One of the biggest advantages of studying abroad is the chance to experience different cultures and languages. It’s an experience that will not only help you check off some must-see sights on your bucket list but one that will change you in ways you never imagined. And European cities are the best places to start with.
Countries under the European Union welcome an average of 1.52 million international students to pursue higher education.
Table of Contents
- Best cities in Europe to study abroad
- London, the United Kingdom
- Munich, Germany
- Paris, France
- Berlin, Germany
- Zurich, Switzerland
- Vienna, Austria
- Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Lausanne, Switzerland
- Stockholm, Sweden
- Barcelona, Spain
- Frequently asked questions
Europe is a top host for international students to complete their higher education in globally recognised institutions. Every city has its unique perks and features in various aspects.
When planning to study abroad, ensure you check about the study destination and see if it will satisfy your needs. To help with that research, we have a list of the best cities to study abroad in Europe.
Best cities in Europe to study abroad
| European city | Country | QS Best Student Cities 2024 Ranking | Overall score by QS ranking |
|---|---|---|---|
| London | United Kingdom | 01 | 100 |
| Munich | Germany | 05 | 97.1 |
| Paris | France | 06 | 96.3 |
| Berlin | Germany | 08 | 95 |
| Zurich | Switzerland | 08 | 95 |
| Vienna | Austria | 12 | 91.1 |
| Edinburgh | United Kingdom | 16 | 90.2 |
| Lausanne | Switzerland | 19 | 87.5 |
| Stockholm | Sweden | 22 | 86.2 |
| Barcelona | Spain | 38 | 81.6 |
Data updated as of January 2024
Also read: 10 benefits of studying abroad
London, the United Kingdom
London holds the top spot as the world’s best student city for higher education. Located in the United Kingdom, the city is a powerhouse of world-class universities, diverse cultures, and plenty of opportunities for professional development. According to research.
London welcomes the most international students in Europe. Around 679,970 students studied in the city in the 2021-22 academic year.
Why study in London?
- London has the highest concentration of elite universities than any other city.
- The educational institutions in London offer globally recognised programs, state-of-the-art facilities, and remarkable research opportunities.
- International students have the chance to land on high-paying employment options.
- In addition to education, London is also known for its excellent quality of life, student safety, diverse culture, and places to explore.
- The city is famous for its museums, art galleries and iconic places of interest.
Top universities in London
| University name | QS Best Student Cities 2024 Ranking | Overall score by QS ranking |
|---|---|---|
| Imperial College London | 06 | 97.8 |
| UCL (University College London) | 09 | 92.4 |
| King’s College London | 40 | 79.3 |
| London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) | 45 | 79.9 |
| Queen Mary, University of London | 145 | 51.9 |
Data updated as of January 2024
Also read: 10 best universities in London for international students
Munich, Germany
Germany is a frontrunner in offering international students an excellent study-abroad experience. Munich is often considered one of the best student cities in Europe for its world-renowned institutions, programs, and quality of life.
Why study in Munich?
- Munich is one of the safest cities in Europe for international students. It is a leading study destination for its quality of life and diverse culture.
- The city has some of the finest educational institutions that offer programs in various fields of study. International students get the opportunity to perform extensive research with the help of state-of-the-art facilities and resources.
- Munich is an industrial hub, providing international students the chance to work in top companies in the global market. The city is home to leading firms like BMW, Munich Re Group, Siemens, Allianz, and Infineon.
Top universities in Munich
| University name | QS Best Student Cities 2024 Ranking | Overall score by QS ranking |
|---|---|---|
| Technical University of Munich | 37 | 80 |
| Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München | 54 | 72.5 |
Data updated as of January 2024
Paris, France
The City of Light is more than a tourist attraction in France. Paris is a top choice for international students planning to pursue higher education abroad. The city is praised as one of the best cities to study abroad in Europe for its world-class education, diverse culture, and exceptional quality of life.
Why study in Paris?
- Paris is home to several extraordinary educational institutions offering programs in different fields of study.
