10 Best European Countries for International Students 2025

In recent years, Europe has become a popular place for international students. More and more students are choosing to study in Europe because of good education and rich cultures. European Countries offer many study programs, top universities, and chances to work after graduation.

Studying in Europe means you can attend world-class universities. You will find affordable education and experience in different cultures. Want to know more about the best European countries for international students in 2025? This guide is just about that.

You’ll learn what makes each country special based on the latest data. From tuition fees to job chances, this guide will help you pick the right country for your studies. So, let’s dive in!

Top 10 Best European Countries for International Students in 2025

Let’s now look at the countries that are great for international students in 2025. We ranked them based on education quality, affordability, post-study work opportunities Europe, and student life. Each country offers a mix of unique advantages.

1. Germany

Germany is undoubtedly one of the best places for international students. It has top-ranked universities, strong research programs, and low tuition fees. Many courses are in English, making it easier for students worldwide.

The country has a mix of history, modern cities, and student-friendly places. Cities like Berlin, Munich, and Hamburg offer museums, nightlife, and festivals. Smaller towns like Heidelberg and Göttingen have a more peaceful student atmosphere. There are many student clubs, sports teams, and cultural events. Oktoberfest, Christmas markets, and music festivals make student life exciting.

Top Universities in Germany

• Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU Munich)
• Technical University of Munich (TUM)
• Heidelberg University
• Humboldt University of Berlin
• University of Freiburg
• RWTH Aachen University
• University of Mannheim

Cost of Living and Tuition Fees

One of the biggest reasons students choose Germany is affordability. Public universities there do not charge any tuition fees. However, students need to pay an administrative fee of around €100 to €350.

Living costs depend on the city. In cities like Munich, Frankfurt, or Berlin, students may need €1,000 to €1,500 per month. Smaller cities like Leipzig or Freiburg are cheaper, costing around €800 to €1,200 per month.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

• DAAD Scholarships
• Erasmus+
• Deutschlandstipendium
• Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarships

Language of Instruction

Bachelor’s degrees are mostly in German, but some universities have English-taught options. Master’s and PhD programs have many English courses. German-taught programs commonly require TestDaF or DSH exams. For English programs, students need IELTS (6.0–7.5) or TOEFL (80–100).

Visa and Work Opportunities

Non-EU students do need a visa to study in Germany. Specifically, they require a National Visa Type D. They also need to show financial proof of around €11,904 in a blocked account for the first year.

Germany allows students to work 120 full days or 240 half days per year. After graduation, students can stay for 18 months to find a job. If they get a job, they can apply for a work permit or EU Blue Card.

2. Netherlands

The Netherlands is another popular destination for international students. It has high-quality education, modern cities, and a welcoming culture. Many universities rank among the best in Europe. This country has a fun and diverse student life.

Cities like Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Utrecht have a mix of history, nightlife, and modern culture. Universities have many clubs, sports teams, and international student groups. Events like King’s Day, music festivals, and Christmas markets make life exciting.

Top Universities in the Netherlands

• University of Amsterdam (UvA)
• Delft University of Technology (TU Delft)
• Utrecht University
• Erasmus University Rotterdam
• Leiden University
• Wageningen University & Research
• Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam)

Cost of Living and Tuition Fees

Tuition fees in the Netherlands depend on nationality and program type.

• EU/EEA students: Around €2,530 per year for most bachelor’s programs.
• Non-EU students: Between €6,000 and €15,000 per year for bachelor’s degrees.
• Master’s programs: Costs range from €8,000 to €20,000 per year.

Living expenses greatly vary by city. Amsterdam and Rotterdam are expensive, with costs around €1,200 to €1,800 per month. Smaller cities like Groningen and Eindhoven are cheaper, around €900 to €1,400 per month.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

There are many scholarships available for international students. Some major ones include:

• NL Scholarship
• Erasmus Mundus Scholarships
• Orange Tulip Scholarship
• NN Future Matters Scholarship

Language of Instruction

The Netherlands offers over 2,000 English-taught programs. Most master’s and bachelor’s degrees are available in English. For Dutch-taught programs, students need NT2-II (Dutch language test). For English programs, students need IELTS (6.0–7.5) or TOEFL (80–100).

Visa and Work Opportunities

Students from non-EU countries need a student visa (MVV) and a residence permit. They must show financial proof of about €15,000 per year for living costs. After graduation, students get a one-year “orientation year” visa.

