European Universities that Teach Select Programs in English - Crimson Education US (2023)

Have you ever dreamed of studying at a University in Continental Europe? Check out these 10 prestigious, top-ranked European universities that offer select programs in English!

A lot of university students in the US, the UK and elsewhere love to go on exchange to European universities. Amongst other things, exchange can be a fantastic way to see more of the world, take unique classes, make new friends and hone your foreign language skills.

However, English-speaking students should certainly consider European universities as something more than an exchange opportunity. In contemporary times, many universities around Europe offer a select number of their programs and classes entirely in English! Indeed, European universities are a perfectly viable and best-fit destination for English-speaking student’s entire graduate or postgraduate study.

The benefits of studying at a European University are listless. While a semester or year-long exchange might be a highly enjoyable cultural experience, studying for multiple years in Europe gives you a better opportunity to fully immerse yourself in the culture. Additionally, by studying an entire degree overseas, you will have more time to build up your language skills in the local European language, which is always a strong point on a CV. Having more time in Europe may also afford you other benefits, including greater access to local job/internship opportunities, more time to settle-in and excel academically at the European university, and allow you to build a bigger network of global friends.

European Universities that Teach Select Programs in English - Crimson Education US (1)

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On the other hand, perhaps the most difficult thing about choosing to study in Europe is having to choose from the diverse array of countries, cultures and universities on offer! To get you started, check out these 10 great European universities which offer some English programs:

EPFL (École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne)

Location: Lausanne, Switzerland

EPFL is a top-ranking research institute and university in Switzerland, specialising in natural science, architecture and engineering. Times Higher Education (THE) ranks EPFL 19th in the world for Engineering and Technology, and the 43rd best university overall. With its Lake Geneva setting, it is also undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and picturesque campuses in the world. EPFL teaches in English for masters courses and upwards.

Heidelberg University

Location: Heidelberg, Germany

Heidelberg is Germany's oldest university, being founded in 1386. Set in the adorable Baden-Württemberg town of Heidelberg, the university’s strengths are the humanities, natural sciences and medicine. Due to its age and continued excellence for over 600 years, its alumni and faculty have gone on to be some of the most influential figures in their field. Included are philosopher Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel, inventor of the periodic table Dmitri Mendeleev, classical composer Robert Schumann and 27 Nobel Laureates. THE ranks Heidelberg as the 5th best university in continental Europe. Heidelberg teaches in English for a number of its graduate degrees.

Delft University of Technology

Location: Delft, The Netherlands

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Ranked the 21st best university in the world for engineering & technology by THE, Delft University of Technology is a forward-looking institution with world-class facilities. TU Delft is also the oldest and largest Dutch public technological university, being founded in 1842. Perhaps Delft has most-recently been best known for its student’s robotic and engineering projects, which have gone on to win competitions such as the the World Solar Car Challenge and Formula Student electric car competition. Delft teaches undergraduate Aerospace Engineering, Applied Earth Sciences programmes, Electrical Engineering, Nanobiology, and Computer Science courses in English.

Technical University of Munich

Location: Munich, Germany

One of the highest-ranked universities in Germany, TUM has 15 academic departments and over 40,000 students, 30% of which are international. Known as “the entrepreneurial university,” the university itself tries to embody many of the innovative and entrepreneurial values it tries to instil in its students, and has been the first German university to establish an international subsidiary - the German Institute of Science and Technology (GIST) in Singapore. Thirteen Nobel Prize winners graduated from TUM, including Carl von Linde, who invented the refrigerator, and Rudolf Diesel, who conceived the diesel engine. In terms of rankings, TUM is ranked 24th in the world by THE for engineering and technology and 14th in the world for computer science. TUM teaches 172 degree programs, including plen­ty of them in English.

