What are the 'Ivy League' Colleges and Universities of Europe?

Discover Europe's top-tier universities, comparable to America's Ivy League, offering world-class education, rich cultural experiences, and diverse academic programs in English. Explore prestigious institutions like ETH Zurich, Bocconi University, and Sciences Po, and learn how they provide unique opportunities for academic excellence and personal growth in Europe's vibrant cities.

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Welcome to the realm of the 'EU Ivies,' a constellation of prestigious universities in Europe that stand tall on the global stage. While the term "Ivy League" traditionally refers to a group of elite universities in the United States, renowned for their academic excellence and selectivity, Europe boasts its own array of esteemed institutions with similar qualities. These European universities, akin to their American counterparts in prestige and selectivity, offer their unique historical and cultural richness, set amidst the diverse tapestry of the European continent.

Living and studying in Europe is an exhilarating adventure that seamlessly blends rich history, diverse cultures, and cutting-edge education. The continent, with its tapestry of languages, cuisines, and landscapes, provides a dynamic backdrop for personal and academic growth.

From the historic cobblestone streets of cities like Rome and Prague to the cosmopolitan allure of Paris and Amsterdam, exploring the art galleries of Florence, attending a music festival in Berlin, or savoring local delicacies in Barcelona, European cities offer boundless opportunities for personal and intellectual exploration. Living in Europe is not just about earning a degree; it's about embracing a lifestyle that celebrates curiosity, embraces diversity, and encourages a holistic approach to education.

The European education system, renowned for its academic rigor and innovation, offers a diverse range of programs taught by experts in their fields. The good news for many International students is that most universities also offer Bachelor’s degree programs that are 100% in English.

Those who choose Europe will find that an emphasis on critical thinking and practical application of knowledge prepares them not just for exams but for real-world challenges. There’s much to learn beyond the lecture halls — Europe's vibrant social scene, bustling markets, and cultural events provide inspiration and enrichment.

The 'EU Ivies' have their unique, colorful features and historic traditions too. They stand tall as beacons of educational distinction, each school with its unique legacy and contributions to the world, making Europe a gateway to unparalleled opportunities and academic excellence.

The ‘Ivy League Schools’ of Europe

ETH Zurich

Zürich, Switzerland

ETH Zurich tops our list for Europe. In fact, ETH Zurich takes seventh place in the current QS Rankings of World Universities. This confirms its top position in continental Europe due largely to the proportion of scholarly citations per faculty member and its overall positive academic reputation. Renowned globally, it’s an ideal choice for those seeking a research-intensive environment, particularly in the sciences.

Bocconi University

Milan, Italy

For those inclined toward economics or international relations, Bocconi University, located in Milan, is a fantastic choice. It offers one of the most dynamic curriculums and has a network of partner universities worldwide. Don’t miss this opportunity to apply!

Technical University of Munich

Munich, Germany

The Technical University of Munich is another noteworthy institution in Germany. By the way, we’ve fielded queries from students about applying to German universities in the English language — and the answer is a resounding, ‘Yes, you can.’

Sciences Po

Paris, France

Sciences Po, ranked first globally for political science, is a dream choice for aspirants in this field. Sciences Po attracts top faculty and ambitious students. If you dream of studying your courses in the backdrop of the Eiffel Tower or the Louvre, look no further! Sciences Po is not just an institution; it's a dynamic hub shaping future leaders in politics and social sciences.

University of Amsterdam

Amsterdam, Netherlands

The University of Amsterdam, a top 100 university globally, offers over 17 bachelor’s degrees, all in English. Renowned for research output and innovation, UvA covers a spectrum of disciplines from social sciences to natural sciences. Unparalleled for its education, the Netherlands also proudly ranks in the top 10 countries for having the best quality of life.

Trinity College Dublin

Dublin, Ireland

Jumping over to Ireland, Trinity College Dublin offers more than 200 programs across various subjects, including a Joint Honours program and a dual degree partnership with Columbia University in New York.  This is a huge plus for students seeking to study in an English-speaking country within Europe. Interested in US Ivy Leagues? Students in the dual degree program can spend two years at Trinity in Dublin and two years at Columbia in New York. Graduates will walk away with two degrees.

KU Leuven

Leuven, Belgium

KU Leuven, Belgium's esteemed university founded in 1425, symbolizes academic prowess. It boasts cutting-edge research centers like the KU Leuven Institute for Research in Immunology, high-ranking programs such as Biomedical Sciences, and a dynamic international community. With campuses in Leuven and Brussels, it offers a blend of tradition and innovation. From its top-tier Faculty of Engineering Science to the KU Leuven School of Business and Economics, the university provides a diverse academic landscape with programs in the English language. With a commitment to excellence, KU Leuven remains a global leader in education and research.

Top-Ranking European Universities

European universities regularly feature on global ranking lists, with dozens of EU universities often topping the charts. Importantly, many of these institutions offer courses in English, requiring no knowledge of the local language.

These dream universities offer unlimited opportunities. Let Crimson help you explore universities throughout this vibrant continent.

Chasing the Dream and Journey to Europe

One of our primary goals at Crimson is assisting students in immersing themselves in a new culture — a unique and transformative experience.

Europe provides exactly that. Unlike being confined to a campus in the US, studying in Europe means access to a whole continent.

There are fantastic partner universities spread across Europe, providing an expansive choice of over 3,000 programs in the EU27 alone. Counting the entire European continent, the number of programs exceeds 4,000 with over 13,000 specific courses of study. The opportunities are vast and varied.

From the enchanting streets of Rome to the artistic vibes of Paris and the vibrant energy of Madrid, each destination unfolds unique opportunities for international students. Take delight in this captivating exploration — in the tapestry of European cities, you might just uncover the university of your dreams nestled in a truly fascinating corner of the continent!

Europe’s Evolving Landscape for Languages

Europe’s education landscape is evolving, with an increasing number of bachelor degree programs being offered entirely in English.

Interested in becoming a medical doctor? There are more than 50 Medical Schools in Europe that are 100% in English where students can walk away with a Medical Degree and join prestigious residency programs after they graduate.

Do you love languages? Studying in Europe provides the opportunity to practice that third language, enriching the overall European experience.

Final Thoughts

Need help applying to top-ranking European universities? We have an entire European Admissions team devoted to you. Crimson Education is the world’s leading university admission consulting company. Our expert admission strategist can help you narrow down your universities and countries and help you craft the perfect application.