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Most prestigious and best universities in Europe
When planning your future, one of the most important things to consider is where you’re going to study. In this regard, Europe offers a wealth of opportunities. The continent is home to many of the world's most prestigious institutions, known for their academic excellence, diverse programs, and rich cultural experiences. We'll take a closer look at some of the best universities in Europe, exploring what makes them stand out and why they continue to attract students from all over the globe.
Europe is a hub of academic excellence, with five of the world's top ten universities located on this continent. Four of these elite institutions are in the United Kingdom, and one is in Switzerland.
What are the requirements for students in Europe?
It's great to know which are the best universities in Europe, but if you don't know how to get in as a student, it's of little use. So, first of all, we are going to take a look at the main requirements to get into these universities and the requirements to obtain a residence permit as a student.
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The European Union's portal provides detailed information about the educational systems across its member countries.
Admission requirements vary significantly across different countries and institutions. Each university has the autonomy to set its own criteria, so it's essential to research the higher education system of the country where you wish to study and the specific requirements of your chosen universities.
While requirements differ widely, some general criteria are commonly expected.
High School Diploma
Generally, a high school diploma is required, and in some countries, the final grade from high school plays a crucial role in university admissions. Certain faculties may set minimum grade thresholds.
Specific Entrance Exams
Depending on the institution and faculty, you may need to take specific entrance exams, such as the EBAU in Spain or the DSH/TestDaF in Germany, with required minimum scores.
Proficiency in English
For non-native English speakers, demonstrating proficiency in English through standardized tests like IELTS or TOEFL is typically necessary. However, specific faculties may have additional language requirements and minimum score criteria.
Knowledge of the Local Language
In some countries, demonstrating proficiency in the local language may be required, especially if the course is taught in that language. This can involve passing a language test.
Letters of Recommendation
While not always necessary, letters of recommendation may be required for certain graduate programs.
Updated CV
An updated CV is often required for master's and higher degree programs, even if it is not mandatory for undergraduate applications.
Admission requirements are usually listed on the university's website. It's crucial to verify the specific requirements for your desired course, as they can vary significantly. Additionally, keep in mind the application deadlines, which can differ based on the country, university, and program.
Visa and document requirements for foreign students
Visa requirements for foreign students in Europe can vary significantly from country to country. However, there are several common documents and criteria that most students will need to fulfil when applying for a student visa.
For the application to the university, you will usually need to provide the following documents:
Something's missing
Make sure you have collected all the documents
*The mandatory items are marked with red asterisks.
Copy of Full Passport
A complete copy of your passport, including all pages, is typically required.
Criminal Record Check
Some countries may require a police clearance certificate or criminal record check to ensure that the applicant does not pose a security risk.
Proof of Admission
You must provide proof of admission to a full-time program at a recognized institution of higher education. This is often a formal letter from the university confirming your acceptance.
Proof of Sufficient Financial Resources
Students must demonstrate they have sufficient funds to cover their living expenses during their stay. This amount varies by country, but authorities cannot require an amount higher than the local standard for basic income support.
Parental Consent for Minors
For students under the age of 18, a parental consent form is usually required.
Health Insurance Certificate
Proof of health insurance that covers medical risks during your stay is essential.
Proof of Accommodation
Evidence of where you will live while studying, such as a rental agreement or a letter from a university dormitory, is often required.
Something's missing
Make sure you have collected all the documents
*The mandatory items are marked with red asterisks.
How to obtain a student visa in Luxembourg
Read articleTop-ranked European universities
Now that we have examined how to access European universities, let's explore the most prestigious ones. Various rankings are available online to help identify the best institutions, and we've chosen to rely on the QS World University Rankings. Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) is the world's leading provider of services, analytics, and insights for the higher education sector. Launched in 2004, the QS World University Rankings have become the most widely referenced source for comparative data on university performance. In 2019 alone, their website received 149 million visits, and there were over 94,000 press citations mentioning QS.
Based on the QS World University Rankings 2025, we will outline the five most prestigious European universities. Interestingly, four of these universities are located in the United Kingdom, with only one situated elsewhere, in Zurich, Switzerland.