Bocconi University

Location: Milan, Italy

Bocconi, colloquially known as the “Harvard of Italy,” is a leading private university with challenging programs in the fields of economics, finance, law, management, political sciences and public administration. Bocconi is ranked by USNews as the 3rd best university for economics & business outside of the UK and USA, and the university also has a very prestigious MBA program. As such, many of the alumni of Bocconi have gone on to become the leaders of some of Italy and the world’s biggest companies, such as De'Longhi, Luxottica, Renault and Vodafone. Bocconi teaches the majority of its postgraduate classes in English, as several of its bachelor of science programs.

Karolinska Institutet

Location: Stockholm, Sweden

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Karolinska is among the world’s leading medical universities, and is ranked 10th in the World (2nd outside the US or UK) for medicine by THE. In terms of undergraduate education, Karolinska offers a Bachelor of Medical Science with a Major in Biomedicine. Thus, the university offers one of the widest ranges of medical educations under one roof and is situated in Stockholm, one of Europe's most culturally-diverse cities with a long and inspiring history. You may also be familiar with the institution as it awards the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine every year, and has graduate several notable Nobel Laureates, such as Torsten Wiesel and Tomas Lindahl. Karolinska’s global master's and bachelor's programmes are taught entirely in English.

SciencesPo

Location: Paris, France

The Paris Institute of Political Studies (SciencesPo for short) instills in its undergraduate students a multidisciplinary foundation in the humanities and social sciences. Every year, fresh graduates from SciencesPo in Paris join the highest rungs of world politics and public administration. The university’s alumni include seven French presidents, 13 French prime ministers and 12 foreign heads of state or government. SciencesPo also has exclusive programs like the Dual Bachelor Degrees with prestigious US and UK universities including Columbia University, UC Berkeley, and UCL. These dual-degree programs, as well as several other undergraduate and postgraduate programs are taught in English.

St Louis University - Madrid Campus

Location: Madrid, Spain

SLU-Madrid is the satellite international campus of the Missouri-based St Louis University, offering 15 degree programs in a wide range of subjects - from Art History to Economics, Marketing to Psychology. No matter what you study, the university remains true to its US roots and attempts to instil in its students a comprehensive liberal arts education, focusing on skills such as critical and analytical thinking, effective communication, and interpersonal skills. It is a popular option for SLU students to spend 2 years studying in Spain and 2 years studying in St Louis, or spend the entire 4 years in Spain. As an US college in the heart of Spain, all degrees are taught in English.

University College Maastricht

Location: Maastricht, The Netherlands

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UCM is an English-language, highly international, Liberal Arts and Sciences Honours College that provides small-scale and individualised bachelor's education. Importantly, the college is open curriculum, allowing students to blend and compose their own personalised course. Aiding the college’s small-scale and community focus is the fact that it is housed in the immensely beautiful 15th century Nieuwenhof monastery in Maastricht. UCM is part of the broader Maastricht University, which has several other campuses in and around the city of Maastricht. All of UCM’s Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees are fully taught in English.

Ludwig Maximilian University

Location: Munich, Germany

LMU's institutes and research centers are spread throughout Munich, with 18 different faculties. As such, it boasts a huge number of courses, including sciences, humanities, medicine, law and business. LMU is also currently the second-largest university in Germany with over 55,000 students, of which around 15% are international. LMU has historically been a leader of scientific discovery and is associated with 43 Nobel laureates, including Max Planck, Werner Heisenberg, Otto Hahn and Thomas Mann. THE ranks LMU the 2nd best university in continental Europe, and the 1st best university in Germany. LMU offers some of their masters degree programs taught entirely in English.

Did you know that we at Crimson can help you gain admission to European Universities?

We are well known for helping students navigate the US or UK admissions process, but did you know we can help you navigate the admissions process of European universities as well?

Our experts can help you find the best-fit university out of some of Europe’s top universities, assist you find a program you are interested in and can help guide you through the admissions process. To find out more, book a free consultation with our education experts today!

FAQs

Is European degree valid in USA? ›

A quality degree from anywhere in the world is recognized in the USA or other countries. Europe is like the largest education provider globally.

