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Master’s degree in Europe: best countries, universities and programs for students in 2024
Embarking on a master's degree journey in Europe is a transformative experience, offering academic excellence and cultural diversity. In 2024, prospective students have an array of enticing options.
In Europe, the most popular destination for international students is the United Kingdom, well ahead of the rest of the countries, in fact, in 2022 almost half a million people immigrated to this country for study purposes. It is followed in attractiveness by France, Germany, Spain and Ireland.
Why choose Europe for a master’s degree?
Embarking on a master's degree in Europe isn't just about advancing your academic prowess. In 2024, the European educational landscape beckons with compelling reasons for prospective students to make it their academic goal.
Best of the best
The QS World University Rankings in its ranking of the best universities in the world in 2024 includes 501 European universities. Moreover, there are 5 European universities in the world's top 10, four of which are in the UK and one in Switzerland.
Multicultural exposure
In the vibrant tapestry that is Europe, education extends beyond the classroom and offers a rich blend of cultural experiences. The continent's diverse environment broadens horizons, cultivates global friendships, and promises unique adventures. Europe's cities, brimming with museums, cathedrals, and historical landmarks, tell a visual story of their heritage and appeal. The ease of travel throughout the region transforms academic endeavors into a voyage of continental discovery, enriched by the savory delights of local cuisines.
New languages
Europe's allure for English-speaking students is multifaceted, with language playing a key role. Many European universities offer programs in English, transcending language barriers. Yet, embracing a new language, even in an English-taught program, offers profound benefits. It deepens cultural immersion, enriches resumes, and stimulates the mind. Basic language skills, such as ordering a drink or asking for directions, foster confidence and a sense of belonging in a new environment.
Profound English-speakers
Masters in Europe for Indian students is particularly enticing, as reflected in EU statistics showing a majority of study-related immigrants are Indian. Acquiring a new language during a European masters can unlock myriad opportunities and elevate the entire experience.
Top education
Europe stands as an ideal destination for pursuing a master's degree due to its globally renowned institutions and unique learning environments.
501
European university is featured on the 2024 QS World University Rankings
5
of them are in the global top-10 universities worldwide, that worth attention
This educational landscape provides a rich tapestry of academic excellence, ensuring that students receive top-tier instruction and exposure to cutting-edge research and innovation.
Big money potential
Choosing Europe for your master's can significantly boost your career trajectory. The European job market opens its doors to students right from the beginning of their studies, often involving extensive internships. Some programs even include two semesters of practical experience, providing invaluable insights and increasing the likelihood of post-graduate employment.
Shines as gold
Notably, a master's degree from Europe can positively impact your salary prospects. According to the UK Department for Education, university graduates in England earned an average annual salary of 38,500 pounds in 2022, 11,500 pounds more than their non-graduate counterparts.
International work experience gained during your European studies enhances your resume no matter which country you decide to go to after your degree. It signals to employers that you're equipped to tackle global challenges.
Affordable tuition
Another compelling reason to choose Europe for your master's is the affordability of tuition fees. Several European countries, such as Germany, Austria, and Finland, offer free or relatively cost-effective education. Even in countries with tuition fees, like France and the Netherlands, costs are often more reasonable than in other parts of the world.
EU or not EU
Notably, low or no tuition fees may be exclusive to EU and EEA nationals. However, certain countries, including Germany and Norway, extend generous policies regarding tuition fees for non-EU residents.
Top-20 European Universities in 2024
Now that we've explored the compelling reasons to pursue a master's degree in Europe, let's look at the top 20 European universities where you can embark on this transformative journey. To provide a comprehensive overview, we've chosen to reference the esteemed QS World University Rankings by Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), a globally recognized authority in higher education analysis and insights.
What is this ranking?
Established in 2004, the QS World University Rankings has become the go-to source for comparative data on university performance, attracting 149 million visits to its site in 2019. This influential ranking considers various factors, including academic and employer reputations, employment outcomes, international faculty ratios, global research networks, and sustainability practices.
The 20th edition of the QS World University Rankings encompasses 1,500 institutions from 104 countries, offering a holistic evaluation of universities worldwide. As we present the top 20 European universities, we've included an honorable mention the University of Luxembourg. While not among the top 20 in the QS ranking, it holds a respectable position at 161 among European universities and 381 globally.
