7 Best countries to study in Europe in 2024

Introduction

The amount of universities to choose from is endless. In order to make your decision, you should consider the education quality, living cost, cost of studying, and of course, the best countries to study in Europe. The more research you do, the more confident and informed decision you will make. These are all factors that help make your decision on which country and university to study in. Studying abroad in one of the best countries in Europe can be a great experience filled with exciting adventures. So, make sure you choose the perfect country! 

Austria | Small, but significant

One of the best countries to study in Europe is Austria. Austria has a number of universities that rank among the world’s finest. The country of Austria is pretty small and has around the same population as London. If you are considering studying abroad in Austria, they have amazing landscapes and stunning cities, so you will always have something to do.

The average amount of money a student will spend to live in Austria is 1000 euros a month. This approximation includes food, studies, and personal requirements. Many stores in Austria have discount supermarkets that allow students to get their groceries at a reasonable price. 

The top university in Austria is the University of Vienna. It is the highest-ranked Austrian university, as well as the largest. The university holds around 94,000 students and teaches multiple subjects, giving students the ability to choose their interests. Most of their classes are taught in German, but many are taught in English as well.

If you are considering studying for a bachelor’s, the cost of studying in Europe at the University of Vienna is around $2,000 per year. A master costs around $1,730 a year. There are also online program options as well. The living costs in Vienna might be more expensive than in some other cities in Austria. 

The University of Vienna has 15 Noble Peace Prize winners and was voted the 64th top university in Europe. Other top universities in Austria are the Vienna University of Technology, Universitat Innsbruck, Technische Universitat Graz, and Johannes Kepler University Linz. 

Belgium | A great place to study abroad

Belgium is known for its chocolate and beer but also has some amazing universities. It has eight of the top universities in Europe, with two of these universities ranking within the top 300 worldwide.

Belgium is a great place to study because not only does it have highly acclaimed universities, but it also has excellent opportunities for networking and many incredible cities to explore while you are there as well. The capital of Belgium, Brussels, is an international hub for politics, which is a great bonus if you are interested in studying politics. 

The cost of studying in Europe, particularly Belgium, is around 700-950 euros a month. It really depends on where you want to study. For example, the cost of studying in Antwerp is between 780 to 1,230 euros a month. However, studying in Leuven costs around 800 to 1,300 euros a month. In regard to living arrangements, you have three options in Belgium.

You can live in the university halls, which costs around 200 to 400 euros per month. You can live in the private sector, which costs around 500 euros a month. Or you can rent/share an apartment with roommates, which costs around 600-700 euros a month. 

One of the top universities in Belgium is Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (KU Leuven), located in Leuven, Belgium. Its name, in English, means the Catholic University of Leuven. It was the first university founded in Belgium in 1425.

Moreover, it is one of the leading research universities in Europe and has an outstanding reputation in both education and research, giving students a well-rounded education. It also has a fantastic location in the heart of Europe, giving students a truly international experience. 

KU Leuven taught 57,300 students in 2015, which makes it the biggest university in Belgium. Other top universities in Belgium are the Ghent University, the University of Catholique de Louvain (UCL), and the Vrije Universiteit Brussel.   

France | Extensive selection of choices

France is an amazing place to study abroad, with 10 of its universities ranked in the world’s top 300. Not only does it have incredible universities, the cities that you can travel to during your time there are absolutely fantastic. In regards to tuition fees, the cost of a bachelor’s program is around 170 euros per year. There are higher fees for engineering degrees, around 620 euros per year.

Read More: Living in France | The best guide for all international students!

The cost of studying in Europe at the most affordable universities in France are the University of Orleans (170-601 euros a year) and the University of Strasbourg (184-610 euros a year). 

The top university in France is Paris Sciences et Lettres – PSL Research University Paris. This university is formed of 25 research and education institutions, as well as three national research institutions. The university focuses on arts, sciences, and engineering, which allows students to explore a variety of different options at the university. 

The average cost of living in Paris is around 1,200 to 1,800 euros a month, which is on the more expensive side of the cost of studying in Europe. Other top universities in France are Ecole Polytechnique, Sorbonne University, and CentraleSupélec. 

Germany | Free tuition

Germany offers free tuition to undergraduate students in all states but one. Among the list of the best countries to study in Europe, Germany is definitely one of the most popular destinations for international students. Germany also has eight of the top 150 global universities.

 

Read More: Study abroad in Germany | Its rise and challenges 

The top university in Germany is the Technical University of Munich. The university is a member of TU9, an association that includes Germany’s most prestigious technical universities. They also have 15 academic departments and teach 40,000 students. The university has many international students, with around 30% of its 40,000 students being international students. It is a university that provides a supportive environment for future entrepreneurs. 

The university is known for its entrepreneurial spirit and strong networking connections with employers and science institutes. The average cost of living in Germany is around 850 euros per month. Like other countries, the cost of studying in Europe differs between cities. For example, you would need more money living in Munich than in a smaller city like Leipzig.