Are universities in Europe taught in English? ›

There are thousands of English-taught degrees.

What if your in-state schools aren't a good option for your chosen field of study? In Europe there are thousands of programs to choose from across 212 areas of study, and they are all taught 100% in English, so there's no need to worry about learning a new language.

Can Americans go to college in Europe? ›

Yes, absolutely! Many colleges in Europe welcome Americans with open arms. You can enroll to study abroad in Europe through your own university, a European university, or a third-party provider. You can choose to study abroad for as short as a week to as long as a full degree !

Are European universities harder than American universities? ›

At undergraduate level, generally yes. However, the effort required to complete a PhD at a leading US university is probably greater than in Europe.

How do I know if my degree is Recognised in USA? ›

You can also find out information about accreditation through the U.S. Department of Education's Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs. Keep in mind that the federal government does not accredit schools personally, but it does maintain a list for interested students.

Will my international degree be recognized in the US? ›

Many U.S. employers will accept an international degree, although you may need to take additional steps as an international applicant that your domestic counterparts aren't subject to.

Is studying in Europe better than us? ›

European universities offer a lot more types of degrees than American universities. They offer Higher National Diploma, Certificate of Higher Education, Diploma of Higher Education, Foundation Degree, Bachelors, Masters, Ph. D. and variety of professional and vocational degrees.

Where in Europe can I study for free in English? ›

Overview: Where can you attend university for free?
CountryTuition fee for students from EU/EEA (per year)Tuition fee for students from other countries (per year)
Norwayfreefree
Polandfreeca. 2,000 EUR
Sloveniafreeca. 5,000 EUR
Swedenfree80,000 - 200,000 SEK (8,300 - 20,800 EUR)
7 more rows
Oct 6, 2022

Can I study abroad if I only speak English? ›

Some people think that to travel abroad, you need to be multilingual and speak the local language of the country you want to travel to. This is far from the truth. Not even when you travel to study abroad do you need to speak the local language. You can actually get around well enough if you only speak English.

Do Americans get free college in Europe? ›

Free college, like universal health care, is one of those things that exist in Europe that Americans love to idealize. In Europe, most universities are public and France, Germany, Sweden and Scotland don't charge fees to domestic students.

Is it cheaper for Americans to study in Europe? ›

Is studying in Europe cheaper than in the USA? Yes, by a large degree. As we mentioned earlier, the average tuition fee of all the 100% English-taught, accredited bachelor's programs in Europe is just $7,390 per year for international students, and even lower for European students.

Are Americans moving to Europe for free college degrees? ›

There are at least 44 schools across Europe where Americans can earn their bachelor's degree for free, according to Jennifer Viemont, the founder of an advising service called Beyond The States. All public colleges in Germany, Iceland, Norway and Finland are free for residents and international students.

How can an American get into a European university? ›

As with schools in the states, European universities also require you to fill out an application and send in your SAT and/or ACT scores. Depending on the school you select, you may also have to pass an entrance examination to be eligible for enrollment.

What is the European equivalent of Harvard? ›

University of Cambridge

United Kingdom|Cambridge (U.K.)

Why are foreign degrees not recognized in the US? ›

One of the main issues is that employers are often unsure if your degree from abroad can be considered equivalent to a similar degree from the US. Employers might not have the expertise or the time to research education systems from other countries. This is where evaluation companies come into play.

What is my degree equivalent to in the USA? ›

An associate degree is roughly equivalent to 18 months to four years of work experience in a related field. A bachelor's degree is roughly equivalent to four to eight years of work experience in a related field. A master's degree is roughly equivalent to 10 or more years of work experience in a related field.

Is a 3 year European Bachelor degree accepted in USA? ›

Is a 3-year Bachelor's degree accepted in the USA? Yes, many universities in the USA accept applicants with 3-year bachelor's degrees. However, it is best to check with your preferred university and school in the USA before applying. And for those that don't, WES may hold the key to your admission to such universities.

