9 Best Cities to Study Abroad in Europe
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If you are thinking of studying abroad in Europe, picking the right city is as crucial as choosing the right university. This list offers some of the best cities to study abroad in Europe that you should consider.
When it comes to destinations for studying abroad, Europe is undoubtedly one of the leading regions globally. Most students who want to study abroad will have Europe among their first choices.
However, it’s never easy picking a European city, among the many great ones, to take your studies. In most cases, even choosing a country is quite challenging.
This is because Europe has so much to offer in terms of quality universities, economic resources, cultural diversity, etc. Whether you are looking for a top-of-the-class life or an affordable region that still offers a great experience, European cities offer incredible options.
With such a great array of options, it might take you forever to make the right pick. But not to worry. We have compiled this list of the best study abroad cities in Europe to make it easier.
While it’s certainly not exhaustive, we have taken into consideration numerous factors such as the number of quality universities, quality of life, affordability, culture, food, etc., when compiling the list.
This post was written by Kyle Kroeger from ViaTravelers.
A World in Reach contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may receive a commission at no cost to you! Read my full disclosure here.
Top Study Abroad Cities in Europe
Students’ satisfaction, programs offered, and fun things to do were also key factors used when ranking these cities.
1. Paris, France
There are many great cities in Europe, but not many match Paris’s charm. Whether you are traveling here for studies, vacation, or job relocation, the city has so much to offer.
It’s among the most vibrant cities globally, boasting incredible cultural diversity, economic and political stability, fun activities, and, most importantly, many globally-recognized universities. Plus, Paris is a great hub for exploring the beauties of France with its excellent rail system and metro stations. There are plenty of great day trips from Paris that you can take when you want to get out of the big city.
Paris ranks 9th among the best study abroad cities globally, according to reports by QS Best Student Cities. It is home to 17 top universities globally, which makes it an excellent place to further your studies.
The only drawback with Paris as a students’ destination is the cost of living – the city is not anywhere near affordable. No surprise, it’s pretty expensive to live and study in Paris, France.
On average, students’ accommodation is around $800 and can scale as high as $900 per month. This will, however, depend on your location of choice and the type of house. You will most likely spend around $1,487 monthly as a student in Paris for food, accommodation, and other expenses.
Some of the top universities in Paris include:
- Université PSL
- Institut Polytechnique de Paris
- Sorbonne University
- Université Paris-Saclay
If you want the best education, Paris can offer that. But if you are looking for a low-cost city, Paris shouldn’t be your first pick.
READ MORE: The Ultimate Paris Bucket List
2. Lisbon, Portugal
Despite being one of Europe’s smaller countries, Portugal has a lot to offer. Lisbon, the capital city, is also quite small, with only around 500,000 people living there. But, when it comes to fun things to do in Lisbon, your only limitation will be time.
Lisbon is also not left behind on the global list when it comes to studying abroad opportunities. For starters, the quality of life in this place is incredible, especially compared to the cost.
Even better, the weather here is pleasant, which appeals to many international students. The combination of good weather, quality of life, and relatively affordable cost of living make Lisbon a choice for many students.
The great thing here is that the low cost of living doesn’t reflect a low quality of life. In fact, it’s the complete opposite. For this reason, students get to enjoy good living standards at lower prices while studying in some of the best universities globally.
The delicious Portuguese food, traditions, and culture are also something that any visitor to this place will love. Whether it’s listening to the traditional Fado music or enjoying a bite of the Piri Piri chicken, Lisbon is a true definition of the rich Portuguese culture.
Despite its small size, Lisbon is home to over 30 universities. Some of the well-recognized ones include:
- University of Lisbon
- New University of Lisbon
- University Institute of Lisbon
- Catholic University of Portugal
If you are looking for a great balance between a good affordable life and quality education, Lisbon is the city.
READ MORE: The Perfect 5-Day Lisbon Itinerary
3. London, England
When it comes to quality studies, not many cities can compare to London. In fact, London is undoubtedly the best study abroad city globally.
The city has 17 universities, most of which appear in the world’s best universities list. For many American students (half of the international students), London is the best pick. And, as for the rest of the world, international students flock to this city from all over in search of quality education.
London is Europe’s largest city and also one of the most culturally diverse. This makes life here pretty easy and enjoyable despite where you come from. You can always find fun activities that suit you, excellent food options, and even friends to make your stay here memorable. There are also plenty of day trips from London to fill your weekends.
But there is one thing you should note about London. It’s not cheap to study and live in this city.
Being one of the most revered cities globally, you also expect the cost of living here to be quite steep. For students, it will cost you between £1,100 and £1,300 a month (around $1,500 to $1,700 in US Dollars) to survive in London. Accommodation only is somewhere around £874 ($1,181), which is relatively high.
So, if your dream is to study in London, be prepared to dig deeper into your pocket.
Among the best universities in London include:
- Imperial College London
- University College London (UCL)
- King’s College London
If your main focus is quality international studies, London fits your requirements.
4. Galway, Ireland
Galway is the fifth-largest city in Ireland, with a population of 80,000. The city is located on the west coast of Ireland and is known for its lively atmosphere. It’s one of Europe’s most popular tourist destinations thanks to its location and culture.
Galway has some great universities as well, with NUI Galway (National University Ireland) ranking among the world’s top 250 universities. And, it is a great city to live in if you want to experience some of the best pubs and nightlife in Europe. You’ll also have access to amazing countryside nearby.
There are plenty of things for students to do here. For instance, Galway International Arts Festival takes place every July, which includes street performances and theater shows.
The annual race, known as “The Wild Atlantic Way,” happens here. The race runs through all six counties along Ireland’s western seaboard (it starts on Clare Island off County Mayo).
