10 Best European Countries to Study in 2024

There are a host of options available for students who want to opt for an affordable yet quality education in Europe. Let us take you through some of the best European countries for international students. 

But before we take you through the best European countries for international students, let us first know the benefits of studying at a European university.

Why Choose a University in Europe for Studying Abroad?

Many countries in Europe are home to some of the most highly ranked universities in the world and offer excellent educational benefits and a multicultural academic environment. Listed below are some of the benefits of studying at European universities.

Build your Resume

Getting a degree from Europe will help you stand out and build your resume. Alongside this internship opportunities and seminars organized by the universities will help you build a strong network.

Much Lower Tuition Fees than the US

If you opt for a university in the US, the tuition fees will be much more than at an institution in Europe. Moreover, there are many scholarships available to reduce the cost further. 

Easy Travel Options throughout the Continent

Most of the countries in Europe are small in size and are located close to each other. It has made traveling in Europe easier. So, you can travel around on a budget. 

World-Class Education

Europe is home to some of the best universities globally and has a strong community of international academicians. 

Following is the list of best European countries for international students in 2023-2024. The factors that help decide the list include accessibility to high-quality teaching, personality development, achievement of career goals, lifestyle, culture, and opportunities.

Top 10 European Countries for Studying Abroad

Germany

Germany is the most favored study destination for students who want to study in Europe. It is the center of many activities since it shares its borders with 11 countries. Germany has the largest economy in Europe, thereby offering opportunities for students to fulfill their career goals while studying at the world’s oldest and most well-known universities. 

Germany’s increasing popularity is partly because of the growing number of courses offered in English. Another advantage of studying at a German university that has added to their advantage is that public universities do not charge tuition fees. Here are some of the well-known universities in Germany:

Switzerland

Career-driven students who want to pursue careers in the banking or finance sector choose Switzerland for their higher studies. It is popular for having one of the most complex and advanced economies globally. Switzerland is not just the land of the highest mountain peaks in Europe, but it is also well-known for ground-breaking research opportunities, attracting numerous talented students. Some of the renowned universities in Switzerland are as follows:

The United Kingdom

A country that houses colleges like King’s College London, Cambridge, Oxford, and University College London is one of the best higher education providers. Scotland, Wales, England, and Northern Ireland attract international students every year. 

Universities in the UK offer a wide range of courses to choose from. London boasts a large international students’ community and provides the chance to meet people from various cultures and backgrounds. Besides academic excellence, the UK is a place for adventurous students to explore William Shakespeare’s home in England, Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland, and castles in Wales. 

The Netherlands

The Netherlands hosts several international students every year, with more than 2,000 university programs taught in English. The emphasis on a student-centered teaching style and an innovation-driven curriculum train students to become experts in their fields. Universities in the Netherlands offer a degree that integrates current events and issues. 

The Netherlands is different from other countries because the Dutch government is keen on retaining international talent. It provides a residence permit for students to stay back for one year after graduation, making it a popular destination to make a career after completing the degree. Listed below are some of the popular universities in the Netherlands.

France

France takes the fifth position in the list of best European countries for international students. Over 3500 higher education institutions and public universities form a part of the country’s education system. Tuition fees at French public universities are nominal as the government subsidizes education, and a degree from the same can be obtained at approximately 200 EUR per year (INR 17,000). However, private universities are more expensive and charge an annual 20,000 EUR (INR 17 lakhs). Following is a list of some of the renowned universities in France.

Spain

Spanish people are well-known for their inclusivity. Besides, the universities in Spain have affordable tuition fees compared to the US and the UK, and students can budget their living expenses in the country. Besides being home to some of the distinguished business schools, the Journalism, Hospitality, and Social Sciences courses are the most in demand in Spain. Some of the eminent schools in Spain are as follows:

Sweden

Sweden has earned a top place amongst the Scandinavian countries for higher education. The country has educational institutions like the University of Boras and Linnaeus University, which provide creative and progressive education. 

Considered a hub of innovation and inclusiveness, students who earn degrees from universities in Sweden get many exciting opportunities, especially in the tech industry. Another added advantage of working in Sweden is work-life balance, which the country’s people enjoy, along with an incredible sense of well-being. 

Denmark

Excelling in factors like study costs, teaching quality, and career goals, schools in Denmark, provide 1300 courses and 700-degree programs which are taught in English. The Danish education system shares excellent links with the industry, thereby helping students gain critical skills. The top universities in Denmark that host many international students every year are as follows: 

Portugal

Portugal is home to some of the oldest higher educational institutions like the Catholic University of Portugal, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, and Instituto Superior Técnico. Besides excellent higher education, Portugal offers a friendly and lively atmosphere. Lower tuition fees and living costs attract many international students to the country. Every year, Lisbon and Porto welcome students worldwide who want to make a career in Journalism, Medicine, Social Sciences, and even law. 

Italy

Italy ranks 10th among the best European countries for international students as the universities are popular for quality education. Arts, world history, and architecture are some of the most preferred courses.  

You should choose universities like the University of Pavia, University of Siena, and Politecnico di Torino because of their excellent teaching facilities and opportunities to network with potential employers. 

Documents do you need for your university application

1. Cover letter (or motivation letter)
2. Curriculum vitae (CV, or resume)
3. Previous degree certificates or grade transcripts
4. Proof of English proficiency
5. Copy of your passport or national ID
6. Academic reference letters (sometimes)
7. Documentation for program-specific requirements

It's important to note that while these documents are commonly required, specific requirements may vary between universities and programs. Additionally, some documents may be allowed to be submitted after the application deadline, as long as the application process was initiated before the deadline. Therefore, it's essential to carefully review the admissions guidelines provided by each university to ensure you meet all the necessary requirements and deadlines for your application.