Top universities in Paris
| University name | QS Best Student Cities 2024 Ranking | Overall score by QS ranking |
|---|---|---|
| Université PSL | 24 | 85.8 |
| Sorbonne University | 59 | 71.7 |
| Ecole des Ponts ParisTech | 192 | 46.7 |
| Université Paris Cité | 236 | 41.1 |
| Sciences Po | 319 | 33.2 |
| Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne | 328 | 32.6 |
Data updated as of January 2024
Read more about studying in Paris
Berlin, Germany
Berlin is a central hub for international students in the higher education sector, known for its well-renowned educational institutions and top industries. The city is considered an ideal study destination for various factors.
Why study in Berlin?
- Academic institutions in Berlin are known for their world-class education, fantastic research opportunities, and remarkable facilities for international students to experience a great academic life abroad.
- Berlin is one of the few top cities that offers an affordable cost of living. International students planning to pursue higher education in Europe find this historically significant yet modern city a great option.
- Berlin also has several top companies offering great career opportunities, such as BMW, Axel Springer, Mercedes Benz, Tesla, Siemens, and so on.
Top universities in Berlin
| University name | QS Best Student Cities 2024 Ranking | Overall score by QS ranking |
|---|---|---|
| Freie Universitaet Berlin | 98 | 60.8 |
| Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin | 120 | 56.3 |
| Technische Universität Berlin (TU Berlin) | 154 | 50.5 |
| Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne | 328 | 32.6 |
Data updated as of January 2024
Zurich, Switzerland
Switzerland is considered one of the best places to study abroad in Europe for higher education and career opportunities in Europe. Being the country's capital, Zurich is a leading city in academics and employment options in top companies.
25% of the student population in Switzerland is made up of international students, making it a great place to broaden your horizons.
Why study in Zurich?
- Zurich is ranked 8th in QS Best Student Cities, mainly for the high quality of life and standard of living it offers for international students. Students get the finest experience and live the study abroad life to the fullest.
- Educational institutions in Zurich provide well-structured courses with plenty of practical experience and hands-on training for students to obtain a better understanding of the field of study.
- The city is home to popular employment firms offering the best career options to international students. Some top employers include Microsoft, Apple, Google, BMW, Deloitte, and Mercedes Benz.
Top universities in Zurich
| University name | QS Best Student Cities 2024 Ranking | Overall score by QS ranking |
|---|---|---|
| ETH Zurich | 07 | 93.3 |
| University of Zurich | 91 | 61.6 |
Data updated as of January 2024
Also read: Cheapest Countries to Study in Europe for International Students
Vienna, Austria
Consistently ranked as one of the world’s most liveable cities, Vienna’s grand architecture and cultural heritage make international students fall in love with it. It’s easy to get around the city and is filled with historical landmarks that have seen the likes of Mozart, Beethoven, Klimt and Freud.
Why study in Vienna?
- Vienna is known for its high quality of life, affordable expenses, and world-renowned universities.
- Universities often require international students to take additional German lessons, counting towards their semester credits. This turns out to be great for future career options.
- Its reputation as the City of Music makes the city an excellent place for music students.
- The global market distinctly recognises a degree from one of Vienna’s top-ranked universities. Students get placed in top firms like Microsoft, Amazon, IBM, Oracle, Capgemini, and many others.
Top universities in Vienna
| University name | QS Best Student Cities 2024 Ranking | Overall score by QS ranking |
|---|---|---|
| University of Vienna | 130 | 53.7 |
| Technische Universität Wien | 184 | 47.6 |
Data updated as of January 2024
Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Ranked 16th in the most popular student city, Edinburgh is a small city with a large student population. Also known as the greenest city in the UK, it is also one of the best places to live in the world. Edinburgh is home to 12 yearly festivals, including the world's largest arts festival.
Why study in Edinburgh?
- With 36% of the student population made up of international students, Edinburgh has a diverse and inclusive atmosphere, fitting nicely against the backdrop of the city's historic town and world-famous festivals and events.
- Edinburgh is particularly inviting for EU undergraduate students, whose university tuition fees are subsidised by the Student Awards Agency for Scotland.
- Home to many of the UK’s best universities, there are plenty of placement opportunities for graduates from the city.
