Why study a Bachelor or Master in Europe

Study in Europe

From the many different universities to the great quality of education, there are many reasons why international students decide to study in Europe. Read on to learn why you should choose to study in the second smallest continent in the world and how much it could cost you to do so! 

Why should you study in Europe?

Studying in Europe is about getting a taste of world-class higher education and taking advantage of a diverse range of bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs. You’ll have the chance to learn different languages and cultures in a friendly, sociable setting. Don’t let this opportunity to earn foreign experience, skills, and knowledge pass you by.

Many World Class Institutions

A major reason to study in Europe is the multitude of world-class institutions offered there. There are a lot of choices for academia for international students to choose. With universities in more than 50 countries with universities that are with high levels of education, students will be spoiled for choice. In a recent study, Germany, UK, Switzerland and Italy were considered the most popular destinations for international students to study at. 

High Standard of Education and Living

The fact that in Europe there is a high quality of education and standard of living is another reason why international students turn to study in Europe. Europe is considered a top study destination because of the top-notch institutions there that take all the top rankings world-wide. It also has a high standard of living and great healthcare and education systems so you know you’ll be in good hands if you choose to study there. 

Exciting Culture 

Europe is known for having many different cultures and lifestyles. It has also had a unique and rich history since the beginning of time, with many historical events leaving behind tracks in the European countries. These events affected not only education but also politics, philosophical thinking, economics and more. They also left their mark on architecture with diverse and exciting building styles, which means that every ciyin not just academics, but also fields like politics, economics and philosophical thinking. This also affected cuisines, giving each country its own unique dishes to savour. Architecture was also affected so each country has its own building style, making the experience of learning there a magical and special one for students who choose to study there.  

 

Great Career Opportunities

Studying in Europe gives students the opportunity to get a competitive advantage on their CVs which will help them in their careers. Many organisations favour those who have studied abroad or in an international culture, as it means they are more outgoing and more likely to leave their comfort zones and innovate. Students will also be able to take on internships and part-time jobs while studying in most European countries as employers like to support international students and reap their benefits to their organisations. 

Learn a new language, while studying in English 

Another reason to study in Europe is that in most European countries, you can study in English while learning a new language or improving upon the one you have already started learning. Thousands of degree courses in Europe are taught in English so that means it’ll be easy to study in Europe if you are proficient in the English language. You’ll also be able to take on another new language if you are in a country with an official language other than English. 

How much does it cost?

Tuition expenses are waived for local students and, in some instances, even EU students in many European nations. Austria, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Norway, Hungary, Sweden, and Poland. There are now choices available for overseas students as well. Tuition-free education is general in nations such as Germany and Norway, even if you are not a citizen of the EU. International students usually are not charged any tuition fees at public universities in both nations. One can apply for fully paid scholarships in countries like the Netherlands, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom, which waives tuition fees and provides additional perks.

 

In general, tuition fees across European Universities differ greatly based on the kind of university, whether public or private, and also on the country you are studying in. This means it’s worth looking into the university of your choice, or the country you are interested in, if you want to get an estimate about how much you’ll pay. 

Living in Europe

When it comes to costs of living, Europe isn’t the cheapest place on earth to live but this comes with benefits, such as a high standard of living. Average living costs are about 11,500 euros a year, including accommodation costs and other costs of living like food, utiltiies and transporta

 

Accommodation

Typically, there are three types of frequent lodging options. Students can choose to stay on campus or in rented apartments just outside of it. As paying guests, students may also stay with families. Staying on campus is usually rather expensive. Staying in rented flats outside the city limits is less costly, and visiting with another family is the cheapest choice. This will help you save money while also giving you the pleasant feeling of having a family in a strange country.

 

University Dormitories 

The first and perhaps easiest option for international students is the university dorms, even though it might be a more expensive option than all the others. Rooms in university dorms usually have a bedroom and then share a bathroom, kitchen and common area with other students on the same floor. The cost of these university dorms differs based on the size of the room, the location and the services offered with the room, as well as the European country you are studying in. You can easily find the cost of the dorms of the university of your choice on the website of your institution if you want to find out how much it will cost you per semester.  

