Best Places to Study in Europe

Table of contents

1. Germany

2. Sweden

3. United Kingdom

4. The Netherlands

5. Spain

But deciding on a place to study in Europe can be a difficult decision, with lots of exciting locations to choose from. In this blog, we check out some of the best places for students in Europe where you could consider going for this unique experience.

Germany

Germany is a great option if you’re thinking about studying abroad, offering diverse landscapes, thriving international centres, and a range of delicious food to sample.

Munich and Berlin both came in the top ten in the QS Best Student Cities 2024 at number 5 and number 8 respectively, showing the popularity and satisfaction of those who come to study in Germany. [1]

There are a multitude of activities students can participate in this country when not studying, such as hiking through the beautiful countryside, skiing in the alps, or hanging out at one of Germany’s many lakes with friends.

As a student living here, you could look to spend €867 a month on average, which can include costs such as your rent, tuition fees and other living costs, with rents usually varying between €290 and €560 per month [2]

As a global hub of technology and innovation, Germany holds many graduate opportunities if you wish to stay when your studies are completed. Some of the country’s main industries are:

• Healthcare

• Engineering

• IT

• Finance

• Automotive

Sweden

Also on our list of best study abroad locations is Stockholm, which has lots to offer for international students.

With a population of nearly 1 million people, Stockholm is an ideal choice for students to live, where they can take advantage of the city’s reputation for stunning art as well as one of the city’s many walking trails, such as Vinterviken.

Another perfect location for students in Sweden is Upssala, with a population of 177,000. This is home to the oldest university in the country and has an esteemed reputation for educational excellence.

To get around in Sweden, students can benefit from the country’s efficient transport system, consisting of high-speed trains, a metro system and trams. Make use of these modes of travel in your downtime to take part in popular activities such as hanging out at one of Sweden’s many lakes or skiing in popular areas like Ǻre, Hemavan or Sälen.

United Kingdom

The UK is another country that makes our list of best places to study in Europe, with almost 680,000 international students opting to study here in the 2021-2022 academic year.[3]

There are plenty of locations for students to live in that are suitable for different lifestyle needs and preferences, including:

• Edinburgh: the Scottish capital is famous for its neo-classical and medieval architecture and diverse history, and has a population of more than 500,000 people.

• London: the nation's capital, London, is home to nearly 9 million people. An international hub for business and finance, notable sites to visit when you study here include the Tower of London, the Houses of Parliament and Hyde Park.

• Oxford: known for its world-renowned university, Oxford is nicknamed the ‘City of Dreaming Spires’. Students can enjoy studying in this city full of interesting historical sites and wander around the streets taking in its Gothic and Baroque architecture.

The country’s transport network comprises of underground systems, trams, buses and high-speed trains to name a few. For domestic and international airports, students are well situated in the UK, with London alone having six major airports.

Additionally, if you wished to stay in the UK after the completion of your studies, some of the top industry sectors for graduates include:

• Investment banking

• Accounting

• Engineering

• IT

• Marketing

• Human resources

Have a look at our useful guide that details the steps of applying to study in the UK to give you an idea of what you can expect during this process.

The Netherlands

The Netherlands saw the highest increase in the number of international students in Europe in the 2021-2022 academic year, seeing a growth of 11% in the total number studying here.[4]

An attractive feature of living in the Netherlands is its excellent transport networks. There are high-speed trains allow for easy travel between the country’s different cities, trams that provide convenient local travel, and major international airports such as Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport that offer efficient journeys to many destinations around the world.

Locations you could consider living in when studying in the Netherlands include:

• Nijmegen: the country’s oldest city, Nijmegen has a population of 170,000 people and is recognised for its cultural festivals and abundance of outdoor areas and its famous square, the Grote Markt.

• Amsterdam: the nation’s capital, Amsterdam is famous for its winding canals, arched bridges and numerous educational museums. With a population of over 800,000 people, it is ideal for students who enjoy bustling city life.

• Rotterdam: this port city is the second largest in Amsterdam situated on the country’s west coast, where central features include its distinctive architecture as well as the stunning harbour.

• Eindhoven: a centre for technology and creativity, Eindhoven is another option for international students. It’s excellent for those who like a smaller city feel, with only 200,000 residents living here.

Life in the Netherlands is perfect for students who like being outdoors, with verdant landscapes and stunning farms to explore in the countryside around you. With a huge cycling culture, you can travel around the country taking in the views while also doing some exercise.

Spain

For your time studying abroad in Europe, Spain is another choice to consider. In the 2021-2022 academic year, its number of international students reached a record high, with 224,080 opting to study here.[5]

There are many locations across Spain that are ideal for students. You could prefer the Mediterranean city of Barcelona, known for its sandy beaches, distinctive Gaudi architecture, and its world-famous football club. Or you might favour the capital Madrid, which ranked in the QS’ top student cities 2024 at number 27, renowned for its extensive art collections and stunning green spaces.

Spain is also ideal for those who enjoy sunny weather, with many areas of the country experiencing mild temperatures all year around. This presents the perfect opportunity for students to take part in outdoor activities, which can range from adventuring in one of the country’s many national parks, swimming or snorkelling in the surrounding seas, or playing the country’s national sport, football.

If you’re considering studying abroad, check out our blog about some of its key benefits that you could enjoy.