Difference Between Aerospace And Aeronautical Engineering

What Is Difference Between Aerospace And Aeronautical Engineering

Curious about difference between aerospace and aeronautical engineering? Then, you are at the right place today because here we are going to do an in-depth analysis of both aerospace and aeronautical engineering. On the other hand, we will also take a look at the scope, jobs and salary aspects of both engineering branches. However, do not forget to check the diploma in aeronautical engineering and READ ON! 

Sounds good? Make sure to check:  Which Engineering Branch Is Best For Future

Difference Between Aerospace And Aeronautical Engineering

Difference between aerospace and aeronautical engineering is that aerospace deals with both spacecraft and aircraft but aeronautics deals with aircraft only. 

On the other hand, it is important to remember that Aeronautical Engineering is a subdivision of aerospace engineering whereas Aerospace Engineering is a complete package of design and building both aircraft and spacecraft within or without the earth’s atmosphere. Aerospace engineering has two main subdivisions: Aeronautical Engineering and Astronautical Engineering. 

Must Read: Books To Improve English Speaking Skills

Difference Between Aerospace And Aeronautical Engineering: Overview 

Here is a quick overview of the difference between aerospace and aeronautical engineering.

BranchAerospace EngineeringAeronautical Engineering 
Eligibility Minimum 60% Marks In 10+2 (PCM) Minimum 55% Marks In 10+2 (PCM) 
Entrance ExamJEE Main, LPUNEST, MET, GATE and JEE AdvancedJEE Main, JEE Advanced, AME CET, IISAT, IIAE, GATE
Course Level UG, PG, Diploma, Ph.DUG, PG, Diploma, Ph.D
Duration 4 Years 4 Years 
CollegeIIT, MIT, NIT, BITS PILANIIIT, MIT, NIT, BITS PILANI
CostINR 8-15 Lakhs INR 5-14 Lakhs 
ScopeSpace Research Centers, Air Force, Defence Ministry Airlines, Air Force, Helicopter and Aviation companies
JobsAstronaut, Aerospace & Spacecraft Engineer, Academic Researcher, Design & Maintenance Engineer Aeronautical & Aircraft Engineer, Manufacturing & Maintenance Engineer, Design & Automotive Engineer, Flight Mechanics 
SalaryINR 7-20 Lakhs INR 4-17 Lakhs 
Top Recruiters NASA, ISRO, DRDO, HAL, Dhruva Space, NAL, Civil Aviation DepartmentHAL, NAL, DRDO, ADA, Boeing, Civil Aviation Department, Air India 

What Is Aerospace And Aeronautical Engineering?

Here is a detailed analysis of both engineering branches. 

Aerospace Engineering

Aerospace Engineering is a branch of engineering that is broader and much more advanced. For example, it is computer science and aeronautics is a subdivision like software engineering which is a subdivision of computer science. On the other hand, Aerospace Engineering deals with building, designing, and maintaining a spacecraft, aircraft, rocket, launch vehicle, satellite, missile, etc. 

Aeronautical Engineering

On the other hand, Aeronautical Engineering is sometimes referred to as “Aviation” which deals with flying vehicles that operate within the earth’s atmosphere like airplanes, helicopters, drones, jet and air force crafts, etc.

Check It Out: Top 10 Colleges In Canada For International Students

Benefits Of Aerospace And Aeronautics

Here are the top benefits of both engineering branches. Hence, do check out below: 

Benefits Of Aerospace

  • High Salary Packages With Additional Benefits 
  • Get In Touch With Latest Technology 
  • Work With Sharp Minded People 
  • Build Your Network And Reputation 
  • Job Security 
  • Practical And Experimental Work 
  • Work In Top Notch Organizations
  • Innovation And Invention 

Benefits Of Aeronautics

  • High-Demand Scope 
  • Bright Future 
  • Gain Reputation 
  • Work In Top MNCs
  • Opportunity For Government Jobs 
  • High Salary Packages 
  • Practical And Skillful Work 

Eligibility For Aerospace And Aeronautical Engineering

Here is the eligibility criteria for both engineering branches.

  • Minimum 60% marks in 10+2 (PCM) from recognised board 
  • JEE Mains & Advanced (Not Compulsory)
  • Diploma/ Bachelors in relevant field from reputed institute 
  • PG and Ph.D degree for advancement in career 

Also, check: Computer Science Engineering Syllabus

Colleges For Aerospace And Aeronautical Engineering

Here is the list of colleges for both engineering branches.

