Study in Europe: Top Universities, Courses, Fees, Scholarship (2025)

Europe is a top study destination for students willing to study abroad. The continent is preferred for hosting some of the top universities in the world, along with several other benefits like affordable cost, high-quality education, diversity of institutions, post-study work, and residence options. 

According to recent statistical data, 1.33 million students from India migrate to Europe for study purposes. Some of the most preferred EU countries chosen by Indian students include Germany, Ireland, France, Spain, Switzerland, and the UK. Each country has its own nationally governed higher education system but is a part of the European Higher Education Area (EHEA). The grading system and the cost of studying vary from one country to the other. However, the structure of higher educational institutes remains the same throughout Europe. 

Why Study in Europe?

Here are a few reasons why international students choose to study in Europe:

• 688 QS Ranking Universities
• 18 Months of Post-Study Work Permit
• 108,000 Student Visas issued in 2023
• Tuition Fees: € 6,000 – € 15,000 /academic year
• Scholarship worth: € 1,515 to € 10,000
• Get a Visa in 30 to 90 Days

Top Reasons to Study in Europe in 2025 

The following are the significant reasons to choose Europe as your study destination in 2025:

• Innovative courses and programs 
• World-class research opportunities 
• Affordable opportunities for research and innovation 
• Exposure to the global job market 
• Lucrative post-study work opportunities 
• Easy to travel to and explore other languages and cultures 
• Same educational framework followed throughout all EU countries 

Best European Countries to Study Abroad 

Europe is home to 688 QS Ranking Universities across certain cities listed under the top countries for the Quality of Life Index. The determining factors when choosing a study abroad destination include university rankings, adventure, lifestyle and culture, personal development opportunities, and career prospects. 

Popular EU countries to study abroad

Some of the most popular EU countries to study abroad are:

Study in Germany 

Germany ranks as the fourth best country for overseas education owing to its world-class education system and robust job market. Some of the most preferred universities in Germany include Heidelberg University, the Technical University of Berlin, RWTH Aachen University, and the University of Freiburg. 

*Want to study in Germany? Y-Axis is here to provide complete assistance!

Study in France 

France is known for its excellent educational programs, analogous Grandes Ecoles system, outstanding career options, and modern infrastructure. The best universities in France include Sorbonne University, Psl Universite Paris, University of Bordeaux, and Nantes University. 

*Want to study in France? Y-Axis is here for end-to-end assistance!

Study in the Netherlands 

The Netherlands is one of the top destinations to study abroad for students seeking a career in technology, engineering, or business. Dutch universities such as Radboud University, Maastricht University, and the University of Amsterdam are some of the best universities in the world. 

*Want to study in the Netherlands? Y-Axis is here to provide expert assistance!

Study in the UK 

The UK is known for its high-quality education, cultural diversity, and unwavering support of international students. Some of the top universities in the UK include Imperial College of London, University of Edinburgh, King’s College London, and University of Bristol.

*Want to study in the UK? Y-Axis is here to provide complete guidance! 

Study in Sweden 

Sweden is also known as the land of innovations. It is one of the top destinations to study abroad as the country offers world-class education options and a robust job market. The country is famous for its student-centric nature, which is offered at universities like Uppsala University, Stockholm University, University of Gothenburg, and Umea University. 

*Willing to study in Sweden? Y-Axis is here to provide personalized guidance! 

Emerging Study Destinations in Europe 

Study in Poland 

Poland is emerging as one of the top EU countries for study purposes. Recent reports state that the high success rate of Polish student visas and the wide range of post-study work opportunities are the primary reasons why most international students study in Poland. 

*Willing to study in Poland? Y-Axis is here to guide you through the process! 

Study in Portugal 

Portugal's low cost of living and diverse education opportunities have made it a top destination for studying in Europe. The top universities in Portugal include the University of Porto, the University of Lisbon, the Nova School of Business, and the University of Madeira. 

Study in Spain 

Spain is becoming an ideal study-abroad destination because of the wide range of courses and programs offered by 25 QS world-ranking universities. The country boasts a success rate of 97% for student visas. The major universities in Spain include the University of Barcelona, the University of Navarra, and the University of Granada. 

*Want to study in Spain? Y-Axis is here to provide complete assistance! 

Top 10 European Universities to consider in 2025 

The table below lists the top 10 European Universities as per the QS Ranking of European Universities 2025:

QS Ranking	Name of the University	Country
1	ETH Zurich	Switzerland
2	Imperial College London	UK
3	University of Oxford	UK
4	University of Cambridge	UK
5	UCL London	UK
6	University of Edinburgh	UK
7	University of Manchester	UK
8	King's College London	UK
9	Universite PSL	France
10	EPFL	Switzerland

What are the Best Universities in Europe?

