Best Universities In Europe: Cost Of Studying, Application Process And Scholarships

Rahul Kumar 10 Dec 2024 Europe

Europe is one of the most popular study abroad destinations for international students who wish to pursue their higher education in top ranking universities in Europe. Europe has some of the best and renowned universities for undergraduate, postgraduate and PhD programs.

Undoubtedly, Europe is known for its high standard of living for international students, the cost of studying here is lower as compared to other popular study abroad destinations. So, if you are a student who wish to seek international exposure, valuable skills and wish to study in one of the best universities in Europe for international students? Then keep reading this article as The Student Helpline provides a detailed analysis and explore everything you need to know regarding the best universities in Europe.

Benefits Of Studying In The Top Universities In Europe

Studying in Europe offers a unique blend of both academic performance with cultural diversity. Known for its educational reputation, top raking universities in Europe provide access to a wider range of programs across various fields. The leading world experts and mentors, the continent's rich history, vibrant cities, exciting student lifestyle allows students to immerse themselves into different cultures.

The Student Helpline has listed below some of the benefits of studying abroad in top ranking universities in Europe:

  • Going to university in Europe offers affordable and extremely valuable degrees for International students.
  • Public universities in Europe offers great diversity in teaching style, campus life, world history and urban and natural landscapes.
  • The European Higher Education Area (EHEA) eases the credit transfer between top universities in Europe.
  • The European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) is specifically created to effectively translate a grade point from one university to another.
  • Europe is a very beautiful continent, also very safe and easy to travel, making it perfect for weekend getaways and multi-cultural adventures.

Why International Students Prefer the Best Universities in Europe Than Any Other Continent?

For an international student seeking best universities in Europe, it is absolutely impossible not to find a country that fits their identity, likes and preferences. One can enjoy the experience of viewing jaw-dropping landscapes and monumental structures, the world's most unpredictable climate, and many unique cultures and traditions.

European cities have a high-quality educational ecosystem and is home to multiple reputed universities and research institutions known throughout the world, providing plenty of internships, part-time jobs and collaboration opportunities. For instance, cities like London, Paris and Berlin host the best private universities in Europe, and are hubs for global networking, with regular seminars, workshops and guest lectures that bring together global experts.

The cost of living in Europe is accessible to various classes. Cities like London, Berlin and Paris are exciting but also quite expensive whereas, cities like Budapest and Krakow offer a more affordable cost of living, allowing you to live more comfortably and save money for other adventures.

Best European Countries To Look Out For The Best University Experience In Europe For International Students

According to The Student Helpline study abroad consultants, the United Kingdom, Germany, the Netherlands and France, are some of the best overseas education destinations for International students, who aspire to pursue a higher degree in the best universities to study in Europe.

Let us together explore some destinations and the specific fields of study that thrive there:

  • The UK for interdisciplinary programs: If you're interested in modern-day subjects of study, interdisciplinary programs such as Media, Design, Politics computing, and Creative industry and innovative approaches? You have the highest possibility of finding the right course in the UK. British universities are amongst the top 10 universities in Europe known for their rigorous programs and research opportunities. The UK is also an ideal destination for international students who are looking for Europe's best medical schools, Political science programs and Law school.
  • Germany for Technology: Germany is home to some of the best Engineering schools in Europe, including Civil Engineering schools, Electrical Engineering schools and Mechanical Engineering schools. Germany excels in Engineering and Technology due to its strong industrial and technological foundation. Additionally Germany is also highly regarded in fields like philosophy, Literature and History and hosts some of the most affordable universities in Europe.
  • Italy for Art and History: The country has a rich cultural heritage and some of the world's most celebrated art and architectural masterpieces. For this very reason Italian universities are one of the most recognized and old Art schools in Europe, related to history, culture and archaeology.
  • The Netherlands for Business and Management: Dutch universities are the best universities to study in Europe, highly praised for their innovative, high-quality education systems and research programs. Schools like Erasmus University Rotterdam and the University of Amsterdam are known especially for their top Business and Management programs.
  • France for Fashion: France, especially Paris, is considered a global fashion capital. Institutions in France, like the Paris College of Art is one of the top-ranked Fashion and Design school in the world.

List Of Top 10 Universities In Europe

List Of Top 10 Universities In Europe

Listed below are the names of universities in Europe and their minimum IELTS scores:

S.No.

