Study Guide in Europe in 2024: Top Universities, Courses, Fees, Scholarship
Talk to Expert
Apart from the official language of instruction, European countries offer courses in English for international students with the added advantage of learning the official language used by the respective country as well through extra classes. All universities in Europe including UK universities follow the Bologna Process which has three distinct cycles in terms of higher education.
Study in Europe Highlights
| Higher Education Universities in Europe |
340+ |
| ERASMUS Partnering Universities |
44 (up to 2024) |
| Higher Education System |
Bologna Process |
| Bologna Process Includes |
Three Cycles |
| Countries Following EHEA |
48 European Countries |
| Bologna Cycle |
Cycle 1: Bachelor’s Cycle 2: Master’s Cycle 3: PhD |
| Top Courses in Europe |
Law, Medicine, Nursing, Business Administration, etc. |
| Total Free Universities in Europe |
100+ |
| Cheapest Countries in Europe for Study |
Why Study in Europe?
There are numerous reasons why more and more international students are applying to European universities to pursue higher education. Some reasons include that education is cheap in Europe, while there are tuition fee-free universities, 40,000+ research jobs available, education for master’s and doctoral students is free plus they are offered a stipend. Other reasons include:
- The quality of education is very high and recognised globally.
- The education system is common and rules are followed unanimously by all European countries for admission, degree-granting and assessments.
- Courses are taught in English apart from the official language of the respective country.
- The cost of studying in Europe is 25% lower than studying in the USA and 30% less than studying in Australia.
- The cost of living in Europe is cheaper than the two-month rental cost in Indian metros.
- One visa, a Schengen visa, is required to explore all of Europe, minus the UK while students are studying.
Also Read:
Higher Education in Europe
To avoid the recognition of higher education based on different parameters around 33 countries of Europe joined hands to be a part of the European Higher Education Area (EHEA). Out of these 33 European countries, 29 agreed to follow the Bologna Declaration which is only for higher education and follows the three-cycle process for studying for bachelor’s (first cycle), master’s (second cycle) and PhD (third cycle). More details are elaborated below as per the Bologna Process:
Bachelor’s in Europe for Indian Students
Bachelor’s courses in Europe are usually three to four years long if an applicant is enrolled on full-time study. However, the time duration may be longer for those enrolled into a part-time undergraduate course.
Predict your IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE in just 4 steps!
- Admissions are majorly based on high school requirements along with certain entrance tests.
- Entrance tests may or may not be part of the process. However English language test scores are mandatory.
- Entry requirements would vary with each subject and its related course.
- Completing graduation in a European university may open opportunities for skilled employment only if the applicant completes 180-240 ECTS credits.
Master’s in Europe for Indian Students
A full-time postgraduate or master’s course for study in Europe should not be longer than one or two years. Most of these courses at European universities are either coursework or research-related aiming towards professional or research competencies. Admission criteria include:
- A bachelor’s degree or any other undergraduate study equivalent.
- Standardized test scores like GRE or GMAT or LSAT may be required for admission.
- English language test scores are also required, unless eligible for an exemption.
- The degree is granted upon completion of 6 0-120 ECTS credits.
Check: GRE Accepting Universities in Europe
PhD in Europe for Indian Students
Pursuing PhD in Europe can be a commitment for three to four years unless enrolled in a part-time study. Ideal for those who are passionate about academics and wish to be industry-related researchers.
- Admission requirements include both bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
- Research synopsis or topic of research the applicant wishes to work on along with goals he/she is willing to aim for.
- Interviews may be conducted and a short entrance test may be required.
- Completion of a PhD completely depends on the applicant and his/her performance and research completion.
Also, check out the checklist before going to study in Europe for international students.
Top Countries to Study in Europe in 2025
There are around 29 to 30 international student-friendly countries to study in Europe. Each country has its own set of top universities, benefits of studying and options for jobs after study. All European countries are tabulated below for reference where students can study:
| Countries to Study in Europe |
||
|---|---|---|
| Belgium |
Croatia |
|
| Czech Republic |
Denmark |
Estonia |
| Faroe Islands |
Finland |
|
| Greece |
||
| Iceland |
Italy |
|
| Latvia |
Liechtenstein |
Lithuania |
| Malta |
Norway |
|
| Portugal |
Romania |
|
| Russia |
Slovakia |
|
| Sweden |
United Kingdom |
|
Check: Top Universities in Switzerland
Top 5 Countries to Study in Europe
The top countries to study in Europe based on the cost of education and university recognition are as follows:
Italy
Despite private universities in Italy charging high tuition fees, public universities in Italy on the other hand are cheaper. The cost of studying in Italy for an undergraduate program at a public university varies between €900 and €4,000. International students are eligible for the same funding opportunities as Italian students including loans, grants, scholarships and fee waivers. The cost of living in Italy for an international student in a year is between €3,800 - €5,500 approx. Milan ranks at #53 in 2024 for QS Best Student Cities, while the capital city Rome ranks at #56.
