Europe, a continent often mistaken as a single country, is in fact home to numerous countries like Germany, Italy, France, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, and Sweden amongst others. Therefore, if you intend to study in Europe, your choice of institution may generally be from any part of these above mentioned countries and others.
Europe offers a very high quality education which is also affordable and this endears most foreigners to the country to study either for an undergraduate degree or postgraduate courses. Countries in Europe like Germany, Finland generally do not accept payment of tuition fees from their students who are studying in government institutions. With this kind of study support and many others, Europe can be said to be one if not the top study destinations by students from all parts of the world.
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Things to Know Before Applying For a Masters Degree in Europe
Europe is another great continent with most international students wanting to go and study due to its strong educational system. Some of the countries in Europe like the United Kingdom, Switzerland, and Germany have some of the world’s notable institutions that have produced world-class professionals all around the world. As a foreign student whether from Asia, Africa or any other part of the world, studying in Europe would definitely give you another opportunity to experience life, culture and above all get quality education at any level of your choice. In this article, we have outlined the top 10 things which you need to know as you consider your choice of studying in any of the European countries.
1. Choosing your university and course of study:
This is definitely one of the major big steps into making preparations to study abroad, and studying in Europe is no exemption. Before you apply for a master’s degree, it is important to choose your university of study and your course as well. Get all the necessary details needed for applying to the university before you proceed. You may also seek the help of the university help portal to get more information.
Check: List of Countries (Universities) to Study Abroad Without TOEFL/IELTS for International Students
2. Quality of education
Also, with Europe been the hub of some of the finest and world-renowned universities, is no wonder that the quality of education obtained is of high standard giving out only the best. The educational system in Europe is one of the sought after in the world and with the major rise in the use of technology, studying in Europe has become easy and fun for students.
3. Duration of study program
Usually, a master’s study program in Europe may last about a year to two years depending largely on your study program or course. As you proceed with your application, it is wise to check up on how long your course would be so as to enable you to plan for your stay in the country.
4. The universal language
There are over 24 indigenous languages in the whole of Europe and then trying to learn the language spoken in your country of choice may not be so easy but it is important to note that, most of the European countries make use of the English language as its second language and this is in turn used by most of its institution in its teaching and learning. Therefore, you are from an English-speaking country, you would still fit into any of the European countries with no much stress.
5. Cost of living
Just like in most countries of the world, you would need money to get by for accommodation, feeding, transportation, and other basic needs. Before you consider studying in Europe, you must have enough funds and understand how to manage your finances with the countries cost of living. Some countries are usually more expensive than others, wholesome may offer discounts to students to ease their living standard, and others may not. Generally, residing in the cities may be expensive than when you are living in the countryside, the cost of living would be largely dependent on your living style.
Check: Ask these vital questions before STARTING your study abroad journey.
6. Scholarships
European universities offer so many scholarships and support grants for their students in order to ease their financial burdens and make study fun. Some of the scholarships are awarded by the government and other private organizations. Some of the countries in Europe like Germany do not accept tuition fees from their students studying in government-owned institutions and only an administrative fee is required to be paid each semester.
7. Part-time jobs
Due to its very good economy, Europe allows its students to get part-time jobs to support themselves while they study. These jobs which come with hourly pay enables students to work for a limited number of hours which would not interfere with their studies but also help them to be financially stable and gain the experience needed for the future.
8. Health insurance
To be able to study in Europe conveniently, you need to obtain a health insurance policy that will enable you to pay for your medical bills whenever the need arises. You would need to seek the help of your host institution or a relative to get a better understanding of what to expect and how to get a good health insurance policy.
9. Variety of study programs
Additionally, with diverse countries and countless numbers of institutions in Europe, it opens rooms for students to choose from a wide range of study programs and courses. Courses such as the sciences, engineering, and arts have a lot of study courses to choose from by students. The option of a variety of study programs makes studying in Europe a good option.
10. Job opportunities
Gaduating from a European institution will definitely create room for better job placement in the future. Most employers of labor search for only the best and then a graduate of a great university from Europe would surely stand a chance at a better placement.
Recommended Video: Top 10 Unpopular Scholarships in Europe for International Students
Top Countries Where Students Can Study in Europe
Europe is home to a lot of attractive countries with each of them having specific things which are peculiar to them. Most of the European countries are said to be affordable, peaceful and also student friendly. In order to help you narrow them your choices of European countries to consider studying at, here are 10 top picks of countries you can study in Europe.
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1. Poland
A country with over 500 institutions is widely known for its expertise in science, technology and engineering. Although in the country, Polish is the language spoken, most of its courses in the university are offered in English language enabling nonpolish speakers a chance to study with ease. The cost of living in this country is generally low and is student-friendly.
2. Sweden
Also, Sweden is home to some of the best universities such as; Lund University, KTH Royal Institute of Technology amongst others offers a very high quality of education. In Sweden, there are numerous scholarships that are offered to support students in their studies. Also, a notable feature of the country’s educational system is that international students may also enjoy free education up to the PhD level while studying in the country.
3. Germany
This particular country is said to be very affordable to students and this definitely endears the country to international students. In Germany, there is no payment of tuition fees in public institutions as only an administrative fee is paid every semester. Also, most of the courses are taught in English and it is also spoken as a second language by most citizens; therefore it becomes easy for international students to interact freely with the citizens.
4. Spain
This country offers affordable tuition for its courses which can be chosen from a wide range of those available. Spanish is the main language in this country and if you intend to study here, you would certainly need to brush up on your Spanish language skills as most of the courses are taught in Spanish.
5. Netherlands
This country is another popular country amongst foreign students as a study destination in Europe. The country offers affordable tuition and a wide range of courses which are over 2100 of them. Top universities in the Netherlands are; Delft University of Technology, University of Amsterdam, Wageningen University and Research Center amongst others.
6. Finland
Furthermore, just like in Germany, Finland does not accept tuition payments from students studying in public institutions. The University of Helsinki is one of the notable universities in the country and it is located in the biggest urban city of the country, Helsinki.
7. Slovenia
Slovenia is a beautiful country in Europe which is known as a great tourist site for foreigners. It is also known to offer quality education with a low cost of living in the country. The institutions in the country offer English-taught courses.
8. Norway
This country also offers English-taught courses and has a wide range of study programs made available for students. Norway also offers free tuition for students in public institutions with affordable costs of living.
Check: Frequently asked questions about studying abroad.
Application Requirements and Documents for International Student
As you consider studying in Europe, there is a list of required documents which you need to tend during your registration to afford a chance to study abroad. Below are some of the general requirements needed for International students who want to study for a master’s degree in any university in Europe.
- A copy of the student international passport
- Minimum undergraduate degree requirements of 2.1 or its equivalent as specified by the host university for course of choice
- Copies of student passport photographs
- Proof of English language proficiency or as otherwise stayed by the institution
- Copies of the student’s bachelor degree certificates and other certification as requested by the host university.
- Student transcript or result
- Curriculum Vitae or resume which may include referees or as directed by the host institution
- Personal and research work statements.
Getting an admission to study abroad in your choice university is like a dream come true for most foreign students who had wanted to study abroad. With more increase in the willingness to study abroad, the search for a better placement is always a challenge. Studying for your master’s degree in Europe will definitely let you experience a vast culture, good and quality educational system and other lie time experiences. With Europe encompassing a lot of countries, it then creates a big space for you to make a choice in your preferred country and institution of study.
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