Europe is the top destination for the best universities. A total of 688 universities are ranked as the best in Europe. EU universities are ranked top due to educational quality, advanced infrastructure, research facilities, affordable education, and many other sustainable factors. 

• University of Oxford 
• University of Cambridge
• Imperial College London
• UCL
• University of Edinburgh
• King’s College London
• London School of Economics and Political Science 
• University of Manchester
• University of Bristol
• University of Glasgow

How do you choose the right University for your course?

Choosing the right University in Europe involves the following steps:

• Choose the course you are willing to study 
• Research about the universities offering the course 
• Go through the course program offered by the University 
• Consider the tuition fee and other costs 
• Look for visa options and approval rates 
• Apply for the visa and migrate to the country 

Popular courses to study in Europe 

Some of the popular courses to study in Europe are listed below:

• Business and Management 
• Engineering and Technology 
• Cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence 
• Computer Science and Data Science 
• Humanities and Social Science 
• Medicine and Health Sciences 
• Fashion and Designing 
• Law and management 
• Art and Architecture

The table below lists the best European universities for the popular courses to study in Europe:

Course	Best European Universities
Business and Management	London Business School
	University of Cambridge
	University of Amsterdam
	University of Edinburgh
	Imperial College London
Engineering and Technology	ETH Zurich
	University of Oxford
	University of Cambridge
	RWTH Aachen University
	UCL
	Universitat Heidelberg
Computer Science and Data Science	Technical University of Munich
	Delft University of Technology
	University of Edinburgh
	Imperial College London
	University of Glasgow
Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences	University of Amsterdam
	University of Oxford
	University of Edinburgh
	University of Leeds
	University of Warwick
Medicine and Health Sciences	UCL
	Imperial College London
	University of Munich
	University of Cambridge
	University of Copenhagen
	Universitat Heidelberg
Fashion, Designing, and Architecture	London College of Fashion
	University of Bedfordshire
	University of Vienna
	University of Oslo
	Uppsala Universitat

*Confused about which course to choose? Avail Y-Axis Course Recommendation Services to find the right course for you! 

Studying in Europe without IELTS

International students from non-English speaking countries like India are required to demonstrate English language proficiency while seeking admission to universities abroad. The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is the most widely accepted and globally recognized English language proficiency test. However, IELTS is not mandatory and is not the only language proficiency test you can take to demonstrate your proficiency in English. Many European universities do not have a compulsory IELTS requirement, allowing you to study in Europe without IELTS. 

Top 10 countries to study in Europe without IELTS 

The following countries allow you to study in Europe without taking the IELTS exam:

• Germany 
• France
• Italy 
• Belgium 
• Poland 
• Sweden 
• Spain 
• Norway 
• Denmark
• Finland

Certain universities in these European countries allow you to study there without the IELTS requirement. However, you might be asked to provide other language proficiency test results to demonstrate your language proficiency. 

Alternatives to prove language proficiency 

You can take the following language tests to demonstrate English language proficiency to study in Europe: 

• PTE Academic 
• TOEFL ibt 
• CELPIP
• Duolingo English Test (DET)

*Want to improve your language test results? Avail Y-Axis Coaching Services to ace your language proficiency scores! 

Why apply for a European student Visa?

European countries are the best option for studying abroad. It is the place for the world’s top universities. The country offers many scholarships for international students. Many of the universities in Europe are renowned for quality education with affordability. Students seek excellent career prospects by opting for European countries for their education. Y-Axis can fulfill your dream of studying in Europe with all the guidance and help you need.

*Need assistance to Study Abroad? Y-Axis is here to assist you in all the ways.

 

Student Visa Requirements for Europe 

With a plethora of countries to choose from, Europe is ideal for students seeking knowledge and high career prospects. International students willing to study in Europe will require a student visa to migrate and stay there as legal residents. Each country has different student visa requirements based on the course type you are willing to pursue. The visa requirements might also vary based on your nationality or country of origin. 

Types of Europe Student Visa

For students intending to study in Europe, there are a variety of visa possibilities. The following are the most important:

Europe Schengen Visa: This is a three-month temporary student visa for international students who intend to study in a Schengen country. Once it expires, this visa can be extended, and if a student is accepted into his or her visa program, he or she can apply for a residency permit. A Schengen study visa may be granted without an IELTS or other language exam if the organization does not need it.

Long-Stay Visa: This visa is usually awarded to international students who enroll in courses or programs that require a stay of more than six months. A residency permit is also included with this visa.

Student Visa in Europe: This is the most common visa for international students. Once a student has received an offer of admission or an admission letter, they can apply for this visa. Students are typically permitted to enter the country to pursue a particular course or program at that University.

