Study in Europe
World-class universities, low or even free tuition in some countries and thousands of English-taught programmes.
Each European country has its own rules, fees and visas. Here is a short overview of the most popular choices. Universities listed are examples only, not partners.
Germany
Low or no tuition at most public universities (Baden-Württemberg charges non-EU students about €1,500 per semester); many English-taught master's.
Well-known universities: Technical University of Munich (TUM), LMU Munich, Heidelberg University, Humboldt University of Berlin, Free University of Berlin, RWTH Aachen University, KIT Karlsruhe.
| Topic | Overview |
|---|---|
| Costs | Tuition: mostly free at public universities plus a semester fee (~€100–€400). Living-cost proof: €11,904 a year in a blocked account (€992/month). |
| Visa | National student visa; blocked account (Sperrkonto) or other proof of funds; health insurance; APS certificate for some nationalities. |
| Work after study | Up to 18 months to look for work after graduating. |
Official source: DAAD
France
Affordable public universities and top business schools (grandes écoles).
Well-known universities: Université PSL, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, Sorbonne University, Université Paris-Saclay, Sciences Po, HEC Paris, ESSEC Business School.
| Topic | Overview |
|---|---|
| Costs | Public university fees for non-EU students are set nationally (around €2,900 a year for bachelor's and €3,900 for master's, though many universities reduce them); business schools cost far more. |
| Visa | Long-stay student visa (VLS-TS), usually applied for through Campus France 'Études en France' where available; proof of about €615 a month. |
| Work after study | APS/temporary residence permit to look for work after a master's (typically 1 year). |
Official source: Campus France
Netherlands
Lots of English-taught bachelor's and master's degrees and a practical teaching style.
Well-known universities: University of Amsterdam, Delft University of Technology, Leiden University, Utrecht University, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Wageningen University & Research, University of Groningen, Eindhoven University of Technology.
| Topic | Overview |
|---|---|
| Costs | Non-EU tuition roughly €9,000–€22,000+ a year (≈ £7,800–£19,000). Living costs about €1,000–€1,500 a month. |
| Visa | Your university applies for your entry visa (MVV) and residence permit; proof of funds set by IND. |
| Work after study | Orientation year (zoekjaar): up to 1 year to find work after graduating. |
Official source: Study in NL (Nuffic)
Ireland
English-speaking EU country and home to many tech and pharma companies.
Well-known universities: Trinity College Dublin, University College Dublin, University of Galway, University College Cork, Dublin City University, University of Limerick, Maynooth University.
| Topic | Overview |
|---|---|
| Costs | Non-EU tuition roughly €10,000–€30,000 a year (≈ £8,700–£26,000). Proof of access to at least €10,000 for the first year. |
| Visa | Study visa or Stamp 2 permission (non-EEA); private medical insurance. |
| Work after study | Stamp 1G (Third Level Graduate Programme): up to 1 year after a level 8 degree, up to 2 years after a level 9 (master's) or higher. |
Official source: Education in Ireland
Other popular choices
Spain, Italy, Sweden, Finland, Poland, Hungary and Malta also offer English-taught programmes, often at lower cost.
Well-known universities: University of Barcelona, Politecnico di Milano, University of Bologna, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Lund University, University of Helsinki, University of Warsaw.
| Topic | Overview |
|---|---|
| Costs | Costs vary widely: low public fees in Italy and Poland, while Sweden and Finland charge non-EU students tuition (often with scholarships). |
| Visa | National student visa or residence permit for each country. |
| Work after study | Post-study options differ by country. |
Official source: Study in Europe (EU)
Intakes
Most European universities have a main intake in September/October, with deadlines often between December and May (earlier for non-EU applicants). Some offer a February intake.
Typical English requirements (English-taught programmes)
| Test | Typical range |
|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | UG 6.0–6.5; PG 6.5–7.0 |
| TOEFL iBT | UG ~80–90; PG ~90–100 |
| PTE Academic | Accepted by many, ~58–65 |
| Duolingo | Accepted by some, ~105–120 |
Typical academic entry requirements
- Undergraduate: secondary school qualification recognised in the country (Germany may require a foundation year, Studienkolleg, for some school systems).
- Postgraduate: a recognised bachelor's degree in a related subject; some ask for a motivation letter, CV or GRE/GMAT.
- Language: some programmes are taught in the local language and need a test such as TestDaF or DELF/DALF.