Name of the Best Universities in Europe

Minimum IELTS Score

#1

University of Oxford, United Kingdom

7.0+

#2

University of Cambridge, United Kingdom

7.0+

#3

Imperial College, United Kingdom

6.5

#4

UCL, United Kingdom

6.5

#5

ETH Zurich-Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Switzerland

7.0+

#6

The University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom

6.5

#7

King's College London, United Kingdom

6.0

#8

The University of Manchester, United Kingdom

6.0

#9

Institut Polytechique de Paris, France

6.5

#10

Ludwig-Maximilians University, Germany

6.5

How To Find A Scholarship To Study In Europe?

The easiest way to start this journey is by reaching out to The Student Helpline. Their study abroad consultants will help you find an appropriate scholarship and help you apply for the same.

The scholarships programs in Europe are majorly awarded by the European government and European universities. These scholarships are awarded on the basis of the academic merit, financial need and other gender-based/caste-based specific criteria.

Additionally, certain private organizations and co-ops may also award the scholarship programs to the International students.

Top Universities In Europe Providing Generous Scholarship

Countries like the UK and France are generally considered high maintenance and have higher tuition fees as compared, to the lower tuition fees in countries like Germany, Switzerland, and the Netherlands. As a result, it becomes important to apply for scholarships for a better study abroad experience.

Listed below are some of the most prestigious scholarship programs you should know about if you wish to study in top raking universities in Europe:

Scholarship name

What they cover?

Universities/Institutions

Erasmus+ program

Tuition fees, living cost, travel expenses

Various European Universities

DAAD scholarships

Tuition fee, monthly stipend and travel expenses

German universities

Rhodes scholarship

Tuition fee, monthly stipend and travel expenses and health insurance

University of Oxford

Chevening scholarships

Tuition fee, monthly stipend and travel expenses

Many universities in UK

Swedish Institute scholarships

Full tuition fees, living expenses

Swedish Universities (LUND, Uppsala)

Fulbright program

Tuition fee, monthly stipend and travel expenses

Many universities in Europe

University of Amsterdam Excellence scholarship

Tuition fees, living cost

University of Amsterdam

UCL Global Masters scholarship

Up to 15,000 Euros for living expenses

 

Oxford Graduate scholarship

Tuition fees and living expenses

University of Oxford

Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Program

Up to EUROS 1,181/month and Tuition coverage

École Polytechnique, Sciences Po, Université Paris-Saclay

Cost Of Education In Europe

The cost of education in Europe majorly depends on the country you have chosen for yourself. In some countries the tuition fees might be on the lower side, but the cost of living might be on the higher side and vice versa.

Listed below is a list of the estimated cost of Education in Europe for International students:

Country

Tuition fee (Annual)

Living expenses (Annual)

Ireland

EUROS 9,000-EUROS 45,000

EUROS 7,000-EUROS 12,000

Germany

EUROS 10,000-EUROS 35,000

EUROS 8,000-EUROS 10,000

France

EUROS 8,000-EUROS 20,000

EUROS 8,000-EUROS 12,000

Netherlands

EUROS 8,000-EUROS 20,000

EUROS 8,000-EUROS 10,000

Sweden

EUROS 8,000-EUROS 18,000

EUROS 8,000-EUROS10,000

Denmark

EUROS 8,000-EUROS 18,000

EUROS 8,000-EUROS12,000

Finland

EUROS8,000-EUROS15,000

EUROS8,000-EUROS10,000

Italy

EUROS6,000-EUROS12,000

EUROS8,000-EUROS10,000

If you wish to know more about the cost of education in the best universities in Europe, contact The Student Helpline. Their working professionals have all the answers related to the cost of studying in Europe. They will guide you and counsel you on the basis of your academic profile.

How To Apply To The Top Ranking Universities In Europe?

The application process for all the top universities in Europe almost follows the same pattern. The students are required to submit their general documents to apply for a bachelor's or master's degree online. Moreover, the students will have to make sure that they don't miss the deadline and that they are up-to-date regarding the application deadline dates. In case you wish to check the deadlines of the best universities to study in Europe? They are specifically mentioned and regularly updated on the university portals.

Listed below are the documents that one must keep ready before applying for a course in Europe:

  • A latest CV or resume
  • Prior degree certificates or academic transcripts
  • Proof of English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL)
  • Copy of your passport
  • Academic reference letters (Optional)
  • Program specific documentation

Once you have all the documents ready, you should start the application process immediately and wait for your letter of acceptance. Once you've received your letter of acceptance from your desired university, you can now ultimately start with the visa application process.

What Are The Visa Requirements To Study In Europe?

The European Union (or European Economic Area) students are eligible to study in EU/EEA countries without a visa. The EU/EEA students are only required to communicate with the local administrative authorities and possibly require to register for a residence permit, depending on the term of their stay.

