Geophysics courses for international students
Geophysics applies physics and mathematics to the earth: earthquakes, volcanoes, resources, groundwater and the transition to renewable energy. It is a small field with strong demand from energy, mining, environmental consulting and hazard agencies.
What a geophysics degree involves
Geophysics degrees cover seismology, gravity and magnetics, electromagnetics, geodynamics, computational modelling, field methods and data processing. Undergraduate programmes are usually joint with geology or physics; master's programmes specialise in exploration, environmental or solid-earth geophysics.
Why study geophysics abroad
- Skills in demand for energy transition, carbon storage and geothermal
- Strong field and computational training
- Employers in energy, mining, engineering and government
- Research funding from national science agencies
- Small cohorts and close supervision
Best countries for geophysics
| Country | Why | Typical annual tuition |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | Imperial, Leeds, Edinburgh, Southampton, Exeter | £25,000 to £38,000 |
| Netherlands | TU Delft applied geophysics; Utrecht | €18,000 to €22,000 |
| Germany | Karlsruhe, Munich, Kiel; low fees | €0 to €3,000 |
| Canada | Alberta, Calgary, UBC; resource sector | CA$25,000 to CA$45,000 |
| United States | Colorado School of Mines, Stanford, Texas | US$30,000 to US$60,000 |
| Australia | Curtin, Adelaide, ANU | A$40,000 to A$50,000 |
Universities to consider
Entry requirements
| Level | Typical requirement |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate | Strong mathematics and physics at school (typically 75 to 85 percent), IELTS 6.5. |
| Postgraduate | A bachelor's in geophysics, physics, geology, mathematics or engineering at 2:1. |
| Doctorate | A master's or strong bachelor's and a research proposal. |
Careers
UK graduate starting salaries of roughly £28,000 to £38,000, higher offshore.
Scholarships and funding
Oasis does not award scholarships, but partner universities discount fees for strong applicants and several government schemes cover this subject. See the scholarship guide and our loan partners.
Fees and salaries are indicative for the 2026/27 cycle, change with exchange rates and policy, and should be confirmed with the university or the relevant government before you decide.
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United Kingdom
Study geophysics in the UK
Netherlands
Study geophysics in the Netherlands
Germany
Study geophysics in Germany
Canada
Study geophysics in Canada
United States
Study geophysics in the US
Australia
Study geophysics in Australia
Geophysics: what students ask
Is geophysics a good career with the energy transition?
Yes. The same skills used in oil and gas now drive geothermal, carbon capture and storage, wind farm site surveys and critical minerals exploration.
What background do I need?
Physics and mathematics are essential; geology is helpful but can be learned.
Where are the jobs?
Energy companies, service firms, environmental consultancies, geological surveys and universities.
Ready to study geophysics?
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