Check:
- International Student Guide to Italy
- Italy Student Visa: Types, Application Process, Fees & Requirements
Spain
For international students, the cost of studying in Spain is between €750 and €2,500 per year at public universities. Fee in Spain is charged on a credit basis. Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia ranked in the QS Best Student Cities in 2024 at #27, #38 and #90 ranking positions. Also check out: Spain vs Italy: Which is Better for Study?
Read:
Greece
International students are eligible for low-cost higher education in comparison to free education for European nationals. The cost of studying in Greece is €1,500 per year. Greece offers one of the lowest costs of living in the European Union. Applicants can choose Greece as their destination to study in Europe.
Belgium
Non-EU international students the cost of studying in Belgium is €4,175 annually while European nationals pay about €906 a year. Students can reside in Belgium on a budget of €11,400 for a year. Brussels, which is the capital city of Belgium, was ranked #50 in 2024’s QS Best Student Cities.
Check out:
Finland
For international students, the cost of studying in Finland varies per course and degree level. However, the average cost of studying in Finland is between €5,000 and €18,000. The cost of living in Finland for international students is €700 – €900 every month for an international student.
Read more:
- Student Guide to Finland for International Students
- Finland Student Visa Guide
- Reasons for Schengen Visa Rejection
Cheapest Countries to Study in Europe
There are three European countries which offer free higher education to international students. Countries like Italy, Germany and Norway have free universities where students can study. Apart from free universities in Europe, there are a few countries which offer very cheap education for international students. The cheapest countries in Europe along with their estimated costs of annual education are tabulated below:
| European Countries |
Cheapest Tuition Fee Accepted |
|---|---|
| Germany |
Free at all public universities |
| Norway |
Free |
| Italy |
Free in some public universities |
| Austria |
EUR 1,500 |
| Greece |
|
| Hungary |
|
| Poland |
EUR 2,000 |
| France |
EUR 2,800 - EUR 3,800 |
| Slovenia |
EUR 5,000 |
| Finland |
EUR 5,000 - EUR 20,000 |
| Denmark |
EUR 6,000 - EUR 16,000 EUR |
| Sweden |
EUR 8,300 - EUR 20,800 EUR |
The European universities can charge from EUR 1,500 and may go up to EUR 40,000 depending upon the choice of course, level of course and type of university in each of these European countries for international students only. Some of the free universities in Europe for international students include:
- Free Education in Italy for International Students
- German universities (public)
- Universities in the Czech Republic
- Norway universities
Top Universities in Europe
There are various universities in Europe for international students which are ranked globally as per QS based on the top five countries in Europe as follows for the year 2024:
| Top 10 Universities in Europe | ||
|---|---|---|
| Top European Universities |
QS World University Rankings: Europe 2025 |
University’s Home Country |
| #1 |
Switzerland |
|
| Imperial College London | #2 |
UK |
| University of Oxford | #3 |
|
| #4 |
||
| #5 |
||
| The University of Edinburgh
|
#6 |
|
| University of Manchester
|
#7 |
|
| King's College London
|
#8 |
|
| #9 |
France |
|
| #10 |
Switzerland |
|
Check: QS World University Rankings 2024
Best Courses to Study in Europe
Some of the best courses to study in Europe are across subjects of Nursing, Medicine, Dentistry, Architecture, Environmental Science, Data Science, Law, International Relations, Engineering, Marketing, etc.
The duration of stay in Europe while pursuing any of these courses also varies. For instance, all medical courses take five years for theoretical classes:
- For MBBS and MD courses, students can stay up to six years and one for an internship.
- For Pharmacy-related courses, the duration of stay can be for four years.
- Four years is also applicable for studying Business Administration and Engineering courses.
