Best Countries To Study in Europe for International Students

There are 50 European countries, and most have uniquely impressive educational standards that make each one attractive to international students who want to obtain undergraduate or graduate degrees.

According to statistics, an estimated 1.60 million international students pursue their studies in the United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Germany, or the Netherlands. However, the countries that made it to the top of the list of best countries to study are Schengen nations.

We at Booklab24 know that picking a country for your studies can be daunting, so we have taken our time curating a list of the ten best European countries that offer academic opportunities for international students.

1. France

France is renowned for its rich history, art, and culture, and it strongly appeals to students across the seven continents. The country is home to prestigious century-old institutions, and students have a wide range of programs, including humanities, sciences, engineering, and arts. To make the academic experience less stressful and financially demanding, universities and the governments provide scholarships to international students.

Paris, Nice, and Grenoble are friendly cities to foreigners. The tuition fee ranges from €150 to €12,000 per year, and the living costs are between €9,000 and €12,000 per year.

2. United Kingdom

The United Kingdom is home to some universities that offer lower tuition fees than the US or Canada. Its position on the World University Ranking is #19. This country is considered the best place for international students to study in Europe as it offers excellent learning opportunities. Some major Universities include the University of Oxford, Cambridge University, and Imperial College London.

3. Ireland

Ireland has witnessed a noticeable surge in interest among international students looking to further their education in Europe. The excellent academic and social opportunities it offers, as well as its inviting and friendly atmosphere, make it a choice destination.

Studying in Ireland comes with an array of post-study work opportunities as the country provides favorable work visa schemes, allowing them to extend their stay in Ireland for a specified period where they gain practical work experience, explore potential career paths, and secure employment within Ireland. The tuition fee ranges from €7,000 to €22,000 per year. The cost of living is between €10,000 to €16,000 per year. Student-friendly cities in Ireland are Dublin, Cork, and Galway.

4. Germany

Germany delivers high-quality education, with programs taught in English despite German being its primary language of communication. There are various scholarship opportunities, and the icing on the cake is that there are colleges in Germany that also provide conditional free education to international students. In addition, Germany’s strong economy provides abundant job opportunities for graduates.

Berlin, Munich, and Frankfurt are some of Germany’s student-friendly cities. Tuition fees range from €200 to €300 per semester, while the cost of living is between €1200 and €3,000 per month.

5. Netherlands

The Netherlands is renowned for its top universities, which provide high-quality education to students. The country offers a diverse range of programs taught in English and creates an inclusive atmosphere for international students. The tuition fee is between €6,000 and €20,000 per year. The living cost is around €800 to €1,200 per month. Tilburg, Eindhoven, and Amsterdam are some of the student-friendly cities in the Netherlands.

6. Spain

Spain is a magnet for international students owing to its vibrant, diverse, and colorful culture and breathtaking scenery, which create an exciting and inviting atmosphere for those seeking a unique study experience. This country is one of the popular choices in Europe for international students due to its affordable education system, with universities offering low tuition fees compared to the US and the UK.

Universities in Spain offer academic programs in different fields, both in English and Spanish. The country’s low cost of living and numerous scholarship opportunities make it easy for students to manage their living expenses. The tuition fee is €750 to €4,000 per year, and the cost of living ranges from €8,000 to €12,000 per year. Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia are among the student-friendly cities in Spain.

7. Sweden

Sweden is well known for its cutting-edge and modern approach to education. It offers a range of English programs, and tuition is comparably reasonable compared to other European countries.

Sweden offers tuition-free education for EU/EEA students and a plethora of scholarships for international students. The tuition fee is about SEK 80,000 to SEK 150,000 per year, and the cost of living ranges from SEK 8,000 to SEK 10,000 per month. The cities that are friendly to international students are Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Uppsala.

8. Denmark

Denmark is on the list because it is one of the safest countries to live or study. It is also a popular study-abroad destination for foreign candidates pursuing postgraduate degrees, considering it prioritizes research and innovation. Denmark’s institutions are unique due to their reasonable educational expenses, instructional excellence, and alignment with professional ambitions.

A few of Denmark’s universities consistently rank among the best in the world. They offer a wide array of 1,300 courses and 700 degree programs taught in English. The tuition fee in Denmark institutions ranges from EUR 6,000 to EUR 16,000 per year. The cost of accommodation is about DKK 10,000 – DKK 52,000 per month. Denmark boasts the following student-friendly cities: Copenhagen, Aarhus, and Aalborg.

9. Switzerland

Switzerland is the country for you if you are an ambitious student seeking to make a career in banking and finance in Europe or any other country. Swiss universities uphold a tradition of accuracy and excellence. International students seeking financial aid can explore scholarships like the Erasmus program. The tuition fee ranges from CHF 1,000 to CHF 3,000 per year. The accommodation costs about CHF 1,200 to CHF 2,500 per month. Switzerland’s friendliest cities include Zurich, Lausanne, and Geneva.

10. Italy

Italy, a nation with a long-standing reputation as a hub of art, culture, and education, is home to the world’s oldest university—the prestigious University of Bologna. Studying in Italy provides you with the opportunity to experience rich academic heritage, enjoy famous Italian cuisine, and experience exquisite scenery.

The country offers many scholarships from its most renowned universities and provides extensive work opportunities. The affordable and packaged deal makes it a great destination for study. For example, Travelling, students who live far from the Universities are assisted by a budget-friendly transport system.

Italian universities offer a wide range of programs, including art, fashion, design, hospitality, and engineering courses. In addition to affordable tuition, living costs range from €8,000 to €12,000 per year.

11. Austria

This country is ideal for international students who are passionate about arts and culture. It makes the list of 10 best countries to study in Europe because of its high standard of living, strong economy, and academic excellence. Austrian universities are renowned for their research-oriented programs, and courses are taught in both English and German. The country’s strategic location makes it easy for students to travel throughout Europe while studying there.

The tuition fee is between €1,500 and €5,000 per year, while the living cost is about €7,000 to €12,000 per year. The popular Vienna is one of Austria’s student-friendly cities, alongside Salzburg and Innsbruck.