Skip to content
Home » List of the Best Universities in Europe: Beyond the Ivy League

List of the Best Universities in Europe: Beyond the Ivy League

best universities in europe

Europe is home to some of the world’s most prestigious and well-respected universities, attracting students from all corners of the globe to pursue their academic goals. With a rich history of higher education, Europe boasts a diverse range of universities that provide an exceptional learning experience to their students. From the ancient universities of Oxford and Cambridge to modern, research-intensive institutions like ETH Zurich and University College London, Europe offers an unparalleled selection of world-class universities. Some of the best universities in Europe are highly renowned for their world-class curriculum.

While rankings may vary based on different factors and methodologies, several universities consistently top the charts, providing students with the best possible education and research opportunities. These universities have established themselves as centers of excellence in a wide range of disciplines, including business, engineering, medicine, humanities, and social sciences, attracting students from all corners of the globe. Whether you’re a prospective student, an academic researcher, or simply a curious observer, this overview will provide you with valuable insights into some of the best universities in Europe and their relevant details. Additionally, we’ll use transition words to enhance readability and flow.

Why choose to study in Europe?

There are several reasons why students choose to Study in Europe, ranging from the high quality of education to the rich cultural experiences and diverse opportunities. Here are some of the key factors that make Europe a popular destination for international students:

  • High-quality education: Europe is home to some of the best universities in the world, with a long history of academic excellence and innovation. Many of these universities have a strong focus on research and offer cutting-edge facilities and resources for students.
  • Diversity and cultural richness: Europe is a diverse and multicultural continent, with a rich history, art, and literature. Studying in Europe provides an opportunity to experience this diversity firsthand, learn new languages, and engage with different perspectives and ideas.
  • Career prospects: A degree from a European university can significantly boost your career prospects, as many employers value the international experience, language skills, and cultural awareness that come with studying abroad.
  • Affordable tuition: While some universities in Europe may have high tuition fees, there are also many affordable options available, particularly in countries such as Germany and France, where tuition is free or low for international students.
  • Travel opportunities: Studying in Europe also provides an opportunity to travel and explore the continent, with easy access to a range of countries and cultures. This can be a valuable and enriching experience, both personally and academically.

List of The Best Universities in Europe

Studying in Europe seems exciting, isn’t it? Now that you know the potential benefits of studying in Europe, we will now be looking at the list of some of the best universities in Europe based on their latest rankings.

Here is a list of the best universities in Europe:

Name of the InstitutionQS Global Rank 2023
University of Cambridge02
University of Oxford04
Imperial College London=6
UCL08
ETH Zurich09
The University of Edinburgh15
EPFL16
University PSL26
The University of Manchester28
King’s College London37
Institut Polytechnique de Paris48
Technical University of Munich49
The London School of Economics and Political Science56
University of Amsterdam58
Ludwig-Maximilians University Munchen59
Sorbonne University60
Delft University of Technology=61
University of Bristol=61
The University of Warwick64
Universitat Heidelberg65

About the Top 10 Best Universities in Detail

Now that you have seen the list of the best universities in Europe, in this section we will be taking you through the top 10 best universities in Europe in detail.

University of Cambridge

The University of Cambridge tops the list when we talk about the best universities in Europe. Founded in 1209, the University of Cambridge’s 800-year history makes it the fourth-oldest university in the world and the second-oldest university in the English-speaking world. Cambridge students make up 20 percent of the town’s population and most of the older colleges are situated near the city center.

Founding Year1209
LocationCambridge, United Kingdom
QS Score98.8
Popular Courses OfferedThe university is well-known for its courses in sciences, humanities, social sciences, and engineering.
Average Tuition FeesThe average tuition fees for international students range from £19,197 to £36,000 per year.
Average SalaryThe average salary for graduates is around £43,000 per annum.

University of Oxford

The University of Oxford is one of the world’s leading academic institutions, renowned for its rigorous academic programs and world-class research facilities. The university offers a wide range of courses across multiple disciplines.