Work rules for students:

• EU/EEA students – Can work freely without restrictions.
• Non-EU students – Can work 16 hours per week during the academic year or full-time in the summer. A work permit is needed for jobs.

3. Sweden

Another top study destination in Europe is Sweden. It has world-class universities, modern research facilities, and a strong focus on innovation. You’ll have a high quality of life, sustainability, and a friendly atmosphere there.

Sweden has a relaxed and student-friendly culture. Cities like Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Uppsala have great nightlife, cafes, and student clubs. There are many outdoor activities like skiing, hiking, and exploring nature. Sweden also has unique traditions like Midsummer festivals, Lucia celebrations, and crayfish parties.

Top Universities in Sweden

• Lund University
• KTH Royal Institute of Technology
• Uppsala University
• Stockholm University
• Chalmers University of Technology
• University of Gothenburg
• Linköping University

Cost of Living and Tuition Fees

Tuition fees in Sweden depend on nationality and program type.

• EU/EEA students: No tuition fees for bachelor’s and master’s programs.
• Non-EU students: Tuition fees range from €8,000 to €22,000 per year.

Living costs in Sweden are higher than in many European countries. On average, students need €900 to €1,500 per month. Stockholm and Gothenburg are more expensive, while cities like Uppsala and Lund are slightly cheaper.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

Sweden offers several scholarships to help international students. Some of the best options include:

• Swedish Institute Scholarships
• University-specific scholarships
• Erasmus+ and other EU grants

Language of Instruction

Sweden offers many English-taught programs at both bachelor’s and master’s levels. It has over 1,000 English programs. For Swedish-taught programs, students need TISUS (Test in Swedish for University Studies). For English programs, students need IELTS (6.5–7.5) or TOEFL (90–100).

Visa and Work Opportunities

Non-EU students need a residence permit for their studies. They must show proof of funds, around €10,000 per year, for living costs.

Work rules:

• EU/EEA students – Can work freely without restrictions.
• Non-EU students – Can work with no hourly limit while studying.

4. France

France is one of the top European study destinations. It has top universities, affordable tuition, and a rich cultural experience. The country offers an exciting student life with amazing culture, food, and travel opportunities.

Cities like Paris, Lyon, Toulouse, and Bordeaux have vibrant student communities. You can enjoy cafés, museums, concerts, and festivals. Their popular traditions include Bastille Day, wine festivals, and Christmas markets.

Top Universities in France

• Sorbonne University
• École Normale Supérieure (ENS Paris)
• University of Paris-Saclay
• HEC Paris (Top business school)
• Sciences Po Paris (Best for political science and social studies)
• École Polytechnique (Top engineering school)
• Aix-Marseille University

Cost of Living and Tuition Fees

France is known for affordable tuition fees, especially at public universities.

• EU/EEA students: Tuition is very low, around €170 to €650 per year.
• Non-EU students: Bachelor’s programs cost about €2,800 per year, and master’s programs cost €3,800 per year.
• Grandes Écoles and business schools: Fees are higher, ranging from €10,000 to €30,000 per year.

Living costs depend on the city. Paris is expensive, requiring about €1,300 to €1,800 per month. Other cities like Lyon, Toulouse, and Nantes are cheaper, around €800 to €1,200 per month.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

France offers many scholarships to international students. Some of the top ones include:

• Eiffel Excellence Scholarship
• Émile Boutmy Scholarship
• Erasmus+ Grants
• Campus France Scholarships

Language of Instruction

For French-taught programs, students need a B2 or C1 level in French. The DELF and DALF exams prove French proficiency. For English programs, students need IELTS (6.0–7.5) or TOEFL (80–100). France offers many English-taught programs as well, especially at the master’s level.

Visa and Work Opportunities

Non-EU students need a long-stay student visa (VLS-TS). They must prove they have at least €615 per month for living expenses. After graduation, non-EU students can apply for a one-year post-study work visa.

Work rules:

• EU/EEA students – Can work freely without restrictions.
• Non-EU students – Can work 964 hours per year (about 20 hours per week). No extra work permit is needed.

5. United Kingdom

There’s no doubt the UK is one of the best places to study in Europe. It has world-famous universities, a rich history, and a multicultural environment. Its high-quality education makes it a top choice for international students. Most students choose the UK for its English-speaking environment and global job market.

The UK has a lively student life with historic cities, modern campuses, and exciting events. Cities like London, Edinburgh, Manchester, and Bristol have vibrant student communities. Students can enjoy pub nights, sports events, music festivals, and cultural activities. Popular traditions include Bonfire Night, Christmas markets, and football matches.