How do I validate a foreign bachelor's degree in the US? ›

Applicants can request an evaluation from a member organization of one of the two national associations of credential evaluation services: National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) is an association of 19 credential evaluation services with admission standards and an enforced code of good practice.

Which degree is best for international students in USA? ›

Medicine, business management, Computer Engineering and IT are the most popular among international students. Healthcare jobs will grow 15% from 2019 to 2029. After finishing your education in the US, your best bet for a job is in the medical field. IT and management are also expected to rise by 10%-15%.

Do US degrees have an excellent international reputation? ›

U.S. degrees have an excellent international reputation

Partially this has to do with how well-funded and supported American universities are, but it also has to do with the high academic standards and rigorous requirements that they instil in their students.

What are the disadvantages of studying in Europe? ›

3 disadvantages of studying in Europe
  • Cost of living and education fees. While not as steep as in the USA, tuition fees in Europe are expensive, especially in the more prestigious universities of western Europe. ...
  • Language barrier. ...
  • Separation from friends and family.
Mar 17, 2023

How many Americans go to college in Europe? ›

There were 193,422 American students in study-abroad programs in Europe for the 2018-2019 academic year, a 3.1% increase over the previous year (IIE, 2020).

How much does it cost to go to university in Europe? ›

Average tuition fees: Free for EU/EEA students at undergraduate level (with a fee of €3,000 for student services); from €9,750 (~US$11,400) per year for non-EU students at undergraduate level. From €4,000 year for EU postgraduate students, and from €4,000 (~US$4,700) per year for non-EU students at postgraduate level.

Which is the cheapest country to study in Europe? ›

The cheapest countries to study in Europe:
  • Overall: Slovenia (low cost of living) and Germany (more study/work opportunities)
  • As a Bachelor's student: Germany and Portugal.
  • As a Master's student: Greece and Portugal.
  • As a PhD student: Estonia and Poland.
  • As an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen: Slovenia and Greece.
Dec 30, 2022

What is the cheapest country to study in English? ›

The cheapest countries to learn English
  • Malta. English is one of the official languages of this former British colony, which is also one of the cheapest countries in Europe. ...
  • South Africa. ...
  • India.
Mar 22, 2021

Which country is best for study in Europe? ›

  • #8 - Italy. 🌍 ...
  • #7 - Sweden. 🌍 Ranked #11 in the world. ...
  • #6 - Spain. 🌍 Ranked #9 in the world. ...
  • #5 - Switzerland. 🌍 Ranked #8 in the world. ...
  • #4 - The Netherlands. 🌍 Ranked #7 in the world. ...
  • #3 - Germany. 🌍 Ranked #6 in the world. ...
  • #2 - France. 🌍 Ranked #5 in the world. ...
  • #1 - The United Kingdom. 🌍 Ranked #1 in the world.
Apr 27, 2023

Which non English speaking country has the best English? ›

The Netherlands

They have a reputation for having an excellent level of English. A study by international Educational company EF Education First found that the Dutch are the best non native English speakers in the world with over 90% of the population speaking the language!

Which English is accepted worldwide? ›

International English is the concept of using the English language as a global means of communication similar to an international auxiliary language, and often refers to the movement towards an international standard for the language.

How do you study abroad if you dont know the language? ›

  1. Take the initiative, and learn the basics. ...
  2. Befriend locals. ...
  3. Ask previous study abroad participants or professors for tutoring recommendations. ...
  4. Bring dual-language dictionaries or download language apps. ...
  5. Be open minded and flexible.
Nov 7, 2019

What country offers free college for Americans? ›

Norway: Free College

Students in Norway, the EU/EEA, and Switzerland get free college tuition. However, as of 2023, International students are expected to pay full tuition fees. There are exceptions for exchange students, and scholarship opportunities are available.

