44 countries. 5,000+ universities. One admissions system.
Europe hosts over 1.33 million international students, with 50,000+ from India. The European Higher Education Area and ECTS credits mean your degree is recognised across the continent — and 688 European universities sit in the QS rankings.
Country comparison 2026
Tuition and living costs are per year / per month for non-EU students. Figures as published; verify before you apply.
| Country | Tuition / year | Living / month | Min IELTS | Post-study work | Work while studying |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Germany | €0 public | €850–€1,100 | 6.0–6.5 | 18 months | 120 full / 240 half days |
| United Kingdom | £10,000–£38,000 | £900–£1,500 | 6.0–7.0 | 2 years | 20 hrs/week |
| France | €178–€3,941 | €700–€1,200 | 6.0–6.5 | Up to 2 yrs (APS) | 20 hrs/week |
| Ireland | €6,000–€20,000 | €1,240–€1,880 | 6.5 | 2 years | 20 hrs/week |
| Netherlands | €8,000–€20,000 | €900–€1,300 | 6.0–6.5 | 12 months | 16 hrs/week |
| Italy | €900–€4,000 | €700–€1,100 | 6.0 | 12 months | 20 hrs/week |
| Spain | €750–€2,500 | €650–€1,000 | 6.0 | 12 months | 20–30 hrs/week |
| Poland | €2,000–€6,000 | €500–€800 | 6.0 | 9-month permit | 20 hrs/week |
| Switzerland | CHF 1,000–4,000 | CHF 2,000–5,000 | 6.5 | 6 months | 15 hrs/week |
| Finland | €8,000–€18,000 | €700–€1,100 | 6.0–6.5 | Up to 12 months | 25 hrs/week |
| Norway | NOK 80k–250k | €900–€1,300 | 6.5 | 2 years | 20 hrs/week |
| Denmark | €6,000–€16,000 | €900–€1,400 | 6.5–7.0 | 3 years | 20 hrs/week |
| Sweden | SEK 80k–200k | €900–€1,200 | 5.5–6.5 | 12 months | No official limit |
| Luxembourg | €400–€800 | €1,805 | 6.5 | 12 months | 15 hrs/week |
Cost of studying
Bachelor’s €2,000–€15,000/yr and Master’s €3,000–€20,000/yr for non-EU students. Accommodation €300–€900/mo, food €150–€300/mo, health insurance €200–€1,000/yr.
Visas
There is no Schengen study visa. You need a Long-Stay National (Type D) visa or residence permit — apply about three months before your intake. Proof of funds runs €7,000–€12,000 a year.
Intakes
September/October is the primary intake across Europe; February/March spring intakes are smaller. Germany’s winter deadline is 15 July, summer 15 January.
In-demand jobs after graduation
Average annual salaries across Europe, as published on the source guides.
All destinations
Applying for the next intake?
Deadlines close months before term starts. Get your timeline mapped this week.