When planning your higher studies abroad, you may have thought of a number of countries to study in, such as the USA, the UK, Germany, Ireland, Canada among others. While Germany and Ireland are the most popular student destinations, the continent of Europe as a whole offers a plethora of opportunities for international students for further education. The reason why Europe is a logical choice for overseas education is because of the wholesome opportunities it provides. Right from making time for travelling to taking advantage of high-quality education, Europe is the perfect place to commence higher education and leave a mark in your area of interest. Whether you want to study MBBS in Europe, Fashion, International Business, or Arts, Europe has something for everyone.
To help you sort out your education in Europe, this guide will walk you through the various things you must keep in mind when opting to study in this continent. By the end of this guide you will have answers to the following questions:
Opportunities For International Students In Europe
If you are interested in finding a full-time job in Europe after completing your higher education in the continent, you will be able to pave a smooth road towards attaining your career goals. This means getting a higher-paying job in your home country or even getting a PR in a European country. Opportunities for international students in Europe are in abundance, this is because most countries such as France, Netherlands, Germany, Italy, Spain offer a blend of hard and soft skills to train their students.
The most popular careers in Europe are moulded from the following fields of study that are most in-demand in Europe:
Engineering
In the year 2023, the best Engineering courses can be found in Germany, Switzerland, Spain, and the Netherlands. The most highly-paid engineering jobs in Europe include General Engineering, jobs of Economists, Mechanical Engineering, and Electrical Engineering. In the year 2020, the average salary of an Engineer with a degree from Europe ranges between $100,444 to $124,000.
Computer Science
For computer professionals, the average graduation income ranges between $54,025 to $60,162 after a European degree. The best countries that offer Computer Science courses are Sweden, Finland, Denmark Netherlands, Switzerland, and Germany.
Law
The most popular countries in Europe for Law are Norway and Switzerland. Those working with corporate customers have done more than those working primarily with individual customers. The overall salary of a lawyer in Europe ranges between $88,000 to $123,700.
Medicine & Dentistry
More amazing is that the medical and dental graduates’ of Europe earn an average income between $93,379 to $100,000.Poland, Turkey, and Spain are among the cheapest countries in Europe for international students for this subject.
Architecture & Planning
Graduate opportunities remain strong for architecture students, and 90% of them are in full-time or advanced study six months after graduation. However, it should be noted that many architecture graduates chose the way towards self-employment and may earn anything between $78,000 to $95,000 in big enterprises.
What Are The Advantages Of Studying In Europe?
Cultural Diversity
A majority of educators in Europe think that learning is not confined to the classroom walls and that the “real world” experiences are just as important. Universities in Europe have always provided students with an opportunity to put their own thoughts and concepts into diverse methods. Studying in Europe will expose you to a diverse range of cultures which will broaden your perspective in life. Moreover, you will also be able to make friends from all over the world because this continent is a hub for cultural exchange and diversity.
Travel To 43 Countries On A Single Visa!
The student residents allow you to save this process on your journey to Schengen nations when they have a passport that requires visas for certain European countries. This implies that you may go to another nation easily on weekends without having to fill in tiresome documents. It is also quite inexpensive to travel in Europe thanks to low-budget flights and safe hostels.
Finding A Full-Time Job
The EU offers international students enough grace period to find a full-time job in its countries. This is an outstanding benefit for fresh graduates to acknowledge foreign market experience – a feature that is prized by multinationals in a globalised environment. Countries such as the Netherlands, Germany, Austria, and France are among the top countries that offer full-time work opportunities to international students post-degree.
Variety of Student Services Offered At Its Universities
European universities offer a wide range of attractive student services to support and enhance the student experience. Some of these services include:
- Career Services
Universities often have career service centres that offer guidance on job search strategies, resume writing, interview preparation, and internship opportunities.
- Student Accommodation
Universities often provide assistance with finding suitable accommodation options for students, such as student dormitories or private housing. They may also have dedicated staff to address housing-related concerns and provide advice on renting in the local area.
- Health and Counselling Services
European universities typically have health centres or clinics on campus, providing medical services and counselling support. Students can access healthcare professionals for general check-ups, vaccinations, and mental health support.
- Language Support
For international students, universities may offer language courses or language support services to help improve language proficiency. These services can aid in academic success and integration into the local community.
- Student Organisations and Clubs
European universities have vibrant student communities with numerous clubs and organizations catering to various interests and hobbies. Students can join academic clubs, cultural associations, and sports teams, or participate in volunteering activities, fostering personal growth and social connections.
