Every year, lakhs of Indian students leave home to study abroad. In 2023, over 7.5 lakh Indian students went overseas for higher studies, and more than 1.5 lakh chose Europe (Source: Ministry of External Affairs, India).
Europe has 43 of the world’s top 200 universities, including Oxford, Cambridge, ETH Zurich, and LMU Munich (Source: QS World University Rankings 2024).
But picking best country to study in Europet.
Want tuition-free education? Germany and Norway have public universities that don’t charge tuition fees.
Need to work while studying? The Netherlands and Ireland allow students to work 20 hours a week to help cover expenses.
Looking for job opportunities after graduation? France, Sweden, and Finland have strong post-study work policies that make it easier to stay and work.
We will help you find the 10 best countries to study in Europe in 2025, based on tuition fees, job prospects, and student life.
Oxford (#3), Cambridge (#5), Imperial College (#2)
€1,300 (₹1.17L)
3.
Ireland
Trinity College Dublin, UCD
€1,200 (₹1.08L)
4.
Netherlands
Delft University, University of Amsterdam
€1,100 (₹99,000)
5.
Switzerland
ETH Zurich (#7)
€1,800 (₹1.62L)
6.
France
Université PSL (#24), Sorbonne University
€1,300 (₹1.17L)
7.
Finland
University of Helsinki, Aalto University
€1,100 (₹99,000)
8.
Norway
University of Oslo, NTNU
€1,500 (₹1.35L)
9.
Austria
University of Vienna, TU Wien
€1,000 (₹90,000)
10.
Italy
Sapienza University of Rome, University of Bologna
€900 (₹81,000)
#10 – Italy: One of the Best Countries to Study in Europe for Indian Students
If you're worried about the cost of studying abroad, Italy has a big advantage—public universities charge much lower tuition fees compared to the UK, US, or even the Netherlands.
You can get a degree from a top-ranked university for as low as €900 per year (₹79,000). Plus, unlike Germany, you don’t need to block a huge sum of money before applying for a student visa.
With over 32,000 international students already studying there, Italy is gaining popularity among Indian students for engineering, business, arts, and fashion studies (Source: QS Rankings 2024).
Why Choose Italy?
Top hiring industries – Fashion, automotive, business, and tourism. Companies like Ferrari, Gucci, Prada, and ENI actively recruit graduates.
Students can work 20 hours per week and earn €10-€15 per hour (₹880-₹1,300).
Proof of €6,000-€8,000 (₹5.3L-₹7L) in bank funds. Visa processing: 4-6 weeks.
If you're trying to balance your budget, here’s what you need to know. Tuition fees are way lower than in the UK or US, and daily expenses depend on the city. Milan and Rome are expensive, but places like Bologna and Turin are much cheaper.
#9 – Austria: A Hidden Gem for Indian Students in 2025
If you’re looking for affordable tuition, an English-speaking student environment, and excellent post-study work opportunities, Austria is worth considering. Austria also ranks #5 in the world for quality of life (Source: Mercer Quality of Living Index 2024). Cities like Vienna, Graz, and Innsbruck provide an excellent balance between affordability and opportunities.
What Makes Austria Different?
Universities like TU Wien and the University of Vienna are ranked among the top 200 globally.
Strong job market in engineering, IT, and renewable energy, with companies like Red Bull, Siemens, and Voestalpine hiring graduates.
Part-Time Work: Students can work up to 20 hours per week, earning €12-€15 per hour (₹1,050-₹1,300).
Visa Requirement: Proof of €12,000 (₹10.5L) in bank funds. Visa processing: 6-8 weeks.
Austria’s universities are known for their research-driven education and close ties to industries, helping students transition into jobs smoothly after graduation.
Austria is cheaper than Germany and the Netherlands, making it a smart option for students looking to balance quality education with affordability.
Expense
Average Monthly Cost
Tuition Fees (Public Universities)
€1,500-€3,000 per year (₹1.3L-₹2.6L)
Rent (Shared Accommodation)
€400-€900 (₹35,000-₹79,000)
Food & Groceries
€200-€350 (₹17,000-₹31,000)
Public Transport Pass
€30-€60 (₹2,600-₹5,300)
A student in Vienna needs around €1,000-€1,400 per month (₹88,000-₹1.23L) to live comfortably, while in cities like Graz or Linz, living costs are 15-20% lower.
#8 – Norway: Tuition-Free Education and Strong Career Prospects
Norway consistently ranks among the top 10 best countries to study in Europe (Source: Times Higher Education 2024). The has three universities in the QS Top 200, and its education system focuses on practical learning and industry collaboration.
Why Do Indian Students Prefer Norway?