 

Private Dormitories 

Another option for students is private halls of residence, but these are more expensive than university dorms, as they belong to private organisations. This option is either studio flats or twin rooms that students can share, with a student common room and sometimes other rooms available in the building. Most have laundry rooms included, and some have study rooms and gyms, based on the building. Costs of rent differ based on room size, building location and amenities offered along with your room.  

 

Private Accommodation 

A final option for students is a private rental. This room can be rented by the student on their own or shared between several students, with bills also shared between them. This option is a better option for students who want to have their own private space and their own kitchen and bathroom. Even if shared with several other students, you’ll still get more privacy than the previous two options. It can also give you the chance to make lifelong friends!

 

Other costs of living

When studying in Europe, you’ll also need to consider other costs of living, such as health insurance which can be expensive if you aren’t an EU student. Transportation passes will cost you on average about 100 euros a month, while food will cost you from 200 to 400 euros a month, based on your lifestyle and the country you are living in. You’ll also need to look at costs of utilities like electricity, water, internet and heating systems in the country you want to study in, as costs differ greatly across European countries. 

Universities in Europe

Europe has some of the highest-ranked universities in the world, so when you decide to study in Europe, you’ll be spoilt for choice. They also follow the same degree system, so no matter what country you choose to study in, it’ll be easy to understand which degree you want to pursue. Read on to learn about the different types of higher education degrees offered in Europe, as well as the best universities in Europe, so that you know exactly where to apply. 

 

Degrees In Europe

The “LMD” degree system, which stands for Licence, Master’s, and Doctorate, is used in European higher education. The LMD system, which is currently in use across the EU, allows you to transfer credits and establish degree equivalency between universities and national higher education systems. The system intends to make international student mobility easier within the EU and beyond.

 

University studies in Europe, particularly at public universities, are divided into three levels, corresponding to a specific amount of ECTS (European Credit Transfer System) credits.

Top-ranked universities

From the University of Oxford to the Technical University in Munchen, there are many options for top European universities if you are interested in studying in the continent. Here are some of the top-ranked Universities in Europe that international students choose to study at. 

University of Oxford

Location: United Kingdom 

Topping the list of the best universities in Europe is the University of Oxford. The University of Oxford was founded in the year 1096 in the English city of Oxford, making it the oldest English speaking university in the world. A highly competitive institution, it has an acceptance rate of around 17 per cent. The school is known around the world for being a top institution, with around 26,000 students attending the school. Tuition fees at the school aren’t cheap, however, ranging at an average of 10,000 Great British Pounds per year. 

 

Freie Universität Berlin

Location: Germany

 

Second on the list of top-ranked European universities is the German university Freie Universitat Berlin. In English known as the Free University of Berlin, it is a public university in Berlin Germany. The school is a large school, with around 32,000 students enrolled. Locals typically call the university FU Berlin or FU. The university is part of the German Universities Excellence Initiative, which includes eleven excellent German research universities. The university is always ranked in the top ten schools in Germany and ranks worldwide in the subjects of Political Science and Humanities. The political science program at the university’s Otto Suhr political Institute ranked the top in Germany and number 4 in Europe for the year 2022. It also ranks high in the subjects of Law and Legal studies. 

Universität Wien

Location: Austria 

 

Universität Wien, or the University of Vienna, is a public university founded in Vienna, Austria in the year 1365 by Duke Rudolph IV. It is the oldest University in the German-speaking countries and is one of the biggest universities in Europe, with almost 100,000 students enrolled there. The University has a great focus on research and ranks top in subjects of humanity. 21 Nobel Prize winners also graduated from the university, as well as many other renowned scholars. 

Katholieke Universiteit Leuven

Location: Belgium 

Katholieke Universiteit Leuven or the KU Leuven is a university in Leuven, Belgium. It is a Catholic research university with a whopping 60,000 students enrolled there.  This makes it the largest university in Belgium and also in the Low countries. Top subjects there include computer science, engineering, natural sciences, theology, humanities, medicine, law, canon law, business, and social sciences. It has several campuses besides the main one in Leuven, with others in Kortrijk, Antwerp, Ghent, Bruges, Ostend, Geel, Diepenbeek, Aalst, Sint-Katelijne-Waver and Brussels, the Belgian capital.

