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Why study in Europe?
From history and tradition to cutting-edge research, Europe offers something for everyone.
Academic excellence
Studying in Europe is a great way to experience some of the world's most respected academic traditions. European universities are known for their innovation and research. You'll learn from top faculty, access cutting-edge facilities and collaborate with peers across countries. It’s a perfect mix of academic excellence and practical skills to boost your career.
Student life
Many European universities are in historic cities and vibrant communities, making it easy to balance study with travel, arts, food and social life. From student cafés in Paris to shared flats in Berlin, daily life is social, diverse and outward-looking. You’ll make friendships with people from around the world and build your cultural knowledge.
Study in your chosen language
Many students choose Europe as a study destination because its universities offer a wide range of English-taught programmes at bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. You can even find them in countries where the official language is not English, like France or Italy.
Travel and culture
Depending on your student visa, you may be able to travel across multiple countries in Europe. But you probably won’t have to travel far to experience diverse cultures, languages and art. Most European universities have multicultural campuses, so when you choose to study in Europe, you’ll be joining an international community.
Affordability
Europe offers more affordable (opens in a new tab)tuition compared to other popular study destinations. Sometimes, depending on your nationality, tuition is even free. For example, in Germany. There are also extensive scholarships which you’ll be able to apply for. And many European countries offer international graduates visa pathways to work and stay after graduation. So, a degree from a European university can open lots of different doors for international graduates.
Download your Brief Guide to Studying in Europe
Get your copy of our Guide to Studying in Europe to learn more about living in Europe. Find out more about different universities, life on campus and how IELTS is your passport to European study.
Which are the best European universities by industry?
You can find hundreds of institutions to choose from across the continent. In particular, Europe stands out as a study destination for these areas:
Business and Finance
Top European business schools offer globally recognised degrees with strong career outcomes. IESE Business School (Spain), Esade, Tilburg University (Netherlands), SDA Bocconi School of Management (Italy), HEC Paris (France) and Copenhagen Business School (Denmark) are recognised for MBAs and finance programmes.
Pharmaceuticals and Life Sciences
Europe offers world-class life sciences and pharmaceutical research institutions to choose from. Leiden University and Utrecht University (both in the Netherlands), KU Leuven (Belgium), and ETH Zurich (Switzerland) are all regarded for their pharmacy programmes, as well as their research quality.
Engineering and Manufacturing
Leading engineering universities provide students with strong career pathways and hands-on learning. Technical University of Munich (Germany), Delft University of Technology (Netherlands) and Norwegian University of Science and Technology (Norway) excel in mechanical, industrial, and technology-focused areas.
Healthcare
European medical schools offer rigorous academic training and practical experience. Karolinska Institutet (Sweden) is a leader in medical research, and LMU München and Heidelberg University (Germany) are known for research excellence and clinical education.
Education and Teaching
Freie Universität Berlin (Germany), University of Groningen (Netherlands) and University of Navarra (Spain) are famous for their programmes in pedagogy, educational research and classroom practice. They combine both theory and hands-on teaching experience.
Creative Industries
Europe is a hub for arts, design and fashion education. Aalto University (Finland), Design Academy Eindhoven (Netherlands), Politecnico di Milano (Italy), and Les Beaux-Arts de Paris (France) offer programmes in fine art, design, media and fashion, with workshops and industry connections to top European creative sectors.
What visa do I need to study in Europe?
Visa requirements vary by country, so always check individual government websites, as well as with your chosen educational institutions.
IELTS test for Europe: Which English test is required for Europe?
Germany
Many universities accept IELTS Academic, usually with a 6.0–6.5 score
The Netherlands
IELTS 6.0-7.0 scores are widely accepted for English-taught programmes
France, Spain and Italy
More and more universities offer courses requiring IELTS Academic
Ireland
All Irish universities accept IELTS; min. score is typically 6.0–6.5
Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Finland
IELTS is widely accepted for study in Scandinavian countries
How much does it cost to study in Europe?
Tuition fees in Europe vary between countries and types of institutions.
Public university tuition fees for international students tend to be a lot lower than in other popular study destinations. In Germany, international students can study for free at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
In private universities, tuition fees for international students are typically higher, often €5,000–€20,000+ per year. So, the cost of your degree will be very different depending on where you choose to study.
How much does it cost to live in Europe?
Living costs vary greatly across Europe, depending on which country you’ve chosen to study in, and whether your university is in a large city.
Accommodation
Student accommodation or apartment-sharing are the most affordable choices
Groceries
The cost of groceries varies a lot across different cities
Travel
European countries have developed and affordable transport networks
Are scholarships available to study in Europe?
Many European countries (for example, France, Germany, the Netherlands or Sweden) offer government schemes for international students, often covering tuition fees, living costs or both.
Most European universities provide merit-based, need-based or subject-specific scholarships for non-EU students, particularly at master’s and PhD levels. These typically cover all or part of your tuition fees.
Large programmes such as Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters and Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions support international mobility and postgraduate study across European countries. Many doctoral programmes are fully funded, meaning students receive a salary or stipend rather than paying tuition.
Availability and eligibility vary by country and programme, and there is a lot of competition. So, it’s important to check university and national funding pages early and have a financial plan in case you don’t receive a scholarship.
Can I work in Europe while I study?
Finding a part-time job while you’re at university is a great way to cover your expenses, as well as helping you to meet locals and get workplace experience.
Part-time work
Visa conditions vary across the continent. In most European study destinations, international students can work part‑time during term-time (up to 20 hours per week) and even full-time during the holidays in some countries.
Industry internship
An internship can help you build practical skills in your chosen sector. Your university might be able to help you with some recommendations for internship programmes.
Volunteering
Offering your time to a local organisation will help you to learn new skills and meet people who care about an issue that matters to you. It will also give you a chance to practice the local language.
Study in Europe with IELTS
IELTS for Europe: FAQs
Many European universities will accept IELTS Academic, particularly if they’re offering courses taught only in English.
Every university is different, but most universities will require an IELTS band score between 5.5 and 7.0.
European universities that require you to take a test like IELTS will usually accept IELTS Academic. It is important to check the university’s website to know its requirements.
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