Best universities for Masters in Europe 2024
| Country | University | Location | Ranking | Languages |
| United Kingdom | University of Cambridge | Cambridge | 2 | English |
| United Kingdom | University of Oxford | Oxford | 2 | English |
| United Kingdom | Imperial College London | London | 3 | English |
| Switzerland | ETH Zurich - Swiss Federal Institute of Technology | Zürich | 6 | English, German |
| United Kingdom | UCL | London | 7 | English |
| United Kingdom | The University of Edinburgh | Edinburgh | 9 | English |
| France | Université PSL | Paris | 22 | French, English |
| United Kingdom | The University of Manchester | Manchester | 24 | English |
| Switzerland | EPFL | Lausanne | 32 | French, English, German |
| Germany | Technical University of Munich | Munich | 36 | English, German |
| France | Institut Polytechnique de Paris | Palaiseau | 37 | French, English |
| United Kingdom | King's College London | London | 38 | English |
| United Kingdom | The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) | London | 40 | English |
| Netherlands | Delft University of Technology | Delft | 45 | English |
| Netherlands | University of Amsterdam | Amsterdam | 47 | Dutch, English |
| Germany | Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München | Munich | 53 | English, German |
| United Kingdom | University of Bristol | Bristol | 54 | English |
| France | Sorbonne University | Paris | 55 | French, English |
| Belgium | KU Leuven | Leuven | 59 | French, English |
| United Kingdom | The University of Warwick | Coventry | 67 | English |
| Luxembourg | University of Luxembourg | Luxembourg | 381 | English, French, German |
Northern Europe
Notably, the United Kingdom emerges as the standout destination for master's studies in Europe. Among the top 20 European universities, 10 proudly reside in the UK, solidifying its status as an educational powerhouse.
As you consider the best country for your master's studies in Europe, the rankings underscore the UK's prominence. The concentration of top-ranking universities within the UK reaffirms its position as an ideal destination for academic excellence and unparalleled opportunities.
Higher education for foreigners
How to study in Luxembourg?Cost of student life in Luxembourg
Living as studentBest universities in Luxembourg
Where to study?How to get enrolled in a university in Europe?
Once you've set your sights on studying in Europe, understanding the admission process is crucial. Here are some guidelines to enhance your chances of admission and streamline the application process.
Requirements
Start by familiarizing yourself with the specific requirements of both the university and the master's program. While these requirements can vary, there are common steps applicable to most cases that ensure a smooth admission process.
Preparation course
Consider enrolling in pre-M.B.A., pre-Law, or pre-Medicine programs, or any other foundational course relevant to your chosen field of study. These preparatory courses provide an educational boost just before you begin your master's, increasing your chances of acceptance and easing your transition into the program with a solid foundation.
Language
For programs conducted in English, a strong command of the language is crucial. If your program is in another language, like French or German, remember that universities generally demand a good level of English proficiency. Strengthen your language skills by taking preparatory courses and undergoing language proficiency tests such as IELTS or TOEFL. This not only improves your chances of admission but also ensures you can effectively communicate and excel in an English-language academic setting.
Before starting the application process, ensure you have all necessary documents. While document requirements vary between universities, some standard documents include the usual set.
Documents usually required for European universities
Check the papers
Some of them are missing from the package to apply for a university of your dream.
*The mandatory items are marked with red asterisks.
High school academic transcripts
It is important to keep good scores or be able to explain the lower grades
Language proficiency exam results (IELTS, TOEFL, etc.)
Usually required of 7.0 and more.
Purpose statement (motivation letter)
This letter should be written by you and contain a small essay on your goals and reasons.
Letter of recommendation
Or several. Usually they are written by professors, teachers and people who can tell more about you as student.
Updated CV
Your academic record up to this moment.
Copy of your ID (passport)
Identification papers will be required at some moment.
Copy of your student visa
Visa will be provided to you upon enrollement, but you need to make sure you consider this step.
Check the papers
Some of them are missing from the package to apply for a university of your dream.
*The mandatory items are marked with red asterisks.
Free and affordable master’s programs in Europe
When it comes to pursuing a master's degree, Europe stands out as a continent that offers not only academic excellence but also diverse options for students seeking affordability. Several European countries, such as Germany, Austria, and Finland, provide either free tuition or relatively economical fees, making education accessible to a broader audience.
EU for sure now
However, it's essential to note that these low or zero tuition fees typically apply to citizens of the European Union (EU) and the European Economic Area (EEA).
While free master's programs in Europe for American students or free master's degrees in Europe for Indian students may pose a challenge due to these citizenship restrictions, there are still numerous universities with considerably low costs. Some countries, notably Germany and Norway, have generous policies regarding tuition fees for non-EU residents.
Let's explore some economically favorable countries and universitiesLet's explore some economically favorable countries and universities.
Germany: best programs for affordable prices
Germany emerges as an outstanding choice for pursuing a master's degree, known for offering some of the best free study programs in Europe. Affordability is a key factor, with the opportunity to study at remarkably low costs, similar to German citizens in state-funded institutions. These universities typically charge only a semester contribution ranging from 120 to 300 euros. However, it's worth noting that the state of Baden-Württemberg does charge tuition fees for international students, specifically 1,500 euros per semester.