Ranked #1 in the UN Human Development Index (HDI) 2024 - one of the best standards of living in the world.
96% of Norwegians speak English fluently - easier for international students to adapt (Source: Education First English Proficiency Index).
Post-study work visa of one year, with high demand for skilled workers in engineering, IT, finance, and healthcare.
Ranked #1 in the UN Human Development Index, ensuring a high standard of living and job security.
High demand for professionals in renewable energy, oil & gas, and software development, with salaries starting at €50,000-€60,000 (₹44L-₹52L).
Proof of €14,400 (₹12.7L) in a Norwegian bank account. Visa processing: 6-8 weeks.
Norwegian universities are known for their practical approach to learning and strong ties with industries, especially in energy, engineering, and business.
University
QS World Ranking 2025
Best For
University of Oslo
101
Medicine, Social Sciences, Law
Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)
Norway doesn’t charge tuition at public universities, but living expenses are higher than in many European countries. Students need around €1,200-€1,800 per month (₹1.05L-₹1.58L) to cover rent, food, transport, and other expenses.
#7 – Finland: A Smart Choice for Indian Students in 2025
If you’re looking for the best country to study in Europe modern, innovation-driven country with strong job prospects, Finland should be on your list. In 2024, over 20,000 international students chose Finland, and with over 90% of Finns speaking English, it’s an easy country to settle into (Source: Finnish Immigration Service). If you’re into engineering, AI, business, or sustainability, Finland gives you the perfect mix of education and career opportunities.
#6 – France: The Smart Choice for Business, Engineering & Luxury Careers
When you think of France, you probably picture Paris, fashion, croissants, and the Eiffel Tower. But did you know France is also one of the best study destinations in Europe, especially if you’re aiming for a career in business, engineering, tech, or fashion?
Over 400,000 international students are studying in France right now (Source: Campus France), and the number is growing. Why? Low tuition fees, a strong job market, and a 2-year post-study work visa make it one of the best places in Europe for Indian students. And unlike Germany, where language is a barrier, you can study entirely in English while picking up some basic French along the way.
Why Choose France?
Tuition fees for master’s programs start at just €3,770 per year (₹3.3L), much lower than the UK or US.
Paris is a hub for finance, luxury brands, and startups, with companies like LVMH, Airbus, BNP Paribas, and Ubisoft hiring graduates.
Students can work 20 hours per week, earning €10-€14 per hour (₹880-₹1,200).
Proof of €7,380 (₹6.5L) in bank funds. Visa processing: 4-6 weeks.
France is cheaper than the UK and US, but your expenses depend on the city. Paris is pricey, but cities like Lyon, Toulouse, and Nantes are more affordable.
#5 – Switzerland: Where Education Meets Luxury and High Salaries
When you hear “Switzerland,” you probably think of snow-capped mountains, luxury watches, and Swiss chocolates. But did you know it's is one of the best country to study in Europe? With a reputation for high-quality education and top research facilities, Switzerland is a dream destination for students looking to study and build a high-paying career.
What makes it special? The country ranks #2 in the Global Innovation Index 2024, and its universities consistently produce graduates who land jobs at top firms like Nestlé, UBS, Credit Suisse, and Rolex. But —it’s expensive. However, the salaries here are among the highest in the world, so your investment pays off.
Why Do Indian Students Prefer Switzerland?
One of the highest-paying countries in Europe, with graduates earning CHF 85,000 (₹82L) per year.
Students can work 15 hours per week, earning CHF 20-25 per hour (₹1,900-₹2,400).
Proof of CHF 21,000 (₹20L) in a Swiss bank account. Visa processing: 8-12 weeks.
Swiss universities rank among the best in the world, especially for STEM, finance, and hospitality.
University
QS World Ranking 2025
Best For
ETH Zurich
7
Engineering, AI, Robotics
EPFL Lausanne
36
Computer Science, Renewable Energy
University of Zurich
91
Business, Finance, Medicine
University of Geneva
125
Law, International Relations
EHL (École Hôtelière de Lausanne)
1 (Global Hospitality Ranking)
Hospitality & Luxury Management
Cost of Studying and Living in Switzerland
Switzerland is expensive, but it offers world-class education and high earning potential. Public universities are cheaper than private ones, and students can offset costs through part-time jobs and scholarships.
#4 – Netherlands: Study in the Land of Bikes, Business & Big Tech
Thinking about studying in Europe but don’t want the headache of learning a new language? 95% of Dutch people speak English, and with over 2,000 English-taught programs, you don’t need to worry about language barriers.
The Netherlands has some of the best universities in Europe, a tech and business scene, and global companies like Philips, Shell, Unilever, Heineken, and Booking.com.
Why Choose the Netherlands?