Europe Student Visa Eligibility

• No age restriction. Anyone above 17 years of age is allowed to apply. 
• Must score 50% above in their previous academics. 
• Some universities conduct admission tests to offer seats. 
• Some countries require English proficiency test results.
• Check the University's portal for other admission requirements to European universities. 

Europe Study Visa Requirements

• Visa application form for selected country
• Proof of meeting the age requirement of the country
• Valid documentation from a European university
• Documents and evidence of adequate finances to meet your expenses
• Flight tickets
• Proof of meeting the language requirement

Intakes in Europe

The European Universities allow three intakes per year: 

Intakes	Study Program	Admission deadlines
Spring	Undergraduate and Postgraduate	August to December
Fall	Undergraduate and Postgraduate	December to January
Summer	Undergraduate and Postgraduate	May to August

Benefits of Studying in Europe

Europe is the highly preferred destination for many students who want to establish themselves abroad. Students can ensure high-quality education in their respective disciplines and a friendly multicultural environment. 

Renowned Universities 

• Study Scholarships and Tuition Fee Waivers in some Countries
• Many job opportunities
• Multicultural environment
• Cost-effective education

How to apply for a European Student Visa?

Step 1: Check whether you can apply for a European visa.

Step 2: Get ready with all the required documents.

Step 3: Apply for a Europe visa online.

Step 4: Wait for the approval status.

Step 5: Fly to Europe for your education.

Europe Student Visa Processing Time

The processing time for a European student visa is 2 to 6 months, and the approval time varies depending on the visa type.

Europe Student Visa Cost

The Europe Visa cost for non-EU students ranges between € 60 to € 100 for students below 12 years and € 35 - € 170 for adults. The visa fee varies depending upon the country you choose and your origin country. It is subjective to change as per the rules and regulations of the government.

Cost of studying in Europe

The cost of studying in European universities depends on your course, country, and University. In some countries, subsidized education is available. Y-Axis can advise you on your options based on your educational goals and financial resources.

Study Program	Average Tuition Fees in EUR
Bachelor’s Degrees	€ 4,500 /year for EU/EEA-students € 8,600 EUR/year for students outside EU/EEA
Master’s Degree	€ 5,100 /year for EU/EEA-students € 10,170 /year for students outside EU/EEA

Working in Europe while studying

Certain European countries allow students to work a stipulated number of hours yearly. However, this can only be part-time work and not full-time.

Working in Europe after graduation

European countries offer various employment opportunities for graduates. To stay in the country, graduates must apply for temporary residence or a work permit soon after graduating. Your Y-Axis consultant can guide you through this process so you can better plan your educational and professional journey in Europe.

 

How to fund your studies in Europe?

European countries offer scholarships and grants to support students financially. Each country has scholarship schemes provided to international students willing to study there. Based on the institution offering the financial support, scholarships in Europe can be categorized into two major types:

• Government-funded scholarships: As evident from their name, these scholarships are funded by the government and awarded to students based on their merit, family financial status, or other special criteria. Some of the popular government-funded scholarship programs in Europe are GATES Cambridge Scholarship, DAAD, Fulbright Scholarships, and Erasmus Mundus Scholarships. 
• University-funded scholarships: These scholarships are funded by the University you are enrolled in. Depending on the University, the scholarship can be based on the student's needs, merit, or financial aid. Some famous European universities providing scholarship programs include the University of Cambridge, the University of Amsterdam, Maastricht University, the University of Oxford, and Bocconi University.

Top 10 Scholarships in Europe for International Students

The table below has the list of international student scholarships in Europe for Indian students: 

Name of the Scholarship	Amount (Per Year)
DAAD Scholarship Programs	€ 14,400
EMS Undergraduate Scholarship	50% waivers on tuition costs
EMS Scholarship for Master’s and doctoral courses	€ 18,000
Swedish Institute Scholarships	SEK 12,000
Chevening Scholarship	£30,000
Deutschland Stipendium National Scholarship Programme	€ 3,600
GATES Cambridge Scholarship	£45,000
Bocconi Merit and International Awards	€ 12,000
Friedrich Naumann Foundation Scholarship	€10,332
Felix Scholarships	£16,164

 *Looking to study abroad? Y-Axis is here to help you find top scholarships to study abroad! 

Living in Europe: Costs and Accommodation 

The cost of living in Europe for international students depends on certain factors like the country, the study program chosen, the University enrolled in, and lifestyle habits. The table below provides an approximate cost of living for international students in Europe:

Expenses	Average Amount (in Euros)
Tuition fee	€2,000 - €20,000 per year
Accommodation	€300-€1200 per month
Food	€150-€300 per month
Health Insurance	€200-€1000 per year
Others	€150-€800 per month

Accommodation options for International Students in Europe 

International students willing to migrate to Europe can consider the following types of accommodation options: 

Type of Accommodation	Average Monthly Rent
Student Halls	€240-€460
Hostels	€250-€500
Private Rental	€600-€12,000
University Residences	€250-€750

Post-Graduation Work Opportunities in Europe 

According to recent statistical data, there are around 18.8 million jobs in Europe across 20+ sectors. International graduates willing to work abroad can explore the robust job market in Europe after completing their studies. The average annual salary range in Europe is around €40,130- €48,720. 