Imperial College of London, United Kingdom
Source: Forbes
- Admissions website: imperial.ac.uk
- Tuition fees: from 25,000 to 28,000 pounds per year.
100+ years in operation
Among the best in the world
15 Nobel Prize winners
Specialized in science, technology and medicine
Imperial College London stands prominently among the top-ranked European universities and is also recognized globally for its academic excellence. Regularly featured in the top 10 worldwide, the 2025 QS World University Rankings list it as the second-best university globally. Officially known as the Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine, this public research university was founded in 1907 and is located in the South Kensington area of London, England. It specialises in science, engineering, medicine, and business studies.
Reputation and Notable Alumni
Imperial College boasts an impressive history of contributions to society, including the discovery of penicillin, developments in holography, and advancements in fibre optics. The institution has been associated with 15 Nobel Prize winners, 3 Fields Medalists, and over 70 fellows of the Royal Society.
Alexander Fleming
Pharmacologist and Nobel Laureate. Among its notable alumni is Alexander Fleming, the renowned physician and scientist who discovered penicillin. Fleming studied at St Mary’s Hospital Medical School, which later merged with Imperial College in 1988.
Admissions and Tuition Fees
Imperial College London is one of the most international universities in the world, with 62% of its students in 2021-22 coming from outside the UK, representing over 140 countries. However, gaining admission is highly competitive, with stringent academic and curricular requirements due to the large number of applicants.
The application process varies depending on the level of study, undergraduate, postgraduate, or doctoral, and the specific program chosen. Prospective students can find detailed information on the admissions process on the university's official application page.
Studying at Imperial College London requires significant financial investment. For international students, tuition fees range between 25,000 and 28,000 pounds per year. The exact fees depend on factors such as nationality, course or department, the year of commencement, and available financial aid. Detailed information on tuition and funding options can be found on the university's fees and funding page.
University of Oxford, United Kingdom
- Admissions website: ox.ac.uk
- Tuition fees: from 23,105 to 30,540 pounds per year.
900+ years in operation
Oldest anglophone university
Among the best in the world
Most extensive academic library system in the UK
Ranked just behind Imperial College London, the University of Oxford is another prestigious institution that consistently ranks among the top universities globally and in Europe. According to the 2025 QS World University Rankings, Oxford is the third-best university in the world, closely trailing Imperial College.
Located in Oxford, England, the University of Oxford is a public research university known for its unique structure. Unlike a traditional campus, Oxford's buildings and faculties are spread throughout the city, making the entire city of Oxford a vibrant university town. A quarter of Oxford's population consists of students, giving it the youngest demographic profile in the UK.
Oxford is one of the oldest universities globally, with evidence of teaching as far back as 1096, making it the second oldest university in the world and the oldest in the English-speaking world. The university boasts the world's oldest university museum, the largest university press, and the most extensive academic library system in the UK.
Reputation and Notable Alumni
Oxford's reputation extends beyond its academic excellence. The university has educated many notable individuals, including 29 Nobel laureates, 47 British Prime Ministers, and numerous international heads of state and government.
William Jefferson Clinton
President of the United States from 1993 to 2001. One of its distinguished alumni is Bill Clinton, the 42nd President of the United States. Clinton attended the University College at Oxford before moving on to Yale Law School.
Admissions and Tuition Fees
Admission to the University of Oxford is highly competitive, both academically and financially. The admissions process varies depending on the level of study, undergraduate, postgraduate, or doctoral, and the specific program. Typically, the process involves entrance exams, submission of written essays, and one or more interviews.
For undergraduate studies, applicants must apply a year in advance through the UCAS online application system. More information on the undergraduate application process can be found on Oxford's undergraduate admissions page. For postgraduate programs, details are available on the postgraduate admissions page.
Tuition fees for international students vary by program but generally range from 23,105 to 30,540 pounds per year.
University of Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Admissions website: undergraduate.study.cam.ac.uk, camadmissions.zendesk.com
- Tuition fees: from 24,507 to 63,990 pounds per year.
