Ever wonder which European country is the best to study, in this guide, we have listed the best countries to study as an international student who aspires to study in Europe.
The education system in Europe, including the high education curriculum in European countries is most often preferred by international students. European universities are renowned for their research and are located in some of the best cities in the world.
It’s no surprise why thousands of international students choose to study in the finest academic institutions offering a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and PhD programs. We will look at the best destinations in Europe where it feels like home for international students.
Higher Education in European Countries
Education in European countries is systematically arranged and if you want to study in one of the best destinations, you must note that every country in Europe has its own higher education system, but they are still part of the European Higher Education Area (EHEA). The European Higher Education Area helps ensure the compatibility of higher education systems and makes it easier for European students, international researchers, and scientists to collaborate and study or work abroad in any European country.
Academic degrees across countries in Europe are comparable thanks to the European qualifications framework. Most study programs include lectures and courses rated by essays, exams, and coursework. Many also require a certain amount of time in the industry or on industry-related projects.
A doctorate aims to open up new paths and break more ground: to provide new information and ideas or to carry out original research to advance your subject. Doctorate students studying in Europe may be required to provide documents throughout their study program and submit a thesis for evaluation. This is applicable in all the countries in Europe
How does the education system work in Europe?
For anyone who wants to study in any European country, it’s important to understand how the education system works. Upon completion of secondary education, nationalized standardized final exams are required to pass from one level and move on to the next.
After graduating from high school, various options are available to the students. However, measures have been taken in all the countries in Europe to facilitate the transition of students from one option to another if the student qualifies academically. A decision made at 16 isn’t irrevocable. Public schools have set up a special education system to enable a change in education over the next two years.
Kindergarten in Germany is not compulsory and it is not part of the public school system in Switzerland, Austria, and France. Although preschool can start at 2 years in France, enrollment at this age is only 35%. However, after 3 years, enrollment increases dramatically to 97%, and after 4 to 6 years, enrollment reaches 100%. In Germany, more than 80% of children between the ages of three and six go to kindergarten, which is sponsored by the community, churches, associations, companies, or the private sector. In Switzerland, only 2% of children enter the first year without kindergarten.
In Germany, the focus on the education of preschool children is on language development, the child’s personality, social interaction and play. In Switzerland, the preschool approach varies somewhat between the German-speaking, French-speaking, and Italian-speaking regions of Switzerland. While the focus in the German-speaking part is more on the game, on the scuola materna in the Italian-speaking part, and the école enfantine or école maternelle in the French-speaking part of Switzerland, the orientation tends towards pre-school education.
In general, schools in Europe are categorized into five levels:
- Pre-school,
- primary level (usually grades 1-4 or 5)
- secondary level I (usually grades 5-9 or 10),
- secondary level II (grades 10-13),
- tertiary level (includes universities and other schools of higher education).
Study Abroad in Europe
The education system in Europe is sophisticated and European countries remain one of the best study-abroad destinations worldwide. From the Arctic Circle to the Strait of Gibraltar, from the British Isles to the Black Sea, European countries offer breathtaking landscapes and incomparable opportunities for learning language and international travel. Whether or not you prefer to cross the canals of the Netherlands or relax on the beaches of Malta, your experience in studying abroad in Europe combines high-quality education in every field of study with unrestricted access to history, art, and research.
What are the best countries to study in Europe?
Most international students choose country over university when it comes to studying abroad. They believe that an institution will only be as good as the country where it is located. We have done extensive research and put together the best countries to study in Europe. This list was prepared based on the factors international students point out they consider when choosing a study destination. These factors include the experience of a new culture, achievement of career goals, having an adventure, making new friends/widening professional network, access, higher quality teaching, study for free, easy attainment of a visa, etc. The European countries listed below are capable of offering you all of that.
