The land of crystal clear lakes and gorgeous glacier-topped mountains, charming chalets and historic chateaus, luscious cheese, and aromatic wines; there is no better way to describe the gorgeous continent of Europe. All thanks to its excellent infrastructural development, stable political environment, and strong combined economy. Europe is one of the best world study continents. Many European countries offer the best opportunities for studying, working, living, and raising a family.
For international students seeking to study abroad, Europe is an attractive study destination, many thanks to its track record as a hub of academic excellence.
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It is home to some of the world’s oldest and best universities, including
- University College London (UK): UCL was the first university in the UK to “admit women students on equal terms with men.”
- University of Copenhagen (Denmark): Established in 1479, it is one of Europe’s oldest universities
- University of Cambridge (UK): Established in 1209, Cambridge is the alma mater of more Nobel Prize winners than any other institution in the world except two others – Columbia University and Harvard University in the US
- University of Oxford (UK): Established in 1096, Oxford is the oldest surviving university in the English-speaking world
- University of Munich (Germany): which was established in 1472
But what makes Europe such an attractive study destination? Why should you study in Europe?
Read on, and you’ll find out why
Table of Contents
1. High-ranking universities to choose from
With over 50 countries on the continent, Europe offers you an array of choices if you’re looking for an excellent university or tertiary institution of learning. All European universities are open to international students across the globe. A recent survey conducted by www. study.eu reveal that at least 10 European countries score high on rankings for best universities attracted by international students. The rankings are based on three pillars:
- Quality of education offered
- Cost of tuition- which is based on affordability in terms of average tuition fees charged by the universities and cost of living
- Life and career- which considers the kind of opportunities available for international students in the country plus the likelihood of staying and working after graduation.
The survey revealed that Germany is the best study destination for international students in Europe, followed by the UK, Netherlands, and France. Italy, Belgium, Sweden, and Switzerland are also among the Top 10 choices.
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2. The cost of Education is affordable in Europe
The survey also revealed that international students concerned about the affordability of education abroad have even more study choices in Europe. Latvia, Lithuania, Portugal, Greece, Turkey, Romania, Hungary, Serbia, and Poland all rate high in terms of cost. Germany rates as one of the top 10 countries globally, providing an unbeatable duo of affordability and top-notch quality of education for international students (the reason it is number 1 in Europe). International students studying in Europe can expect to pay between EUR 7,000 to EUR 10,000, making studying in European countries cheaper compared to countries like Australia, Canada, New Zealand, or the USA.
3. The quality of life and education
If the quality of education is your topmost priority, then the UK is the centre of quality education as it is home to the world’s influential centres of learning and university cities like Aberystwyth, Edinburgh, Cambridge, and Oxford. Germany is also a center of quality education with universities like Heidelberg University, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Humboldt University of Berlin, and Technische Universität München (TUM) attracting lots of international students across the globe annually. Unsurprisingly, most universities in other Western European countries like Spain, Italy, France, Sweden, and the Netherlands also offer the best quality of education within the continent.
When it comes to offering widespread opportunities, quality of life, and career opportunities after graduation, UK universities are the best. Ireland home to University College Dublin (also known as ‘Ireland’s Global University’ due to its large international student populace), Trinity College Dublin, and the National University of Ireland Galway come second place in this. Other top European countries suitable for international students in terms of this factor are Australia, Switzerland, Netherlands, Norway, and Iceland.
4. Worldwide track record of academic excellence
One thing European universities are known for is a track record of academic excellence. The quality of education they offer is top-notch and second to none. On a general note, Europe boasts the most excellent educational system in the entire world. Furthermore, the quality of teaching and learning is closely monitored by the European Higher Education Area (EHEA) to ensure that a high level of education standards is maintained and the drive for continuous improvements.
According to the QS World University Rankings, an annual, highly-respected publication, 5 of the world’s Top 10 universities are in Europe. These are:
- University of Oxford – UK, ranked as number 5
- University of Cambridge – UK, ranked as number 6
- ETH Zurich/Swiss Federal Institute of Technology – Switzerland, ranked as number 7
- Imperial College London – UK, ranked as number 8
- University College London – UK, ranked as number 10
A host of other universities make it to the Top 100 list, including universities in Sweden, Russia, Denmark, Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, and France.