What countries give foreigners free college? ›

Countries, including Austria, the Republic of Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Luxembourg, Malta, Norway, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Sweden, offer free education for certain nationalities and/or certain degrees.

What countries has free college tuition for American students? ›

Norway offers free college tuition at all of its public universities for both Norwegians and international students. The Norwegian government funds these universities to help degree-seekers graduate with less debt. Norway also offers scholarships and grants to cover living expenses in the high-cost-of-living country.

Is living in Europe cheaper than living in America? ›

Key Takeaways. Overall, Europe has a lower cost of living due to lower healthcare expenses, a weakening euro currency, and low inflation. Europeans, however, tend to pay more of their income to taxes, and average wages tend to be lower than in America.

What is the cheapest country to study abroad? ›

Argentina falls in the list of countries cheaper than India and is a good study abroad option.

What is the cheapest way for students to travel in Europe? ›

Here's how you can travel in Europe on a student budget:
  • Book cheap flight or train tickets.
  • Stay at hostels or couch surf.
  • Get around Europe on a budget.
  • Join the walking tours.
  • Indulge in street food or local markets.
Oct 25, 2022

Is it hard for an American to move to Europe? ›

Yes, US citizens can move to Europe, but how easy it would be depends on which European country you want to live in. Every country has its own immigration rules. You'll need either a work permit (for a job in your target country), or another kind of residence visa.

Is my US degree valid in Europe? ›

Bachelor's degree holders who wish to earn a master's or doctoral degree abroad, however, may have to seek a credential evaluation service beforehand. Most international employers accept degrees obtained at US colleges and universities.

Are European degrees valued in the US? ›

It does not have to be officially registered for institutes to acknowledge a foreign degree such as from Europe. But it does come under proper rules and regulations. The international agreements and the practice in the U.S. education system and labor market recognizes foreign qualifications.

Do European universities accept American students? ›

Study in English at Your Ideal European University

Even in non-anglophone countries in Europe, there are full-degree college programs taught in English. These countries are very welcoming to international students, especially Americans, who want to study there.

How do I choose a European university? ›

5 Ways to Decide Where to Study in Europe
  1. Percentage of international students in the country. ...
  2. Top ranking universities. ...
  3. Tuition fees and living expenses. ...
  4. Subject strengths.
  5. Career opportunities.

Can I study in Europe and work in USA? ›

The short answer is yes, international students can work in the USA while studying but there are some restrictions. International students who have an F-1 and M-1 visa are allowed to work on-campus and in specified training programs. Students are not allowed to work off-campus during their first academic year.

What is the Ivy League equivalent in USA? ›

These Ivy League equivalents include research universities and small liberal arts colleges. The Public Ivies consist of renowned public universities like UCLA and UT Austin. The Little Ivies include colleges such as Amherst, Bowdoin, Colby, and Vassar.

What is Harvard rival school? ›

The Harvard and Yale football rivalry, known as "The Game," is the second-oldest continuing rivalry in college football.

What university is better than Harvard? ›

MIT and Stanford are not Ivy League, but rank better than Harvard. Of the American universities in the QS World University Rankings, for example, the highest placed Ivy League university, Harvard, is third, beaten by non-Ivy universities, MIT and Stanford.

What GPA do you need to get into Harvard? ›

The GPA requirements for Harvard University are between 3.9 to 4.1. You will need an incredibly high GPA and will likely be graduating at the top of their class in order to get into Harvard University.

What is the easiest Ivy League school to get into? ›

Cornell is considered the "easiest" Ivy League to get into because it has the highest Ivy League acceptance rate. While it's easier, statistically speaking, to get into Cornell, it's still challenging. It's also important to remember that students apply directly to one of Cornell's eight undergraduate colleges.

What is the 1 university in the world? ›

1. Harvard University. Cambridge, Massachusetts, U.S. Harvard University is the standard by which all other research universities are measured.

