Most prestigious and best universities in Europe

What are the requirements for students in Europe?

It's great to know which are the best universities in Europe, but if you don't know how to get in as a student, it's of little use. So, first of all, we are going to take a look at the main requirements to get into these universities and the requirements to obtain a residence permit as a student.

Admission requirements vary significantly across different countries and institutions. Each university has the autonomy to set its own criteria, so it's essential to research the higher education system of the country where you wish to study and the specific requirements of your chosen universities. 

While requirements differ widely, some general criteria are commonly expected.

High School Diploma

Generally, a high school diploma is required, and in some countries, the final grade from high school plays a crucial role in university admissions. Certain faculties may set minimum grade thresholds.

Specific Entrance Exams

Depending on the institution and faculty, you may need to take specific entrance exams, such as the EBAU in Spain or the DSH/TestDaF in Germany, with required minimum scores.

Proficiency in English

For non-native English speakers, demonstrating proficiency in English through standardized tests like IELTS or TOEFL is typically necessary. However, specific faculties may have additional language requirements and minimum score criteria.

Knowledge of the Local Language

In some countries, demonstrating proficiency in the local language may be required, especially if the course is taught in that language. This can involve passing a language test.

Letters of Recommendation

While not always necessary, letters of recommendation may be required for certain graduate programs.

Updated CV

An updated CV is often required for master's and higher degree programs, even if it is not mandatory for undergraduate applications.

Admission requirements are usually listed on the university's website. It's crucial to verify the specific requirements for your desired course, as they can vary significantly. Additionally, keep in mind the application deadlines, which can differ based on the country, university, and program. 

Visa and document requirements for foreign students

Visa requirements for foreign students in Europe can vary significantly from country to country. However, there are several common documents and criteria that most students will need to fulfil when applying for a student visa.

For the application to the university, you will usually need to provide the following documents:

Something's missing

Make sure you have collected all the documents

*The mandatory items are marked with red asterisks.

Copy of Full Passport

A complete copy of your passport, including all pages, is typically required.

Criminal Record Check

Some countries may require a police clearance certificate or criminal record check to ensure that the applicant does not pose a security risk.

Proof of Admission

You must provide proof of admission to a full-time program at a recognized institution of higher education. This is often a formal letter from the university confirming your acceptance.

Proof of Sufficient Financial Resources

Students must demonstrate they have sufficient funds to cover their living expenses during their stay. This amount varies by country, but authorities cannot require an amount higher than the local standard for basic income support.

Parental Consent for Minors

For students under the age of 18, a parental consent form is usually required.

Health Insurance Certificate

Proof of health insurance that covers medical risks during your stay is essential.

Proof of Accommodation

Evidence of where you will live while studying, such as a rental agreement or a letter from a university dormitory, is often required.

Something's missing

Make sure you have collected all the documents

*The mandatory items are marked with red asterisks.

Top-ranked European universities

Now that we have examined how to access European universities, let's explore the most prestigious ones. Various rankings are available online to help identify the best institutions, and we've chosen to rely on the QS World University Rankings. Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) is the world's leading provider of services, analytics, and insights for the higher education sector. Launched in 2004, the QS World University Rankings have become the most widely referenced source for comparative data on university performance. In 2019 alone, their website received 149 million visits, and there were over 94,000 press citations mentioning QS.

Based on the QS World University Rankings 2025, we will outline the five most prestigious European universities. Interestingly, four of these universities are located in the United Kingdom, with only one situated elsewhere, in Zurich, Switzerland. 

Imperial College of London, United Kingdom

Source: Forbes

Web-site

180 Queen's Gate, Kensington

+44 20 75 89 51 11

• Admissions website: imperial.ac.uk
• Tuition fees: from 25,000 to 28,000 pounds per year.

100+ years in operation

Among the best in the world

15 Nobel Prize winners

Specialized in science, technology and medicine

Imperial College London stands prominently among the top-ranked European universities and is also recognized globally for its academic excellence. Regularly featured in the top 10 worldwide, the 2025 QS World University Rankings list it as the second-best university globally. Officially known as the Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine, this public research university was founded in 1907 and is located in the South Kensington area of London, England. It specialises in science, engineering, medicine, and business studies.

