Studying in Europe gives a student the opportunity to get a quality education, and also allows him/her to be successfully realized in terms of career in the future. European universities are characterized by high academic standards and centuries-old traditions, which attracts a large number of applicants from all over the world every year. Among the advantages of European universities are a variety of full-time and part-time courses, a wide range of exchange programs, scholarship opportunities, as well as recognition of diplomas around the world.

Due to the large number of universities, studying in Europe is often cheaper than, for example, in Canada or the USA. It is worth noting that in the QS World University Rankings 2025, where the academic reputation is assessed, the top five are 3 UK institutions and the top ten are 5 European ones. Important advantages are also the common educational space and the European system of education, formed according to the Bologna process, which makes the exchange of students much easier and allows you to get diplomas from several universities at the same time.

Citizens of EU countries have a number of privileges when studying at European universities compared to students coming from abroad. Having a passport from any of the EU countries will give you the opportunity to receive education for free, as well as to apply for various grants and scholarships established by the state, educational institution or private foundation. Sign up for a free consultation at Relocation Compass to learn more about European citizenship under the simplified program.

Popular countries for studying in the EU

Germany, France and the Netherlands top the list of the most popular European countries for study among international students. A wide range of universities and faculties in each of them allows you to choose exactly the direction that will later open up maximum opportunities for you in building your career.

Traditionally, European universities are divided into two types – research institutions with academic education and universities of applied sciences with a practical bias. To better understand why applicants seek to study in Germany, France and the Netherlands, it is worth considering the benefits and opportunities they can gain upon enrollment.

Germany

Education at public universities in Germany is free of charge, but students are required to pay an administrative fee of 50-75 EUR each semester. This fee covers the cost of library loans, transportation and participation in student clubs. In Saxon universities students have to pay for each exam – the fees range from 25-150 EUR.

The main focus in German educational institutions is the study of applied subjects, which allows students to create innovative project work and internships at German companies. In 2023-2024, this contributed to a 20 percent increase in the number of foreign students interested in gaining professional experience and building a career in large companies.

English-language master’s degree programs are widespread in Germany, but there are far fewer similar courses for bachelor’s degrees, so the competition among applicants is extremely high. Requirements for admission to universities here are quite high – this is one of the peculiarities of local educational institutions.

One of the key prerequisites for applicants is that they must have a B2 level of proficiency in the national language when enrolling in a course taught in German. Knowledge is tested by means of an exam, which is not always passed the first time, and retesting is only possible after six months or even a year. For all students who have been at school for less than 12 years, a preparatory course at one of the Studienkolleg colleges is compulsory.

German institutions of higher education are very demanding to the execution of admission documents and their legalization, so it is important to clarify all the nuances in advance and form the dossier correctly. The level of preparation of those who apply for bachelor’s and master’s programs is also evaluated extremely strictly, taking into account their previous education and the degree of proficiency in specialized subjects.

France

Study programs for international students at French institutions are also attracting applicants – in 2023-2024, the number of international students increased by 4.5% compared to the previous academic year to 430,466. The sharpest growth in the number of students is seen in business schools in France – 11 %. At the moment in French universities you can find 1749 programs of study in various specialties, which are taught in English.

In France, foreign students on state and international programs are offered various scholarships to help cover the costs of study in master’s or doctoral programs. For example, the Erasmus+ program of the European Union is implemented on the basis of bilateral agreements between universities and offers those wishing to come to France a scholarship to cover living and accommodation expenses. For EU citizens, education is available through the France Excellence Europa program, which allows you to complete a master’s degree in one of the French universities.

There are several types of scholarships available to international students in France – state, independent and university scholarships. The first type is the highest, but in most cases, it is available only for master’s and doctoral students. Undergraduate students can also count on a scholarship, but only if it is funded by the institution. Grant amounts vary from 200 to 1000 EUR per month, but depend on the source of payment (state, university or private organization).

Netherlands

English-language educational programs for international students were first introduced in Dutch universities – today there are more than 2,200 of them. The fields and directions of courses are diverse, and about 40% of teachers are foreigners, which contributes to the development and internationalization of universities. For applicants wishing to study in a Dutch institution, a great advantage will be the ease of communication with the local population, 95% of whom speak English quite well.

