Study in Europe: the best universities, courses, scholarships and more

I’m astronaut Alex ‍, and today we talk about the best universities, courses, scholarships, etc. that you should take into account if you plan to study abroad in Europe.

When we talk about  Europe  , a sense of sophistication comes to mind. The culture, charm and practices that Europeans follow are simply impressive. But what you may not know is the fact that Europe is also a popular choice for obtaining education abroad  .  Europe offers around one hundred thousand options for bachelor’s,  master’s  ,  doctoral  and short-term exchange programs to international students, giving them the autonomy to choose what suits them best. But studying in Europe is not just a career, it is an unparalleled experience. Students often do a lot of research to enter European universities where they can gain global recognition. And if you are one of them, today is your lucky day as we have sorted everything for you below.

Study in Europe 2023

  • Despite the ongoing pandemic, UK universities are actively accepting and accelerating admissions of international students around the world. Students interested in studying in the UK can easily apply and physically join the country’s campuses after a mandatory 14-day quarantine period.
  • According to official reports, Indian students with a German student visa and without a residence permit cannot travel to the country to resume their studies.
  • Similarly, Italy, France and Switzerland have imposed a temporary ban on travelers from India in light of the new strain in the country.

Also Read:  Check Out These Europe Universities With No Application Fee!

Why study in Europe?

There are a variety of reasons why choosing to study in Europe can help you advance your academic and professional career and some of them are explained below:

Why study in Europe?

  • Countries such as France, Switzerland, Germany,  Denmark  and Italy are popular choices for international students to study in Europe.
  • The best system for hotel and tourism management education   is in Switzerland. There are several paid internships with this course.
  • In addition to being a very popular tourist destination, France has exceptional courses in fashion, art, gastronomy and business.
  • For students interested in studying engineering, Germany is the right country for them. Germany has the lowest tuition fees in all of Europe.
  • Italy is another popular destination for fashion and business courses. The opportunities available here for students are vast and the exposure given to them is also wonderful.
  • Ranked as the 10th best country in the world to make a living, there is another reason to stay in Denmark. The education system here is excellent and the science and technology courses are also very good.

Main countries to study in Europe

Being a multicultural hub and a melting pot of diverse cultures and nationalities, Europe has always been among the most elite study destinations in the world. To help you explore the best during your research to study in Europe, we have curated a list of the top-ranked countries on the continent that you should consider.

Germany

Known for providing free education and world-renowned universities, Germany should be at the top of your list when considering countries to study in Europe. Making its name for excellence in science and technology research as well as an advanced education system, the country’s universities have always been at the top of global rankings. With a compelling history and its transformation into modern metropolises, studying  in Germany  is to experience the “Land of Poets and Thinkers,” which is one of the academically acclaimed countries on the continent. Some of the best universities in Germany include,

  • Technical University of Munich
  • Ludwig-Maximilian University of Munich
  • Heidelberg University
  • Humboldt University of Berlin

Also read:  Work visa for Europe

Austria

Another incredible option to study in Europe is that Austria is located in the center of Europe and is internationally renowned for its innovation in music and the arts. Austria, home to the  University of Vienna  , which is the oldest on the German-speaking part of the continent, offers a wealth of academic opportunities to students from around the world and is known for its stunning architecture, high standard of living and a multitude of cultural offers. Among the various academic institutions, some of the top universities to  study in Austria  include,

  • Ghent University
  • UCL Leuven
  • Vrije Universiteit Brussel
  • University of Antwerp

United Kingdom

The royal land of the English, the United Kingdom, is among the prominent destinations to study in Europe. It currently has three of its universities in THE World University Rankings 2022 and is considered the gateway to the rest of the continent, as you can take advantage of a large number of academic and professional opportunities. With its strict quality academic programs and being among the leaders in scientific and creative innovations, studying  in the United Kingdom  is to immerse yourself in its educational excellence that will give the right boost to your career. Some of the most popular universities in the UK are:

  • Oxford University
  • Cambridge University
  • University College London
  • Edinburgh University

Note: In light of the recent Brexit, the United Kingdom is no longer part of the European Union and the country’s admission process will be completely different compared to other countries and is only included here as part of the continent in geographical terms. terms.