Some of the best universities here include:
- National University of Ireland Galway
- Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology
5. Study Abroad in Europe: Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona might be the best city for those who want more than just great universities. This Spanish coastal city offers more than quality education and affordable living. It also offers “good vibes” that most students love.
The relaxed, somewhat hassle-free lifestyle sets Barcelona apart from the other busier cities in Spain. In addition, the cultural blend of the Spanish and Catalan lifestyles makes Barcelona truly culturally rich. This makes it one of the best cities to live and study in Spain, especially for those students seeking rich cultural experiences.
Walking along the beautifully tree-shaded avenues helps you appreciate the true beauty of this city. And the numerous galleries, museums, and beautiful cafes, only adds to the city’s charm.
For international students, Barcelona is an excellent place to spend your college years. When you are not in class, the city’s lively lifestyle will keep your days entertained.
Plus, there are numerous things to see and do in Barcelona. If you are not visiting one of the many gorgeous parks, you could be climbing the La Sagrada Familia or just taking a bike ride along the city’s beautiful streets.
Some of the best universities in Barcelona are:
- University of Barcelona (UB)
- Universitat Autónoma de Barcelona
The only drawback here is that, like other big European cities, it’s expensive to stay in Barcelona. Rent for students range from $800 to $1,700.
Read More: Helpful Tips for Studying Abroad in Barcelona
6. Madrid, Spain
Spain’s capital, Madrid, is a bustling city with a population of over three million people. The city is home to some of the world’s top universities such as Universidad Complutense de Madrid and Universidad Rey Juan Carlos.
Madrid offers an amazing array of fun things to do and cultural experiences for students who want to study abroad in Europe. Here, you can visit some of the best art galleries in Spain, such as:
- Prado Museum (housing art pieces from masters like El Greco, Velázquez and Goya)
- Reina Sofía National Art Center (home to Picasso’s masterpiece “Guernica”)
Also, attending flamenco shows or bullfights can be a great way to break the monotony of studies. And, the place offers some of the most incredible delicacies Spain has to offer.
As for the cost of living, you will spend around $500 a month in Madrid for rent if you live in the not-so-expensive places. However, you might spend up to $1,700 for rent per month in other places. So, if you are living on a budget, there are some ideal places for you, as there are many for those who don’t mind the high rent areas.
7. Amsterdam, Netherlands
Is fun part of your pre-requisites for the best study abroad destinations?
If yes, Amsterdam might be just the city you are looking for. Not only is the city one of the best vacation destinations, but its vibrant lifestyle also appeals greatly to party lovers.
Therefore, for those seeking to enjoy life in between semesters or during the weekends, Amsterdam wouldn’t be a bad choice. You can knock many things off your Amsterdam bucket list while also taking day trips to the nearby cities and towns.
Culture and history lovers will also love this place. The city is home to some of the most famous museums globally, including Rijksmuseum, Stedelijk Museum, Van Gogh Museum, the Anne Frank House, and more. Visiting the city’s museums will give you a chance to experience the works of famous Dutch artists, as well as learn amazing facts about the Netherlands.
Budget Tip: Don’t forget your student ID card or ISIC card to save money on museum admission fees!
The numerous canals crisscrossing the city are also a great appeal for many. Those peaceful drinks at any of the many canal-side cafes are always worth it. There’s no shortage of great things to do in Amsterdam.
Amsterdam is home to the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VUA) and the University of Amsterdam. These two are internationally-ranked, adding to the international students’ appeal.
8. Berlin, Germany
Berlin is one of the most history-rich cities globally. The 170+ museums and galleries like the DDR Museum, the Pergamon Museum, the Jewish Museum Berlin, and more are clear proof of that.
The city is famous for its revolutionary research in science and medicine, making it the ideal study destination for students in these fields. In addition, the city has been the country’s major center for both political and cultural changes for the longest time. Therefore, studying in Berlin opens numerous opportunities to learn and appreciate German culture, politics, and technology.
Being the country’s capital, Berlin also boasts of a vibrant lifestyle with a huge music scene. People from all over come to Berlin to have a taste of the city’s clubbing life and underground music scene. This is definitely something that students will love.
As for the cost of living, Berlin is just as expensive, for students, as most other European cities. Students’ rent expenses per month can range from $700 to around $1,500, although it can go even up to $2300 depending on where you stay. But, if you take your time, you can find those cheaper neighborhoods that won’t cost you an arm and a leg.
Beer lovers are also not left out. Berlin is home to the longest beer garden globally, the Biermeile. So, if your weekends entail having two or three beers with friends, Berlin is a great option.
9. Vienna, Austria – Europe Study Abroad
Vienna is the capital of Austria and one of Europe’s most popular tourist destinations, thanks to its rich history, beautiful architecture, and vibrant culture. The city has a population of around two million people with an average age of just under 30 years old. This makes it ideal for students who want to experience all that Vienna has to offer while still being able to connect with others in their own age group (or older).
In addition, there are many top universities here, such as University Wien, which mainly offers courses in English. This means that any language barriers shouldn’t get in your way when studying abroad!
When it comes to the cost of living, Vienna is relatively cheaper than bigger cities like New York. In fact, rent in Vienna is around 67.39% lower compared to New York. Therefore, studying here won’t be as expensive.
Generally, the cost of living in Vienna falls 29.96% below that of New York.
Top universities in Vienna for international students include:
- University of Vienna
- Vienna University of Technology
As you can see, there are so many amazing cities in Europe where you can further your studies and immerse yourself in the culture.
So, if you’re considering studying abroad in Europe, make sure to consider one of these amazing cities!
Where would you want to study abroad in Europe?
About the Author: Kyle Kroeger is the owner of ViaTravelers.com. ViaTravelers is a destination travel blog providing the best tips, hacks, and itineraries to help you explore the world. Follow us on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, and YouTube.
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