Most students in Germany live in residence halls and share a flat with roommates. In regards to tuition, state higher education institutions don’t charge students a tuition fee for a Bachelors’s or Master’s degree. However, some Master’s and online course programs cost money, sometimes around 10,000 euros per semester. 

The university is famous for its entrepreneurial spirit and strong networking connections with employers and science institutes. 

Other top universities in Germany are Ludwig-Maximillian’s-Universitat Munchen, Ruprecht-Karls-Universitat Heidelberg, and Humboldt-Universitat Zu Berlin. 

 

Ireland | Small country with a lot of potential

Ireland is a small country in Western Europe that’s known for its natural beauty, literature, and music. It is also known for its rich culture and breathtaking views. If you study abroad in Ireland, you will constantly have something to do and will always go on fun adventures. Among other things, its amazing education system is what lands it among the best countries to study in Europe. 

The average cost for students to live in Ireland is around 7,000 to 12,000 euros a year. This estimation includes rent, food, books, electricity, and personal expenses. The tuition in Ireland for undergraduate courses costs from 9,000 to 45,000 euros. 

The top university in Ireland is Trinity College Dublin. Trinity College is internationally recognized as Ireland’s premier and leading research university. It is located in the heart of the Irish capital giving students great access to the city. Trinity College has 24 schools that offer a variety of degrees and courses. They teach around 17,000 students, and the campus also has 51 acres of land. 

They have over 100 school cubs and 50 sports clubs which keep students busy and active throughout the year. It also gives students a chance to find things that they are interested in. 

Other top universities in Ireland are the University of College Dublin, National University Ireland (Galway), University College Cork, and Dublin City University. 

Italy | A beautiful place to study abroad

Italy is located in the southern part of Europe and is known for its lovely weather, delicious food, and beautiful settings. It is the fifth most populated country in Europe and has 34 internationally ranked universities. The tuition fees in Italy are affordable, especially in public universities.

The tuition fee ranges from 850 to 1,000 euros; however, these fees are higher in public universities. EU students receive lower tuition costs than non-EU students. The Italian government also offers regional and national scholarships between 5,000 to 12,000 euros to help students with the cost of their education. 

Read More: Italy work visa | Everything you need to know about it!

The average cost to study in Italy is around 200 to 300 euros per month. The student residence halls cost around 200 per month, and renting/sharing flat costs around 400 a month. However, there are other options as well, like staying with a host family or living in a youth hostel which is the cheapest option. Luckily, many universities in Italy have a department to help students find housing that suits them. 

The top university in Italy is Politecnico di Milano, located in Milan, Italy. It is a public university with around 37,080 students. It is one of the best technical universities in Europe and the largest university in Italy for engineering, architecture, and design. The university has seven campuses in Milan and Italian cities nearby: Cremona, Lecco, and Mantova. The university focuses on research and education for its students. 

The school also offers students scholarships to help with tuition costs. Other top universities in Italy are Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna Pisa, the University of Bologna, and the Sapienza University of Rome. 

Netherlands | Vibrant and exciting

The Netherlands is located in Western Europe and consists of 12 provinces. The Netherlands has an amazing education system and numerous famous landmarks that students can visit. They are plenty of places to discover in the Netherlands, like windmills, bulb fields, or canals. Additionally, the Netherlands has stunning views, breathtaking canals, and multiple bike paths to explore with your friends while studying abroad there. 

The cost of living and studying abroad in the Netherlands is around 800-1,2000 euros a month. This includes accommodation, food, transportation, clothes, and personal activities. The average living cost for the major student cities in the Netherlands differs. In Amsterdam, the average living costs for a student are around 1,000 to 1,500 euros a month. 

The top school in the Netherlands is the Delft University of Technology, located in Delft, Netherlands. Delft is ranked the 54th-best university in the world and has one of the largest campuses in the world. The beautiful campus has an abundance of parks, restaurants, gardens, and cycle paths.

They even created a new media center and a flight simulator. Needless to say, there is plenty for students to do while they study at Delft. and the university focuses on STEM subjects like mechanical engineering, environmental studies, and architecture. 

Key takeaways

• Given how beautiful the continent is, choosing among the best countries to study in Europe is pretty tough.
• Many factors come into play when deciding where you want to pursue your education, including the cost of studying in Europe, the atmosphere and location of the university, and the quality of education you will receive.
• When deciding where you want to go, take your time and consider all your options.
• However, education in Europe is phenomenal, so any choice you make will be great. 

We hope you found this blog informative. Don’t forget to comment below and share your thoughts! You can also Contact us if you have any doubts. For any other higher-ed related queries, you can visit our website.

Liked this blog? Then read: 12 best universities for Indian students who plan to study abroad

FAQ

Q1. Which is the cheapest country in Europe to study in?

Answer- Poland is the cheapest country to study in Europe, having an annual expense of  €7,000.

Q2. Which country gives jobs easily?

Answer- It is easier to get a work visa in the Netherlands. They give foreigners a one-year residency if they wish to start a business. Post this; entrepreneurs can apply for a self-employed work permit.

Q3. Which country has free education in Europe?

Answer- Countries like Germany, Norway, Finland, and Sweden offer free education.