Dutch universities have a high academic reputation for practicing a creative approach to education and science – this makes their teaching methods pioneering in Europe. The state regularly receives grants from international research foundations. Special attention should be paid to local university courses in the fields of architecture, design, engineering and urban planning, which annually attract talented young people from all over the world.

Dutch universities have numerous state and international grant and scholarship programs, including bilateral agreements with other countries and world foundations. It is worth noting that a great advantage for citizens of the European Economic Area countries who have graduated from a Dutch university is the “orientation year permit”. This is a residence permit valid for one year to find a job or start your own business, which can be obtained within three years from the date of graduation.

The best universities in Europe

According to various rankings, the list of the best universities in Europe with the highest academic performance is headed by educational institutions in the UK and Switzerland:

Imperial College London

The institution is among the top 5 universities in Europe and occupies the 2nd position in the world ranking – it differs from other UK universities by its focus on medicine, engineering, business and science. The programs of study here are based on the results of modern research. Students who receive education at Imperial College London become participants of the community of world-class scientific figures, among its graduates there are Nobel Prize winners, winners of various awards and scholarship holders of prestigious foundations.

International applicants applying for admission to Imperial College London must have an English language proficiency ranging from TOEFL 92 and IELTS 6.5, as well as a GPA of at least 3.6. The cost of a year of undergraduate study from April 2025 here will not exceed 11,430 EUR. Students’ living expenses range from 15,469-28,505 EUR per year.

Oxford University

One of the oldest universities in the world, references to whose activities are found in historical documents since the 11th century, occupies one of the leading places in the international ranking. Oxford does not have a single building, but consists of several autonomous colleges for the study of humanities, physics and natural sciences, medicine, social sciences.

The university ranks first in the world in medical education. Alumni include 26 Nobel Prize winners, 120 Olympic champions, and more than 30 world leaders. About 46% of the total 26,000 students are international students.

The requirements for international students are similar to those for EU citizens. Applicants need to provide a school leaving certificate and a certificate of English language proficiency – it must be at least TOEFL 92 and IELTS 6.5. It is also required that the average grade point for admission to the master’s program should be 3.3 or higher. The tuition fee for foreigners is 42,269-71,040 EUR per year.

University of Cambridge

Cambridge is one of the largest universities in the UK, consistently ranking among the top in world rankings – it consists of 31 autonomous colleges. Students’ education is shared between colleges and departments, and degrees are awarded by the university. There are three separate women-only colleges and two colleges exclusively accepting graduates.

A distinctive feature of the university is the opportunity for students to attend lectures, seminars and workshops, as well as courses by invited world experts. The administration encourages its students to interact with scholars at all levels in classroom and informal settings.

Upon admission, you will be required to provide a certificate of English language proficiency with a TOEFL score of 100 or higher and an IELTS score of 7 or higher. You must have a grade point average of 3.25 or higher. The cost of tuition per year for a bachelor’s degree is 29,378-76,710 EUR and an additional 10,479-14,085 EUR for membership in one of the colleges. You should also take into account living costs from 13,405 EUR per year and university fees (12,618-15,305 EUR).

Swiss Graduate School of Technology Zurich

One of the world’s leading universities in technology and science, known for its research and innovation. The main language of instruction for bachelors is German, and in master’s and doctoral programs, teaching is usually conducted in English. The university has 16 faculties in various fields, including architecture, engineering, chemistry and physics. Among the alumni of SchWTH Zurich there are 22 winners of Nobel and other high scientific prizes – among them Albert Einstein.

The school recruits foreigners to study, but they must provide proof of language requirements upon admission. For admission to the master’s program, one must have an English score of at least TOEFL 100 and IELTS 7, and there are no grade point average requirements. The tuition fee per year is 1 570 EUR, but from the fall semester of 2025 it is planned to increase the fee for international students by 3 times. It is also necessary to pay annual university fees in the amount of 159 EUR. The annual cost of living and study materials averages 25,816 EUR.

