10 terrific reasons to study in Europe 

In 2022 Europe snagged the title of the world’s hottest study spot. Sure, Europe boasts its charming mountains, historic castles, and mouthwatering cheeses. But curious about what makes studying in Europe so appealing?

Well, we’re here to spill the beans!

A wealth of educational institutions to choose from

Have you heard that Europe is a magnet for international students? It’s the top destination for studying abroad and comes second in sending students overseas. Believe it or not, about 46% of all international students choose Europe.

Before the pandemic, most students going abroad were from Asia-Oceania. Five countries from this region – China, India, Vietnam, South Korea, and Nepal – make up 45% of all students seeking degrees internationally.

But what’s so special about Europe? Well, many European universities rank in the top 500 worldwide. If you’re into theory and research, Europe is the place to be. For instance, let’s take Germany – their universities aren’t just about learning; they’re places where new knowledge is created through research.

You might think, “I just want to study, not research!” But here’s the deal: research and study can lead to vital advancements benefiting all of humanity in the future, and it enhances the quality of education. Imagine being in a class where your teacher isn’t just reciting from a textbook but actively involved in exciting research related to what they’re teaching. It makes learning enjoyable and engaging.

The best teachers are those who blend teaching with their research work. They mix all the ingredients together to make something delicious, just like baking a cake. This approach not only helps them but also gets students like you excited about learning.

Studying in another country isn’t just about getting a degree; it’s like having a golden ticket to be part of something big and cool!

Affordable education

Education can feel like a hefty investment, especially when you’re shelling out money before you’ve even started earning. Between tuition fees and living expenses, it might seem like you’re either signing up for a lifetime of debt or giving away a kidney. But here’s the great part: studying in Europe can be surprisingly affordable, and sometimes it’s even free!

The cost depends on where you choose to study and your field of study. Let’s take Germany, for example. Did you know you can study there for free? Yes, you heard that right! Most public universities in Germany don’t charge tuition fees. Of course, you’ll still have other expenses like health insurance, student union fees, and living costs, but the good news is, no tuition fees!

On average, studying in Europe tends to be much more budget-friendly compared to the USA. According to Topuniversities.com, you’re looking at around $1,000 to $1,500 per month for living expenses. And if you’re heading to Eastern Europe, you could even lower those costs further. So, no need to stress – studying abroad doesn’t have to empty your wallet!

Quality Of Education & Life

Europe is home to some of the world’s most prestigious and ancient universities. Check these out:

• University of Oxford (UK): Established in 1096, it’s the oldest surviving university in the English-speaking world.
• University of Cambridge (UK): Founded in 1209, Cambridge has more Nobel Prize winners than nearly any other institution globally, with only Columbia and Harvard in the US surpassing it.
• University of Copenhagen (Denmark): Dating back to 1479, it’s one of Europe’s oldest universities.
• University of Munich (Germany): Opened its doors in 1472.

These institutions have certainly stood the test of time, continually improving the quality of education over the centuries. 

But it’s not just about academics. Life beyond the classroom is important too. Moving to Europe can significantly enhance your quality of life. It’s renowned for its high standard of living, boasting an excellent healthcare system, affordable education, and outstanding urban planning. Think bike-friendly cities, efficient public transport, and walkable streets. It all adds up to a great package, doesn’t it?

World-wide reputation for academic excellence

You know what’s great about European universities? They’re really dedicated to providing top-quality education. Europe is home to some of the best education systems globally. On top of that, the European Higher Education Area (EHEA) keeps a close watch on teaching and learning quality to ensure that education standards are not just maintained but consistently improved.

Now, let’s talk about university rankings. According to the well-respected QS World University Rankings 2023, half of the world’s Top 10 universities are in Europe.

Pretty impressive, right?

But that’s not all! There are 30 other universities from countries like France, Switzerland, Germany, Netherlands, Denmark, Russia, and Sweden in the Top 100. So, if you’re thinking about studying in Europe, it’s definitely a smart move!

Future-oriented: highly focused on innovation, research & technology

European universities not only have passionate and highly qualified educators but also provide students with cutting-edge technology, modern facilities, and education tailored for research or industry needs. Plus, their libraries are treasure troves of books and multimedia resources to support the knowledge-hungry student’s journey.

But it’s not just about academia. Europe is a thriving hub for ICT and software innovation. Ever heard of Spotify, Skype, Trivago, Supercell, or SAP? Well, they all originated right here in Europe. And it’s not limited to tech – European scientists are making groundbreaking advancements in fields like medicine, nanotechnology, space exploration, and polar research. Europe is where the action is!