Ireland

Ireland  is famous for being the land of saints and scholars that has raised some of the greatest poets and intellectuals for many centuries. Whether it is academic excellence or the cheerful and welcoming Irish people, Ireland is one of the best countries to study in Europe due to its top universities, unique courses and post-study work visa opportunities. These are some of the best universities in Ireland for international students:

  • cork university
  • Dublin Business School 
  • Griffith College
  • National College of Ireland
  • Maynooth University

Poland

Poland, often known as the crossroads of Eastern and Western Europe both geographically and culturally, is an attractive study destination to opt for. Having had a turbulent history, emerging strong in terms of a flourishing economy as well as an advancing education sector, the country is home to many universities renowned in content and gives you a good opportunity to delve into its attractive history, especially in that of the capital, Warsaw. as well as amazing landscapes such as the Tatra Mountains and the Baltic Sea. Some of the best-known universities in Poland are:

  • Jagiellonian University
  • Warsaw University
  • Warsaw University of Technology

Here you have an exclusive guide to studying in Poland!

Netherlands

Although it has a Dutch-speaking population, the Netherlands has over 2,000 university programs taught in English and is home to a diverse multicultural population that you can easily integrate with. Emphasizing interactive and student-centered learning and teaching, the Dutch government has always focused on retaining talent from abroad and has therefore provided an exclusive option to register for a one-year residence permit once once you graduate. To study in Europe in this country, the best universities that you should know are,

  • University of Groningen
  • Eindhoven University of Technology
  • Delft University of Technology
  • University of Amsterdam
  • Leiden University

Finland

Hailed for having the best education system in the world , Finland   boasts of high-quality higher education standards as well as a unique learning approach that will surely convince you to choose it to study in Europe. With famous academic institutions and vocationally oriented polytechnic institutes, the country offers a multitude of English-taught programs and a high quality of life along with political stability as well as a warm and welcoming environment for international students. Some of the globally ranked Finnish universities are:

  • University of Helsinki
  • Aalto University
  • University of Turku
  • University of Oulu

France

France is one of the best countries to study on the continent. With more than 43 universities ranked among the best higher institutions in the world, France is popular for its elite business schools, its Grande école and its renowned universities. France is an ideal destination for students looking to study business administration, international relations, culinary arts, foreign languages, fashion, fine arts and performing arts. As one of the most sought-after European destinations, the country’s architecture, world-renowned monuments, quaint cafes and fashion houses are some of its biggest attractions. Here are the best universities in France.

  • Université PSL  (Paris Research University of Sciences and Letters)
  • Polytechnic School  (ParisTech)
  • Sorbonne University
  • Sciences Po Paris

Swiss

Known for its majestic mountains, trains and eclectic cheeses, Switzerland is not only an incredible place to study but also an incredible country to live in terms of quality public transport, accommodation, food, cleanliness and low crime rate. Europe’s happiest country is home to the world’s largest organizations and business houses and is a growing business market for international students looking to settle abroad. The country is known for its academic courses such as international relations, foreign languages, international business, MBA, hotel management, hospitality and engineering. Here are some popular universities in Switzerland.

  • ETH Zurich
  • EPFL Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne
  • University of Zurich
  • University of Geneva

Read also:  The best student cities in Europe in 2023

Italy

Italy, the divine land of art, culture and history, is one of the best European countries to study programs such as Architecture, Art, Performing Arts, Fashion, Economics and MBA. Italy is a mecca for international students in terms of affordability and quality academic programs. Studying in Europe’s historically richest country is an opportunity to explore some of human creations. Italy is home to some of the best universities like-

  • Polytechnic University of Milan
  • University of Bologna
  • La Sapienza University of Rome
  • University of Padua

The best universities in Europe

Along with the countries mentioned above, below we list some of the recognized universities in the different countries of the continent that you should consider studying in Europe according to QS World University Rankings 2023:

