5 Ways to Decide Where to Study in Europe

Deciding where to study is one of the biggest decisions you will ever make. Understandably, many would-be students are worried about making the right decision. After all, this will take a significant amount of your commitment, time and resources.

A lot of students dream of studying abroad. The reasons vary – from getting the best education available and improving professional potential, to exploring the world and being immersed in new cultures and experiences. The choices are endless, and studying abroad is definitely an irreplaceable experience that I could personally recommend to anyone.

Perhaps you have set your sights on studying abroad in what many consider the most attractive study destination: Europe. The mesmerizing beauty, rich cultural heritage and competitive educational systems across this continent have drawn students from all over the world to its shores. If you are one of those who dream of studying abroad in Europe but have not quite figured out where to get started, here are some practical considerations to help you out.

Research conducted by Copenhagen-based company SurveyBee made an interesting comparison of popular European study destinations based on key factors that can guide you towards making a wise decision. Below are some these factors, which provide five ways to decide where to study in Europe.

Hobsons’ 2014 report, Beyond the Data: Influencing International Student Decision-Making, shows that a country’s attitude towards international students is a top influencing factor on where students choose to study abroad. If the percentage of foreign students is an indicator of whether newcomers can expect a warm welcome, then Austria tops the list among the countries considered, with 32% international students, followed by the UK and the Netherlands at 18.1% and 18.3% respectively. This is an important factor to consider, as denser international networks can influence your confidence and sense of belonging during your study abroad experience.

Many students put the quality of education as a top priority, as they hope the education they will get from studying abroad is better than if they stayed at home. When it comes to first-class academic reputation, the UK leads the way, well ahead of its European counterparts. In the QS World University Rankings® 2014/15, four of the world’s top 10 universities are on British soil: the University of Cambridge, Imperial College of London, the University of Oxford and UCL.