Europe has long been one of the top destinations for students to apply in for their higher education. The continent has some of the premiere universities in some of the best countries that students look up to for a number of higher education degrees. From studying humanities in Paris to studying Business in London, Europe offers a plethora of opportunities to students coming from all over the world. It has some of the best curriculums, no matter which stream of study you wish to pursue. Being a huge continent that houses countries like Malta, Portugal, Spain, Norway, Switzerland, France, Italy, etc. Europe holds the key to opening up the world and embracing people of different ethnicities’ from all over the world. Along with world- class education that you will be receiving at the university, it is also a fantastic platform for a mixture of ideas as students and master minds from all over the world come together to learn together and educate themselves.
It may not be considered by many students while applying abroad, but doing so helps widen your perspective and your knowledge of possibilities in your academic career. By shifting to Europe, you expose yourself to a brand new style of education that may not have been status quo in your home country. It also means you’re doubling up your career prospects, as once in Europe, you are open to apply for any job you like in any of its countries. Even for European students, a decision to study in a different country can end up being a life altering decision, in a good way. Along with uncovering a new curriculum in your stream of study, you will also be able to learn a new language which is always a sought after skill. Universities in Europe have a highly supportive multi-cultural environment with a number of English-taught programs for those who may not be proficient in the local language.
The list of reasons why one should consider studying in Europe can be endless. Some are mentioned in the previous section, while some can only be experienced once you’re there. There are a number of advantages and plus sides of studying in Europe which extend just beyond academics and career prospects. Europe as a continent is connected to its countries easily as one can just take a train and reach another country in no time in much comfort and convenience. Hence, for those who understand the importance of travelling as a part of education will highly appreciate this advantage. Besides, when you’re in Europe, you get the opportunity to interact not only with the best staff and professors but also students coming from different cultural backgrounds. A healthy exchange of ideas is encouraged in each of the European universities.
While it may be a widely known fact that Europe is expensive as a country to live and study especially for international students, but it is also true that you get your money’s worth by procuring an education there. They accept, appreciate, and nurture students belonging to every nationality, ethnicity, race, and culture. There are also a number of different scholarships offered both by the state government and the respective universities in order to encourage the admission of meritorious students who may need financial assistance.
No matter which stream of study you are interested in, you will undoubtedly find a country and a university in Europe which offers a curriculum that is promising and lives up to the expectations of international students. Netherlands, Austria, Germany, Spain, Hungary, Portugal, Italy, and the Scandinavian countries are considered some of the most student-friendly countries in the European Union, each offering a range of specializations in both undergraduate and masters’ degree in a number of fields.
Besides, Europe in general has high quality of living. And a country like Norway has a high happiness index. It also has a wide and varied range of population who have unique identities, cultural and religious practices, and languages. This diversity offers a fertile ground for education and personal as well as academic growth.
