What are The Best European Universities Outside of the UK?

European universities are some of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the world. The continent has a long history of academic excellence and innovation, with its universities being among the best in the world and producing some of the greatest minds in history. In this blog, we’ll provide an overview of the top universities in Europe, explore the criteria used to determine their ranking, and discuss their strengths and specialties.

Top Universities in Europe

The best European universities rank highly in global lists because of their academic strength, research output, faculty quality, and the rich student experience they provide.

To determine the best European universities, we've calculated the average of each university's most recent ranking from these three different lists, and scored them based on their average ranking.

Choosing the Best European University for You

Checking out the university rankings is a great starting point, but there are other factors to consider when choosing a school that’s the right fit for you:

1. Area of study

One of the most important aspects to think about is what you want to study. You'll want to make sure the university you choose offers the best programs in the particular field you’re interested in studying.

Here are some of the top-rated European universities in each field based on ranking lists:

• Best Universities for Biotechnology in Europe: Technical University of Denmark, Karolinska Institutet, University of Copenhagen, ETH Zurich
• Best Law Universities in Europe: LMU Munich, KU Leuven, University of Heidelberg, University of Amsterdam
• Best Dental Universities in Europe: ETH Zurich, TU Munich, LMU Munich, KU Leuven
• Best Economics Universities in Europe: ETH Zurich, LMU Munich, EPFL, KU Leuven
• Best Medical Universities in Europe: ETH Zurich, TU Munich, LMU Munich, KU Leuven

2. Language of instruction

If you’re not a native speaker of the language of instruction, you’ll need to find European programs offered in English. English-taught programs are easy to find and increasingly common, and there is a wide offering of programs taught 100% in English..

3. Location, cost and class size

Ask yourself: will you need financial assistance while in Europe? Do you thrive in small, intimate settings or do you prefer larger classrooms?

Why Study in Europe?

Continental Europe is becoming an increasingly popular study destination for students interested in academic excellence and the opportunity to experience the rich European culture (with the benefit of lower cost compared to most US or UK options).

Here are three key factors that set European universities apart:

1. Quality education

Universities in Europe are very serious about the quality of education they offer, which is also why they have high demands with respect to entry requirements. Colleges in Europe have high-quality facilities, excellent student services, and strong support systems, which ensure that you’ll be studying among an ambitious and intelligent group of peers.

2. Diversity

Europe consists of 44 countries, each with a unique culture, language and history — which means European universities have a very diverse student body. When studying here, it is easy to travel places and explore all these different countries and cultures. A train will take you from The Netherlands to France in only 3 hours! Your student visa will allow you to travel all across the European Union without any problems.

If you would want to learn a second (or third, or fourth) language when studying, this would be the perfect opportunity to do so!

3. Exchange opportunities

Under the Bologna agreement, all university programs in Europe are aligned, meaning that any bachelor’s or master’s program in Europe follows the same general academic framework. That makes it easy to obtain a bachelor’s degree in one country, and continue on to your master’s degree in a different country.

Another advantage of this agreement is the fact that exchange opportunities within Europe are easy and accessible. The unique Erasmus+ program allows you to spend a semester abroad at a different university within Europe, and the universal credit system enables you to transfer credits easily from one university to the other.

Looking for an in-depth look at European universities? Download our free eBook: Guide to the Top 7 Universities in Europe.

How do you prepare for applying to a top European university?

1. Research the application requirements

Every university has its own specific application requirements, so it's important to research them in advance. Make sure you understand the required documents, deadlines, and fees for each university you are applying to.

2. Prepare early

The application process for top universities in Europe can be lengthy and require a lot of documentation. Begin your preparations as early as possible, at least a year in advance, to ensure that you have enough time to complete all the necessary steps. Start by gathering your transcripts, test scores, letters of recommendation, and other application materials.

3. Get involved in extracurricular activities

Choosing the right extracurricular activities can demonstrate your leadership skills, teamwork abilities, and dedication to a particular field. Consider getting involved in clubs, sports teams, volunteer work, or internships to develop your skills and enhance your resume.

4. Write a strong personal statement

Your personal statement is a crucial part of your application. It should highlight your academic achievements, personal interests, and career goals, and explain why you are a good fit for the university. Be sure to proofread your statement carefully and have someone else read it over as well.

5. Meet the academic requirements

Top universities in Europe have high academic standards, so make sure your academic record meets their requirements. This may include achieving high grades, taking challenging courses, and achieving high scores on standardized tests like the SAT or ACT.

Ready to start your journey to Europe? Our experts can help you find the best-fit university out of Europe's top universities to simplify the application process and increase your chances of admission. Book a free consultation now!

FAQs

Are European universities free?

Depending on the country and the university, some European countries offer free education to both domestic and international students, while others charge tuition fees. For example, some universities in Germany, Norway, and Sweden do not charge tuition fees, but students are responsible for their living expenses. In contrast, universities in France and Italy charge tuition fees to both domestic and international students.

Are European universities harder than American ones?

It is difficult to compare the difficulty of universities in different countries since academic rigor changes depending on the institution and the program. However, European universities tend to have a more specialized and structured curriculum, while American universities emphasize a broader education with a focus on general education requirements. Additionally, American universities often have a more competitive and individualistic academic environment, while European universities may emphasize collaborative learning.

What European universities teach in English?

Many European universities offer courses and programs taught in English, particularly in countries where English is widely spoken as a second language, such as the Netherlands, Sweden, and Denmark. Additionally, some universities in non-English speaking countries, such as Germany and France, also offer English-taught programs to attract international students.

What is the oldest university in Europe?

The University of Bologna in Italy is considered the oldest university in Europe, founded in 1088. It was a center of medieval scholarship and was instrumental in the development of European law and medicine. Another notable early university is the University of Paris (founded in 1150).