Founding Year1096
LocationOxford, United Kingdom
QS Score98.4
Popular Courses OfferedThe university is well-known for its courses in sciences, humanities, social sciences, and engineering.
Average Tuition FeesThe average tuition fees for international students range from £24,585 to £36,062 per year.
Average SalaryThe average salary for graduates is around £46,000 per annum. Oxford’s alumni include numerous influential figures in various fields.

Imperial College London

Imperial College London is a world-class university renowned for its cutting-edge research and innovation. Imperial’s commitment to excellence in teaching and research has led to numerous groundbreaking discoveries and collaborations with industry partners. Its alumni include Nobel laureates, prominent scientists, and business leaders.

Founding Year1907
LocationLondon, United Kingdom
QS Score97
Popular Courses OfferedThe university is renowned for its courses in science, engineering, business, and medicine.
Average Tuition FeesThe average tuition fees for international students range from £32,000 to £38,000 per year.
Average SalaryThe average salary for graduates is around £41,000 per annum. Imperial’s alumni include numerous Nobel laureates and business leaders.

University College London

Another name in the list of the best universities in Europe is the University College London. University College London (UCL) is a world-class university that is recognized for its commitment to research, innovation, and teaching excellence. UCL’s diverse student body and faculty contribute to a vibrant academic community. Its alumni include prominent figures in various fields.

Founding Year1826
LocationLondon, United Kingdom
QS Score95
Popular Courses OfferedThe university offers a wide range of courses in sciences, humanities, social sciences, and engineering.
Average Tuition FeesThe average tuition fees for international students range from £19,500 to £32,000 per year, and the average salary for graduates is around £36,000 per annum.
Average SalaryThe average salary for graduates is around £36,000 per annum.

ETH Zurich

ETH Zurich is a world-renowned research university that excels in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The institution is committed to providing an exceptional education to its students and conducting groundbreaking research.

Founding Year1855
LocationZurich, Switzerland
QS Score93.6
Popular Courses OfferedThe university offers courses in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Average Tuition FeesThe average tuition fees for international students range from CHF 1,320 to CHF 1,580 per year.
Average SalaryThe average salary for graduates is around CHF 88,000 per annum.

The University of Edinburgh

The University of Edinburgh is a prestigious institution that is renowned for its excellence in teaching and research. The university’s commitment to innovation and scholarship has led to numerous groundbreaking discoveries and collaborations with industry partners. Its alumni include prominent figures in various fields.

Founding Year1582
LocationEdinburgh, Scotland
QS Score89.50
Popular Courses OfferedThe university offers a wide range of courses in sciences, humanities, social sciences, and engineering.
Average Tuition FeesThe average tuition fees for international students range from £20,500 to £34,000 per year.
Average SalaryThe average salary for graduates is around £31,000 per annum.

EPFL

The École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) is a world-renowned institution of higher education and research.  EPFL is committed to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship and has a strong reputation for producing successful startups. Its alumni include influential figures in various fields.

Founding Year1969
LocationLausanne, Switzerland
QS Score89.20
Popular Courses OfferedThe university offers courses in science, engineering, and technology.
Average Tuition FeesThe average tuition fees for international students range from CHF 1,320 to CHF 1,580 per year.
Average SalaryThe average salary for graduates is around CHF 95,000 per annum.

University PSL

PSL (Paris Sciences et Lettres) is a world-class research university that brings together 25 prestigious French institutions in the fields of science, humanities, social sciences, and engineering. With a focus on interdisciplinary education and research, PSL offers innovative programs and cutting-edge facilities, as well as numerous opportunities for international collaboration and exchange.

Founding Year2010
LocationParis, France
QS Score83.80
Popular Courses OfferedPSL offers popular courses in fields such as mathematics, physics, economics, computer science, and humanities.
Average Tuition FeesThe average tuition fees for undergraduate programs at PSL range from €2,000-€6,000 per year for EU students
Average SalaryThe average salary for PSL graduates is around €40,000-€50,000 per year.

The University of Manchester

Another name in the list of the best universities in Europe is the University of Manchester. The University of Manchester is a world-renowned research university with a global reputation for excellence in education, innovation, and social responsibility. With a diverse and vibrant student community, Manchester offers a range of academic programs across various disciplines as well as state-of-the-art facilities and opportunities for research and collaboration.

