For many students, graduating in Europe is a dream: the continent is home to some of the best universities in the world and has many options to explore.
Continue reading to find out more information about how to be admitted to colleges in Europe, the main higher education institutions, as well as the costs and scholarships available.
Advantages of studying at a university in Europe
Courses in English
Due to the linguistic diversity in Europe, many higher education courses are conducted in English, thus eliminating the language barrier and making the continent an accessible destination for students from all over the world. More than 1000 programs are offered in the language. Additionally, there are numerous opportunities to learn a third language.
More affordable prices
Generally, graduation costs in Europe are more affordable than in other popular destinations, such as the United States. Certain institutions may also offer discounts to European citizens.
Diversity
Europe has a wide range of countries and universities for students to choose from. From Italy, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Germany and more, there is sure to be a college that is perfect for you and your goals.
Job opportunity
In several European countries, students have the chance to work during their studies and after graduation, which enriches their experience. In the Netherlands and Ireland, for example, graduates can work for up to a year after completing their course, while in Germany this period can extend up to a year and a half.
What is the application process for universities in Europe like?
When it comes to entering university in Europe, each country and institution has its own admission process and requirements.
It is essential to understand that some European universities may require a preparatory year (Foundation Year) for students from schools with the national curriculum, as Brazilian high school is 12 years long and European high school is 13. However, for those who have completed international curricula, such as IB, AP, Abitur, Bacc , among others, the student can enter the university directly.
Additionally, colleges may require a minimum level of proficiency in the language spoken in the country where they are located, even if the course is taught in English. For example, the University of Zurich and the Technical University of Munich require a minimum level of proficiency in German (C1).
Although the process varies depending on the destination and chosen institution, these are the general criteria for applying to universities in Europe:
ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS (75% WEIGHT)
- School transcript
From 9th grade of Elementary School to 3rd year of High School.
- Standardized exams
Some universities or courses require specific admission tests, such as the Bocconi exam, the Selectivity exam in Spain or the IMAT in Italy. Other institutions may accept the SAT or ACT.
- Proof of language proficiency
Language proficiency certificates such as TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo (DET) or Cambridge are often required, as are specific certificates for other languages such as CILS for Italian or DELF for French.
- Letter of recommendation and motivation
The letter of recommendation, written by teachers or other educators, is used as a reference to the student’s performance in the classroom and in the school community. On the other hand, the motivation letter is written by the student himself, being an opportunity to demonstrate the reasons why he wants to study at the institution.
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES AND LEADERSHIP (15% WEIGHT)
ESSAYS AND INTERVIEWS (10% WEIGHT)
The best universities in Europe and their acceptance rates
The best European universities generally accept between 7% and 15% of applicants, which shows the high academic standard and the great demand for a good education on the continent. Therefore, students who wish to enter prestigious and competitive institutions need to have excellent preparation throughout their application.
Best universities in Europe
- University of Oxford – UK
- University of Cambridge – UK
- Imperial College London – UK
- ETH Zurich – Switzerland
- University College London – UK
- University of Edinburgh – UK
- Technical University of Munich – Germany
- École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne – Switzerland
- King’s College London – UK
- LMU Munich – Germany
- Paris Sciences et Lettres – PSL Research University – Paris France
- KU Leuven – Belgium
- University Heidelberg – Germany
- Delft University of Technology – Netherlands
- Karolinska Institute – Sweden
- University of Manchester – UK
- Université Paris-Saclay – France
- University of Amsterdam – Netherlands
- Wageningen University & Research – Netherlands
- Institut Polytechnique de – Paris France
- Sorbonne University – France
- Leiden University – Netherlands
- University of Groningen – Netherlands
How much does a degree cost in Europe? What about scholarships?
University costs in Europe can vary greatly depending on the country and institution chosen. However, it is possible to give an idea of the price ranges that students can expect when planning their studies.
Public universities
Public universities in Europe generally have more affordable tuition fees than private institutions. On average, students can expect to pay between 6,000 and 15,000 euros annually , without considering living costs. Some countries, such as Germany and Norway, offer free or very low tuition for international students at certain universities.
Private universities
Annual costs at these institutions in Europe generally range from 8,000 to 57,000 euros . Again, it is important to remember that these values can vary significantly depending on the country, the course chosen and the prestige of the college.
Scholarships
Many colleges in Europe have scholarship and financial assistance programs aimed at international students, which can help reduce educational costs. Some institutions also grant discounts to students with European citizenship.
It’s important to note that these grants usually only cover part of the costs; It is rare to get a full scholarship at a European university.
Be sure to check the university website or contact the admissions department for detailed information about available scholarships.
Do you want to be accepted into the best universities in Europe?
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