University QS World University Rankings 2023
Oxford University 4
Cambridge University 2
Imperial College London 6
ETH Zurich 9
University College London (UCL) =8
EPFL sixteen
Edinburgh University 15
University of Manchester 28
London School of Economics and Political Science 49
LMU Munich 32
King’s College London 35
PSL University 26
Karolinska Institute 36
Technical University of Munich 49
University of Bologna 167
University of Amsterdam 58
Heidelberg University 63
KU Leuven 76
Wageningen University and Research 124
Leiden University 131
Erasmus University Rotterdam 208
Delft University of Technology 61

Film schools in Europe

The best universities for entrepreneurship in Europe

Study in Europe after 12

International students can study in Europe after 12th, admissions are based on previous academic performance and evidence of English proficiency. In many cases, students can take specialized programs in which they gain basic knowledge about the course and become proficient in a language that will be the primary medium of instruction. These programs allow students direct entry into degree courses and prepare them for the future. Students can opt for diploma courses in a variety of courses or bachelor’s courses.

Study in Europe without IELTS or TOEFL

There are several universities where international students can study without IELTS or TOEFL, here is a list:

  • Braunschweig University of Technology (TU Braunschweig)
  • Free University of Berlin
  • American Business School, Paris
  • EBS Paris
  • University of Bologna
  • Polytechnic University of Milan
  • Warsaw Medical University
  • University of Białystok
  • Ghent University

Master in Europe

Europe is one of the most affordable continents in the world to study a master’s degree. With most universities ranked among the world’s top 100 universities and their countries on best city lists, Europe is the ideal destination for studying abroad. From studying hotel management in Switzerland to studying engineering in Germany, each country offers its own range of popular courses for you to choose from! Studying in Europe is not only a path to a quality education, but also to a quality life and an opportunity to travel throughout the continent. To study a master’s degree in Europe, the basic requirement is fluency in English and a bachelor’s degree in the same area of ​​interest.

The best courses to study in Europe

Master in Business Administration Foreign languages culinary arts Law
Architecture data science International Relations Natural sciences
Finance Engineering Medicine Marketing

Application procedure

Europe is a huge continent and therefore the procedure for applying to universities can vary from country to country. Here is a list of some essential documents you will need at your side when applying to study in Europe:

  • Keep your transcripts ready as proof that you passed high school.
  • You will need a valid and current passport as you are an international student.
  •  Admission,  LOR  and  SOP essays
  • English proficiency test scores such as  IELTS  ,  TOEFL  and C1 Advanced are required.

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Obtaining a Student Visa in Europe

Without the acceptance letter it would not be possible to enter any European country. Therefore, you will first need to complete the application process and obtain an acceptance letter from a university. Below is a basic overview of the process for obtaining a student visa to study in Europe, which can be completed online or offline depending on the country:

Step 1:  Collect all the documents required for a visa including

  • Passport size photographs
  • Application form
  • An ID card or proof
  • Proof of your educational qualifications, such as a high school transcript
  • A certification from the police showing that you have not been involved in any type of criminal activity recently.
  • Proof of solid financial capacity
  • Medical certificate stating that you are medically fit (applicable in some countries)
  • Receipt of the payment you have made for admission to the desired university
  • Acceptance letter

Step 2:  Contact the consulate or embassy of the European country where you are going to stay.

Step 3:  On the day of the interview you will be asked for the documents you have collected previously, so be prepared. The consulate or embassy will give you the date of the interview.

Step 4:  Generally, a study visa in Europe is issued within 2 to 5 weeks.

Cost of studying in Europe

Finding out how much it will cost you to study in Europe will largely depend on which country you have chosen. For a country like Germany, you can save hugely on tuition fees, while the cost of living may still be avoidable. To understand the average costs you can expect during your studies in Europe, it is important to take a look at the tuition costs that can be incurred by country. The following list provides estimated tuition fees for non-EU/EEA students wishing to study in different European countries as provided by  Study EU  .