Top universities in Edinburgh
| University name | QS Best Student Cities 2024 Ranking | Overall score by QS ranking |
|---|---|---|
| The University of Edinburgh | 22 | 86.1 |
| Heriot-Watt University | 235 | 41.2 |
| Edinburgh Napier University | 801-850 | N/A |
Data updated as of January 2024
Also read: How to tackle the 9 challenges Indian students face while living in the UK
Lausanne, Switzerland
Lausanne is a French-speaking city with a rich cultural history. The city is known as the Olympic capital and is home to the International Olympic Committee Headquarters. Lausanne is considered a top student city for various reasons.
Why study in Lausanne?
- Lausanne is a great place for international students to pursue their higher education as the city acts as a space for innovation, diverse learning and research, and academic growth.
- The city is one of the top student destinations with high graduation and employment rates. International students have the opportunity to pursue their desired jobs after graduation.
Top universities in Lausanne
| University name | QS Best Student Cities 2024 Ranking | Overall score by QS ranking |
|---|---|---|
| EPFL – École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne | 36 | 80.4 |
| University of Lausanne | 220 | 42.7 |
Data updated as of January 2024
Stockholm, Sweden
Sweden’s capital city, Stockholm is an excellent student city with various facilities and provides the finest academic experience to international students. In addition to its remarkable culture and stunning beauty, Stockholm is widely known as the city where Nobel Prizes are awarded every year.
Why study in Stockholm?
- Stockholm is praised for its world-class education. The educational institutions strongly focus on a well-structured curriculum, practical experience, and group work.
- The city has a diverse student life, where international students get the opportunity to engage, learn, and grow during their higher education journey.
- Stockholm has a high employment rate for international students. They either pursue higher degrees or find job opportunities after graduation.
Top universities in Stockholm
| University name | QS Best Student Cities 2024 Ranking | Overall score by QS ranking |
|---|---|---|
| KTH Royal Institute of Technology | 73 | 66.4 |
| Stockholm University | 118 | 56.8 |
Data updated as of January 2024
Also read:
Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona tops the list of Spain’s best student cities and is home to two of the country’s most prestigious universities. The city has a great climate, lovely beaches, and a cityscape that is a unique blend of the old, the new and the futuristic.
Why study in Barcelona?
- Barcelona has a legendary educational reputation which, combined with great job prospects for its graduates, makes it an extremely appealing destination for students from all over the world.
- The Catalan culture, museums, galleries and iconic architecture such as the Sagrada Familia and Park Guell are some great places for students to explore.
- The city has a low cost of living, making it an affordable place for international students.
Top universities in Barcelona
| University name | QS Best Student Cities 2024 Ranking | Overall score by QS ranking |
|---|---|---|
| Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona | 149 | 51.7 |
| Universitat de Barcelona | 164 | 49.7 |
| Universitat Pompeu Fabra (Barcelona) | 310 | 33.8 |
| Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya · BarcelonaTech (UPC) | 354 | 31 |
| Universitat Ramon Llull | 621-630 | N/A |
Data updated as of January 2024
It’s time to explore Europe’s fantastic academic possibilities! Apply for the upcoming intake today!
Frequently asked questions
Where to study in Europe?
Here are the top cities to study in Europe.
- London, United Kingdom
- Munich, Germany
- Paris, France
- Berlin, Germany
- Zurich, Switzerland
- Vienna, Austria
- Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Lausanne, Switzerland
- Stockholm, Sweden
- Barcelona, Spain
Which European city has the most international students?
London has the most international students pursuing higher education, welcoming over 100,000 students every year. The city is also ranked 1st in QS Best Student Cities ranking 2024.
What is the cheapest European country to study in?
Some of the cheapest European countries for international students to pursue their higher education are.
- Poland
- France
- Hungary
- Spain
- Italy
Which is the best university in London?
| University name | QS Best Student Cities 2024 Ranking |
|---|---|
| Imperial College London | 06 |
| UCL (University College London) | 09 |
| King’s College London | 40 |
| London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) | 45 |
| Queen Mary, University of London | 145 |
Your chance to study in Europe is here!
Fantastic opportunities await you in Europe! Edvoy is praised for offering a rewarding study-abroad experience for higher education aspirants. Talk to an Edvoy Counsellor, and begin your journey today!