University of Oxford, United Kingdom

Web-site

Wellington Square, Oxford OX1 2JD, United Kingdom

+44 18 65 27 00 00

• Admissions website: ox.ac.uk
• Tuition fees: from 23,105 to 30,540 pounds per year.

900+ years in operation

Oldest anglophone university

Among the best in the world

Most extensive academic library system in the UK

Ranked just behind Imperial College London, the University of Oxford is another prestigious institution that consistently ranks among the top universities globally and in Europe. According to the 2025 QS World University Rankings, Oxford is the third-best university in the world, closely trailing Imperial College.

Located in Oxford, England, the University of Oxford is a public research university known for its unique structure. Unlike a traditional campus, Oxford's buildings and faculties are spread throughout the city, making the entire city of Oxford a vibrant university town. A quarter of Oxford's population consists of students, giving it the youngest demographic profile in the UK.

Oxford is one of the oldest universities globally, with evidence of teaching as far back as 1096, making it the second oldest university in the world and the oldest in the English-speaking world. The university boasts the world's oldest university museum, the largest university press, and the most extensive academic library system in the UK.

University of Cambridge, United Kingdom

Web-site

The Old Schools, Trinity Ln, Cambridge CB2 1TN, United Kingdom

+44 12 23 33 77 33

• Admissions website: undergraduate.study.cam.ac.uk, camadmissions.zendesk.com
• Tuition fees: from 24,507 to 63,990 pounds per year.

800+ years in operation

2nd Oldest English-speaking university

Among the best in the world

College university

The University of Cambridge, located in Cambridge, England, is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the world. Founded in 1209, it is the second-oldest English-speaking university and the fourth-oldest surviving university globally. Cambridge was established by scholars who left the University of Oxford after a dispute with the townspeople, thus laying the foundation for its long-standing rivalry with Oxford.

In the 2025 QS World University Rankings, Cambridge is ranked as the fifth-best university globally, making it a top contender in the rank of European universities. Unlike traditional universities with a centralised campus, Cambridge consists of 31 autonomous colleges. Each college is a part of the university but operates independently, managing its own admissions, teaching, and student welfare.

Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich, Switzerland

Web-site

Rämistrasse 101, Zürich

+41 4 46 32 11 11

• Admissions website: ethz.ch, ethz.ch
• Tuition fees: 1460 CHF per year or a flat fee of 3000 CHF for doctoral studies.

150+ years in operation

Among the best in the world

Studies in German and English

Specialized in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics

ETH Zurich, also known as the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich, is a renowned public research university located in Zurich, Switzerland. Founded in 1854, ETH Zurich focuses primarily on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). As a federal institute, it is directly administered by the Swiss government, underscoring its importance in Swiss higher education.

In the 2025 QS World University Rankings, ETH Zurich was ranked as the 7th best university globally, highlighting its excellence in various fields of study.

University College in London, United Kingdom

Web-site

Gower St, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom

+44 20 76 79 20 00

• Admissions phone number: (+44) 0 20 80 59 09 39
• Tuition fees: from 9,250 to 37,500 pounds per year.

Nearly two centuries in operation

3rd Oldest higher education institution in England

1st university institution in England to be entirely secular

Among the best in the world

University College London (UCL) is a prestigious public university located in England, UK. Established in 1826 as the University of London, UCL is the third-oldest higher education institution in England, following Oxford and Cambridge. Founded by visionaries inspired by the radical ideas of Jeremy Bentham, UCL was the first university institution in London and the first in England to be entirely secular, admitting students regardless of their religion. Notably, it was also among the first universities to admit women on equal terms with men, starting in 1878, two years after the University College of Bristol.

UCL's main campus is situated in the Bloomsbury area of central London, with additional institutes and teaching hospitals across the city. The university has also expanded to a second campus, UCL East, located in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in Stratford, East London.

Many top European universities offer scholarships and financial aid to international students. They can include merit-based scholarships, need-based grants, and awards for specific nationalities or academic disciplines. It's important to research each university's scholarship opportunities and application deadlines to increase the chances of getting financial aid.