Best universities Europe – where to study?

The best universities in Europe

Europe is an old continent, and many seats of learning, which evolved into the universities we find today, were first established 800 years ago, so it is not surprising that it also boasts some of the best universities in the world.

The 2021 rankings demonstrate that 35 of the top 100 global universities are found in Europe. Over time, the old, prestigious universities have been joined by a new generation of institutions which focus on practical skills rather than simply research, and work closely with industry, business, government departments and charities to tackle the problems facing our world.

Universities of Applied Sciences have sprung up in many countries, and it is here that students who want to put theory into practice and have a hands-on education tend to flock. Austria, Belgium, Finland, Germany, Greece, the Netherlands, Sweden and Switzerland all offer courses which focus on practical knowledge and industry-based skills, alongside placements and internships within your field, at their Universities of Applied Sciences. It is therefore important that, when you are deciding on a university in Europe, that you consider what type of studying best meets your career goals, interests and expectations.

The best universities in Europe – the official rankings

Top tier:

Second tier:

Please note that tuition fees vary significantly between public and private universities. If you want to discuss finances, scholarships and tuition fees, give us a call here at Elab, or drop us an email, so we will provide you with up to date information about the best universities in Europe.

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What is meant by the term „best universities in Europe”?

At this point, it is important to recognise that what is best for you may well not be best for me. Choosing the right European university is more than taking a pencil and running it down a list of rankings. When you are considering where to apply, you have think about a whole range of issues. First of all, does the course outline reflect your interests? Will the style of teaching suit the way you learn? Moreover, do you want to focus on traditional or practical education?

Secondly, remember that wherever you decide to study will be your home for three or more years. Consequently, location is a key consideration. Do you want to study in a small town or city, by the sea or in the middle of a capital? Does the weather matter to you? If so, perhaps Spain, with its hot climate and balmy winters will be a better choice than somewhere like Oslo or Helsinki, where winters are long and cold.

If you are a highly sociable person, open to new cultures and keen to explore the magic and history of Eastern Europe, then Poland or Russia might be a perfect option. History buffs, in contrast, would no doubt love to study in the heart of antiquity and might decide that they wish to study in Italy or Greece. However, if you are interested in cutting edge technology and industrial breakthroughs, Germany could well suit you better. Finance and economics students would find Switzerland, the home of banking and investment, an ideal environment .

Where are the best universities in Europe?

The best universities in Europe are those where you gain an outstanding education, and combine academic excellence with an environment which meets all your personal and leisure needs. Another point which you need to bear in mind is that universities excel in some subjects more than others. For example, if you are interested in studying business and economics, the following institutions are „best”:

Erasmus University Rotterdam (the Netherlands)
Bocconi University (Italy)
Tilburg University (the Netherlands)
Copenhagen Business School (CBS) (Denmark)

However, if you are looking to enrol on an MBA course, then the list changes, and includes:

IMD (Switzerland)
INSEAD (France)
HEC Paris (France)
Bocconi University (Italy)
IESE Business School (Spain/USA)
University of St. Gallen (HSG) (Switzerland)
IE Business School (Spain)
University of Mannheim (Germany)
ESADE (Spain)
Erasmus University Rotterdam (the Netherlands)
Copenhagen Business School (CBS) (Denmark)
Tilburg University (the Netherlands)
Aalto University (Finland)
University of Groningen (the Netherlands)

The University of Birmingham

Why study in Belgium?

UCL – University College London

Dartmouth College

The University of California, Santa Barbara

Queen Mary, University of London

The best universities in Europe for studying medicine

Traditionally, UK students who were interested in taking a medical degree stayed at home, and fought – often unsuccessfully – for a coveted and extremely competitive place on a course, and paid high tuition fees if they were lucky enough to get admitted. It is now possible to gain a medical degree which is recognised in the UK by studying at one of the best universities in Europe, and paying reasonable and affordable fees, which range from 7000 to 22,000 euros a year.

Not all the universities listed below have entrance exams, and of those that do, many hold the examinations in London and do not oblige you to fly in for them. Entrance requirements vary, but European universities normally expect candidates to have passed three A levels – in biology, chemistry, mathematics or physics. The majority of the universities listed below require B grades at A level, with some expecting you to get an A and two Bs. If this is your dream, then contact Elab and as a result we will guide you through the many medical degrees, taught in English, which you can apply to at the best universities in Europe.

You can attend one of the following universities in Europe:

University of Nicosia Medical School (Cyprus)
Plovdiv Medical University (Bulgaria)
Charles University, Prague (Czech Republic)
Humanitas University (Italy)
Palacky University (Czech Republic)
Riga Stradins University (Latvia)
Debrecen University (Hungary)
Lithuanian University of Health Sciences (Lithuania)
Poznań University of Medical Science (Poland)
Zagreb University (Croatia)

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The best universities in Europe – a variety of options

In conclusion, the possibilities of studying at one of the best universities in Europe are many, varied and exciting. Not only will you immerse yourself in a different culture, perhaps learn a new language, but also you will gain an internationally-recognised qualification which will set you on the road to success – at a very reasonable cost.

Contact us at Elab for further information on courses, universities, visas, regulations, registrations, scholarships etc. Therefore, we are here to help you!