#1. Germany
The education system in Europe cannot be complete without Germany as a forerunner. Germany is unarguably one of the best countries/ places to study abroad, especially if you want to earn an academic degree spending little to no money, because there are no tuition fees at public universities if you are taking undergraduate courses. This applies both to students from other parts of Europe and students outside the European Union. All you have to do is pay the administration fees that are billed every semester which lasts for six months.
The country is home to some of the best schools in Europe for students to study, such as Humboldt University, Technical University of Munich, and the University of Aachen, where the main subjects are physics and history, chemistry, philosophy, and mechanical engineering. Since English is usually taught to German students as a second language, it can move surprisingly well with you as an international student who wants to study in this country, even if you do not have a good command of German. English-speaking bachelor’s programs are rare, however, so you may still need to learn the language.
#2. France
France is another top destination for international students with the dream to study in Europe. In France, there are more than 10 universities that have been included in the QS world ranking of universities of 2024. Although most programs are taught in French, there are over 1,000 courses in English. Expect low tuition and high-quality education from French universities. If you go to France you will find some of the cheapest schools in the world, which means you can spend more money exploring and having fun while studying abroad. With so many great places like Paris, Toulouse, Lyon, and Montpellier to call home temporarily during your school days, there’s always something to see. The best universities are the École Normale Supérieure, the Pierre and Marie Curie University, Sciences Po University, and the Paris-Sud University. Little wonder international students keep choosing the country as one of the top study-abroad destinations.
#3. Spain
The low cost of tuition is one of the many advantages of studying abroad at one of the many renowned universities in Spain. Compared to the United States and the United Kingdom, tuition fees in Spain are much cheaper and you are likely to pay a fraction of what you would have to pay for a similar program at home. When studying in in Europe in Spain, is more conservative to stay in small rural towns during your study in the country to save even more as bigger and more popular cities are more expensive.
However, if you’re ready to spend more on everything, go to schools in the capital, Madrid. Just prepare to revise your Spanish skills as most of the country’s programs are taught in Spanish. The best schools in the country where domestic and international students study include the Autonomous University of Madrid, the University of Barcelona, and the University of Pompeu Fabra. (Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Universitat de Barcelona, and Universitat Pompeu Fabra).
#4. Italy
For the academic year 2015, Italy was the second most popular country of study for U.S. students abroad in Europe. The country is home to some of the most prestigious and oldest universities. Not all the schools in Italy offer full programs in English but may offer a few courses in English. Florence Venice, Milan, and Rome are popular destinations, but there are also rural cities that students also enjoy.
There are 89 universities across the country for students to study in, as well as numerous academics and technical colleges, which are some of the best in Europe. As a result, there are numerous programs to choose from, including art, design, engineering, and architecture. Expect to spend a little more than you would spend in Central European countries, but you can be sure that the cost in Italy is likely to be much lower than in countries like the United States and the United Kingdom.
#5. Sweden
Sweden is one of the best countries to study abroad in Europe. Believe it or not, if you’re a student from a foreign country, such as the United States, and you’re going to study in Sweden, you may be able to get a doctoral/PhD for free. Also, many university programs taught in the country are taught in English, and there are also many ways to receive scholarships. You can also choose from some of the best universities in the world, including Lund University, Uppsala University, and the KTH Royal Institute of Technology. In addition to the scholarship options, doctoral positions are usually paid so you can go to school for free while earning a salary. As an international student, you might want to consider Sweden as one of your study destinations/countries in Europe.
#6. Netherlands
The Netherlands is another popular country for students who want to study abroad in Europe. It is also a great option for British students as it is not only affordable but also close to London. A 45-minute flight takes you from London to the Netherlands, the largest provider of continental European programs for English courses. You can choose from over 2,100 international study programs and enjoy a lot of art and culture in cities like Amsterdam. The best schools are the Delft University of Technology, the University of Amsterdam, and the Wageningen University and Research Center.