Top Universities in the UK

The UK has over 160 universities. Some of the most popular and globally-ranked universities are:

• University of Oxford
• University of Cambridge
• Imperial College London
• London School of Economics (LSE)
• University of Edinburgh
• King’s College London
• University of Manchester

Cost of Living and Tuition Fees

The cost of studying in the UK depends on the university and location.

• EU/EEA & Non-EU students: Tuition fees range from £10,000 to £38,000 per year.
• Medicine and MBA programs can cost over £40,000 per year.

Living costs depend on the city. London is the most expensive, with students needing around £1,400 to £1,800 per month. Other cities like Manchester, Birmingham, and Glasgow are cheaper, requiring £900 to £1,300 per month.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

The UK offers many scholarships for international students. Some of the top ones include:

• Chevening Scholarships
• Commonwealth Scholarships
• GREAT Scholarships
• University-specific scholarships

Language of Instruction

All programs are taught in English in UK universities. So, students need to prove their language proficiency with:

• IELTS (6.0–7.5)
• TOEFL (80–100)
• PTE Academic (50–75)

Visa and Work Opportunities

Non-UK students need a Student Visa (Tier 4). They must prove they have enough funds for tuition and living costs.

Work rules:

• Student visa holders – Can work 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during holidays.
• EU/EEA students – Need a visa after Brexit but have the same work rights.

After graduation, students can apply for the Graduate Route Visa. It allows them to stay and work in the UK for 2 years (3 years for PhD students).

6. Spain

Spain is a great place for international students. It has top universities, affordable tuition, and a warm climate. The country is known for its rich history, lively culture, and relaxed lifestyle. Many students choose Spain for its low living costs, beautiful cities, and welcoming atmosphere.

Cities like Barcelona, Madrid, Seville, and Valencia are full of student activities. Students can enjoy flamenco shows, tapas nights, beach parties, and football matches. Popular traditions include La Tomatina, Running of the Bulls, and Semana Santa.

Top Universities in Spain

• University of Barcelona
• Autonomous University of Madrid
• Pompeu Fabra University
• Complutense University of Madrid
• University of Valencia
• IE Business School (Top-ranked for business studies)
• University of Navarra

Cost of Living and Tuition Fees

Spain is one of the most affordable study destinations in Europe. Tuition fees there range from €700 to €3,500 per year. Fees are higher in Private universities, ranging from €6,000 to €20,000 per year.

Living costs majorly depend on the city. Madrid and Barcelona are more expensive, with students needing around €1,000 to €1,500 per month. Other cities like Valencia, Seville, and Granada are cheaper, costing around €700 to €1,000 per month.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

Spain offers many scholarships to international students. Some of the top ones include:

• Erasmus+ Grants
• MAEC-AECID Scholarships
• La Caixa Foundation Scholarships
• University-specific scholarships

Language of Instruction

Spain offers many programs in both Spanish and English.

• For Spanish-taught programs, students need a B1 or B2 level in Spanish. The DELE exam proves Spanish proficiency.
• For English-taught programs, students need IELTS (6.0–7.0) or TOEFL (80–100).

Visa and Work Opportunities

Non-EU students need a student visa to study in Spain. They must show proof of admission and financial stability. After graduation, non-EU students can apply for a one-year post-study work visa to find a job. There are 20 hours per week for non-EU students.

7. Italy

Italy is a dream destination for international students who are interested in business, fashion, or design. It has top universities, low tuition fees, and a rich cultural heritage. The country is famous for its history, architecture, and delicious food.

Italy offers an amazing student life with historic cities, delicious food, and exciting events. Cities like Rome, Milan, Florence, and Bologna are full of student activities. Students can enjoy wine tastings, opera nights, local markets, and football matches. Their popular traditions include Venice Carnival, Siena’s Palio horse race, and Milan Fashion Week.

Top Universities in Italy

• University of Bologna
• Sapienza University of Rome
• University of Milan
• Politecnico di Milano (Top for engineering and design)
• University of Padua
• Bocconi University (Top for business and economics)
• University of Florence

Cost of Living and Tuition Fees

Italy is one of the most affordable countries in Western Europe for international students.

• Public universities: Tuition fees range from €900 to €4,000 per year.
• Private universities: Fees can be higher, between €6,000 and €20,000 per year.