 

Universidad Complutense de Madrid

Location: Spain 

The Complutense University of Madrid, abbreviated as UCM and previously known as the Central University and the University of Madrid, is considered the oldest public university in Madrid, Spain, and one of the biggest and most important ones in the Spanish speaking world.  It is informally known by locals as “la Complutense” and “la Docta” and is currently the 3rd largest university in Europe for in-person teaching, with over 90,000 students enrolled. Along with the University of Barcelona, Pompeu Fabra University, UAM, and UAB, it ranks in the top Spanish universities in Europe. It has many distinguished alumni and is considered one of the international hubs of learning in Europe.

 

Examples of other universities

Other impressive universities to look into if you are interested to study in Europe are Moscow State University in Russia, Technische Universität München in Germany, Kungliga Tekniska högskolan in Sweden, Univerzita Karlova in the Czech Republic and Université de Paris in France. They are all great universities and may offer the perfect program for you if you are interested to study in Europe.

Student Visa - Europe

When deciding to study in Europe, if you are not from an EU country or from a country without a visa-free agreement with the Schengen area, you’ll need to apply for a Student Schengen Visa, to give you permission to enter Europe and study there. This visa allows students to stay for about three months, so if your program is longer than that, you’ll need to apply for a long-stay study visa at the embassy of your chosen country of study. Read on to learn about the general requirements for study visas and everything else you’ll need to know when you apply for your visa to study in Europe. 

Required Documents 

When applying for your study visa, there are several documents you’ll need to hand in to be considered for your visa. Here are some of the documents that you’ll need to present at the embassy of your chosen European country: 

• Two filled in visa application forms, printed and signed by you. 
• Two photos taken within the last three months and following the Schengen photo requirements 
• Your valid passport, with a validity of at least three months at the end of your study time 
• Copy of passport biometric data
• Previous passports, tied together with a band and not stapled 
• Proof that you have residency or accommodation in the country you are applying from (your home country)
• Proof that you intend to return to your country again after study, such as roundtrip tickets with dates and flight numbers for entry and exit
• Proof of travel medical insurance, with a minimum coverage of around 30,000 euros covering your entire stay in Europe 
• Proof of accommodation in Europe, either dorm contract, rent agreement or letter of invitation from the person you will be staying with who lives in Europe 
• Letter of acceptance from your intended university, specifying your name, the study program and how long will it last
• Proof of your academic qualifications, such as diploma, academic transcripts etc. 
• Proof that you are able to support yourself financially, such as a scholarship of at least 630 euros a month, bank account statement showing your balance for the last three months or a sponsorship 
• Proof that you have paid the visa fee 

 

If you are a minor, you’ll need to hand in the following documents: 

• Extract of birth certificate 
• Identity document with parent’s signature 
• Declaration of consent from both parents, agreeing to minor’s travel 
• Proof of occupation 

 

How to apply - Europe

In order to apply for your study visa, you’ll need to follow some steps. First, you should check if you need a study visa. If you need one, then you should find out where to apply and fill in the application form that you need to. Next, you should gather the needed documents to be eligible for the visa and make an appointment. After being assigned an appointment, you’ll come along for your interview and pay the student visa fee. The next step is waiting patiently for a response to see if you’ve been accepted or rejected. 

 

It’s important to note that the earliest date you can apply for your visa is three months prior to your trip, while the latest is 15 days before your trip. It’s recommended as a rule of thumb to apply about a month before your departure date so that you have plenty of time to have your visa processed and know if you’re accepted or not. The average processing time is about 15 calendar days, but you may receive a response earlier. In some special cases, it may take you from 30 to 60 days, though this isn’t the normal. 

 

How to Apply

In order to study in a European country and apply for your study visa, you’ll first need to apply to the European university of your dreams. There are several steps to follow, though they aren’t complicated or difficult and this guide will help you know exactly what to do so your application process to study in Europe is easy and breezy! Read on to learn more about how to apply to a university in Europe so you can get going on your study abroad journey. 

