Top 10 Best Countries to Study in Europe

Europe is geographically small but mighty! This continent may be geographically compact, but its economic engine is constantly humming with innovation. Universities here are legendary, consistently ranking among the world's best. But where in Europe can you find the absolute cream of the crop for international students? Buckle up! Below, you will get to explore the best countries in Europe to study.

Why Enrol in the Best Places to Study in Europe? 

Europe ignites the passions of ambitious students seeking a life-changing adventure in learning. Here's why a Master's in Europe should be on your bucket list. Here is how we are backing our argument that these are the best European countries for international students. 

1. World-class education: European universities are globally recognised for their high quality.
2. Standardised system: Admissions, degrees, and assessments follow a common framework across many countries.
3. English-friendly: Many programs are offered in English alongside the local language.
4. Cost-effective: Studying in Europe can be significantly cheaper than in the US or Australia.
5. Affordable living: Living costs in Europe can be lower than rent in major Indian cities.
6. Travel freedom: A Schengen visa allows you to explore most of Europe (except the UK) while you study.

Choosing one of the best countries to study in Europe is an investment in your future. It's a chance to cultivate your academic potential, broaden your horizons, and launch a successful global career. This is more than just an education; it's a life-changing experience. If you are still pondering which European country is best for study and work, then we have a list of the best education countries in Europe ready for you.

10 Best Countries in Europe to Study

European countries are known for their intense History, beguiling art, diverse culture, exquisite architecture, and world-famous universities. We have listed the best countries to study in Europe so that you don't have to surf anywhere else.

1. Germany

Major Universities: The Technical University of Munich, The Ludwig Maximilian University, The Humboldt University of Berlin

Cost of Living (Monthly): £1,500 to £2,500

Average Tuition Fees: £10,000 to £20,000

Famous for: Neuschwanstein Castle, Brandenburg Gate and Beer

World Happiness Index Ranking: #16

Apart from being one of the major automobile manufacturing hubs in the world, Germany is one of the best places to study in Europe. You can study in the top 12 universities in Germany for your course. Germany is widely recognized as one of the best countries in Europe to study, thanks to its high-quality education system and extensive range of programs. With over 400 universities, Germany offers more than 20,000 degree programs, many of which are available in English. The country is particularly known for its excellence in engineering, technology, and natural sciences. Additionally, Germany's public universities often charge little to no tuition fees, making it an affordable option for students worldwide. In 2022, Germany hosted over 416,000 international students, reflecting its reputation as a top study destination.

2. France

Major Universities: HEC Paris, University of Paris and Sorbonne University

Cost of Living (Monthly): £2,708.14 per month

Average Tuition Fees: £2,770 to £3,770

Famous for: The Eiffel Tower, The Louvre Museum and Notre-Dame de Paris 

World Happiness Index Ranking: #21

France is among the best countries to study in Europe, offering a range of courses and a better student experience. The universities here are well known for their research-based studies, which focus on qualitative analysis rather than quantitative approaches. You can visit and click great pictures of the Eiffel Tower or try the most famous croissant while you study at the best French universities. On weekends in the best countries to study in Europe, you can shop high street fashion with your friends or just travel in the small lanes with beautiful aesthetics. However, It is one of the best countries in Europe to study for international students, and you must calculate the cost of living in France as a student before taking your flight.

3. Spain

Major Universities: The Autonomous University of Barcelona, The University of Barcelona and The Complutense University of Madrid

Cost of Living (Monthly): £2683 to £3000

Average Tuition Fees: £20,000 to £30,000

Famous for: Sagrada Familia, Alhambra and Paella Valenciana

World Happiness Index Ranking: #32

Spain is certainly one of the best countries to study in Europe. Spain serves as a gateway to both Europe and Latin America, offering opportunities to connect with developed regions and build a successful career. Apart from its world-famous football teams, Spain welcomes a huge number of students who wish to pursue some of its universities' popular courses. Spain is considered the best country to study in Europe for international students as one can easily get a job without hustling. Students find the visa process and university admission very advantageous since they are straightforward and smooth. Spain is widely known for its design colleges. 