With its famous bike-friendly cities, great public transport, and lively student culture, living here is fun and easy.
The 1-year post-study work visa allows graduates to stay and find employment.
Students can work 16 hours per week and earn €10-€14 per hour (₹880-₹1,200).
Proof of €12,000 (₹10.5L) in bank funds. Visa processing time: 4-6 weeks.
The Netherlands is cheaper than the UK and Switzerland, but Amsterdam is expensive. Cities like Eindhoven, Groningen, and Rotterdam are more budget-friendly.
Expense
Average Monthly Cost
Tuition Fees (Public Universities)
€8,000-€15,000 per year (₹7L-₹13L)
Rent (Shared Accommodation)
€500-€1,200 (₹44,000-₹1.05L)
Food & Groceries
€250-€400 (₹22,000-₹35,000)
Public Transport Pass
€40-€75 (₹3,500-₹6,600)
#3 – Ireland: Big Tech, High Salaries & Easy PR
Imagine studying in a country where Google, Microsoft, Meta, and Apple all have their European headquarters. Over 900 multinational companies are based here, including Intel, Amazon, TikTok, and Accenture.
Ireland has over 40,000 international students, many of whom choose it for business, tech, and healthcare programs. With a 2-year post-study work visa and easy pathways to PR, it’s a smart choice for students looking to study and settle in Europe.
#2 – United Kingdom: The OG Study Abroad Destination
If you ask any Indian student about the best country to study in Europe, the UK is probably the first country that comes to mind. But beyond the reputation, what makes it worth the investment?
With over 125,000 Indian students currently enrolled, the UK is a gateway to top-tier education, global career opportunities, and an easy route to PR. Whether you’re aiming for Oxford, Imperial, or LSE, or looking for a solid STEM, business, or healthcare degree, the UK has something for everyone.
Thinking about studying in the UK? Here’s everything you need to know about student visas.
Why Do Indian Students Choose the UK?
The UK has 4 of the top 10 universities in the world, including Oxford, Cambridge, and Imperial College London.
A master’s degree takes just 1 year, meaning lower tuition fees and living costs compared to the US.
You get 2 years to find a job after graduation under the Graduate Route Visa.
Top Industries Hiring Graduates – Finance, tech, AI, law, and healthcare have some of the highest-paying jobs in the UK.
The UK is expensive, but salaries after graduation make up for it. London is the priciest city, while cities like Manchester, Birmingham, and Sheffield are more affordable.
#1 – Germany: Study for Free, Work Anywhere in Europe - Best Country to Study in Europe
Ask any Indian student why they’re heading to Germany, and the answer is simple—top-ranked universities, zero tuition fees, and some of the best job opportunities in Europe. With over 42,000 Indian students currently enrolled (Source: DAAD 2024),
You get to build a career with global companies like BMW, Bosch, SAP, Siemens, and Deutsche Bank. Whether you want to work in AI, robotics, finance, or biotech, Germany offers a world-class education system, paid internships, and a clear path to permanent residency.
Germany has some of the best STEM and business universities in the world, known for their research and strong industry ties.
University
QS World Ranking 2025
Best For
Technical University of Munich (TUM)
37
Engineering, AI, Business
RWTH Aachen University
106
Mechanical, Automotive Engineering
University of Heidelberg
87
Medicine, Biotechnology
Humboldt University of Berlin
120
Humanities, Law, Social Sciences
Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU)
54
Data Science, Finance, AI
Cost of Studying & Living in Germany
Germany is one of the most affordable study destinations thanks to free tuition at public universities. Students only need to pay a semester contribution fee of €200-€500 for administrative costs.
Popular scholarships like Erasmus+ (for all EU countries), DAAD (Germany), and Eiffel Scholarships (France) are open to students from India and other non-EU countries. Many universities also have their own funding programs based on academic merit and financial need.
Top Government & University Scholarships in Europe
Scholarship Name
Eligibility
Funding Amount
Application Deadline
Erasmus+ (EU Countries)
Bachelor’s/Master’s students from partner countries
Tuition + Living Stipend
Varies by program
DAAD Scholarships (Germany)
Master’s & PhD students
Full tuition + €934/month (₹82,000)
September - October
Eiffel Excellence Scholarship (France)
Master’s & PhD students
€1,181/month (₹1L) + tuition waiver
January
Swedish Institute Scholarships
Master’s students from developing countries
Full tuition + living costs
February
Holland Scholarship (Netherlands)
Non-EU students applying for Bachelor's or Master’s
€5,000 (₹4.4L) one-time grant
May 1st
ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship (Switzerland)
High-achieving Master’s students
Full tuition + CHF 12,000 (₹11L) per year
December
Commonwealth Scholarship (UK)
Students from Commonwealth nations
Full tuition + stipend
December
How to Apply to Universities in Europe?