University College London

The college is the most popular among the future heads of companies, who are given every opportunity to study various industries, the intricacies of business and the organization of enterprise activities. The college was named the best university of 2024 by the Times. Among its alumni are 30 Nobel laureates, as well as many winners of other prestigious awards.

The college has 18,000 international students from more than 150 countries. International applicants may enroll at UCL provided they meet the language requirements – test scores must be at least TOEFL 92 and IELTS 6.5. A one-year undergraduate grade point average or a professional degree from a university in the country of residence recognized by the college is also considered.

A grade point average (GPA) of 4.5/5 is required. Studying for a Bachelor’s degree for foreigners will cost almost 45,000 EUR per year, for a Master’s degree – 33,685 EUR. Living expenses per year range from 18,288 to 29,867 EUR.

The admission requirements for EU citizens and foreigners are mostly the same, with the exception of the requirements for testing proficiency in the language of the course. In most European universities, tuition fees for non-EU students are significantly higher.

The holder of an EU passport has a wide range of different opportunities – he/she can become an exchange student, get an internship in a prestigious company and get a good scholarship. It is possible to obtain EU citizenship quite quickly – it will open more opportunities for you to get a quality and prestigious education.

Types of educational programs in the EU

In the European Union, you can earn your first degree by completing a bachelor’s degree, as well as upgrade your qualifications to master’s and doctoral degrees. University education in Europe can be done remotely, as it was during the pandemic. To understand how the education system in the EU works, let’s take a look at its basic programs:

• Bachelor’s degree.
  To start studying in European universities for a bachelor’s degree, it is necessary to have a certificate from school or college, but in some EU states, the document of graduation from the 11th grade is not enough. This is due to the fact that in some countries children study at school for 12-13 years. In this case you should study 1 year at a university in your home country or enroll in a preparatory course at an educational institution abroad. A bachelor’s degree can be obtained after 3 years. It is also important to have a passing grade point average, TOEFL and IELTS certificates.
• Master’s Degree.
  The European study system offers a wide range of specializations for Master’s degrees – the course duration is usually 1-2 years. A special feature of two-year programs is that students spend the last semester on an internship, on an international study trip or writing a research thesis. Between the two years of Master’s programs, it is possible to take a year off to gain professional experience. Under the terms of some programs, it is possible, for example, to be exempt from tuition fees and receive up to 61% of the minimum wage of a company employee during an internship.
• Doctoral studies.
  The doctoral degree is the highest academic title that can be obtained for scientific achievements in the chosen field. The doctoral student is engaged in independent scientific research, which is supervised by an academic advisor, and the choice of topic is free, only its relevance is important. European universities often provide foreign doctoral students with scholarships from the state, university or private organization, and can also help with research funding. As a doctoral student, you will receive all the academic support you need, from collaboration with more experienced scientists to access to state-of-the-art equipment and laboratories. You are also encouraged to participate in various conferences, seminars and other events, where the potential of your future PhD will be even greater.
• Training in English.
  EU universities for the most part already use English for teaching, including in non-English speaking countries. As a rule, undergraduate students study in the national language, but universities in France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and Germany have English-language programs in the most popular areas.

The opportunity to study in English in European countries attracts students from all over the world, which promotes cultural exchange and broad career prospects for graduates, increasing their competitiveness in the global labor market. The most popular majors taught in English are business, management, engineering, social sciences and humanities.

Entry requirements

Admission to a university, especially if it is located in Europe, requires careful preparation. Every foreigner can get an education in one of the prestigious universities, it is important to choose a suitable specialty, carefully study the conditions of admission and the requirements of a particular institution. First of all, you should collect a package of documents for submission, which includes:

• certificate of secondary education;
• an extract from the certificate with grades by subjects (to calculate the average grade);
• motivation letter (why you have chosen this particular university and this specialty, how your knowledge and experience meet the requirements of the program);
• letters of recommendation from teachers or employers who can confirm your academic abilities and personal qualities (preferably 2-3 letters);
• – CV – should contain information about your education, work experience, skills, interests and achievements (not required by every university);
• portfolio – it is mandatory when applying for creative specialties, such as design or art.