5. Incomparable Academic Heritage, Compelling History and Rich Culture
Europe has a rich and compelling historical heritage dating back a couple of centuries ago. Most of the world’s most important events took place in Europe. Europe colonized most countries of the world and is regarded as the cradle of Western civilization. Several concepts, theories, and ideas have their genesis in this ancient continent, not only in academia and education but also in anthropology, sociology, finance, economics, fashion, arts, literature, industry, philosophy, and politics. Many European cities like Prague, Copenhagen, Amsterdam, Berlin, Paris, Edinburg, and London boast compelling historical antecedents and world-class architecture that make studying in these countries a wonderful experience in itself.
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6. European universities are future-oriented and highly focused on Research Innovation & Technology
In addition to having an excellent education system, European universities also expose their students to the use of modern facilities, state-of-the-art technology, and technology-based research instructions. They provide unlimited access to modern libraries with a wide collection of multimedia and relevant books to support their students in all fields of human endeavour.
Europe is the world’s hub of Software and ICT development and innovation. Most of the world’s most valuable technology companies like SAP, Supercell, Trivago, Skype, and Spotify originated in Europe. European scientists are making waves with their research endeavours in various fields ranging from nanotechnology to medicine and polar research to space travel.
7. Part-time job opportunities for international students
This is probably one of the best reasons why you should consider studying in Europe. Most European countries allow international students to secure part-time jobs while studying as long as they meet the government’s conditions. For instance, in the UK, international students on a Tier 4 visa (pursuing six months or longer) can work part-time for certain hours based on the life span of their study program and the university’s term dates and conditions.
In France, international students can work part-time both off-campus and on-campus during session time. Students are only permitted to work full-time during scheduled holidays. On average, students in France can work for up to 984 hours per year. In Spain, there is a 20-hour/week restriction. Meaning international students are only permitted to work for 20 hours per week while studying. More so, students can only secure jobs related to their course of study. Students in Germany are only permitted to work for up to 120 days per year full-time or 240 days part-time.
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8. Opportunity to learn multiple languages
Although the most widely spoken language in Europe is English, International students can choose to earn in over 20 other languages. This includes Polish, Spanish, Italian, German, and French. By learning a new language, you’re exposed to new cultural and social norms, thus expanding your cultural horizons and making you more independent and self-reliant in developing a global mindset. Studying in Europe offers you unlimited possibilities to achieve all of these.
9. Opportunity to travel around the continent
Research has shown that travelling is part of learning and helps to improve mental health and enhance creativity. By travelling, students learn new life skills to become more open-minded and confident and enhance their overall learning experience. Europe is one of the world’s largest continents and offers tons of travel opportunities for international students. The student visa issued by most European countries entitles students to visit other European countries within the Schengen area. Most countries use a single currency (Euro), making it super easy to travel without bothering about exchange rates.
Students can take advantage of the cheap inter and intra-country bus services available to quickly navigate European countries. These include the Flixbus service which operated in over 20 European countries and the Megabus service which operates in the UK’s heartbeat. Moreover, Europe has a robust railway system, as well. The Eurail Pass, a train ticket which entitles you to travel in and through over 30 European countries on ferries and trains, is ideal for international students seeking to make their stay in Europe worthwhile.
10. Excellent Career Preparation
Employers across the globe well respect European degrees. Studying in Europe does not just expose you to a world-class education system; it also prepares you for a global career. Most multinational companies have their headquarters in European cities like Berlin, Paris, and London. Therefore international students who study in Europe have access to a wide range of career openings and graduate jobs. European degree programs are designed to help students develop personal skills such as cultural competence, self-reliance, and adaptability, which are all skills required for success in a career.
The post-study opportunities available for international students in Europe vary from country to country.
Overall, Europe is a great study destination for international students. Therefore if you’re considering studying abroad, Europe is one continent with endless choices and possibilities. You’ll have access to a world-class education system, and multiple opportunities for personal learning and development. Above all, European universities are among the best universities in the world.
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