Colleges In IndiaColleges Abroad 
Indian Institute Of Technology Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Manipal Institute Of TechnologyStanford University
Madras Institute Of TechnologyTechnical University of Munich
Chandigarh UniversityUniversity of Manchester
Institute of Aeronautical EngineeringUniversity of Cambridge
Indian Institute of Space Science and TechnologyImperial College London

Cost Of Aerospace And Aeronautical Engineering

The cost of both engineering branches can vary depending on the college you choose and the country you study from. However, here are fee ranges of different countries mentioned below. 

  • India – INR 8-15 Lakhs Per Year 
  • Canada – CAD 45,000 Per Year
  • Australia – AUD 52,000 Per Year
  • The USA – USD 65,000 Per Year
  • The UK – GBP 37,900 Per Year
  • The UAE – AED 95,000 Per Year

Don’t Miss: Study Visa Consultants In Delhi

Scope Of Aerospace And Aeronautics

The scope of both engineering branches is as bright as the sun. Nope, we are not exaggerating. Find out below!

  • Government Organizations
  • Private Companies 
  • Space Research Centers 
  • Defence Ministry 
  • Air Force 
  • Aviation and Airlines 
  • Helicopter Companies 

Jobs In Aerospace And Aeronautics

Here are some high-paying jobs in the field of both engineering branches.

Aerospace JobsAeronautics Jobs 
AstronautAeronautical Engineer
Aerospace EngineerAircraft Engineer
Spacecraft EngineerManufacturing Engineer
Design EngineerMaintenance Engineer
Academic Researcher/ Lecturer Structural Engineer
Maintenance Engineer Automotive Engineer
Materials EngineerFlight Mechanics
Space ScientistDefence Engineer 

What Next? Explore This One:  Mechanical Engineering

Salary In Aerospace And Aeronautics

Find out the salary ranges of both engineering branches in different countries mentioned below:

Country Name Aerospace Annual Salary Aeronautics Annual Salary 
India INR 7-20 Lakhs INR 4-17 Lakhs 
The USAUSD 122,270USD 102,051
The UKGBP 54,052GBP 43,187
Canada CAD 154,000CAD 120,250
Australia AUD 135,000AUD 94,669
The UAEAED 315,700AED 196,527

Aerospace Engineering Or Aeronautical Engineering: Which Is Better?

Now the interesting question, which is better? Our answer would be based on these points. First, if you are interested in space stuff and going much deeper in research and science then Aerospace is for you because here you develop crafts for both earth and space. But if you are interested in aviation and different kinds of flying vehicles in the sky then Aeronautics is for you because it is more focused on aeromechanics then science and research and here you will work with air crafts that operate within earth’s atmosphere. 

Enjoying it? Why not try: PMP Certification

Summing up, now you know everything about the difference in both engineering! So, what are you waiting for? However, for any STUDY ABROAD-related queries, feel free to connect with us! Our team of experts which has extensive expertise in studying abroad would love to assist you.

Liked this one?  Don’t Miss: How to apply for a Canadian visa for myself and my family

Fill Out Free Registration Form To Study Abroad!






    Frequently Asked Questions

    Which is better, aerospace or aeronautical engineering?

    ANS: Both aerospace and aeronautical engineering are awesome fields with high demand and scope. However, if you are interested in the depth of spacecrafts and aircrafts then Aerospace Engineering is best. On the other hand, Aeronautical Engineering is a subdivision of aerospace engineering. Hence, it mainly focuses on aircrafts. 

    Who earns more aerospace or aeronautical engineering?

    ANS: As Aerospace Engineering is more deep and deals with spacecrafts, it has better payscale than aeronautical engineering.

    Is aeronautics and aerospace engineering the same?

    ANS: No. Aeronautics focus on aircrafts that operate within the earth’s atmosphere like helicopters, airplanes, etc. whereas Aerospace engineering deals with spacecrafts within and out of the earth’s atmosphere like satellites, rockets, missiles, etc. 

    Does NASA hire aeronautical engineers?

    ANS: Both NASA and ISRO hire aerospace engineers. However, they also hire other engineers such as aeronautical, mechanical, computer science, electronics and communications engineers, etc.