It is worth taking into account that when entering a European university, it is necessary to know the language in which the program is taught and to have documentary proof of it. In Europe, you can prove your knowledge of English by TOEFL/EILTS certificates, French – DELF/DALF, German – TestDaf/DSH.

The most important criteria for admission are a student’s grade point average (GPA) and academic achievements. These indicators reflect an applicant’s ability to cope with the academic load and achieve the required results. Since competition among applicants to European universities is quite strong, a high GPA increases your chances of admission. It is worth noting that students with the best academic performance receive scholarships from universities, taking into account the following achievements:

• academic performance in specialized subjects;
• participation in competitions and Olympiads;
• internships and work experience in the specialty;
• scientific projects and works, especially published ones.

Admission process and documents submission in 2025

You can enter an EU university only if you have a good academic record and proven foreign language skills. The step-by-step procedure is as follows:

1. Selecting an institution of higher education.
   At this stage, it is important to consider your preferred field of study, and then you should review the study programs at suitable universities and find the best one for your future specialty.
2. Collecting and submitting documents.
   To begin with, it is necessary to familiarize yourself with the requirements of the institution for international students and specify the list of documents package. In most universities in Europe you can apply online and track its status on the university website.
3. Issuance of an entry permit.
   In order to enter the territory of another country for the purpose of education you need to obtain a student visa in the consulate of the country where the selected university is located. For this purpose it is necessary to provide a foreign passport, medical insurance, an invitation from the educational institution and confirmation of the availability of finances to pay for education and living abroad, but the dossier can be supplemented depending on the requirements of a particular state.
4. Payment of tuition fees.
   Upon enrolment, students are usually required to pay a registration fee and a year’s tuition fee. Most European universities accept bank transfers, sometimes you can pay by international transfer or electronic payment systems, and you will be notified by a member of staff at the institution.

Application deadlines vary depending on the conditions and can sometimes be as long as 9 months before the start of the first semester. In many countries, such as Austria, Estonia, France and Hungary, public universities accept applications from applicants 2-3 months before the academic process starts.

Some universities set an exact date for completing the application – this is the case in Denmark, Finland, the Netherlands and Germany. Therefore, it is recommended to start preparing for admission early, so that you do not miss a year between graduation and enrollment in the university.

To increase the convenience for applicants and simplify the application process, specialized online platforms have been created. They allow you to fill out an application and attach copies of documents to send to the university, as well as contact the admissions office if you have any questions. Among the most popular systems are:

• UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) — used for admission to UK universities;
• Uni-Assist — n admission service for international students in Germany;
• StudyInHolland — a platform for applicants to Dutch universities;
• CAMPUSFRANCE — application system for higher education institutions in France;
• Universitaly — Italian information system.

Tuition and living costs

In most EU countries higher education is paid for citizens of the association and for foreigners, and the cost of obtaining the same specialty can have a significant difference in universities of different countries. Sometimes free education is provided only to students from the EU, USA and in some cases – EEA. Foreigners are necessarily charged a student fee of 20 EUR per semester.

In Austria the average cost of education is 726 EUR per semester for foreigners, EU citizens do not pay for education. Living expenses for one person in the country – 1 070 EUR, rent of a one-room apartment in the city varies between 710-863 EUR. A public transportation pass for a month can be bought for 51 EUR. Health insurance costs 40 EUR on average.

Finland provides free education for EU/EEA citizens and foreigners, but only if the teaching is in Finnish or Swedish. An English-language course costs 4,000-18,000 EUR depending on the specialty. One person spends about 940 EUR per month for living and approximately 643-794 EUR for renting a one-room apartment. For travel, it is best to buy a monthly pass for public transportation for 60 EUR. Health insurance will cost 500 EUR for a year.

Ireland provides free undergraduate education to EU and EEA citizens, but students are required to pay a maintenance fee of 3,000 EUR. Students from other countries can get education for the amount from 9750 EUR per year. One person spends about 998 EUR per month on accommodation and from 1,385 to 1,602 EUR to pay rent for a one-room apartment. A monthly travel pass costs 100 EUR. A health insurance policy costs 120-150 EUR.