Steps To Plan Your Education In Europe
Choosing A Country
There are a total of 43 countries that are a part of the European Union as of the year 2021. When you are spoilt for choice and have a long list of countries where you can pursue your further education abroad, your first step to follow is choosing the country which works best for you. Here are some key things to consider before choosing a country in Europe:
- Visa duration for international students. This is the number of years or months you are allowed to stay in the country after the completion of your course.
- Postgraduate work opportunities.
- cholarships to study in Europe. These may be funded by the government or private organisations
- Cost of living and expenses.
Once you are sure about the country you want to go ahead with, the next step is to find the top universities that offer your degree programme.
Choosing The Right University
The key to a successful education in a foreign country is choosing the right university with the right degree. There may be a number of universities that fit your criteria such as graduate work programmes, private counselling, scholarships, etc. However, choosing a university that offers exactly the course of your choice depends on the quality of facilities offered by the university, its faculty members, opportunities for research, and student to faculty ratio. These are some of the top universities in Europe:
| Swiss Federal Institute Of Technology | Switzerland |
| University of Vienna | Austria |
| Complutense University of Madrid | Spain |
| University of Strasbourg | France |
| University of Barcelona | Spain |
| University of Helsinki | Finland |
| RWTH Aachen University | Germany |
Meeting The Admission Requirements
Once you have finally zeroed in on the university of your choice based on factors such as its tuition costs, post-work opportunities, quality of education, and facilities available, your next step is to note the admission requirements of that college. Every university has a unique set of criteria that help it streamline applications received. To maximise your chances of getting admission into your choice of the university you must be able to fulfill the requirements of the university. These may include entrance tests, English language proficiency, work experience, and good academic performance.
Finding A Scholarship
There may be a possibility that you meet all the university’s requirements but cannot fulfill the financial expectations set by the institution. Most universities offer private scholarships to students based on various factors such as merit, financial need, and country of origin. These scholarships will help you meet the living expenses of the country, tuition fees, and health insurances (if any). These are some of the top scholarships offered in Europe to international students:
- University of West England Chancellor’s Scholarships for International Students
- DAAD Scholarships in Germany for Development-Related Postgraduate Courses
- IOE Centenary Masters Scholarships
- The Glenmore Medical Postgraduate Scholarship at the University of Edinburgh
- Université Paris-Saclay International Master’s Scholarships
- KAAD Scholarships in Germany for Developing Countries
- Bocconi Merit and International Awards
Applying For Visa & Flying!
Once you receive an unconditional offer letter from the university of your choice, your next step is to apply for a student visa. Usually, the immigration department of the target country will also require evidence of accommodation. For this, it is often advised that students find student accommodation before filing for a visa. Most countries respond to student visa requests in 3 to 4 weeks. Your visa will be the primary ticket for your flight. Use your visa to book a ticket at least 1 month prior to your date of departure for the best costs.
Which Are The Languages That Benefit International Students In Europe?
French
Over 300 million people worldwide speak French, however, depending on the location in which you reside, this includes several dialects. As students are close to Canada, French is commonly given to students in North America as a first language. A mother tongue is spoken by several provinces in Canada as well as Europe.
German
German is another language that many pupils neglect. It is used by about 132 million individuals on a daily basis. The fact that it uses the same alphabet as English makes it easier for English speakers to adapt to German. Some of the terms in both languages sound similar. After all, both languages are members of the same language family.
Portuguese
Portuguese is one of the most widely spoken languages in Europe today. Its popularity is growing in Europe as Brazil becomes a major economic power. As a result, there is a greater need than ever for people who can speak Portuguese. In terms of global language usage, Portuguese is sixth on the list of the most widely spoken languages. However, just one million of the 260 million users are native speakers.
Practical Tips For Living In Europe
Budgeting: Create a budget to manage your expenses effectively. Consider factors such as accommodation, transportation, groceries, utilities, and entertainment. Look for student discounts and affordable options to save money.
Accommodation: Start your search for accommodation early. Explore options such as university dormitories, shared apartments, or private rentals. Consider factors like proximity to your university, cost, and facilities provided.
Transportation: Research the transportation options available in your city. Consider public transportation systems like buses, trams, or trains. Look into student discounts on transportation passes, which can help you save money. If you plan to use a bicycle, check if your university offers bike-sharing programs.
Cultural Adaptation: Embrace the local culture and customs of the country you’re studying in. Learn about local etiquette, traditions, and social norms. Engage in cultural activities, join student clubs or organizations, and make an effort to interact with local students and residents.
Embracing Differences: It is important to understand that European universities are poles apart from American ones. They are more or less buildings with many of the amenities in them. Hence it is important to figure out private residence facilities because most universities in Europe do not provide them. However, this gives students much time to explore the city and even travel to other European countries during their semester break.
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