There is more than one reason why Europe stands out as one of the most favoured destinations for students applying abroad. No matter from which academic background they are, students aspiring to apply for further education in a foreign country will always look up to Europe. While it wins hands down as the best place for those who wish to study a certain language or more than one language, including a few ancient ones like Celtic, Romantic, Germanic, Hellenic, etc.; it is not the only field of study that Europe specializes in. What is common amongst all these is that they all vow to offer only the best of staff, curriculum, and environment for studying, and an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere for everyone. While Western Europe remains the favourite for international students, it is important to explore all possibilities before making a life-altering decision. Following are some of the European countries which have been considered by the students as few of the best when it comes to international applications of higher studies (graduate as well as post-graduate):
Europe may be the world’s second smallest continent, but it is packed with some of the best universities in the world in all the fields of study you can think of- from MBBS to a degree in Fashion technology. While it is true that it depends on the requirements of the candidate, their expectations, financial strength to pursue a degree abroad, field of study, and the country of their choice as to which university will be best fitted for them, there are a few which stand out amidst all. In the QS World University Rankings 2020, as many as 381 European Universities have been ranked, meaning that it is approved by the highest authorities for offering unparalleled education to prospective students along with a high standard of life, safety, and security to students from all nations. Find some of them listed below:
| University Name | Location |
| Paris Sciences et Lettres Research University (PSL) | Paris, France |
| Technische Universität München | Munich, Germany |
| Politecnico di Milano | Milan, Italy |
| University of Copenhagen | Copenhagen, Denmark |
| University of Helsinki | Helsinki, Finland |
| University of Barcelona | Barcelona, Spain |
| ETH Zurich (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology) | Zurich, Switzerland |
| National Technical University of Athens | Athens, Greece |
| University of Vienna | Vienna, Austria |
| KU Leuven | Leuven, Belgium |
One of the biggest advantages of studying in Europe is that you have an amazing number of options available for the kind of countries you wish to study in, the university you want, and of course, the course you wish to opt for. Whether you are an undergrad student or a post grad student or someone looking for a career change, Europe has some promising options available. Each country specializes in a certain number of degrees or courses of study which also offer job opportunities that promise a steady growth career growth. Studies are taken out of the classroom and into the field thereby extending the education in getting to know different cultures, languages, art, music, history, landscapes, food, etc. As mentioned before, the opportunities are endless.
Some of the courses that are widely chosen by students are- supply chain and logistics, marketing, fashion, non-profit management, art history, international relations, communication, international trade, and hospitality. Programs lengths and the requirements/eligibility for admission vary from country to country and sometimes, even from one university to the other in the same country. Students can also choose from both part-time and full-time courses.
Some of the most popular courses that students opt for in Europe and those which are available the most in most European universities are as follows:
It is widely known amongst students, that studying in Europe is extremely expensive. While some countries can be expensive to study and stay in, some are amazingly student-friendly and offer financial support in terms of tuition fees and accommodation. While it is difficult to make a sweeping statement about the education cost in the whole of Europe for all the various degrees offered in its many universities, it is, however, possible to make an approximate calculation. EU students studying within EU enjoy certain advantages that Swiss and Non-EU students don’t. For example, many universities allow free education to EU students while non-EU students are required to pay tuition fees. However, they are helped with a number of scholarships and funds to encourage application by meritorious students who may not have a strong financial background.
The average tuition fees for an undergraduate degree for EU or EEA students are 4.500 EUR/year while for students outside the EU/EEA, it is approximately 8.600 EUR per academic year.
As for the master’s degree in Europe, average tuition fees for EU/EEA students is 5.100 EUR a year and 10,170 EUR for students applying from non EU/EEA countries.
The eligibility requirements for studying in Europe vary from country to country, university to university, and even from course to course. So, it is advised to check each university’s website individually based on the course you are applying for, in which university and in which European country.
The most important step that students applying to European universities will have to cover is the visa application process. After your application has been granted by the university, you will be required to apply for a visa that is commonly known as the Schengen Visa Application Process. This, like any other visa application procedure in the world, requires a set of documents without which your admission to both Europe and consequently the university is likely to get cancelled.
Along with the below mentioned general document requirements, there are certain specifications with regard to the kind of application that the concerned person is applying for (ex., tourist visa, medical visa, etc.):
The following documents are required from the students applying to universities in the Schengen area:
The admission process for applying for both undergrad and postgrad studies in Europe is different for every country, depending on whether it is in the EU or the EEA. The former is the European Union which has stricter policies while the latter is the European Economic Association which is still part of Europe but with more relaxed policies. So, it is important to read up individually on the country and the university you are applying to.
Every year, thousands of aspirants apply for higher education programs in European countries, hoping to receive the best education in their respective courses and fields of study. While it is true that it is now a lot easier for students to apply in any part of the globe, there exist academic standards which need to be fulfilled in order to judge an applicant’s academic interests, performance, background etc. which need to be met in order for the university to be able to extend an invitation letter. While levels of difficulty continue to vary in each of these international competitive entrance exams, good performance is the key, especially if you are aiming for a scholarship:
It is a prerequisite set by the universities that students will have to appear for and pass either one of these or sometimes, a combination of these entrance tests, as the case may be.
