Leverage Edu will help you identify the best country in Europe to study based on the insights and experiences of current and past students who have interacted with us about their experiences and views.
Read also: Happiest countries to study abroad
Five reasons why you should choose the best country to study in Europe
First, let’s look at why students prefer to study in Europe. Millions of students study abroad in Europe every year. Here we give you five reasons why you should go to Europe to pursue your higher studies and choose the best country to study in Europe.
Boost for your career
In recent years, international experience has become increasingly relevant. Both large and small companies deal with employees who have left their “comfort zone.” By studying abroad in Europe, you are charting the path for your professional advancement. Furthermore, many European countries often make efforts to persuade foreign professionals to continue after graduation. Countries like the UK have introduced a 2-year post-study work visa for Master’s students by 2021.
World class education
Europe is home to the best student cities in the world and has top universities that consistently feature in QS World Rankings, such as Oxford University, ETH Zurich, LSE, Sorbonne, University PSL, Technical University of Munich, etc. Cross-border collaborations within Europe have helped form a large international academic culture that is carrying out cutting-edge research.
A wide range of options
In Europe there are thousands of universities offering tens of thousands of research programs in English. From Arts to Zoology, you can find programs in any academic discipline; small, intimate universities or large foreign study centers; cutting-edge academic research programs or a practice-oriented taught curriculum. There is enough here for everyone.
Low tuition costs
Tuition fees at most public universities in Europe are very modest compared to countries such as the United States, Canada or Australia. In some European countries, tuition fees are not charged: higher education is guaranteed! There are also several scholarship opportunities and other financial aid services available throughout your studies.
Study in English
There are thousands of bachelor’s and master’s degrees in English to choose from. English literacy is usually very high in most European countries. That means that even if you don’t learn the basics of Polish, Portuguese or Swedish, you can still get by in everyday situations with English.
10 best countries in Europe to study
Here is a list of the best countries in Europe to study and work for international students:
- Spain
- Swiss
- France
- Germany
- United Kingdom
- Netherlands
- Greece
- Austria
- Poland
- Sweden
*Certain factors were taken into account when ranking countries, such as access to quality higher education, students achieving their goals in the countries, experiencing a new culture, and international students obtaining visas.
In the next section of our blog, The Best Country in Europe to Study, we will analyze the top five countries in detail. Take a look:
Spain
Credits: Travel Tour
Spain topped our list of the best countries in Europe to study. With a low cost of living, more than 70 universities to choose from, and a rich historical and cultural environment to explore, Spain is an excellent choice for any study abroad program. Furthermore, studying in Spain will also give you the opportunity to master the second most spoken language in the world, which will be beneficial for your future job opportunities.
Education in Spain
Although Spanish university tuition fees are generally among the lowest in Europe, it depends on the school and program you wish to study in. Tuition depends on the number of credits a degree is worth, so for a long time, more specialized programs would be more expensive. Fortunately, there are a variety of scholarship and sponsorship options available for foreign students wishing to study in Spain. The average annual tuition fees in Spanish public universities range between INR 1 Lac and INR 5 Lac.
Entry requirements
- International students must receive official recognition of their previous studies and pass the official Spanish university entrance exams, offered twice a year, to be admitted to a Spanish university.
- After passing the university entrance tests, students are eligible to study in Spain, either in public or private universities, if they meet the visa conditions to live and study in Spain.
Student Visas
Generally, the following elements are required for a student visa:
- A valid passport.
- Medical insurance that will cover all risks incurred while studying in Spain.
- Proof of financial resources and accommodation for the time for which you apply for the visa, as well as funds to ensure your return to your country of origin, if necessary.
- Bank statement demonstrating your ability to support yourself during your studies.
Swiss
Credits: Payroll Receipt
Despite its small size in Central Europe, Switzerland has an excellent quality of life, as well as great prospects for schooling and employment, ranking second among the best countries in Europe to study. This is quite surprising for a small nation, especially considering it also has two of the best universities in the world! Critical thinking, interactive learning and active debate will be at the heart of your classroom learning, providing you with knowledge that will serve you well in any career path you choose.
Education system
The Swiss education system is world-renowned for its quality. In addition to state-funded institutions, Switzerland has a wide range of high-quality education at private universities. Both public and private institutions offer a full range of education at all levels.
The average annual tuition fees in Spanish public universities range between 4 and 16 Lacs.
Entry requirements
Candidates must have a state-recognized Swiss certificate of maturity or another international certificate recognized as equivalent by the university to study in Switzerland. Specific standards may vary by university and program level.
- Depending on the course, a solid knowledge of the language of instruction is often needed.
- According to the European Language Passport (Europass), most schools require a B1/B2 qualification standard, although some bachelor’s and master’s programs are taught in English.
- Before being accepted into a class, you will be required to take a language test/certificate, such as the TOEFL test.
Student Visas
International students wishing to study in Switzerland must receive a visa from the nearest Swiss embassy.
- Proof of sufficient financial support to finance the cost of living in Switzerland during your studies is needed as part of the visa documents for non-EU/EFTA citizens studying in Switzerland.
- Accident coverage is included in a life insurance contract.
- A research timeline that explains the general objective of your studies.
- A confirmation that you have been accepted into a higher education institution approved by the Swiss government.
- Evidence that the personal and professional conditions for your study program have been met.
- proof of your adequate accommodation.
France
Credits: CIDRAP
France comes in third place in our search for the best country in Europe to study. France is at the top of most people’s bucket lists due to its trendy fashion, stunning French Riviera, and charming Notre-Dame Cathedral, among several other attractions. With a prestigious education system and more than 3,500 public universities and colleges to choose from, an increasing number of students are considering studying in this historic and captivating region.
