineering and Design lists both a Mechanical Engineering B.Sc. and a Mechanical Engineering M.Sc. The bachelor’s program emphasizes foundational knowledge in the natural and engineering sciences and application-focused skills, while the master’s program develops engineering expertise and methodological knowledge. TUM also offers doctoral study through its Graduate School, including a Graduate Center of Engineering and Design.
TUM identifies itself as an entrepreneurial university and holds an annual TUM Entrepreneurship Day focused on start-ups, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
2. Norwegian University of Science and Technology
The Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral study options. Its current study-program page lists options including Mechanical Engineering, Engineering and ICT, Subsea Technology, Project Management, and Global Manufacturing Management.
NTNU reports 43,500 students. Its roots date to 1760, and a merger in 2016 made it Norway’s largest single university.
3. KU Leuven
Ranked No. 60 in the QS World University Rankings 2026, KU Leuven offers a mechanical engineering pathway with bachelor’s-, master’s-, and doctoral-level study. The two-year, 120-credit Master of Mechanical Engineering includes modules such as Automotive Engineering, Thermotechnical Sciences, Aero & Space Engineering, Manufacturing & Management, and Mechatronics & Robotics.
KU Leuven’s Department of Mechanical Engineering is based in Heverlee, Leuven.
4. ETH Zurich
Ranked No. 7 in the QS World University Rankings 2026, ETH Zurich is a prominent European option for mechanical engineering. Its Mechanical Engineering program combines mathematics, physics, and chemistry with mechanics, thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, materials science, electrical engineering, computer science, and engineering design.
ETH Zurich reported 26,942 students in 2025. The university also states that 21 Nobel Prize awards have gone to researchers with an ETH Zurich connection.
5. Technical University of Denmark
Founded in 1829, the Technical University of Denmark is a technical university with a strong engineering focus. DTU’s current ranking page lists it at No. 107 in the QS World University Rankings.
DTU offers undergraduate and master’s routes in Mechanical Engineering and identifies mechanical engineering as one of its areas for PhD education. Its Master of Science in Engineering program is a two-year program equivalent to 120 ECTS credits.
6. Lappeenranta–Lahti University of Technology
Lappeenranta–Lahti University of Technology, commonly known as LUT University, includes mechanical engineering within its School of Energy Systems. Its mechanical engineering area states that its bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Mechanical Engineering are internationally accredited. LUT also lists a Master’s Programme in Mechanical Engineering, a separate Master’s Programme in Industrial Design Engineering, and a Doctoral Programme in Energy Systems.
LUT’s main campus is in the Skinnarila district of Lappeenranta by Lake Saimaa. The university also has a campus in Lahti, where the Industrial Design Engineering master’s program is listed as a blended-learning program.
7. Delft University of Technology
Delft University of Technology (TU Delft), located in the city of Delft, is the oldest and largest university of technology in the Netherlands.
TU Delft offers mechanical engineering education and research through its Faculty of Mechanical Engineering. It has a BSc in Mechanical Engineering and an MSc in Mechanical Engineering, while its PhD program spans the university’s eight faculties.
TU Delft’s ranking overview notes that its Engineering & Technology positions are generally in or around the top 20 in the QS and Times Higher Education rankings.
We hope that you found this article on the best mechanical engineering schools in Europe informative and helpful. Make sure to also check out the Available Programs in Europe for International Students to learn more!