Some European countries charge a tuition fee from the non EU/EEA students while some don’t. However, there are also those which charge a very nominal amount. Tuition fees also depend on whether it is a state university or a private one. European government, the government of the concerned country and also the university you are applying to offer scholarships for international students who need financial support to pursue an education in Europe. As is common sense, these scholarships depend on the course, the university, and the country you are applying to, there are scholarships which are applicable and available to all international students throughout Europe:
The benefits of studying in Europe outweigh the few disadvantages that every international study program comes with. The continent is studded with countries that are developed as well as developing and offer amazing opportunities to students after the completion of their degree. However, if you are someone who wishes to apply for an undergrad or postgrad degree in Europe and are weighing your possibilities, let us help you make what will be one of the most important academic decisions of your life with both benefits and disadvantages of pursuing a career in Europe. While it is true that the possibilities are endless, its high popularity can often overshadow its disadvantages that are inherent with studying abroad. So, it is important to look at both sides of the coin and make an informed decision:
The quality of education extended to students of every field in Europe is simply exemplary. Some of the best minds of every generation have been honed and nurtured in these European universities which keep improving every year by keeping pace with the changes in the society. It is important to understand the needs of the student and that is what European universities seemed to do effortlessly and seamlessly. Students studying in Europe receive international standard of education which is an asset no matter where in the world they wish to pursue a career in. Universities like University College London, University of Cambridge and University of Oxford in the UK or the École Normale Supérieure in Paris, Leiden University in the Netherlands and the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zürich all hold high regard in terms of providing education and a curriculum that are par excellence. Moreover, it helps to have the medium of interaction within the university as English for a majority of courses in a number of universities all across Europe.
Some European nations may be more difficult as compared to others but it should not be discounted for they also offer heavy funding and financial support to the students. This is to say that students applying to European universities have access to a number of scholarships which help them with financial support to pay for their tuition fees. Some of these are funded by the university while the larger chunk also come from the government, either European government or particularly that of the country in which the university is located. Hence, students who are meritorious in their respective field of study will have no problem pursuing an education at Europe for they can have access to some very supportive scholarships.
Studying in Europe means that you will be exposed to a population that is diverse and comes from different ethnicities, have different cultural practices, and speak different languages. This is a great opportunity to polish your foreign language skills or learn a new language altogether. Not only does this strengthen your CV but also helps you settle better in the country you will be studying in. For example, it is important that you learn Spanish before going to Spain to study even if the medium of the course is English. This is important to navigate your daily life in a different, new country.
Life in Europe is happy, content, and fulfilling in general. With countries like Norway and Iceland being rated happiest in the world, it goes on to show that the European nations not only have access to great education, health care system and job opportunities but also have a fulfilling personal and social life. Every modern convenience and luxury is easily available. The infrastructure is top-notch and exemplary as compared to other nations in the world, people enjoy a healthy work-life balance, and the possibilities for outdoor adventure and recreation are simply endless.. Crime rates in general are usually low and law and order is strict.
The job prospects after completion of your degree in Europe is also one of the main reasons that a majority of the students applying to countries in the continent are lured by. Not only will you be eligible to apply for jobs all throughout Europe but also all over the world, given that the universities and the curriculum they design are universally recognized, acknowledged and even highly ranked.
As mentioned before, it is important to weigh all the possibilities and to look beyond only the widely spoken advantages of studying in Europe.
If your medium of study in the university is English, but you’re staying in a country where the daily interactions and transactions take place in the national language, it can be a huge barrier in communication. Until and unless you know their language well enough, you will face difficulties navigating your way through daily life outside of the university. In fact, it shuts out the possibility of knowing the people and learning about the culture if one isn’t proficient in the local language.