Education system
Tuition fees to study in France are minimal as education is subsidized by the government: a licensure degree can be obtained for as little as €200 a year (Rs 17,000). Private universities and Grandes Écoles would also be more expensive, with annual fees of up to €20,000 (Rs. 17 lacs). Students who do not have the financial resources to study in France will be entitled to scholarships, aid or monthly stipends.
Entry requirements
Entry conditions to study in France vary by university, so students can check their preferred institution’s website for more details.
- Records of previous diplomas and research reports, evidence of French or English language proficiency (if you are a non-EU student), and often a standard exam in your preferred subject area may be needed.
- After two years of preparatory studies, applicants to the Grandes Écoles take an entrance test.
Student visas
Once they (non-EU students) have been accepted to an institution, they will need to apply for a visa; The type of visa depends on the duration of your studies in France.
- If you are doing a short course you will probably need a short stay student visa, and a slightly longer course will require a temporary long stay visa.
- A degree or similar will require a long stay visa and for an ongoing research project or teaching position you will need a long stay academic research visa.
- Proof of sufficient financial support to finance the cost.
- Accident coverage is included in a life insurance contract.
- Proof that you have suitable accommodation.
Germany
Credits: Planet Ware
The country’s universities are among the best in the world and tuition at German universities is completely free for foreign students, this is the reason why we have Germany on our list of the best countries in Europe to study. Many classes combine theory with reality, giving you invaluable knowledge and training for your future career. In addition to receiving a first-class education, living in Germany will allow you to learn about the country’s fascinating history and immerse yourself in the charming cities and rural landscapes that have inspired this “land of poets and thinkers.”
Education system
Most universities in Germany are independent schools funded by the government and open to students. Germany follows the Bologna method, which means that higher education is divided into bachelor’s (bachelor’s), master’s and doctoral (postgraduate) degrees, and universities are also classified by specialization: academic, applied science and art faculties.
These courses can cost up to €20,000 per year for a Bachelor’s degree and €30,000 for a Master’s degree. (Rs. 17 Lacs and Rs. 26 Lacs)
Entry requirements
Applications to study in Germany are sent directly to the study institution. Here are the requirements:
- Various universities have different admission criteria, but you will be required to present a Hochschulzugangsberechtigung (HZB), proof of previous certification in the form of a transcript or high school diploma.
- You will still need to demonstrate a degree of German proficiency (whether or not you are studying in German) and potentially evidence that you have healthcare in Germany.
Student Visas
To study in Germany, all non-EU students need a visa. If you have not yet been accepted onto a course at a German university, you will need a student applicant visa (Visum zur Studienbewerbung).
- If you have been accepted to a university, you will need a student visa (Visum zur Stedienbewerbung).
- Certificates of previous experience, proof of financial capital and proof of language proficiency, among other elements, are normally required.
United Kingdom
Credits: National Online Project
The UK comes fourth on our list of the best countries in Europe to study. The UK is home to a large number of world-renowned universities, many of which regularly appear on lists of the best universities on the internet. Studying in the UK also puts you at the crossroads of the rest of Europe. With an incredibly rich historical and cultural heritage to discover, a mix of lively cities and English countryside to explore, and over 420,000 overseas students to connect with, the UK is a great study abroad destination.
Education system
The academic system in the United Kingdom is divided into three degrees of study: a bachelor’s degree at undergraduate level, master’s and doctoral (PhD) courses at postgraduate level. Bachelor’s degrees in England, Wales and Northern Ireland are three years long, and four years in Scotland. Master’s degrees generally require one year of full-time study or two years of part-time study, while doctorates can take up to five years.
International students have to spend much more on research in the UK, ranging from £10,000 to £30,000 a year depending on the degree they gain.
Entry requirements
UCAS is in charge of undergraduate admissions and all applicants are directed to their website. Each course has its own set of entry criteria: the academic credentials required to enroll in the university course.
- You must have evidence of these credentials, as well as a personal statement and proof of language proficiency if you are not a native speaker.
- Applications for master’s or doctoral programs should be submitted directly to the preferred institution of study.
Student Visas
- You would need a visa to study in the UK if you are a non-EU student. Depending on the duration of study, this may be a short-term visa, a Tier 4 (general) student visa or a Tier 4 (child) student visa.
- Depending on the visa you apply for, you can work in the United Kingdom or extend your stay. To obtain a visa You will be asked to present one or more of the following documents: passport information, a ‘Confirmation of Acceptance for Study’, a secure English language test and evidence that you can support yourself financially.
For the Visa application, the following documents may be required.
- Passport details and a recent photograph.
- A ‘Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies (CAS) from your study institution, which your university will send to you once you meet the conditions of your acceptance.
- If not a native speaker, proof of English language proficiency demonstrated by a “Secure English Language Test” (SELT)
- Proof that you have the financial means to support yourself during your studies in the UK, documented by a bank statement.
YouTube: take advantage of television
In this blog, we have analyzed our list of the best countries in Europe to study. We discuss in detail the five best countries to study in Europe. There are also other great European countries to study, such as the Netherlands, Greece, Austria, Poland and Sweden, which you can consider if you plan to study in Europe.
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Frequently asked questions
Which European country is the cheapest to study?
Some of the cheapest countries in Europe to study are Greece, Germany, Poland, France and Slovenia.
Which country in Europe has the greatest job opportunities?
The countries with the greatest job opportunities in Europe are Switzerland, Portugal and Estonia.
Which is the safest European country?
Some of the safest European countries for international students are Iceland, Denmark, Ireland, Austria, Portugal, Slovenia and Switzerland.
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