300 euros
per semester for Europeans
1,500 euros
per semester for non-Europeans
Masters in Universität Heidelberg
QS Ranking in 2024 — 87
Founded in 1386, the University of Heidelberg is Germany's oldest university and a leading European research institution. Its diverse research areas include:
- Behavioral and Cultural Studies
- Biosciences
- Chemistry and Earth Sciences
- Economics and Social Sciences
- Engineering Sciences
- Law
- Mathematics and Computer Science
- Modern Languages
- Philosophy
- Physics and Astronomy
- Theology
Austria: pioneering (almost) free education
Austria serves as a prime example of a European country where master's studies can be entirely free. Since 2008, the Austrian government abolished tuition fees in public universities for all students from the EU or EEA. However, for third-country students, a legally set amount per semester is required in most state institutions.
Free
for European students
720 euros
for third-country students
Masters in University of Vienna
QS Ranking 2024: 130
Founded in 1365, the University of Vienna is the world's oldest German-speaking university and one of Central Europe's largest. With 178 degree programs and approximately 45,000 active students, it covers diverse research areas, including:
- Catholic Theology
- Protestant Theology
- Law
- Business, Economics and Statistics
- Computer science
- Historical and Cultural Studies
- Philological and Cultural Studies
- Philosophy and Education
- Psychology
- Social sciences
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Earth Sciences, Geography and Astronomy
- Life sciences
Denmark: Nordic education in English
Danish universities have earned acclaim for their quality, achieved through English-taught courses, innovative teaching methods, and, notably, the model of free tuition. While this model is applicable to students from the EU, EEA, and Switzerland, international students still need to pay fees.
Free
for European students
4,500 euros
per year for international students
Masters in University of Copenhagen
QS Ranking 2024: 107
The University of Copenhagen is a research-driven institution offering international-level research and education. With over 40,000 students and 9,000 employees, it ranks among the largest research and education institutions in the Nordic countries. Research areas include:
- Health and Medical Sciences
- Humanities
- Law
- Science
- Social Sciences
- Theology
Cost of living and tuition fees for European education
The cost of living in Europe varies significantly from one country to another, with housing typically being the primary expense. Price differences per square meter are noticeable between cities and even within different zones of the same city.
Beyond housing, factors such as
Groceries
Transportation
Healthcare
Leisure
contribute to varying expenses based on your chosen location. Understanding these aspects is crucial for making informed decisions about your budget.
Scholarships for Master’s degrees (MA) in Europe
In Europe, a plethora of scholarships and institutions offer financial aid for master's degree programs. While listing them all would be exhaustive, it's valuable to know where to find the best opportunities
Erasmus for European students
Designed to promote and finance the academic mobility of European students and faculty within the EU, Erasmus fosters cultural, linguistic, and sports exchanges. To be eligible for the Erasmus program, students must be pursuing a university degree, intermediate, or advanced training and have completed their first year of education. They must also be citizens of one of the EU member states associated with the Socrates program. Selected Erasmus students undertake their studies for a period of three to twelve months in another European country, and upon return, their credits are recognized by their home university. Erasmus participants can receive financial support ranging from 200 to 800 euros per month, depending on their family's financial situation and various other factors.
Scholarshipportal — place for a search
It is a database featuring over 1,000 scholarships available in Europe and beyond. By selecting your desired level of studies, your country of origin, and where you want to study, you can discover scholarships that align with your profile.
Euraxess on opportunities
The EURAXESS website provides information on funding programs across Europe for research positions, scholarships, and doctoral studies. EURAXESS has national portals where you can obtain more detailed information about opportunities in each country
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the advantages of pursuing a master's degree in Europe?
Pursuing a master's degree in Europe offers a multicultural environment, diverse perspectives, and the chance to explore historic cities. It enhances language skills, provides world-class education, and opens doors to global career opportunities.
Which are the best countries for pursuing Master's studies in 2024?
Countries like the UK, Germany, Sweden, and the Netherlands are considered top destinations for master's studies in 2024, offering renowned universities, diverse programs, and often affordable or free education.
What are the top universities in Europe for Master's programs in 2024?
Leading European universities include ETH Zurich, University of Oxford, University College London, and Technical University of Munich, consistently ranking high for academic excellence, research, and innovation.
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Source: www.topuniversities.com, www.masterstudies.com, www.master-and-more.eu, en.wikipedia.org, en.wikipedia.org, www.numbeo.com, education.ec.europa.eu
We took photos from these sources: Andre Hunter on Unsplash
Authors: Luz
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