While it is true that scholarships are made available for meritorious students, it is also a fact that only very few are selected for these. The remaining lot have to pay the entire fees for tuition and accommodation as well as other expenditures, which, depending on the country, may get expensive. This acts as one of the biggest barriers for students who wish to study in Europe but don’t have either financial support or any scholarship to fund the same.
This is not just specific to Europe. Every student applying to Europe or anywhere else in the world away from their home country has to be mentally prepeared for what could be a culture shock or discomfort in settling in and adjusting to a complete changein geography, time difference, people, culture, food, language, etc.
Located mostly in the Northern and partly in the Eastern hemisphere, Europe is a continent which is bordered by the Arctic Ocean to the north, the Atlantic Ocean to the west, Asia to the east, and the Mediterranean Sea to the south. It is spread over 10,180,000 square kilometres (3,930,000 sq mi), which makes up for 2% of the Earth’s surface (which is 6.8% of land area). Europe is divided into about fifty sovereign states. The Russian Federation is the largest of them and the most populated as well. Europe is credited to have been the birthplace of Western civilization. Besides being colder towards the north as compared to the south, it is also colder from the west towards the east. The climate is oceanic in the west. Even though Europe is populated by a number of religious majorities and minorities, the largest religion is Christianity which comprises 76.2% of Europeans which including Catholic, Eastern Orthodox and multiple Protestant denominations. The second most popular religion is Islam which consists of 6% of the population of the continent. The Islamic population is concentrated mainly in the Balkans and Eastern Europe. Other religions include Judaism, Hinduism, and Buddhism. Europe is heavily multi-lingual, as can be expected of such a diverse continent, and has as many 225 indigenous languages.
Not only does studying in a reputed European university add to your resume, it also hones your skills and prepare for a professional career in your field. Along with theoretical knowledge, practical prowess is also non-negotiable when it comes to applying for jobs abroad. European universities have great placement cells which help the students find jobs right after the completion of their degree. If you want to go back to your home country or apply for your dream job anywhere else in Europe or even the world, it is up to you. As far as your possibilities after studying in Europe are concerned, they are truly endless.
Student life in Europe is as fascinating and exciting as it can get. Thanks to the ease in accessing any part of the continent, it is easy for students to take a train and travel to explore personal as well as professional opportunities. Europe is a diverse continent and its countries are some of the most beautiful in the world which attracts tourists from all across the globe. Thus, studying in Europe comes with the added advantage of being able to travel and tour Europe which will further enrich your experience as a student.
The universities in Europe are open grounds for exchange of ideas, cultures, opinions, and sharing one’s own voice and expressing one’s true identity without any fear or sense of threat. This secular and multilingual continent is safe, barring few minor incidents in the past, which are an unfortunate reality throughout the world.
As for the standard of living, it doesn’t get any better than Europe even though it also depends on which European country you’re living in. One thing that remains true to every European country is that it has abundant options for exploration, both inward as well as outward and fosters a steady growth in personality and knowledge of the students. Interacting with students from all over the world helps one expand his horizons thereby shaping up into a wholesome personality. .
Is it costly to study in Europe?
Even though expenses depend on the country you are opting for, studying in some European nations can be very cheap and sometimes even free. So, it is worth checking with the concerned university individually. However, it is important to know that non-EU/EEA students are required to pay tuition fees if they are considered ineligible for the scholarships made available for international students, unlike the EU/EEA students.
Which countries in Europe are the best for studying?
There is no hard and fast rule which renders one particular European better than others for studying abroad. It depends on a number of different things like your academic background, interests, aims, the curriculum you like, or whether you have a certain country in mind. After all, Europe has a total of seventy eight sovereign nations.
Is it safe for Indians to study abroad in Europe?
Europe is very safe in general. While some countries do have a criminal history, some countries channel great energy and care in making it safe for international students and expats. If you are staying within the university campus, your safety and security is the responsibility of the authorities, even though it is always wise to keep your senses awakened at all times and be super cautious in a new country.