800+ years in operation
2nd Oldest English-speaking university
Among the best in the world
College university
The University of Cambridge, located in Cambridge, England, is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the world. Founded in 1209, it is the second-oldest English-speaking university and the fourth-oldest surviving university globally. Cambridge was established by scholars who left the University of Oxford after a dispute with the townspeople, thus laying the foundation for its long-standing rivalry with Oxford.
In the 2025 QS World University Rankings, Cambridge is ranked as the fifth-best university globally, making it a top contender in the rank of European universities. Unlike traditional universities with a centralised campus, Cambridge consists of 31 autonomous colleges. Each college is a part of the university but operates independently, managing its own admissions, teaching, and student welfare.
Reputation and Notable Alumni
Cambridge has an illustrious history of producing notable alumni, including leading mathematicians, scientists, politicians, lawyers, philosophers, writers, actors, and heads of state. The university has more Nobel laureates (89) than any other institution.
Isaac Newton
Physicist, mathematician. Among its most famous alumni is Sir Isaac Newton, a key figure in the scientific revolution. Newton's work, particularly in physics and mathematics, laid the groundwork for classical mechanics and included the formulation of the laws of motion and universal gravitation.
Admissions and Tuition Fees
Admission to Cambridge is highly competitive and depends on the level of study, undergraduate, postgraduate, or doctoral, and the specific program. Undergraduate applications are submitted through UCAS, but this is only part of the process. Many candidates must also complete an additional written or verbal test as part of their application. Detailed information about undergraduate admissions can be found on the Cambridge undergraduate admissions portal, and postgraduate admissions information is available on the postgraduate admissions page.
Tuition fees for international students vary widely depending on the program. For undergraduates starting in 2024, tuition fees for UK students are 9,250 pounds per year. For international students, fees range significantly:
£25,734
Anglo-Saxon, Norse, and Celtic; Archaeology; Asian and Middle Eastern Studies and lots of others
£28,704
Mathematics
£33,672
Architecture; Design; Geography; Music
£39,162
Chemical Engineering; Computer Science; Engineering; Management Studies; Manufacturing Engineering; Natural Sciences; Psychological and Behavioural Sciences
£67,194
Medical and Veterinary Science
Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich, Switzerland
150+ years in operation
Among the best in the world
Studies in German and English
Specialized in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics
ETH Zurich, also known as the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich, is a renowned public research university located in Zurich, Switzerland. Founded in 1854, ETH Zurich focuses primarily on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). As a federal institute, it is directly administered by the Swiss government, underscoring its importance in Swiss higher education.
In the 2025 QS World University Rankings, ETH Zurich was ranked as the 7th best university globally, highlighting its excellence in various fields of study.
Reputation and Notable Alumni
ETH Zurich is particularly esteemed in the fields of chemistry, mathematics, and physics. The university has been a home and training ground for many distinguished scientists, including the legendary Albert Einstein and the polymath John von Neumann. Over 20 Nobel laureates have been associated with ETH Zurich, either as students or faculty, underscoring its significant impact on global scientific research. Albert Einstein was perhaps the most famous of its alumni.
Albert Einstein
Theoretical physicist. Albert Einstein was a theoretical physicist renowned for developing the theory of relativity, one of the two pillars of modern physics. His equation E=mc², which describes the equivalence of mass and energy, is among the most famous equations in the world. Einstein was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1921 for his explanation of the photoelectric effect, a pivotal work in the development of quantum theory.
Admissions and Tuition Fees
Admission to ETH Zurich varies depending on the level of study, undergraduate or master's. For undergraduate admissions, there are two primary pathways: one for students holding a Swiss Maturität certificate and another for those without it. Students with a Swiss Maturität or its equivalent typically need only to register with the admissions office. Those without must verify if their highest educational qualification is recognized as equivalent to the Swiss Maturität.
The application process includes applying through the dedicated admissions portal. Depending on the student's background, they may also need to pass entrance examinations in subjects relevant to their intended field of study, as well as a German language proficiency test.
Undergraduate or Master's tuition fees amount to 730 CHF per semester while tuition fees for doctoral students must pay a flat fee of 1500 CHF.