4. Netherlands

Major Universities: The University of Amsterdam, Utrecht University and the University of Groningen

Cost of Living (Monthly): £1200 to £1400

Average Tuition Fees: £15,000 to £25,000

Famous for Tulips, Windmills and Amsterdam

World Happiness Index Ranking: #5

Wondering which country is best for education in Europe? The Netherlands is one of them, upholding a culture of entrepreneurship and engineering. It is certainly among the best countries to study in Europe. The Dutch are considered open-minded people with a problem-solving attitude. The country has beautiful canals and exotic architectural buildings. One can take a leisurely walk for miles without getting tired, surely making it the best country to study in Europe. 

5. Switzerland

Major Universities: The University of Zürich, ETH Zurich and The University of Geneva

Cost of Living (Monthly): £3511 to £4500

Average Tuition Fees: £1000 to £2500

Famous for Cheese, Chocolates and Matterhorn Mountain

World Happiness Index Ranking: #8

Switzerland is not just famous for its wilderness and impeccable beauty but also some notable universities offering a wide range of courses and career opportunities. Switzerland is one of the best places to study in Europe due to its proximity to five European nations, offering extensive opportunities for career growth. The country has a remarkable history and several archaeological sites, putting it on this list of the best countries to study in Europe. Here, students are not entitled to a work permit if they have a student visa, although being a student, you only have to work fifteen hours a week. Isn't it cool? Furthermore, the best country for education in Europe also has the best universities. Before you fly, you must surf the 15 best education systems in the world.

6. Italy

Major Universities: Università di Bologna, Sapienza University of Rome and University of Milan

Cost of Living (Monthly): £1796 to £2500

Average Tuition Fees: £900 to £4000

Famous for: Leaning Tower of Pisa, Pizza and Colosseum

World Happiness Index Ranking: #33

Perhaps while being one of the best countries to study in Europe, it has mouth-watering delicacies like pizzas and pasta for you to enjoy. Spread your wings at Università di Bologna and Sapienza University of Rome and relish your time in one of the best countries in Europe to study. The strong educational background of the country also stems from its historical lineage in the best countries to study in Europe. The age-old Roman emperors were influenced by the Greeks and prioritised education as a basic need for its people. Want to study in Italy? Plan the cost of Living in Italy before you move for your higher studies.

7. Sweden

Major Universities: Lund University, Stockholm University and Uppsala University

Cost of Living (Monthly): £2650 to £3500

Average Tuition Fees: £6415 to £12,000

Famous for: Gamla Stan, Royal Palace, Stockholm and the City of Visby

World Happiness Index Ranking: #6

Known for its Nordic flair, Sweden should be on your list of best countries to study in Europe. Education in Sweden has been tax-financed and compulsory since the age of six, as mandated by the Swedish Education Act. Study at the best universities to attain one of the highest levels of education the country has to offer. Sweden's scenic beauty of universities makes it one of the best countries in Europe in terms of education and better living. Go for a drie in the beautiful cities and visit royal palaces on weekends during your course in the best country to study and work in Europe.

8. Austria

Major Universities: University of Vienna, University of Innsbruck and Vienna University of Technology.

Cost of Living (Monthly): £3512 to £4000

Average Tuition Fees: £700 to £1500

Famous for: Wienerschnitzel, Vienna City Hall and Belvedere Museum

World Happiness Index Ranking: #11

This exotic country is the perfect study destination for our list of the best countries for education in Europe. Located in the beautiful Alps, Austria has a high standard of living and excellent education, which makes it one of the best European countries to study and work for international students. Austria is known for its excellent programs in music, arts, and social sciences. Prestigious universities like the University of Vienna have high acceptance rates for international students, making Austria an accessible and attractive choice for quality education in diverse disciplines. During your studies, you can take a trip to Salzburg or do a slow dance in the Mozart Concert at Mirabell Palace. Further, you can take boat rides in exotic lakes during your course in the best country in Europe to study.

9. Finland

Major Universities: The University of Helsinki, Aalto University and the University of Turku

Cost of Living (Monthly): £3350 to £4500

Average Tuition Fees: £4000 to £18000

Famous for Reindeer Racing, Pristine Lakes and Northern Lights

World Happiness Index Ranking: #1

Finland is one of the best countries in Europe for international students. The cost of living in Finland is also very reasonable and affordable. Some universities also offer full-paid scholarships for good-performing students, reasonably making it the best country to study in Europe. The country offers all students equal opportunities without any kind of biased behaviour. Undoubtedly, Finland is one of the top countries in Europe to study. Finland is known for its high-quality education system and innovative teaching methods. It ranks among the top in global education rankings and boasts a 99% literacy rate. Finnish universities excel in research, offering a dynamic and student-centred learning environment.