In the case if where you are not an EU/EEA student, then in that case you are required to apply for a student visa before you arrive in the destination country. Talking about the visa requirements? Well, it may vary from one country to another, but in general, it includes proof of acceptance from University admin, proof of financial statements, proof of health, and a valid passport.

What Are The Post Study Work Opportunities After Studying In Top Universities In Europe?

Europe's diverse industries and sudden rise in the small-scale startup sector offer a huge number of career options across various fields. This aspect makes living and working in Europe after graduation for international students easier and probably the best, opening up a world of opportunities.

  • The public universities in Europe (Germany) is an excellent place for graduates who want to work in tech and engineering.
  • The best universities in Europe (Netherlands) in the year 2019 alone, there were 4000 registered small-scale startups in the Netherlands.
  • In the UK, there are plenty of jobs in hospitality, business, retail and finance.
  • Spain offers the best and the most adventurous jobs in the tourism sector, France in fashion, while Italy offers great jobs for cultural heritage graduates.

Frequently Asked Question Regarding Best Universities In Europe

Which University of Europe Is the Best for International Students?

The Oxford University, Cambridge University, University of Edinburgh, UCL in the UK, PSL in Paris and ETH Zurich-Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Switzerland are some of the best universities in Europe for International students. To learn more about the best universities in Europe for International students contact The Student Helpline.

How to Apply for Universities in Europe?

Applying for top ranking universities in Europe is a tedious task. It involves a step-by-step procedure that must be followed. The Student Helpline will provide you the all-round assistance including the researching the best universities and programs, preparing the required documents, tracking the application, preparing for interviews, and much more.

What Are the Top 10 Universities in Europe in 2024?

The top 10 best universities in Europe are:

  • University of Oxford, United Kingdom
  • University of Cambridge, United Kingdom
  • Imperial College, United Kingdom
  • UCL, United Kingdom
  • ETH Zurich-Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Switzerland
  • The University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom
  • King's College London, United Kingdom
  • The University of Manchester, United Kingdom
  • Institut Polytechique de Paris, France
  • Ludwig-Maximilians University (LMU), Germany

Which Are the Most Expensive Universities in Europe?

The Oxford University, Cambridge University, London School of Economics, Imperial College of London, Ecole Polytechnique, University of St. Gallen, INSEAD, and Bocconi University are some of the most expensive and best universities to study in Europe. For more information regarding the best universities in Europe, contact The Student Helpline.

Which Are the March Intake Universities in Europe?

University of Edinburgh, University of Glasgow, LUND university, University of Twente, Maastricht university, Humboldt university of Berlin, and University of Essex are some of the top ranking university in Europe which are the March intake universities in Europe. This might not be true for all the subjects; for up-to-date information, contact The Student Helpline.

Which Is the Number 1 University in Europe?

The No. 1 university in Europe is often considered to be The Oxford University. It consistently ranks higher in global university QS rankings due to its outstanding academic reputation, extensive resources and distinguished faculty. For more information regarding how to apply at The Oxford University, contact The Student Helpline.

How to Find a Scholarship to Study in Best Universities in Europe?

Although all the relevant information regarding the best scholarship programs in Europe is all over the internet, it is advisable to take help from an overseas consultant agency such as The Student Helpline. The expert professionals here know all the available scholarship programs. They help you select the most suitable scholarship program for you, that suits your overall career goals.

Can I Work While Studying in Europe?

Yes, most European countries allow students to work part-time while studying. The number of permitted working hours may vary from one country to another, with some eve allowing 20 hours per week during term time. For more part-time working and post-study work opportunities information contact The Student Helpline.

Can I Stay in Europe After My Studies?

Yes, many European countries have policies that allow international students to stay and look for work after completing their studies, however, the rules can vary between countries. So it's important to check specific post-study work visa options. The Student Helpline consultants are up-to-date regarding the post-study work visa assistance.

How Do I Choose Between Studying in Western Europe and Eastern Europe?

Choosing between studying in Western Europe and Eastern Europe depends on several factors including your budget, desired academic field and personal preferences. The cost of living and tuition costs may become the deciding factor. The Student Helpline consultants will guide you the best regarding which region or public universities in Europe match the best to your profile.


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Rahul Kumar

Rahul Kumar is a dynamic and seasoned writer, currently serving as a Study Abroad Expert at The Student Helpline. Specializing in crafting comprehensive study materials for international standardized exams like IELTS, TOEFL, GRE, PTE, and SAT, he brings over five years of experience to his role. Rahul’s passion lies in guiding students through the complexities of exam preparation and the study abroad journey. His insightful articles provide students with valuable information on exam processes, college admissions, top universities, course selection, and more—empowering them to succeed in their academic goals abroad.

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