Spain offers quite affordable education for EU citizens and non-residents. A year of bachelor’s degree costs 750-2,100 EUR, master’s degree is a bit more expensive – 1,320-4,320 EUR for EU students, for other students the sum is a bit higher. One resident of Spain on average spends about 716 EUR for a month of living, and renting a one-room apartment will cost from 734 to 965 EUR. A monthly pass for public transportation costs 30 EUR. The price of an insurance policy is 38.95 EUR.

Sweden offers free education for EU citizens, other students pay on average between 6,922 and 16,439 EUR per year. Doctoral studies are free for talented candidates, and they can even receive a salary for working towards their degree. One person spends about 889 EUR per month living in Sweden, with rent for a one-bedroom apartment ranging from 622-847 EUR. A public transportation pass for a month costs 74 EUR. Health insurance costs about 22 EUR.

Scholarships and Grants for International Students

International students can get scholarships and grants on condition of high results and achievements in the process of study. The most popular student support programs in Europe are the following:

• Erasmus+ — the program was created by the European Union to support young people in the fields of education and sports by providing the best students with grants for one or two years of study. The scholarship is open to students who have a master’s degree in at least two countries participating in the program;
• DAAD — large scholarships from the German Academic Exchange Service for students of German universities, to cover the cost of health insurance, language courses as well as transportation and accounting materials. In addition, students receive monthly payments of 992 EUR;
• DSU — an Italian program that finances the education of students whose family income is below 23,150 EUR per year. At the same time, the lower the financial capacity of parents, the higher the scholarship. Students are provided with free meals and a room in a dormitory or compensation of rent and living expenses;
• Chevening — a scholarship program for ambitious and academically strong students from the UK government. Payments include full tuition fees, visa, flight and in-country accommodation.

EU citizenship will give you access to education in the best universities in Europe, as well as the opportunity to receive high scholarships and grants. To find out how to apply for an EU passport, you should make an appointment for a free consultation with the Relocation Compass company’s specialists. This will be the first step on the way to free education and getting a diploma of a prestigious university.

Advantages of student life in Europe

An important advantage of student life in Europe is the opportunity to travel to Schengen countries without obtaining additional visas. While studying at European universities, students can regularly go on excursions, take part in a variety of interesting events, and establish contacts with reputable teachers, scientists and researchers.

Students have an active social life, helped by a large number of thematic clubs and communities of interest – some of which are centuries old. Thanks to well-funded European universities, students have access to modern equipment, laboratories, and rich libraries. Most European institutions encourage students to participate in various sports, competitions and all-round development.

Post-study prospects in the EU

Many universities in Europe offer internship and career development programs to students while they are still studying. Most EU countries give international students a certain period to find a job with a special visa or residence permit after graduation, for example:

• Post-Study Work visa – British visa for graduates, which allows them to stay in the country for 2 years after graduation;
• Blue Card – a four-year residence permit in Germany for graduates of German universities, which is issued for the purpose of job search and employment;
• Third Level Graduate Programe – an Irish graduate program that allows you to obtain a 1G visa stamp to seek employment for up to 2 years with the possibility of extension.

How to get privileges to study in the EU in 2025

The main privilege enjoyed by students with an EU passport is free or more affordable education. Citizens of the European Union have the opportunity to enroll in universities under a simplified procedure, often they only need to provide a high school diploma and a passport of their country. Also, with European citizenship you have a better chance of getting a scholarship or government grant.

A passport of a European Union country opens up many prospects and opportunities for young people in education and further career development. Thanks to repatriation programs in Slovenia, Romania and Bulgaria, obtaining an EU passport has become extremely easy. If you have a territorial or ethnic affiliation to one of these nations, you can obtain European citizenship in up to a year. Participation in the simplified immigration procedure will save you from the need to live in the country for a long time and fulfill other standard requirements.

EU citizenship will give you the opportunity to enroll in any prestigious European university, as well as allow you to invite your close relatives and provide them with comfortable conditions in an economically developed country. You can learn more about available immigration programs from the Relocation Compass company’s specialists.