 

Application Steps 

The first step to apply to an amazing European university is to research about the ones  you are interested in at the study destination of your choice. Requirements that say if you are eligible or not to enter a program differ not only by country, but by school so your best bet is to go on to the website of your study program and see what the eligibility requirements are. Thankfully, entrance requirements for European universities tend to focus on only academic achievements, which is great if you haven’t done many extracurriculars or don’t have any non-academic passions. They also focus on whether you’re a good intellectual fit for the program or not. 

 

In order to apply for a bachelor’s program in Europe, you must be at least 17 years old and have a high school diploma. For master’s and Phd Degrees, there is no minimum and maximum age as long as you have a bachelor’s degree and meet all the requirements. Depending on the program you have chosen, you may need to have a certain language proficiency test result. For example, if you are studying an English language program, you’ll need to present TOEFL or IELTS test scores to prove your proficiency in the language. 

 

The process begins with filling out the application on their website with your personal details and details related to your previous academic experience. For most universities in Europe, you fill out an application on the portal of the university. Keep in mind that there are some exceptions. For example, if you are applying to a university in the UK, you will need to apply through the UCAS platform. Some other countries also have a central application platform so head to the website of the program of your choice and you’ll learn exactly how to approach the application process for your specific case. 

 

General Required Documents 

In general, there are several documents that you’ll be required to attach to your application form. Make sure you have everything ready so you can submit your application as soon as possible. 

 

The most common documents that are required are the following: 

• Copy of your passport or ID
• High school diploma or bachelor diploma, translated into the official language
• Official previous transcripts, with a requirement of usually at least a 3.0 GPA
• Standardized test scores like SAT or ACT. For specific majors, you may need other specialised test scores or need to pass entrance exams for specific subject areas
• Letter of motivation/ personal statement letter. Make sure you write it in a way that gives you an advantage over others, as it can really make a difference to give you that push! 
• Proof of proficiency in the language of the study program
• Optional documents: CV, Portfolio, Writing Samples, proof of work experience etc.  

Scholarship in Europe

If you want to study in Europe but you need the financial support to do so, many programs both private and government programs offer international students financial support. There are many scholarships and grants available that you can apply to if you choose to study in Europe. These are offered by entities like the universities themselves and government entities like the European Union and the European Government States.  

 

Here are some of the most popular scholarships you can apply to so that you can study abroad in Europe: 

British Chevening Scholarships

The first scholarship to study in Europe is the Chevening scholarship, which is offered by the UK government to international students to help them finance their studies in the United Kingdom. This scholarship is usually awarded to fund a master’s degree that lasts for one year. The scholarship covers tuition fees, a living allowance and a plane ticket to and from the UK, in addition to extra funds to cover essential costs of living if needed.

 

DAAD Scholarships 

The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers scholarships to international students to study in Europe, and most specifically in German universities. They usually target students in developing countries in the areas of Africa, Asia, Pacific Islands, Central and South America and Central and Eastern Europe. DAAD scholarship grants have a variety of partial and full scholarship coverage, based on the study program and the scholarship offered. 

Holland Scholarships

The Holland Scholarship is offered to international students from outside of the European Economic Area (EEA) who want to study their undergraduate or postgraduate studies in Universities in Holland. The scholarship offers students € 5,000 to cover their studies and other expenses, which they will receive during the first year of their study period. 

Swedish Institute Study Scholarships 

The Swedish Institute offers scholarships to international students who want to study at Swedish universities. They mostly focus on the master’s level and cover tuition fees, living expenses, travel and health insurance for students who are awarded the scholarships. 

VLIR-UOS Scholarship Awards 

VLIR-UOS offers scholarships to students from developing countries located in the continents of Asia, Africa, and Latin America. This allows them to support students who want to pursue TRaining or Master’s programs related to the subject in Development at Belgian universities.  Scholarships from this program cover tuition fees, accommodation, travel tickets and other costs relating to the program. They also offer a monthly allowance to students who have received the scholarship. 

 

Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Program 

Finally, the Eiffel scholarship program offers students of Master’s and PhD programs financial support to study in France. Those who receive the scholarship are offered a monthly allowance, money for expenses like travel fees, health insurance and various cultural activities. However, you should keep in mind that it doesn’t cover tuition costs.