- In the case of International Business Law courses, students can get permission to stay for up to two years in Europe.
Study in Europe Without IELTS
There are a couple of universities in Europe which do not require IELTS from international students while applying for admission. There may be an alternative to IELTS like TOEFL also, but there are certain universities which do not require either of these. In order to study in Europe without IELTS or TOEFL students can apply at the following universities:
| Universities in Europe Without IELTS or TOEFL |
||
|---|---|---|
| American Business Schools |
||
| University of Applied Sciences ESAIP School of Engineers |
Ghent University University of Bialystok |
Czech University of Life Sciences in Prague EBS Paris |
| Technical University of Denmark Free University of Berlin |
Maynooth University |
Braunschweig University of Technology (TU Braunschweig) |
Scholarships in Europe for International Students
Over 100,000+ scholarships in Europe for international students are available. Students can also have the option of a full fee waiver through some scholarships, like the University of Bologna in Italy offers and waives off €11,000 for one academic session. The scholarships can be offered through the respective universities of study or there can be certain external scholarships that could be considered, like:
- 26 scholarships to study in Germany for Indian students
- 789 scholarships in the UK for Indian students
- 140+ scholarships for Indian students to study in France
- 130 scholarships in Ireland for Indian students
- 110+ scholarships to study in the Netherlands
- 64 scholarships for Indian students to study in Sweden
- Scholarships to Study in Spain for Indian Students
- Scholarships to Study in Italy for International Students
Studying in Europe 2025 FAQs
Q. Is studying abroad in Europe a good option for international students?
A. Yes, definitely studying in Europe for international students is a good option. Higher education holds great value, education quality is very good, tuition fees are affordable and so are the living costs. Plus there are a great number of options to study in European countries, good post study work options and longer stay back periods too. Thus, this is definitely a good option to study in Europe as an international student. Applicants can also travel across Europe on a single visa called the Schengen visa.
Q. Which European country is the cheapest to study?
A. Considering the cheapest European countries to study in, Spain offers tuition fees as low as 150 euros a year for bachelor's and up to 3,500 euros (US$147.83 to US$3,449.25) for master's at public universities. The second cheapest country to study in Europe is Italy, here there are various scholarships are offered. There are also full tuition fee waivers available. At University of Bologna, for international undergraduate students there is a full tuition fee waiver. Thus, these two universities are cheapest countries to study in Europe.
Q. How does the grading system work in European countries in education?
A. The grading system differs per country in Europe. In some European countries, grades are based on percentages from 0 to 100 and in others, grades range from A to F, or from 1 to 10. Each university has the same grading system more or less, there may be slight variations based on the geographic location of the European university. Applicants can still research and check out the university's grading system in which they wish to seek admission in future.
Q. Which are the cheapest countries to study in Europe for international students?
A. The cheapest countries to study in Europe are Italy, Norway, Germany, Austria, Hungary, Greece, Belgium, etc. These country universities would still require students to pay for their living and personal expenses. Each country has a specific set of private and public universities. Usually public universities in Europe are cheaper and more affordable for international students. Thus, if possible international students shoukd opt for public universities only to avoid unnecessary expenditures.
Q. Can international students study for free in Europe?
A. Yes, in countries like Germany, Norway and Italy international students can study for free in Europe. The tuition-free universities are mostly public universities which offer free education to students. There is also another option, to study for free in Italy. Thus, international students must look out for such European universities where there is a good scholarship amount offered or where tuition fee waivers are offered specifically for international students.
Q. Which are the best Economics universities in Europe for international students?
A. The following universities in Europe are best for pursuing Economics courses for international students:
- London School of Economics and Political Sciences (LSE)
- University of Oxford
- University of Cambridge
- University College London (UCL)
- Bocconi University
- University of Warwick
- Tilburg University
Q. Is the UK still in the European Higher Education Area?
A. Post Brexit, the UK remains hand in hand with the European Higher Education Area (EHEA). Also because having co-founded the EHEA along with three other countries back in 1998: Germany, France and Italy the United Kingdom continues its partnership. Apart from UK, there are other countries like Ukraine, Russia, Vatican City, and Turkey are not a part of EHEA.
Q: What is the acceptance rate for Istituto Marangoni Italy?
According to a few unofficial sources, Istituto Marangoni acceptance rate is around 80%. This means that the institute is not too selective at the time of granting admissions. As per an unofficial source, about 67% of BA students at Istituto Marangoni are international. If the acceptance rate is considered to be around 80%, then it means that students having a good academic background and meeting all the requirements have a higher chance of getting admission.