Top 10 In-demand jobs in Europe 

The table below has the list of the top 10 in-demand jobs in Europe:

Occupation	Average annual salary
IT and Software	€ 1,10,000
Engineering	€ 95,000
Accounting and Finance	€ 1,00,000
Human Resource Management	€ 70,000
Hospitality	€ 68,000
Sales and Marketing	€ 66,028
Healthcare	€ 1,20,000
STEM	€ 1,35,000
Teaching	€ 85,000
Nursing	€ 1,00,000

Read more…

Most in-demand occupations in Europe

Tips for international students to find jobs in Europe 

Here are some tips for international students looking for jobs in Europe:

• Build your professional network 
• Learn skills that are in demand 
• Improve your language proficiency 
• Keep upskilling yourself
• Make an ATS-Friendly Resume

*Need help with your resume? Avail Y-Axis Resume Writing Services for personalized assistance! 

Post-graduation work visas in Europe 

International students can apply for a work visa in Europe after receiving a valid job offer. Each European country has its own requirements and eligibility criteria for work visas. Some of the popular work visas in Europe, along with the cost of acquiring them, are listed in the table below: 

Type of Work Visa	Cost (in Euros)
Germany Work Visa	€ 75
France Work Visa	€ 99
Spain Work Visa	€ 80
Sweden Work Visa	€ 190
Finland Work Visa	€ 690
Ireland Work Visa	€ 500
Italy Work Visa	€ 120
United Kingdom Work Visa	€ 695
Switzerland Work Visa	€ 80
Belgium Work Visa	€ 180
Denmark Work Visa	€ 590
Netherlands Work Visa	€ 285
Luxembourg Work Visa	€ 50
Austria Work Visa	€ 160
Norway Work Visa	€ 610

Conclusion 

European countries are a great option for students looking to study abroad. These countries follow well-established educational systems. Students who study in Europe get access to the European job market and have global exposure. Migrating to Europe can be a stepping stone to your dream career. 

How can Y-Axis help you? 

Y-Axis, the world’s No.1 overseas immigration and student visa consultancy, can assist you by giving end-to-end support to aspirants who wish to study in Europe. The support process includes: 

• Free Counselling: Free Counselling on university and course selection.
• Campus Ready Program: Fly to Europe with the best and ideal course. 
• Y-Path gives the best suitable ideas about your study and career options.
• Europe Immigration: Our expert team helps you to migrate overseas. 
• Y-Axis Job Search Services will help you find relevant jobs in Europe. 

FAQs

How do I apply to universities in Europe?

Ans: Applying for European universities involves the following steps:

Step 1: Choose the course you are willing to study 

Step 2: Research about the universities offering the course 

Step 3: Go through the course program offered by the University 

Step 4: Consider the tuition fee and other costs 

Step 5: Look for visa options and approval rates 

Step 6: Apply for the visa and migrate to the country 

What are the best scholarships for Indian students?

Ans: Some of the best scholarships for Indian students willing to study in Europe are:

• DAAD Scholarship Programs
• EMS Undergraduate Scholarship
• EMS Scholarship for Master’s and doctoral courses
• Swedish Institute Scholarships
• Chevening Scholarship
• Deutschland Stipendium National Scholarship Programme
• GATES Cambridge Scholarship 
• Bocconi Merit and International Awards
• Friedrich Naumann Foundation Scholarship
• Felix Scholarships

Are there English-taught programs in Europe?

Ans: Yes, there are more than 30,000 English-taught programs for both Bachelor's and Master's Degrees. 

What are the oldest universities in Europe?

Ans: Some of the oldest European universities include the University of Bologna, the University of Oxford, the University of Cambridge, the University of Naples Federico II, the University of Salamanca, the University of Paris, and the University of St Andrews.

How do I choose between Western and Eastern Europe for studying?

Ans: You can consider certain factors, such as the cost of studying, courses offered, cultural environment, career opportunities, and languages spoken, to decide whether to choose between Western and Eastern Europe for your studies. 

What are the most affordable universities in Europe?

Ans: The top 10 affordable universities in Europe include the University of Vienna (Austria), Free University of Berlin (Germany), University of Gottingen (Germany), RWTH Aachen University (Germany), Scuola Normale Superiore di Pisa (Italy), Scoular Superiore Sant'Anna (Italy), TU Dresden (Germany), Heidelberg University (Germany), University of Pisa (Italy), and Léonard de Vinci University College (Belgium).