Civil engineers are the visionary architects of our modern world. From designing complex water supply systems and high-speed railways to structural planning for stadiums and suspension bridges, they build the essential infrastructure that shapes our daily lives.
Building a career in this demanding field begins with choosing a world-class academic program. If you are planning to study abroad in Europe, we have curated a list of the premier civil engineering schools to help guide your decision:
1. QS Rankings 2021: Civil Engineering
- , the Netherlands
- , the UK
- , the UK
- , Switzerland
- , Switzerland
- , Italy
- , Switzerland
- , Spain
- , Italy
- , Spain
Explore the latest industry-leading rankings on the official TopUniversities website.
2. World University Rankings 2022: Civil Engineering
- University of Cambridge, the UK
- University of Oxford, the UK
- ETH Zurich, Switzerland
- Imperial College London, the UK
- EPFL, Switzerland
- TU Delft, the Netherlands
- , Germany
- , Germany
- , the UK
- , Belgium
Compare additional globally recognized institutions via TimesHigherEducation.com.
3. Shanghai Rankings 2021: Civil Engineering
- ETH Zurich, Switzerland
- , Greece
- Polytechnic University of Madrid, Spain
- , Denmark
- EPFL, Switzerland
- Imperial College London, the UK
- Politecnico di Milano, Italy
- , Italy
- , Italy
- TU Delft, the Netherlands
Review the comprehensive academic performance data on ShanghaiRanking.com.
We also highly recommend exploring these distinguished European universities for specialized Civil Engineering degrees:
- , the UK
- , Denmark
- , the Netherlands
- , Belgium
Student reviews of the best civil engineering schools in Europe
Student reviews provide invaluable insights into the daily reality of university life, including faculty mentorship, research opportunities, and the overall campus environment.
Every university offers a unique blend of strengths and growth opportunities. Alumni testimonials, available on our portal pages, offer a transparent perspective on what you can truly expect from your studies.
TU Delft
"The university is full of opportunities such as some of the best student teams in the world. As long as you actively seek for the chance, you can realize anything there. Also, there are a lot of international students coming all over the world, so you won't feel isolated even if you are not a Dutch person."
Politecnico di Milano
"It is one of the best universities for international students; it has more than 40,000 students. Its ranking really reflects the quality of education at this university. Another important advantage is the diverse international community. I highly recommend this university to anyone wanting to specialize in Engineering, design, or architecture."
National Technical University of Athens
"NTUA is a premier institution offering high-level education, where professors emphasize the core principles of engineering. The inspiring environment fosters creativity and hard work. I gained the essential tools and experiences needed to excel in my field, and I am truly grateful for my time at NTUA."
Polytechnic University of Catalonia
"The faculty and infrastructure are outstanding, offering excellent support for all students. The vibrant location, city culture, and diverse range of services make for an incredible academic experience."
Explore our featured Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programs.
>> If you are still weighing your options regarding study destinations or specific engineering disciplines, read our guide on The Best Engineering Schools in the World to gain further clarity.