Q: How to prepare for UK 10th board exam 2025?
Those who are preparing for the UK Class 10 exam 2025 are recommended to follow the tips below.
- Know the exam pattern
- Make a proper time table as per the syllabus
- Solve previous year question papers
- Make short notes of important formulas and theorems
- Revise regularly
- Figure out weaker areas and learn them well
With proper planning and hard work, students can easily clear the UK 10th board exam.
Q: What is the acceptance rate of LUT University Finland?
According to unofficial sources, Lappeenranta University of Technology Finland acceptance rate is around 15%. This signifies that the university is very selective while granting admissions. So, students with an exceptional academic record have a higher chance of getting admission. To study the bachelor’s programs of the university, the applicants must have completed upper secondary class education. Whereas, for admission to graduate courses, the applicants are required to have a relevant bachelor’s degree.
Q: Why indian students choose to study at Hult International Business School - UK?
Indian students choose to study at Hult International Business School in the UK for several reasons, including its highly ranked programs, global outlook, and career support. Hult offers a range of full-time master’s degrees, immersive bachelor's programs, and MBA options that prepare students to excel in the global job market. The school is the largest and top-ranked global business school, providing students with an incomparable universal outlook. Additionally, Hult's focus on experiential learning, extensive career support, and the opportunity to study at multiple campuses around the world are attractive to Indian students seeking a global business education. Furthermore, the school's emphasis on innovation and meeting the needs of students and employers may also contribute to its appeal to Indian students
Q: How to download UK Board 12th date sheet 2024?
Following are the steps to download the UK 12th date sheet 2024.
- Open the Uttarakhand Board's official website at ubse.uk.gov.in
- Click on 'Examination Scheme' available on the homepage
- A new window will appear on the screen containing a link of the UK Board 12th date sheet 2024
- Click the link and download the Uttarakhand 12th date sheet 2024
Q: Which is better: an MSc in Artificial Intelligence at KU Leuven (Belgium) or a MSc in Data Science at Ludwig Maximilian University?
KU Leuven is a popular university in Belgium and Ludwig Maximilians University Munich is a popular university in Germany. Mentioned below is the comparision between these two university for MSc in Artificial Intelligence at KU Leuven (Belgium) and MSc in Data Science program at LMU Munich:
- MSc in Artificial Intelligence at KU Leuven (Belgium) costs INR 5.93 L
- There is no tuition fees for MSc in Data Science at Ludwig Maximilian University
Therefore, it is better to study MSc in Data Science at Ludwig Maximilian University than MSc in Artificial Intelligence at KU Leuven.
Q: How can I study in Finland for free?
Finland is home to some of the best foreign universities for international students and is relatively on the affordable study abroad spectrum. Listed below is an estimate of the cost of studying in Finland on the basis of academic level. Students are advised to visit the official course webpage for exact fee details as per their course of choice:
- Undergraduate tuition fees: Can range from €5,000 to €14,000 per year.
- Postgraduate tuition fees: Can range from €8,000 to €18,000 per year.
In order to lower the fees all the more, international students can apply for scholarships. In order to be eligible for a scholarship candidates are required to have a strong academic background, decent work experience (if applicable), and other extracurricular achievements. Some of the scholarships include:
- Erasmus Mundus Scholarship Programs
- Finnish Government Scholarship Pool;
- Finland Scholarships; and more.
Q: How can I get a 100% scholarship to study in UK?
Yes, it is possible to get 100% scholarships to study in the UK. There are various external funding agencies that offer 100% scholarships to international students to study in the UK. Three main UK government scholarships for international students are;
However, to get 100% scholarships to study in the UK, international students must meet all the eligibility criteria and apply within the deadlines.
Priya Garg is a seasoned content writer and editor. With her rich experience in content writing, teaching and research & analysis, Priya believes in providing only the correct information which is also up-to-date. H... Read Full Bio
- Universities in Belgium8 Universities
- Universities in Finland16 Universities
- Universities in Greece1 Universities
- Universities in Spain28 Universities
- Universities in Italy48 Universities
- Universities in UK175 Universities
Statement of Purpose
Letter of Recommendation
Student Visa Application
Admission Essay Writing
Student Curriculum Vitae