Living costs depend on the city. Rome and Milan are more expensive, with students needing around €1,000 to €1,500 per month. Smaller cities like Bologna, Turin, and Florence are cheaper, costing around €700 to €1,200 per month.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

Italy offers many scholarships for international students. Some of the top ones include:

• Italian Government Scholarships
• Erasmus+ Grants
• Regional Scholarships
• University-specific scholarships

Language of Instruction

Italy offers programs in both Italian and English. For Italian-taught programs, students need a B1 or B2 level in Italian. The CILS or CELI exams prove language proficiency. For English-taught programs, students need IELTS (6.0–7.0) or TOEFL (80–100).

Visa and Work Opportunities

When applying for a visa, non-EU students must show proof of university admission and financial stability. They can work 20 hours per week with a work permit. After graduation, students can apply for a 12-month post-study work permit to find a job.

8. Switzerland

Switzerland is a fantastic place for international students. Known for its high-quality lifestyle and stunning natural beauty, Switzerland is a great choice. The country offers a high standard of living. But it can be a bit more expensive than other European destinations.

Students can enjoy skiing, hiking, Swiss chocolate, and fondue nights. Switzerland is a safe and clean country, perfect for outdoor activities. Swiss National Day, Basel Carnival, and Montreux Jazz Festival are some of the popular traditions there.

Top Universities in Switzerland

• ETH Zurich
• EPFL (École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne)
• University of Zurich
• University of Geneva
• University of St. Gallen
• University of Lausanne

Cost of Living and Tuition Fees

Switzerland is known for its high living costs. However, students can find ways to manage their expenses. Public universities’ tuition fees can range from CHF 1,000 to CHF 6,000 per year. Fees can be higher in private universities, around CHF 10,000 to CHF 30,000 per year.

Living costs are high, especially in cities like Zurich, Geneva, and Lausanne, where students need around CHF 1,500 to CHF 2,000 per month. Smaller cities and towns are cheaper, costing about CHF 1,200 to CHF 1,500 per month.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

• Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships
• ETH Zurich Scholarships
• EPFL Excellence Fellowships
• University-specific scholarships

Language of Instruction

Switzerland has 4 official languages: German, French, Italian, and Romansh. Most universities offer programs in English.

• For English-taught programs, students need IELTS (6.5–7.0) or TOEFL (90–100).
• For German or French-taught programs, students must prove their language proficiency with the TestDaF or DELF/DALF exams.

Visa and Work Opportunities

Non-EU students must provide proof of acceptance, financial support, and accommodation when applying for a visa. Non-EU students can work 15 hours per week during term time. After graduation, non-EU students can apply for a 6-month job search visa to look for work.

9. Denmark

With a strong economy, Denmark has a high level of safety and a welcoming atmosphere for students. Denmark is famous for its hygge (cosy and comfortable lifestyle). It’s another top choice for international students who want a quality education and student-friendly cities. The country also hosts many cultural events, such as Copenhagen Jazz Festival, Roskilde Festival, and Copenhagen Fashion Week.

Top Universities in Denmark

• University of Copenhagen (One of the top universities in Europe)
• Aarhus University
• Technical University of Denmark (DTU)
• Copenhagen Business School
• Aalborg University
• University of Southern Denmark

Cost of Living and Tuition Fees

Denmark can be quite expensive compared to other European countries. However, the quality of education and student support make it worthwhile.

• Public universities: Tuition fees for non-EU students range from €6,000 to €16,000 per year.
• Private universities: Fees are typically higher, around €10,000 to €20,000 per year.

Living costs in cities like Copenhagen are higher, with students needing around DKK 6,000 to DKK 8,000 per month (approximately €800 to €1,100). Smaller towns are more affordable, costing around DKK 5,000 to DKK 7,000 per month.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

Denmark offers several scholarships for international students, including:

• Danish Government Scholarships
• Erasmus+ Grants
• University-specific scholarships
• Danish State Educational Grants

Language of Instruction

Denmark offers many English programs, especially at the master’s level. Students need IELTS (6.5–7.0) or TOEFL (80–100) for English-taught programs.

Visa and Work Opportunities

Non-EU students need a student visa to study in Denmark. They must show proof of university admission and sufficient financial support. They can work up to 20 hours per week during their stay.

10. Austria

Austria is an amazing destination for international students. Known for its high-quality education, beautiful landscapes, and vibrant culture, Austria is a wonderful place to live and study. Students enjoy outdoor activities like skiing in the Alps, hiking, and cycling.

