Students planning to study abroad often usually consider the USA, Australia, Canada, and others. Although these leading study-abroad destinations offer several advantages to the students, Europe has top universities, affordable education, cultural diversity, and more. Europe is among the best countries for international students regarding career opportunities and vibrant student life.
Table of Contents:
- Top 10 Best European Countries for International Students
- Best Countries to Study in Europe
- Frequently Asked Questions
Top 10 Best European Countries for International Students
Europe is known for its top countries such as the UK, Germany, Ireland, France, the Netherlands, etc. For foreign students, these best European countries provide world-class education, affordable tuition, diversity of culture, and strong career prospects.
| Country Name | Average Living Expenses (Per Month) |
| United Kingdom | £820 |
| Germany | €992 |
| Ireland | €1,005 |
| France | €949 |
| Spain | €715 |
| Netherlands | €1,010 |
| Italy | €880 |
| Sweden | SEK 10,341 |
| Switzerland | SFr 1,459 |
| Denmark | DKK 8,152 |
Best Countries to Study in Europe
Numerous highly ranked universities and welcoming student cities are situated in Europe. Students interested in receiving a European degree should consider these top countries:
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom, popularly known as the UK, is one of the top destinations for international students when it comes to studying abroad. Multiple top-ranking universities in the UK award globally recognized degrees through high-quality education and post-study work opportunities.
| Top Cities | Top Universities |
| London | Imperial College London |
| Edinburgh | University of Oxford |
| Manchester | University of Cambridge |
| Glasgow | University College London – UCL |
| Newcastle Upon Tyne | The University of Edinburgh |
| Coventry | The University of Manchester |
Germany
Germany is known worldwide for its free and affordable education. Public universities in Germany do not charge tuition fees from international students, they are only required to pay semester fees ranging from approximately €150 to €300 per semester. There are more than 300 public universities and 100+ private universities to study in Germany.
| Top Cities | Top Universities |
| Munich | Technical University of Munich |
| Aachen | Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München |
| Cologne | Universität Heidelberg |
| Bonn | Freie Universitaet Berlin |
| Stuttgart | RWTH Aachen University |
| Berlin | KIT, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology |
Ireland
The Global Peace Index ranks Ireland as the 2nd most peaceful nation, and the World Happiness Report positions it at 15th place. The country is known for its safety, welcoming environment, career opportunities, diverse programs, and more.
| Top Cities | Top Universities |
| Dublin | Trinity College Dublin |
| Cork | University College Dublin |
| Galway | University College Cork |
| Limerick | University of Galway |
| Maynooth | Dublin City University |
France
France ranks as the 7th largest economy globally, making it one of the top countries for better career prospects. Studying in France is the best choice if you are looking for affordable tuition, living expenses, quality of education, and career opportunities.
| Top Cities | Top Universities |
| Paris | Université PSL |
| Lyon | Institut Polytechnique de Paris |
| Toulouse | Sorbonne University |
| Montpellier | Université Paris-Saclay |
| Bordeaux | École Normale Supérieure de Lyon |
Spain
High-quality education, English-taught programs, picturesque landscapes, affordable cost of living, and tuition fees are some of the top reasons international students choose Spain as their study-abroad destination.
| Top Cities | Top Universities |
| Madrid | Complutense University of Madrid |
| Barcelona | Universitat de Barcelona |
| Valencia | Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona |
| Seville | Universidad Autónoma de Madrid |
| Valladolid | University of Navarra |
Netherlands
The Netherlands is one of the top countries in terms of English-taught programs. More than 2,100 programs are taught in English, covering bachelor’s, master’s, PhD, diploma, and certificate programs. The nation is also renowned for its affordable education and friendly international environment.
| Top Cities | Top Universities |
| Amsterdam | Delft University of Technology |
| Leiden | University of Amsterdam |
| Maastricht | Utrecht University |
| Utrecht | Eindhoven University of Technology |
| Groningen | Leiden University |
Italy
Italy is considered as one of the leading study-abroad destinations for international students due to its wide variety of programs in addition to rich cultural experiences, historical heritage, and affordable tuition fees.
Among the student demographics in Italy during the 2024 academic year, international enrollment exceeded 96,000. Students from China, Turkey, India, and Iran comprised the majority of this number.
| Top Cities | Top Universities |
| Milan | Politecnico di Milano |
| Rome | Sapienza University of Rome |
| Turin | Alma Mater Studiorum – Università di Bologna |
| Pisa | Università di Padova |
| Bologna | Politecnico di Torino |
Sweden
Sweden is renowned for its high-quality education, top universities, English-taught programs as well as being a hub for research and innovation. International students consider this country for their studies because it is widely known for its sustainability practices while offering degrees in renewable energy as well as environmental science and green innovation.
| Top Cities | Top Universities |
| Stockholm | KTH Royal Institute of Technology |
| Gothenburg | Lund University |
| Lund | Uppsala University |
| Uppsala | Stockholm University |
| Linköping | Chalmers University of Technology |
Switzerland
Switzerland is always listed among the world’s safest countries, being 6th in the Global Peace Index (GPI). The country is also one of the top regarding the highest average pay. Switzerland is further renowned for its high emphasis on research and innovation.
| Top Cities | Top Universities |
| Zurich | ETH Zurich |
| Lausanne | EPFL – École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne |
| Geneva | University of Zurich |
| Bern | University of Basel |
| Basel | University of Geneva |
Denmark
Denmark is known as a treasure for high-quality education. It is also regarded as one of the safest nations, standing at position 8 in the Global Peace Index (GPI). International students who choose to study in Denmark experience various benefits that include affordable tuition fees, innovative technology, sustainability, and a safe environment.
| Top Cities | Top Universities |
| Copenhagen | University of Copenhagen |
| Aarhus | Technical University of Denmark |
| Aalborg | Aarhus University |
| Odense | Aalborg University |
| Esbjerg | University of Southern Denmark (SDU) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which European country is best for Indian students?
For Indian students, Germany can be the top choice given its free and affordable education in public universities. Ireland is great for English speakers, while the Netherlands has more than 2,100 English-taught programs.
Do European countries teach in English for international students?
Yes, several European countries (Germany, Ireland, Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark) have English-taught programs for international students.
Can international students work while studying in Europe?
Yes, as an international student on a student visa, you can work part-time while studying in Europe. However, the number of working hours will vary by country.
What are the safest European countries for international students?
Ireland, Austria, Switzerland, and Denmark are among the top 10 countries in the world (and are all situated in Europe) for international students.
What are the best colleges in Europe for undergraduate programs?
The best colleges in Europe for undergraduate students are the University of Oxford, the University of Cambridge, ETH Zurich, Delft University of Technology, and Imperial College London.