10. United Kingdom

Major Universities: University of Oxford, Cambridge University and Imperial College London

Cost of Living (Monthly): £2,571

Average Tuition Fees: £10,000 to £40,000

Famous for: The London Eye, The London Bridge and Buckingham Palace

World Happiness Index Ranking: #19

The United Kingdom is considered the best country to study in Europe for international students. The country is home to some honoured universities that offer lower tuition fees than the US. One can also consider moving to the country for adventure exposure, like leaping from the castles in Wales to probing for the Loch Ness monster in Scotland. London is among the best countries to study in Europe, offering great learning opportunities for you. On weekends, you can book tickets for the London Eye and enjoy the view of London from the sky. Wondering where you can have the best campus life in the UK? Know the top 20 university campuses in the UK with us!

Cultivate your academic and professional potential in a culturally rich environment. Europe offers a diverse range of English-taught programs, from MBBS tracks for aspiring doctors to scholarships like Erasmus that empower STEM students. Pursue accelerated programs like the best MBA executive program to expedite your career advancement. Explore the many prestigious universities across Europe, but remember to conduct thorough research to ensure the ideal fit for your specific academic goals before finalising the best European countries for education.

What are the best universities in Europe?

When it comes to higher education, Europe is home to some of the world's most prestigious universities. Renowned for their academic excellence, innovative research, and vibrant campus life, European universities attract students from around the globe. Here is a list of some of the renowned universities in the best European country for international students.

1. University of Oxford
2. University of Cambridge 
3. ETH Zurich
4. Imperial College London
5.  University of Copenhagen
6. University of Helsinki 
7. UCL
8. The University of Edinburgh
9. King's College London
10. Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU) Munich
11. Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne

Visa requirements to study in Europe 

Understanding visa requirements is crucial for international students planning to study in one  of the best countries to study in Europe. Each country has its own specific regulations and application processes, which can vary depending on the duration and type of study program. Generally, students need to provide proof of admission to a European university, sufficient financial resources, and health insurance. Navigating these requirements can seem daunting, but thorough preparation ensures a smooth transition to studying abroad in Europe.

• Students from the European Union (or European Economic Area) do not need a visa to study in any EU or EEA nation. All they have to do is register with the local government and, depending on how long they plan to stay, may also need to get a residency permit.

• In general, you must apply for a student visa before travelling to the country where you plan to study if your destination is a member of the European Union and you are not an EU or EEA citizen. Countries have different requirements for visas, but generally speaking, you need to show that you are enrolled in school, have enough money for living expenses and tuition, have health insurance, and have a valid passport.  

The Best European Countries to Study Popular Disciplines 

Europe boasts a variety of countries renowned for their excellence in specific academic disciplines. Whether you're interested in engineering, business, arts, or sciences, Europe is a perfect destination for you. The United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, Netherlands and France are the top choices for students looking to study abroad. 

1. Germany: When you think of Engineering schools, doesn’t Germany just pop into your head? It is a hub for electrical engineering, civil engineering, and mechanical engineering. The country is known for engineering and technology due to its strong industrial presence. Germany is regarded for many other courses, such as philosophy, medicine, literature, and History. Germany has one of the best programs for MBBS. 

2. The UK for multidisciplinary programs: If you're looking to explore new fields of study, interdisciplinary programs such as Media and Politics or Computing and Creative Industry, and innovative teaching methods, the UK is an excellent choice. British universities are renowned for their rigorous academic programs and extensive research opportunities. The UK is one the best countries to study in Europe when it comes to multidisciplinary fields. 

3. Italy for different fields of Arts: Italy is known for Art and History education, thanks to its rich cultural heritage and world-renowned art and architectural treasures. Italian universities stand out as some of the most prestigious Art Schools in Europe, offering top-tier programs in Architecture and other fields related to history, culture, and archaeology. This deep connection to cultural and historical excellence makes Italy a prime destination for students pursuing these disciplines.

4. France for Fashion: France is one of the best European countries to study as it is synonymous with Fashion and design, particularly in Paris. Paris College of Art is regarded as one of Europe's best fashion and design schools.  

5. The Netherlands for Business and Management: Research-focused programs and inventive, top-notch educational methods are hallmarks of Dutch institutions. Renowned educational institutions such as the University of Amsterdam and Erasmus University Rotterdam, home of the prestigious Rotterdam School of Management, are globally recognized for their exceptional Business and Management curricula.