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It may be the second-smallest continent, but Europe is densely packed with many of the world’s best educational institutions. A total of 381 European universities are featured among the world’s best, roughly 38 percent of all the universities included.
The UK boasts Europe’s highest number of internationally ranked universities with 84 entries, followed by Germany and France. With such a wide selection of top universities in Europe or best universities in Europe for international students to choose from, deciding where to study in Europe is not always easy. To help you get started, here’s a complete guide to study in Europe.
Academically, Europe has a lot to offer, with many of the world’s most prestigious universities located on the continent. You can experience world-class higher education in Europe, with a diverse range of bachelor’s and master’s degrees, doctoral programmes, and more. Italy, Portugal, Germany, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and Spain are the best places to study in Europe. Italy is likely to be on most people’s bucket lists as it is the best country to study in Europe for international students.
1. Best Universities to study in Europe
A landlocked country in central Europe, Austria shares borders with eight other European nations, including Germany to the north and Italy to the south. It has eight top European universities currently included in the World University Rankings. Of these,
The top universities in Austria
- University of Vienna
- Vienna University of Technology
- Universität Innsbruck
- Technische Universität Graz
- Johannes Kepler University Linz
Top universities in Belgium
Known for its fine chocolate and beer, Belgium is also home to some excellent educational establishments. This year it claims eight of the top universities in Europe University to be internationally ranked, with all but two of these placed within the top 300 worldwide. The top universities in Belgium are:
- KU Leuven
- Ghent University
- Université Catholique de Louvain (UCL)
- Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB)
- University of Antwerp
Top universities in France
France boasts a very extensive selection of top European universities, and an impressive presence in the international rankings, with the majority of its top 10 universities located in the capital city Paris. The top universities in France are:
- Paris Sciences et Lettres Research University (PSL)
- Ecolé Polytechnique
- Sorbonne University
- CentraleSupélec
- Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon
Top universities in Germany
Offering free tuition to undergraduate students in all but one state, Germany is one of the world’s most popular non-Anglophone destinations for international students. The top universities in Germany are:
- Technische Universität München
- Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München
- Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg
- Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin
- Kit, Karlsruher Institut Für Technologie
Top universities in Ireland
A relatively small country in Western Europe, Ireland is home to eight world-ranking universities, of which half are in the capital city, Dublin. The top universities in Ireland are:
- Trinity College Dublin
- University College Dublin
- National University of Ireland, Galway
- University College Cork
- Dublin City University
Top universities in Italy
Cheapest country in Europe to study and live, Italy is located in the southern peninsula of the continent and much-loved for its weather, cuisine and beautiful settings. Italy is the fifth most populous country in Europe and boasts 34 internationally ranked universities. The top universities in Italy are:
1. Politecnico di Milano
2. Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna Pisa
3.. University of Bologna (UNIBO)
4. Sapienza University of Rome
5. Scuola Normale Superiore di Pisa
Top universities in the Netherlands
This Dutch-speaking country towards the north of the continent boasts 13 globally ranked universities. The top universities in the Netherlands are:
- Delft University of Technology
- University of Amsterdam
- Eindhoven University of Technology
- University of Groningen
- Leiden University
2. Costs of living in Europe
- Cost of Studying
A bachelor’s degree to study in Europe can cost somewhere around $15000-33,000 per year. Postgraduate and Ph.D. programs, master programs in Europe will cost around $20,000 to 37,000 per year. All these are an estimate of the tuition fees in European Universities, though, the fee differs from course to course. Also, this is just the tuition fee. Living expenses such as accommodation costs, food, entertainment, phone, travel also vary from place to place. Bigger cities are likely to have bigger expenses and could range from $450 to 950 per week.
Accommodation expenses also fluctuate depending upon what kind of lodging you prefer amongst guest houses, hostels, on-campus accommodation, homestay, rentals, or private student accommodation. If you are looking for a private student accommodation, UniAcco has got you covered with the best accommodations near top Universities.
- Cost of Accommodation
Most of the renowned free universities in Europe offer on-campus accommodation facilities with all the required amenities for international students. You can also go for off-campus accommodation that is private student accommodation available near your universities wherein you can share rooms with other students or can take a room for yourself. Check UniAcco to get the perfect student accommodation at cheap prices near your University. There are also options to stay with a local family to study in Europe university who are very welcoming and make you feel comfortable in no time. Also, take note that rent for all these accommodations varies from city to city.
$330 – $734 for a dorm room or a room in a shared apartment in the city center.
$495 – $1,212 for a one-bedroom apartment in a big city.
Private student accommodation starting from around $219/week
- Cost of variable expenses
Apart from the tuition fees and accommodation costs, you’ll need to keep a little money aside for your other living expenses such as grocery shopping, social activities, entertainment, and emergencies. While you live and study in Europe as a student, it is advised to keep proper track of your expenses so that you do not overspend. Many other things that come under living expenses are shopping, weekend getaways, exploring the exploring, eating out, etc.
$11 for an inexpensive restaurant meal
$25 for dinner at a mid-range restaurant
$40 for weekly grocery
About $290 per month for utilities such as heater, electricity, cooling, water, internet.
About $16.50 per month for cell phone bills.