Founding Year1824
LocationParis, France
QS Score82.30
Popular Courses OfferedThe University of Manchester offers popular courses in areas such as engineering, business, computer science, and medicine.
Average Tuition FeesTuition fees for international students vary by course, but the average undergraduate fee is £21,000 per year.
Average SalaryGraduates of Manchester earn an average salary of £32,000-£38,000 per year.

King’s College London

King’s College London is a leading research university that is recognized globally for its excellence in teaching and research. With a diverse student body and an emphasis on interdisciplinary education, King’s offers a range of innovative programs, world-class facilities, and opportunities for collaboration and research.

Founding Year1829
LocationLondon, United Kingdom
QS Score81.20
Popular Courses OfferedIt is a renowned research university that offers popular courses in areas such as law, business, medicine, and humanities.
Average Tuition FeesTuition fees for international students vary by course, but the average undergraduate fee is £25,200 per year.
Average SalaryGraduates of King’s earn an average salary of £32,000-£38,000 per year.

Disclaimer: Average tuition fees and average salary might change according to the course and the location of the campus. Students are requested to check the universities’ websites for the exact tuition fee and for more details.

Summary

When it comes to higher education, Europe is home to some of the world’s best universities. The best universities in Europe offer world-class education, cutting-edge research facilities, and diverse student communities. Institutions such as the University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, ETH Zurich, University of Edinburgh, and Imperial College London, to name a few, consistently rank among the top universities in Europe and the world.

Whether you are looking to study engineering, science, humanities, or business, these universities provide exceptional programs that can help you achieve your academic and professional goals. With their global recognition, outstanding faculty, and commitment to excellence, the best universities in Europe are an excellent choice for anyone seeking a top-quality education.

iDreamCareer is on a mission to reach every state and every child in order to ensure that talent is appropriately delivered to the industry. Talk to our study abroad experts to know yourself in and out! We have helped several brilliant but confused minds with the aim of selecting their most-suited career choices. We have helped many students like Anjana Prasanna who was not very confident about her capabilities. Later with the help of career guidance and moral support from our study abroad experts, she got an offer from King’s College London! We have also helped several brilliant but confused minds like Aayush, Tapan with an aim to select their most-suited career choices.

Also, Read

  1. Study in France
  2. Best Universities in France
  3. Study In Norway
  4. Study in Ireland
  5. Study in Italy
  6. Study in Netherlands
  7. How to get scholarships abroad
  8. Study MBBS Abroad
  9. MBA in Germany
  10. France Student Visa Process & Requirements

FAQs

What makes a university one of the best in Europe?

Universities that are considered the best in Europe are typically renowned for their academic excellence, research facilities, and diverse student communities.

Can international students attend the best universities in Europe?

Yes, international students can attend the best universities in Europe. However, tuition fees for international students may be higher than for domestic students.

Are there scholarships available to study at the best universities in Europe?

Yes, many of the best universities in Europe offer scholarships and financial aid to help students cover their tuition fees and living expenses.

How can I apply to the best universities in Europe?

The application process for the best universities in Europe varies by institution but typically involves submitting an application form, academic transcripts, and letters of recommendation. Some universities may also require standardized test scores and personal statements.

What are the job prospects for graduates of the best universities in Europe?

Graduates of the best universities in Europe have excellent job prospects, as these institutions are highly respected by employers around the world. Many graduates go on to pursue successful careers in a wide range of industries and sectors.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Please share the below details.
We will arrange a call back for you.

LET’S GET STARTED!

Help us with your Details!

GET YOUR FREE PROFILE EVALUATION, NOW!

iDreamCareer

Download our app on

LET’S GET STARTED!

Help us with your Details!

GET YOUR FREE PROFILE EVALUATION, NOW!

LET’S GET STARTED!

Help us with your Details!

GET YOUR FREE PROFILE EVALUATION, NOW!

Thanks for sharing your details.
Our team will contact you
for further steps 🙂