Studying in Europe is a great opportunity for students seeking a world-class education and immersion in a new culture. Learn how to choose a country and program to study in, visa requirements, available scholarships and funding opportunities, living costs, and job prospects after graduation in the EU

Studying in Europe can be a life-changing experience for a student, as the region offers access to world-class education, exposure to diverse cultures, and the opportunity to broaden your horizons.

However, before embarking on this exciting journey, it’s important to know the ins and outs of the visa application process, scholarship opportunities, and other useful information. In this guide, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about studying in Europe in 2025.

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How to choose a program and country to study in Europe?

Europe offers a wide range of academic programs, from undergraduate to advanced postgraduate studies. To begin, you should determine which country best suits your academic goals, language preferences, and budget.

Popular study destinations in Europe

- United Kingdom: Known for its prestigious universities such as the University of Oxford, the University of Cambridge, and the London School of Economics.

- Germany: Offers a high level of education, particularly in the fields of engineering, science, and technology. Many public universities do not charge tuition fees for international students.

- France: Home to leading universities such as the Sorbonne University, which offer excellent programs in the humanities, arts, and sciences.

- The Netherlands: Known for their English-taught programs, especially in fields such as engineering, business, and international relations.

- Sweden, Denmark, and Finland: These Scandinavian countries offer high-quality education that focuses on innovation, especially in the areas of sustainability and technology.

- Spain and Italy: Offer a combination of academic excellence, rich culture, and affordable living.

Visa and Residence Permit Requirements for EU Students

As an international student, you will most likely need a student visa to study in Europe. Specific visa requirements vary depending on the country you plan to study in, but here are the general steps:

- EU/EEA students

Students from EU/EEA (European Union and European Economic Area) countries do not need a student visa to study in any EU country. You only need to register with the local authorities or your university upon arrival.

- Non-EU/EEA students

Students from outside the EU/EEA require a student visa. While requirements may vary depending on the destination country, most European embassies will ask for the following documents to obtain a permit:

1. Valid passport (valid for at least 6 months).

2. Letter of admission to the university.

3. Proof of financial support.

4. Proof of accommodation.

5. Health insurance covering your stay.

6. Completed visa application form.

Additional documents may include

1. IELTS or TOEFL results (for non-English language programs).

2. Proof of tuition fees.

3. Medical certificates or vaccination records.

4. Letters of consent (for minors under 18 years of age).

5. Country-specific forms or declarations.

Important! It usually takes 1 to 3 months to process a student visa, so it is important to apply as early as possible.

Once you arrive in the country, you may need to apply for a residence permit, register with local authorities, and possibly extend your student visa during your studies.

Scholarships and funding opportunities for international students in Europe

Studying abroad can be expensive, but there are numerous scholarships available for international students who want to study in Europe that can help cover tuition fees, living expenses and transport.

EU-funded scholarships

- The Erasmus+ programme is one of the most well-known programmes that offers financial support to students across Europe for exchange programmes, internships and full degree programmes.

- The Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) – This European programme supports doctoral students with scholarships.

- Horizon Europe – A research and innovation programme that supports postgraduate students and researchers in various scientific fields.

Scholarships in selected countries

- Germany: DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) offers scholarships to students, postgraduates and doctoral candidates from all over the world.

- France: The French government and many universities offer scholarships, such as the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship, for international students pursuing their master's and doctoral degrees.

- Netherlands: The Holland Scholarship is available to students from non-EEA countries applying to study in the country.

- United Kingdom: The Chevening Scholarship is a prestigious government scholarship for international students pursuing a postgraduate degree in the UK.

- Sweden: The Swedish Institute Scholarships offer full scholarships for students from developing countries to study at Swedish universities.

Institutional Scholarships

Many European universities offer their own scholarships to attract international students.

- Oxford and Cambridge: offer several scholarships for international students based on merit and financial need.

- ETH Zurich (Switzerland): offers a range of scholarships for international students pursuing their master's degree.

- University of Amsterdam: offers the Amsterdam Merit Scholarship for outstanding international students.

Other funding options

- Private scholarships: many foundations, private companies and NGOs offer scholarships. It is worth checking local or international scholarship databases such as Scholarships.com, FastWeb or the Study in Europe website.

Can international students work in Europe while studying?

Most European countries allow international students to work part-time (usually up to 20 hours per week during the semester). This can be a useful way to earn money and gain experience.

Living costs for international students in the EU

- Accommodation

Most universities offer a dormitory or student housing, which is often the most affordable option.

Alternatively, you can rent a private apartment or look for shared accommodation. Be sure to start looking for accommodation well in advance, as there can be long waiting lists in popular cities.

- Food and transport

Students can save money by cooking at home and using public transport. In many cities, student travel tickets are offered at reduced prices.

- Estimated monthly costs

The cost of living varies considerably in Europe. On average, living costs range from 600 to 1200 euros per month depending on the city, for example:

London: can be expensive, monthly living costs can reach up to 1500 euros.

Berlin or Munich: more affordable, accommodation costs are usually between 800 and 1000 euros per month.

Paris: also not the most affordable, especially in central areas, with an average monthly price of 1000 euros.

Barcelona: average student costs around 800-1100 euros per month.

Student Life and Support Services

- Student Unions: Most universities in Europe have student unions that organize events, social activities, and provide support for international students.

- Counseling and Academic Support: Many universities offer free counseling, language support, and academic tutoring.

Do you need to know the local language to study in European countries?

Although many universities in Europe offer programs in English, it is useful to learn some basic phrases in the local language, especially for everyday communication and cultural integration.

Prospects for international students after graduation in the EU

Europe offers a variety of post-graduate work options for international students. After graduation, you may be allowed to stay and work for a certain period of time under a special visa, including:

- Germany: You can stay for up to 18 months after graduation to look for work related to your field of study.

- United Kingdom: The graduate visa allows international students to stay for up to two years after completing their degree to look for work.

- France: After completing your studies, you can apply for a temporary residence permit to work for up to one year, which can be extended if you find a job.

Studying in Europe offers incredible opportunities, but it requires careful preparation. From securing the right visa and scholarships to understanding your accommodation options and navigating the cultural and academic environment, careful planning is essential for success.

Contact an education lawyer to get help at various stages of studying abroad, from finding the best programs to helping you prepare a complete package of documents for university admission and obtaining a visa, qualified specialists of Visit World will solve any of your questions!

Reminder! In 2025, Germany continues to be a popular destination for international students due to the high level of education, accessibility of education and numerous opportunities for career development after graduation. We have already told you how to apply for a student visa, which universities are the best for international students and many other useful information about studying in Germany.

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