#7. Poland
Let’s head close to Eastern Europe, to Poland where international students seeking to study abroad in Europe can find affordable academic programs. The cost of living in Poland is considerably low, especially compared to the cost you would have to cover if you lived and studied in other European countries. Many courses are taught in English, but it would be a good idea to revise your Polish so that you can take more courses and move around the city more easily. There are more than 500 higher education institutions across the country, and many of them are specialized rather than following a traditional model like other European universities. The best schools in Poland are in Kraków, Warsaw, Poznan, and Gdansk. The main study programs include science, technology, and engineering.
#8. Finland
In Europe, Finnish public universities offer free education to EU / EEA students who want to study in the country. From the fall semester of 2017, students from countries outside the EU / EEA started paying tuition fees. However, if you are enrolled in a study program taught in Swedish or Finnish, tuition fees are also free for non-EU / EEA students. Helsinki is located on the south coast of the country and it is the largest urban area in Finland. It is also home to the University of Helsinki, one of the best schools in the country. Another school, Aalto University, is also one of the best universities for students to study and is also located in Helsinki. Tampere, Pori, and Laaperanta are the cheapest cities for students.
#9. Slovenia
Slovenia is a beautiful country between Croatia and Italy and offers many incredible outdoor areas, from beaches to mountains. This country is not only a popular tourist destination but also a great option for those looking to study at a highly qualified university in Europe. The country has one of the best education systems in the EU and one of the largest schools in the world is the University of Ljubljana, which is also the country’s main university. Another popular school is the University of Maribor, but there are also other universities where you can count on low enrollment and a picturesque setting. There are also opportunities for those who want to receive free doctoral education. This is one of the best study-abroad countries in Europe. There are around 150 programs in English and the country generally has a low cost of living.
#10. Norway
As an international student who wants to study in a country in Europe, Registration is free when you attend a public university in Norway. However, there are some exceptions when it comes to special programs in the country, and there are also private universities to choose from. Although the cost of living in Norway is considered to be more expensive than in other parts of Europe, the friendly people in Norway, the beautiful landscape, and the low crime rate have made it one of the largest attractants from Europe to study abroad. Approximately 250 undergraduate-level programs and 250 other master-level programs are taught in English, which makes it convenient for students in the UK, the United States, and Australia. The best universities in Norway are the University of Bergen, the University of Oslo, and the Norwegian University of Science and Technology.
Conclusion
The top European countries we have listed in this article offer various academic degree programs at different levels. Tuition fees are low and there are also scholarship opportunities for foreign students which you can take advantage of. Choose your preferred European destination to study and explore rich European cultural heritage within cities.
Frequently Asked Questions about Best Countries to Study in Europe for International Students.
Which European countries are considered the best for international students?
Some of the European countries for international students to study include Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, the UK, France, Finland, Denmark, Italy, and Switzerland. These countries are home to some of the best universities worldwide and also offer various academic programs and research in the best learning environment. English is also used as the language of instruction in some universities in Germany, Sweden, Italy, Spain, and the Netherlands.
What are the advantages of studying in Germany?
Choosing a study-abroad destination in any of these European countries offers not only low tuition fees, but good quality education, post-graduate opportunities, affordable cost of living, and internationally recognized degrees.
Which European country is cheapest to study for international students?
Additionally, the best places for undergraduate students are Germany and Portugal. Portugal and Greece are also ideal destinations for master’s students, while Estonia and Poland offer affordable PhD programs.
Which European country is the easiest to get a student visa?
If you are looking for the European country with a less stressful and affordable visa application process, the Czech Republic is preferred destination for international students because of its affordable student visa. Students will need to present a proof of $1,600 annually to meet the visa financial requirements.
Which Europe country is easy to study?
The Netherlands is one of Europe’s finest destination for international students –the country welcomes thousands of foreign students every year. In Dutch universities, you can easily find English-taught degrees than study programs lectured in Dutch. Some universities the country also use the same grading system as collages and universities in the United States.
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