3. Exams required to study in Europe
IELTS
Here comes the most important part to study in Europe. The International English Language Testing System popularly known as IELTS is prominent globally with English speakers as a second language as evidence of their expertise. Even if you are applying for work, study, or a visa, the IELTS test is similar in terms of examiners, content, format, difficulty level, and scoring. If you don’t find your test results satisfactory, there is no restriction on how often you can retake the exam. Though, it is recommended to take out some time and study more before appearing for your next attempt. In several countries, language classes and preparatory courses are offered by test centers, but you can also look for the same online. The learning resources that will help you replenish your knowledge and explain how to prepare for the test in the best way. You need to take the Academic IELTS test for admission into a college or university.
GMAT
The Graduate Management Admission Test commonly known as GMAT is a crucial part of the business school application process. The GMAT is a multiple-choice, computer-based, and computer-adaptive regulated exam that is needed for admission in universities around 114 countries globally.
Business school admission representatives check your GMAT score, along with your academic record, work experience, and supporting materials, to determine your preparedness for the rigors of an MBA program. A good score achieved will have a direct and concrete impact on your business school application.
TOEFL
The Test of English as a Foreign Language known as TOEFL is a regulated test that is usually required by English-speaking universities and colleges to find out if non-native English speakers will be able to understand the classroom lectures and course materials. It evaluates your strength to use and understand English at the university level.
Through the consolidation of listening, speaking, reading, and writing, it evaluates your skill to perform the academic tasks that will be needed in the university. The test is accepted by over 10,000 universities and institutions globally.
4. Loans for study abroad
If you are not able to manage the expenses by yourself, there are several student loans available to study in Europe. Speak to your study abroad adviser about it to get the best possible deal.
Education loans, if used responsibly, can benefit college graduates to build their credit scores as well. As a matter of fact, many college students don’t have any other debts or bills associated with their names, education loans can be a way for students to begin building their credit history. Having an excellent credit score will come in handy for the rest of your life as you apply for apartments, finance a home investment, look for credit cards, and also when you’re applying for jobs. But to realize these wonderful benefits, you need to make sure that you’re using education loans responsibly, taking out only as much as you know you will be able to repay.
To be eligible for education loans , there are several requirements to study in europe. Though there may be minute variations depending on the bank, to a great extent, this is what you can expect:
- You should be between the age of 18 to 35 and must have a co-applicant which can be a spouse, sibling, parent, etc.
- Education loans are available for a span of up to 7 years for all professional, post-graduate, and graduate programs like engineering, management, medicine, and many more.
- A loan can incorporate miscellaneous fees like that of the library, lab, traveling, books, study tours, etc in addition to the tuition fees.
- Repayment can be done with the help of electronic monthly installments commonly known as EMIs or post-dated checks.
- The banks which are considered to be the best for providing education loans offer a moratorium period of about 6 months after the course is completed. During that period no payments towards the principal amount are supposed to be made. Though, the Interest payments will continue.
- Banks do not need any security for education loans of up to 4 lakhs. Though, third party guarantees or collateral are needed if you are opting for loans of larger amounts.
5. Obtaining the Visa
The protocols and visa applications to study in Europe are quick and there are always mentors to help you along the way.
You just need to make sure that to study abroad, you must have sufficient finances to cover your tuition fees, which can be from scholarships in Europe, loans, or your own pocket. A recent medical check-up and health insurance may be needed. English proficiency is also a major prerequisite along with other things.
With your student visa, you can get a chance to work part-time and can earn somewhere between $25 to $30 an hour depending on what kind of job you are in. You can also choose to work full time during vacations and earn some more amount. These extra earnings can help you save some money and also take care of your living expenses to an extent.
The government also provides post-study work visas for international students. After obtaining a university degree, students here can get practical work experience by working full time for a period of 18 months to four years. After certain years of work experience, you can also apply for permanent residency.
6. Transportation in Europe
Transportation is a major concern for most students but Europe offers many great options. Even if you want to get around the town on weekends or want to travel somewhere else, it is necessary to know how the transport system works in Europe.
Europe offers comprehensive modes of transportation, ranging from bicycles, buses, taxis to planes.
Bicycles
Mostly, international students spend around $700 – $ 1500 per year on transport. Instead of spending this amount, getting a bicycle is an economical alternative. Students can either opt for purchasing a bike or can also rent it.
Buses
Buses are one of the most economical means of transport for international students living in Europe. Most of these bus services can be simply operated from a reusable smart card system, but in some regional towns and cities, you can also purchase tickets from the bus drivers directly.
Taxi Service
For a convenient long journey, opting for a taxi is the best choice. Just like most of the countries, taxis can be simply seen on the roadside. You can hire one by waving it down on the roadside. It is one of the best options to move quickly around the city. Also, most of the cab companies in Europe have their applications to book a taxi and calculate fares.
7. A Glimpse Into The Best Courses In Europe
The benefits of studying in Europe are that students can explore different languages and cultures in a friendly, social setting and can gain international experience, knowledge, and skills! Business Management is the best course to study in Europe since many European countries have stable and strong economies, with numerous job opportunities for graduates of Business Management programmes. They also have excellent double degree programmes in Management and other fields such as Engineering, Science, Arts, and others, which give graduates an academic advantage when entering the market.
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