730 CHF
Undergraduate or Master's tuition fees per semester
1500 CHF
Flat fee for doctoral studies
University College in London, United Kingdom
- Admissions phone number: (+44) 0 20 80 59 09 39
- Tuition fees: from 9,250 to 37,500 pounds per year.
Nearly two centuries in operation
3rd Oldest higher education institution in England
1st university institution in England to be entirely secular
Among the best in the world
University College London (UCL) is a prestigious public university located in England, UK. Established in 1826 as the University of London, UCL is the third-oldest higher education institution in England, following Oxford and Cambridge. Founded by visionaries inspired by the radical ideas of Jeremy Bentham, UCL was the first university institution in London and the first in England to be entirely secular, admitting students regardless of their religion. Notably, it was also among the first universities to admit women on equal terms with men, starting in 1878, two years after the University College of Bristol.
UCL consistently ranks among the best universities in Europe and globally. It holds the 9th position in the QS World University Rankings 2025.
UCL's main campus is situated in the Bloomsbury area of central London, with additional institutes and teaching hospitals across the city. The university has also expanded to a second campus, UCL East, located in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in Stratford, East London.
Reputation and Notable Alumni
UCL has a distinguished reputation, with 30 Nobel laureates among its former staff and students, showcasing a rich history of academic achievement. The university has produced many prominent figures, including filmmaker Christopher Nolan, inventor Alexander Graham Bell, and Mahatma Gandhi.
Mahatma Gandhi
Political and spiritual leader. Mahatma Gandhi, one of UCL's most notable alumni, was an influential leader in India's struggle for independence from British rule. Known for advocating non-violence and civil disobedience, Gandhi's legal studies at UCL helped shape his philosophical and political outlook.
Admissions and Tuition Fees
UCL is a highly selective institution, currently enrolling over 40,000 students, with 53% being international. The admissions process varies depending on the level of study, whether undergraduate or postgraduate. For undergraduate programs, applications are submitted through the UCAS system. More detailed information can be found on the university's admissions page. For postgraduate studies, the application process is outlined in the dedicated section of the UCL website.
Tuition fees at UCL currently stand at 9,250 pounds for UK students and 37,500 pounds for international students.
£9,250
tuition fees for UK students
£37,500
tuition fees for international students
Many top European universities offer scholarships and financial aid to international students. They can include merit-based scholarships, need-based grants, and awards for specific nationalities or academic disciplines. It's important to research each university's scholarship opportunities and application deadlines to increase the chances of getting financial aid.
Luxembourg scholarships for international students in 2024
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need a visa to study at a European university?
Yes, international students typically need a visa to study in Europe. The specific type of visa required depends on the country where you plan to study. Common requirements include proof of admission to a full-time program, sufficient financial resources to cover living expenses and health insurance. Always check the specific visa requirements for the country and university you are interested in.
Are there scholarships available for international students at these prestigious universities?
Yes, many top European universities offer scholarships and funding opportunities for international students. These can range from merit-based scholarships to need-based grants and specific awards for certain nationalities or fields of study. It’s essential to research each university’s scholarship offerings and application deadlines to maximise your chances of receiving financial support.
Can I work part-time while studying at a European university?
In most European countries, international students are allowed to work part-time during their studies. The number of hours you can work may vary by country and student visa regulations. Be sure to review the specific work restrictions tied to your student visa and consult your university’s international office for guidance on balancing work and study commitments.
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Source: europa.eu, www.topuniversities.com, www.studyin-uk.com, www.imperial.ac.uk, es.wikipedia.org, es.wikipedia.org, www.ox.ac.uk, es.wikipedia.org, es.wikipedia.org, es.wikipedia.org, www.cam.ac.uk, es.wikipedia.org, ethz.ch, es.wikipedia.org, es.wikipedia.org, www.ucl.ac.uk, es.wikipedia.org
We took photos from these sources: Forbes, University of Oxford, Wikipedia, University of Cambridge, Financial Times, ETH Zurich, zuerich.com, Element5 Digital on Unsplash
Authors: Luz
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