Additionally, Austria is famous for its classical music, opera, and art, with events like the Vienna Philharmonic Concerts and Salzburg Festival. Popular traditions include the Austrian Ball Season, Christmas Markets, and the Vienna Opera Ball.

Top Universities in Austria

• University of Vienna
• Vienna University of Technology (TU Wien)
• University of Innsbruck
• University of Graz
• Vienna University of Economics and Business (WU)
• Graz University of Technology

Cost of Living and Tuition Fees

Austria is much more affordable compared to other Western European countries. Tuition fees for non-EU students range from €1,500 to €3,500 per year at public universities. EU students can study for free or at a reduced rate.

Living costs are moderate. In Vienna, students need around €900 to €1,200 per month for rent, food, and other expenses. In smaller cities like Graz or Linz, students can live for €700 to €1,000 per month.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

• Austria Government Scholarships
• Erasmus+ Grants
• University-specific scholarships
• OeAD Scholarships

Language of Instruction

Students need IELTS (6.0–7.0) or TOEFL (80–100) for English-taught programs. German is the official language in Austria, so German-taught programs require a B2 level of proficiency.

Visa and Work Opportunities

• EU/EEA students – Can work without restrictions.
• Non-EU students – Can work 20 hours per week during term time.

Best European Countries for Students Comparison

Scholarships and Financial Aid for International Students in Europe

Many European countries offer scholarships to help international students afford their studies. According to the European Commission, more than 180,000 students benefited from Erasmus+ scholarships in 2020. The success rate for scholarships varies depending on the country and program. However, most scholarships are competitive, and award rates can range from 5% to 25%.

In the UK, for instance, Chevening Scholarships have a success rate of around 1-3%. Meanwhile, in Germany, DAAD’s Germany Scholarship offers funding to about 5-10% of applicants.

Let’s see some of the most popular scholarship programs for international students are:

Erasmus+ Scholarships

Erasmus+ is the largest EU program for education, training, youth, and sport. It provides scholarships for students from the EU and non-EU countries to study at participating European universities. Erasmus+ scholarships cover travel, tuition, and living costs.

DAAD Scholarships (Germany)

Germany offers many scholarships for international students through the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). DAAD provides funding for graduate and doctoral programs.

Swedish Institute Scholarships

Sweden offers scholarships for master’s students from certain countries. The Swedish Institute covers tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs.

French Government Scholarships

France offers several government scholarships for international students. These scholarships are often aimed at master’s and doctoral students. They cover tuition fees and living costs for students from outside the EU.

Netherlands Scholarship Program

The Holland Scholarship is available to students from outside the EU who wish to study in the Netherlands. It offers a one-time grant to help with tuition fees.

Career Opportunities and Post-Graduation Prospects

After finishing their studies, many students want to find a job. Europe offers many chances for international students to start their careers. You can expect huge opportunities after graduation in these top European countries.

Germany is great for graduates. It has strong industries like engineering, business, and IT. Cities like Munich and Berlin have many job openings. In the Netherlands, students have good job options as well. Amsterdam is full of start-ups.

Not to mention, the United Kingdom has one of the strongest job markets. London is a key financial center. Many graduates go into banking, finance, and tech.

Meanwhile, Sweden and Austria are great places for those studying technology, engineering, and design. Graduates can find jobs in software development and digital marketing in these countries.

France and Italy are globally well-known for industries like fashion, design, business, and engineering. Paris is a global centre for these areas, and Milan is simply a fashion hub. Switzerland has a very strong job market with high salaries, too. The country is home to top biotech and pharmaceutical companies.

Internship Opportunities and Networking Strategies

Internships are a great way for students to gain work experience and build their networks. Most European countries offer a variety of internship opportunities. Here’s how to get the most out of them:

• Use your university’s career services: They can help you find internships and job fairs.
• Attend networking events and job fairs: This is a great way to meet potential employers.
• Apply early: Many internships have early application deadlines.
• Use LinkedIn: Connect with professionals in your field and join groups related to your interests.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

There are some of the best European countries for international students in the country. Europe offers top universities, affordable options, and exciting student life. Students can also work part-time and apply for post-graduation work visas. The cost of living varies, but many cities are budget-friendly. Plus, Europe offers rich cultural experiences and safe student environments. With worldwide recognized degrees and great career opportunities, studying in Europe can really be great. Now, it’s time to pick the country that fits your goals!