Can I get a job in the US with a European degree? ›

A common question from international students is, “Will US employers accept my degree from abroad?” We're here to give you a deeper look into this. The short answer is, yes, the majority of US employers will accept your international degree.

Can I use my foreign bachelor's degree in USA? ›

Generally, if an individual possesses a foreign three-year Bachelor's degree, it is highly unlikely that USCIS will accept that as the U.S. academic equivalent of a Bachelor's degree. Further, there are a number of foreign institutions of higher education offering one-year Master's degrees.

Is it hard for an American to get a job in Europe? ›

Is It Difficult for Americans to Get Jobs in Europe? Although it may seem pretty intimidating, getting a job in Europe isn't as hard as you think. Due to the risk involved, local employers will generally prefer local workers over foreigners. It's a good idea to focus your job search by looking for talent shortages.

How do I validate a degree from another country in USA? ›

Applicants can request an evaluation from a member organization of one of the two national associations of credential evaluation services: National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) is an association of 19 credential evaluation services with admission standards and an enforced code of good practice.

What is the easiest country in Europe for an American to get a job? ›

Luxembourg. Getting a work visa in Luxembourg is relatively easy, and the country offers a number of options from short-term to long-term. Although it's a small European country, Luxembourg has had the highest minimum wage and the lowest unemployment rate in Europe for the past 40 years.

Is it better to study in US or Europe? ›

One factor to weigh when comparing higher education in Europe vs. the U.S. is how long it takes to get a degree. U.S. universities tend to offer breadth, requiring general education courses and exposing students to a variety of fields, while most European universities offer depth, focusing on a specific area of study.

Do American degrees transfer to Europe? ›

There is no automatic EU-wide recognition of academic diplomas. You may therefore need to go through a national procedure to get your academic degree or diploma recognised in another EU country, if you seek admission to a further course of study there.

Are US universities better than European? ›

America has the largest number of 'best' universities of any country. According to the Times Higher Education rankings the USA has 37 of the top 100 universities in the world. In comparison Europe has just 33. The American college system is considered to be more inclusive.

Which is the best country to study in Europe? ›

  • #8 - Italy. 🌍 ...
  • #7 - Sweden. 🌍 Ranked #11 in the world. ...
  • #6 - Spain. 🌍 Ranked #9 in the world. ...
  • #5 - Switzerland. 🌍 Ranked #8 in the world. ...
  • #4 - The Netherlands. 🌍 Ranked #7 in the world. ...
  • #3 - Germany. 🌍 Ranked #6 in the world. ...
  • #2 - France. 🌍 Ranked #5 in the world. ...
  • #1 - The United Kingdom. 🌍 Ranked #1 in the world.
Apr 27, 2023

How long can an American work in Europe? ›

With a valid U.S. passport, you can stay up to 90 days for tourism or business during any 180-day period. Do not overstay! You must wait an additional 90 days before applying to re-enter the Schengen area. To stay longer than 90 days, you must have a visa.

Can a US citizen move to Europe and work? ›

Can US citizens move to Europe? Yes, US citizens can move to Europe, but how easy it would be depends on which European country you want to live in. Every country has its own immigration rules. You'll need either a work permit (for a job in your target country), or another kind of residence visa.

Can you get a green card with a bachelors degree? ›

You must have have an advanced degree or its equivalent, which is a bachelor's degree plus five years of progressive work experience in the field. Acceptable documentation includes: An official academic record showing you have a U.S. advanced degree (or a foreign equivalent degree); or.

What countries are American degrees valid in? ›

Countries That Accept Degrees Earned in the US
COUNTRYMEMBERSHIP DATE
Australia1931
New Zealand1931
South Africa1931 — left in 1961 and rejoined in 1994
India1947
50 more rows

How can I validate my bachelor degree in USA? ›

You may also use World Education Services (WES) to verify that your degree is equivalent to a U.S. bachelor's degree. A WES credential evaluation makes it easier for admissions officers to understand your degrees, courses, and grades in U.S. terms.

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