How to choose a university in Europe

With the QS World University Rankings, you can filter by region to see the top-ranked universities in Europe. Or use the QS Course Matching Tool to find programmes relevant to your field of study.  

When researching where to study, consider academic reputation, research impact and available facilities as well as the specific programme details. Looking for flexibility in the curriculum to accommodate your interests and opportunities for internships or travelling may be high on your list, too.  

Isidora Ćirić is a political science student at the University of Antwerp and moved from Serbia for a different European study experience. Isidora said: “I knew I wanted to study a master’s in political science and after a lot of research, I found that the University of Antwerp had one of the best research departments in the field. The professors seemed well-versed and well-recognised in their respective specialisms and so I felt that the academic excellence in my subject is here. That’s why I came here.” 

The admissions process may vary across countries, study level and even programme, so it’s important to understand whether you are eligible to apply and what you need. When studying abroad, there may be language proficiency requirements, entrance exams and even interviews.  

Make a note of all application deadlines and gather your documents in advance. Make sure you check which language the programme is taught in, to avoid any issues further down the line! 

Fred Reis Lopez is a Portuguese student who chose to study at the University of Antwerp for his master’s degree. For Fred, the admissions process was one of the most daunting aspects of studying abroad, but making a note of the prerequisites early helped to make the process easier.  

He said: “There are requirements that I wasn’t aware of at first, like having a European health card or having to have my qualifications notarised by an authorised professional. Making sure I knew exactly what I needed ahead of time made everything easier, so I could focus on making the right decision and finishing my studies.”  

When it comes to studying at university, the financial implications can be difficult to get your head around, especially when you need to calculate the cost of tuition, living expenses, accommodation, travel and if scholarships or financial aid are available.  

Across Europe, the affordability of university varies. Some universities offer free or minimal tuition fees. Some cities can be expensive than others or come with higher accommodation costs. Think about the currency exchange rates with moving to another country too and explore the financial support options available.  

Affordability was a major factor for Fred when choosing his study destination and as a member of the European Union, his citizenship in Portugal meant he was able to pay the same tuition fees as domestic Belgian students. He said: “After studying my undergraduate in the UK, being able to pay around €1000 for my master’s felt much more doable than some of the more expensive institutions.” 

Whether you’re able to visit in person or explore online, the city you choose to study in makes a big impact on your experience as a student. After all, when you’re in between classes you’ll spend a lot of time in the surrounding area. 

Think about whether you prefer a big city or a smaller town, a warmer climate or somewhere cooler, a city that has sports or art-based amenities and whether access to local transport is important.  

The University of Antwerp is located in the heart of the city, just streets away from the Scheldt River and in the centre of four of the city’s most spectacular parks. According to the university, the city has many different faces and is renowned as a city of diamonds, fashion, sports, history and culture, where there is always something to do.  

“It’s a very international city. There are so many different cultures and people from all different walks of life. I feel very welcome and the people are friendly and helpful,” said Isidora. “I've been here for a year and I'm still discovering new things that I haven't seen, so it's full of surprises. The city is just beautiful. Every street you walk on your feel like you're a part of a movie set.” 

Regardless of whether you study abroad or not, one of the most important considerations when choosing where to study are the career prospects you’ll be exposed to. From internships and real-world projects to entering student competitions and networking with industry contacts, there are many ways to tell whether you’ll be world ready when you graduate. 

As political science students, both Fred and Isidora felt that studying in Belgium was the perfect destination to begin their careers in the political arena. Fred said: “I’d love to work in the European Union when I graduate, or something related to that, so Belgium was the obvious place to be.” 

Isidora added: “It’s in the heart of Europe and where most of the European institutions, lobby groups and NGOs are located. The University of Antwerp often organises guest talks, workshops and presentations from members of the European Parliament and national and international politicians. It’s an amazing place for networking and being exposed to opportunities beyond our programme.”  

You’ve collected as much information as you can through research, speaking to admissions teams, academics and students, and exploring your shortlisted cities. There’s lots to consider when making your final decisions of where to apply and talking it out with friends and family, personal tutors or even an educational counsellor can help you make the right choice.  

You can use online forums and platforms to connect with others who have gone through the same experiences to make your decision more informed. Or reach out to your shortlisted institutions for any further clarity you might need. Fred said: “At the University of Antwerp, there was always somebody available to talk to when I needed help or had a further question.”  

Remember that choosing a university is a personal decision, and what works for others may not necessarily work for you. Take your time, thoroughly research your options, and trust your instincts when making the final decision.  

“Compiling research and relying on my intuition and my ability to think critically was so helpful when making my final decisions about where to study. I wasn’t able to attend any university campuses in person, so I had to rely on talking about my options and listening to what felt right for me. I’m glad I did because it has worked out really well.”