9 of the Best Places to Study Abroad in Europe

The next of the best places to study abroad in Europe, Belgium’s unique higher education system earns it 15^th place in the System Strength Rankings, with two main language communities – Flemish and French (German is also an official language, and you may find you pick up a new language during your studies). However, it’s a great option if you want to study in English, with many English-taught programs and residents proficient in the language. Belgium offers a multicultural study abroad experience with thriving student cities, beautiful countryside, historic architecture and delectable food. A center of international politics, its universities are equally international in their outlook; among them, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (KU Leuven) is the highest-ranked Belgian university at joint 82^nd in the world.

Another option to consider if you want to study in Europe, Estonia ranks 49^th in the System Strength Rankings and is a leader in digital technologies, with more successful start-ups per head than any other European country, including Skype and TransferWise. Study in Estonia and you’ll have a unique experience in the country that’s digitalized everything from health to parking (and more) along with opportunities to explore outside the tech bubble in its attractive cities and layout. Estonia’s innovative attitude is encouraged in students, with initiatives in place to help students transform ideas into reality. The highest-ranked of Estonia’s universities is the University of Tartu, at 400^th in the world.

The next of our best places to study abroad in Europe, Poland is ranked 43^rd in the System Strength Rankings and can be said to act as a crossroads of eastern and western Europe both culturally and geographically, making it a fascinating place to study abroad. Poland has had a fairly turbulent history but now enjoys strong economic growth and a growing education sector, including an increasing number of international students. It has a long tradition in higher education, with Jagiellonian University dating back to 1364, and the highest-ranked Polish university is the University of Warsaw at 344^th in the world. Poland offers a range of locations and activities to suit fans of both the city and the countryside, from the fascinating history of cities such as capital Warsaw, to the Tatra Mountains and beaches on the Baltic Sea.

Staying in Eastern Europe, the Czech Republic is another emerging study destination, and is placed 38^th in the System Strength Rankings. The Czech Republic has a longstanding tradition for high quality education, particularly in the sciences, engineering and medicine; its highest ranked university, Charles University, was founded in 1348. Czech universities are increasing both their international cooperation with other universities and the number of English-language taught programs on offer. The country itself offers plenty of varied culture to immerse yourself in, and capital Prague, is considered one of the most beautiful and charming cities in Europe. The Czech Republic is also one of the most affordable European study destinations, with low tuition fees and affordable costs of living.

The next of our best places to study in Europe is one which will certainly make your friends jealous. Not just an ideal tourist destination with sunshine, warmth and sandy beaches, Portugal is placed 35^th in the System Strength Rankings and is home to a number of prestigious universities, the highest ranked of which is the University of Porto at 308^th globally. Universities in Portugal are accompanied by polytechnic institutes, which are more focused on practical and vocational teaching in areas such as nursing and engineering. Capital city Lisbon is known for having a tradition for the social sciences and engineering, and is rich in culture, history and character. Portuguese people match the weather with a warm attitude to visitors and they certainly know how to have fun – with vibrant festivals, music, great nightlife, sport and more.

Coming as quite a contrast to the warm climes of Portugal, Nordic nation Finland places 19^th in the System Strength Rankings and has a comparatively young higher education system, which is nonetheless regarded as one of the best in the world. Like many other European countries, Finland offers a mixture of more academically focused universities and vocationally oriented polytechnic institutions, and there are opportunities to study in English. The highest-ranked Finnish university is the University of Helsinki in joint 96^th place, and the country’s additional eight representatives in the World University Rankings are all within the global top 450. Study in Finland and you’ll get the chance to discover the country’s unique culture and stunning natural beauty, with those snowy hills and the captivating Northern Lights. The country boasts a very high quality of life, political stability and happy, friendly citizens.  

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