Country Tuition costs to study in Europe (per year)
Austria 1,500 EUR (1,27,000 INR approx.)
Denmark 45,000-1,20,000 DEK (5,05,000-13,48,000 INR approx.)
Finland 5,000-20,000 EUR (4,20,000-16,79,000 INR approx.)
France 2,800 (for bachelor’s degree)-3,800 EUR (for master’s degree)
[INR 2,35,000-INR 3,19.00 approx.]
Germany Free, apart from minimum administration fees of
between EUR 100 and EUR 350 (approximately INR 8,400 and INR 29,400),
depending on your program.
Hungary 1,500 EUR (INR 1,26,000 approx.)
Norway Free education for EU/EEA and non-EU/EEA students
Poland 1,500 EUR (INR 1,26,000 approx.)
Slovenia 5,000 EUR (INR 4,20,000 approx.)
Sweden 80,000-200,000 SEK (624,000-15,59,000 INR)

Now, when it comes to living costs to study in Europe, this can also vary depending on the country you have chosen and the city in which you live.

Country Average cost of living to study in Europe (per year)
Belgium 10,200-11,400 EUR (8,56,000-9,57,000 INR approx.)
Netherlands 9,600-13,200 EUR (8,06,000-11,08,000 INR approx.)
Austria 11,400 EUR (9,57,000 INR approx.)
Denmark 14,400 EUR (INR 12,09,000 approx.)
Ireland 12,000 EUR (10,07,300 INR approx.)
Finland 9,600 EUR (INR 8,06,000 approx.)
France 9,900 EUR (INR 8,31,000 approx.)
Germany 10,200 EUR (8,56,200 INR approx.)
United Kingdom 12,180 EUR (10,22,400 INR approx.)
Swiss CHF 22,734 (INR 18,02,000 approx.)
Norway NOK 139,680 (INR 10,78,000 approx.)
Spain 10,800-13,200 EUR (9,05,600-11,07,000 INR approx.)
Russia 242,160 rubles (INR 2,51,200 approx.)
Sweden 96,000 SEK (99,600 INR approx.)

Note: The living costs mentioned above are for indicative purposes only and have been referenced by top universities.

Scholarships to study in Europe

Although Erasmus Mundus scholarships offer numerous financial aid plans for those who want to study in Europe, there are a multitude of country-specific scholarships that you can opt for. These can range from scholarships offered by a country’s university or national government to aspiring students from around the world. Take a look at the table below which lists some of the notable scholarships offered by European countries.

Country Scholarships to study in Europe
Germany Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Scholarship
DAAD Scholarships
Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Scholarships
Swiss Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships for Foreign Scholars and Artists (Postgraduate Programs) ETH Zurich
Excellence Masters Scholarship Program UNU Scholarships in International Organizations MBA Merit Scholarships (to study at the University of Geneva)
Netherlands Amsterdam Merit Scholarships for Excellent International Students
(to study at the University of Amsterdam for master’s students)
Orange Tulip Scholarship Program
Radboud Scholarship Program
(master’s programs at Radboud University)
World Citizen Talent Scholarship for International Students
( master’s programs at The Hague University of Applied Sciences Science)
Anne van den Ban Scholarships for Developing Countries
at Wageningen University
Ireland Government of Ireland International Education Scholarships
(1-year programmes)
Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT)
‌Centenary Scholarship Program (Master’s programs at DIT)
NUI Galway International Student Scholarships (all levels of study)
Italy University of Bologna Study Scholarships for International Students
(Bachelor’s and Master’s Programs)
Bocconi Scholarships in Italy for International Students
(Master’s Programs at  Bocconi University  )
Italian Government Scholarships for Foreign Students (
All Degree Programs)
studies at the University of Bologna for international students
(bachelor’s and master’s courses)
Hungary Stipendium Hungaricum (Bachelor’s and Master’s level)
Hungarian Government Scholarships for Foreign Students
(Master’s programs in Horticulture, Rural Development and
Agribusiness and Agricultural Water Management)
France Emile Boutmy Scholarships in France for International Students
(Bachelor and Masters Programs at Sciences Po)
Eiffel Scholarships in France for International Students
(Masters and PhD Programs)
Rainbow Bridge Foundation MBA Scholarships for
African and Asian Women (MBA Scholarships for Female Students
to Study at HEC Paris)
Austria Künstlerhaus Büchsenhausen 5-month scholarship
for international students in Austria
(5-month scholarships for curators, theorists,
art critics, visual and media artists)
Austrian government scholarships (all levels of study)
OFID funding for international students in Austria
Denmark Education Future International Scholarship 2020
(Bachelor’s and Master’s)
Endeavor Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Scholarship
(PhD programs)
Skype Foreign Studies Master’s Scholarship
ACI Foundation Richard D. Stehly Memorial Scholarships, 2020
(Bachelor’s programs)
Finland Finnish Government Scholarships (Bachelor’s and Master’s)
Hanken Scholarship Program in Finland (Master’s programs)
Finnish University of Applied Sciences Seinajoki Scholarships
(Bachelor’s programs)