Availability of part-time job opportunities

Living in those trendy European countries you’re eyeing for your studies can be a bit pricey, let’s face it. But don’t let that get you down. Here’s the silver lining – you can pick up a part-time job. This way, you not only earn some extra money to cover your expenses but also gain valuable work experience. It’s a win-win, right?

Many European countries are pretty student-friendly when it comes to part-time work for international students, if you meet certain conditions. Take the UK, for example. If you’re an international student on a Tier 4 visa and your course lasts for at least six months, you can work varying hours depending on your university’s term dates or your academic progress. Usually, though, most international students can’t work more than 20 hours per week.

Spain follows the same 20-hour per week rule, and your part-time job should be related to your field of study.

As for Germany, students can work up to 120 full-time days or 240 part-time days per year. If you’re lucky enough to land a job at your university, you might even get to work more than the usual 120 days.

Now, you might wonder why there’s a limit on work hours. Well, here’s the scoop: you’re primarily there for your studies. The part-time job? That’s just a side hustle.

Multiple opportunities for language learning

Guess what? There are nine countries in Europe where English is widely spoken and they score pretty high on the English proficiency index. Here’s the list:

• The Netherlands
• Austria
• Norway
• Denmark
• Belgium
• Sweden
• Finland
• Portugal
• Germany

So technically, you could get by just fine with English. But here’s the thing – almost all European countries have their own unique languages. And trust me, it’s always a good idea to at least try and speak the local language.

While you’re there, sign up for any basic language classes. As an international student, you’ll have more than 20 different languages to choose from, including French, German, Italian, Spanish, and Polish.

And if you’re really serious about it, you can aim for a B1 or even a C2 level certification. Just so you know, B1 is usually the minimum requirement for a work visa.

The best part? If you’re planning to land a job in Europe post-graduation, being bilingual or even multilingual will definitely give you an edge!

Opportunities to travel

One of the coolest things about studying abroad? Being so close to a bunch of other countries and how easy it is to travel around! With a student visa in many European countries (except for a few), you’re free to explore other countries within the Schengen area. That means you can hop around the EU with hardly any restrictions, passport checks, or all that annoying stuff.

And here’s a nifty tip: take advantage of the Eurail Pass. It’s like a golden ticket that lets you travel through up to 28 European countries on trains and even some ferries. It’s perfect for those of us who want to cover as much ground as possible!

The cherry on top? Many of these countries use the same currency – the Euro. So, you can wander around without constantly stressing about exchange rates. Pretty cool, right?

Future job opportunities in Europe

Let’s talk future job opportunities in Europe. Here’s the deal – the EU has some pretty stringent immigration laws, especially for job seekers. But don’t fret, there’s a bright side. The EU is grappling with a significant labor shortage, and they can’t fill all the job openings with local talent alone. Take Italy, for example; they’re increasing their yearly work permits by 5,000 and plan to welcome 75,000 foreign workers next year.

So, how can you get a visa without too much hassle? Well, you need to bring some specific skills to the table that are in high demand. For instance, Germany is a hotspot for foreign software developers. But it’s not just tech; they’re also seeing interest from non-EU individuals in skilled trades and care sectors. Keep in mind, though, that the demand for these roles isn’t as sky-high. In fields like health, nursing, food preparation, production, sales, and catering, only about 2.8% of job ad clicks are from outside the EU.

If you want a leg up, it might be a good idea to ensure your college degree aligns with the skills that are in demand. It’s all about making smart moves!

So, have we got your attention yet?

If you’re considering studying abroad, let us tell you, Europe offers a wealth of opportunities and choices. European universities are among the world’s finest, offering top-notch education, state-of-the-art facilities, and abundant prospects for personal development.

But wait, it’s not a cakewalk. There are a few requirements to meet, like entrance exams such as the SATs, MCAT, and more. You’ll also need to demonstrate your English proficiency through tests like the TOEFL or TOEIC. But believe us, the effort will pay off in the long run!

Before you go…

Need another great reason to consider studying in Europe? How about the convenience of international money transfers for your educational and living expenses.

Thanks to Instarem, send money from Europe to various destinations in Asia, Europe, North America, and Oceania is as easy as a few taps on your screen. And the best part? It’s fast, seamless, and completely hassle-free.

But wait, there’s more. This app won’t surprise you with hidden fees. Plus, it offers competitive exchange rates and a user-friendly interface that will make you feel like a pro in no time.

Worried about keeping track of your money? No need to stress. Instarem has a handy transaction timeline feature that keeps you informed every step of the way. So you can relax, knowing that your money is securely on its way to your loved ones.

So why wait?

Download the app or sign up here.

Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only. All details are accurate at the time of publishing. Instarem has no affiliation or relationship with products or vendors mentioned.