Scholarships to study in the United Kingdom

Study in Europe: brief information

Here are some important facts you should keep in mind when studying in Europe.

  • Study programs or study programs are classified  by cycle. Colleges or universities in Europe follow the guidelines of the European Higher Education Area. First cycle programs include bachelor’s degrees. Second cycle programs include master’s degrees. Third cycle programs include   Doctorate  degrees.
  • The application dates for EU and non-EU students are different.  If you are a non-EU student, we recommend that you start the application procedure at  least one year early.  This way, you can meet deadlines just in time.
  • The validity of the  Schengen Visa  is only 90 days.  If the course you are applying for will exceed a 90-day period, you will need more than just a Schengen visa. What you will need is a  residence permit  in the country of your choice. Certain countries in Europe may require students to apply for a residence permit before arriving in Europe.
  • The cost of education in Europe is highly subsidized.  This is due to taxes. European students enjoy the benefit of extremely low fees or affordable fees. There is also the availability of  free tuition.  However, non-EU students must pay the full tuition fee. There are certain provisions where they can be exempted from paying all fees or simply pay moderate to very low fees.
  • You will be able to understand and analyze your workload through the ECTS system.  One school year in Europe is equivalent to  60 ECTS.  The first cycle programs have a value of 180-240 ECTS. The second cycle programs have a value of 60-120 ECTS. However, third cycle programs do not have a specific ECTS range.

☝️Important information 

Before thinking about applying to a European university or taking a step towards realizing your dream of studying in Europe, it is essential to know about student visas, English language requirements, application deadlines, admission dates, etc.

  • Student admission is different in each country. However, the main months of intake are from September to October.
  • The preferred test for the English language is the IELTS. This is for those universities where the language in which the course is taught is English. TOEFL is another test widely accepted by most colleges/universities.

Related readings:

Take a look at our study guides exclusively selected from countries in Europe that you should consider:

Study in France Study in Sweden Study in Norway
Study in Latvia Study in Estonia Study in Malta
Study in Cyprus Study in Switzerland Study in Denmark
Study in Ireland Study in Italy Study in Europe without IELTS

Mr. Astronaut‍- “Children, I have answered all your questions with the greatest precision of which I was capable. I’ll say goodbye now, but if you think I may have missed something, check out the FAQ section or leave a comment. I always respond!”

Frequently asked questions

Which European country is best to study?

The best countries to study in Europe are the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Poland, etc.

Which European country is the cheapest to study?

The cheapest countries to study in Europe are Germany, Poland, Finland, Italy, etc.

What exam is required to study in Europe?

Popular entrance exams for Europe are IELTS, TOEFL, GMAT, GRE.

Where can I study for free in Europe?

Yes, students can study in Europe for free in countries like Germany, the United Kingdom, Norway, and more.

Which country in Europe has the greatest job opportunities?

The country of Malta is voted the best in terms of job opportunities.

In which country in Europe is it easy to get public relations?

International students can pursue public relations in countries such as the United Kingdom, Germany, Poland, Norway, France, and Italy after completing their studies and meeting other requirements.

The best country in Europe to study

January Admissions for Europe for MBA

Europe is a vast continent with many courses and universities available to students from all over the world. Although we have mentioned a general admission procedure, the process may vary from country to country. In the end, you may be left stumped, which only adds to the confusion about other different things we need to check off our list when applying to study abroad. Our experts at  Leverage Edu  are here to help you throughout the admission process of your chosen university to ensure you submit an impressive application, are successfully shortlisted and fulfill your dream of studying in Europe.

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