If you’re applying to universities in Europe, each country has a slightly different system. Some have centralized portals, while others require direct applications.
Planning your application? Follow these steps.
Step-by-Step University Application Process in Europe
Step
What You Need to Do
Key Points
Step 1
Shortlist universities based on rankings, tuition fees, and scholarships.
Use QS Rankings & university websites for details.
Step 2
Check entry requirements – SOP, LORs, GPA, language tests.
Most universities require IELTS 6.0-7.5, GPA 2.5-3.5/4.
Step 3
Submit applications via university portals or centralized systems.
Receive admission offers & apply for a student visa.
Visa processing time: 4-12 weeks. Apply early!
Step 5
Arrange accommodation & plan travel.
University dorms fill up fast. Look for rentals early.
What to Do After Getting Accepted?
Once you get an acceptance letter, the next steps are:
Apply for a Student Visa
Find Accommodation
Sort Out Health Insurance
Start Learning the Local Language
upGrad Abroad – Helping You Study in Europe
Whether you’re aiming for tuition-free education in Germany, a business degree in the UK, or tech opportunities in Ireland, we help you every step of the way.
Which European country offers the most affordable student housing?
Germany, Poland, and Hungary offer some of the lowest student accommodation costs in Europe. Cities like Berlin, Warsaw, and Budapest have student dorms starting from €200–€400 (₹18,000–₹36,000) per month, much lower than in countries like the UK or France.
Do European universities require entrance exams apart from IELTS/TOEFL?
Most universities in Europe accept IELTS or TOEFL, but some programs, especially in medicine and engineering, require additional entrance exams like TestAS (Germany), BMAT (UK), or TCF (France for French-taught programs).
Can I work while studying in Europe, and what are the restrictions?
Yes, most European countries allow international students to work 10–20 hours per week during term time. Germany, France, and the Netherlands offer flexible student work policies, while Denmark and Sweden have higher wages for part-time jobs.
How easy is it to transfer from one European university to another?
The European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) makes it easier to switch universities within the EU. However, requirements vary by country, and non-EU students may need to update their visa or reapply for residence permits.
Which European countries offer free tuition for non-EU students?
Germany and Norway offer free tuition at public universities for all students, including non-EU applicants. Finland, Sweden, and Austria also have affordable tuition, but with some fees for non-EU students.
How do I prove financial stability for a student visa in Europe?
Most countries require proof of funds to cover one year of living expenses and tuition fees. Germany requires a blocked account with €11,208 (₹10 lakh), while France and the Netherlands require bank statements showing financial capability.
What are the best countries for studying medicine in Europe?
Germany, Italy, and Poland have some of the best medical schools in Europe. Italy offers tuition-free medical programs, while Poland and Germany have highly ranked English-taught MBBS programs.
Which European universities have strong alumni networks for career growth?
Oxford and Cambridge (UK), ETH Zurich (Switzerland), and TU Munich (Germany) have extensive alumni networks with strong industry ties. Business schools like INSEAD (France) and Bocconi (Italy) are well-connected for career growth.
What are the benefits of studying at a public vs private university in Europe?
Public universities in Europe are more affordable and often have tuition-free options for EU students. Private universities offer smaller class sizes, specialized programs, and faster admissions, but at a higher cost.
Which European countries allow family members to accompany students?
Germany, France, and the Netherlands allow student visa holders to bring family members under dependent visas, provided they can prove financial support. Some countries have stricter rules for non-EU students.
How does health insurance work for international students in Europe?
In many EU countries, students can access public health insurance for a small monthly fee (€80–€150 in Germany and France). In some countries like Sweden and Finland, health insurance is mandatory for non-EU students.
What’s the best country for a student-friendly lifestyle in Europe?
Germany, the Netherlands, and Spain offer a great balance of affordable living, high-quality education, and vibrant student life. Cities like Berlin, Amsterdam, and Barcelona are popular for international students.
How do tuition fees compare between undergraduate and postgraduate programs?
Tuition for postgraduate programs is usually higher than for undergraduates, especially for business and engineering courses. Countries like Germany and Norway keep fees the same, but the UK, France, and the Netherlands charge higher fees for master’s programs.
Can I apply for multiple European universities at once?
Yes, you can apply to multiple universities through centralized platforms like Uni-Assist (Germany), UCAS (UK), and Studielink (Netherlands). Some countries allow direct university applications as well.
Are there countries in Europe where Indian students don’t need a visa?
Indian students don’t need a visa for Schengen countries if they already have a valid long-term student visa from another Schengen country. EU/EEA citizens don’t require visas at all, but most Indian students will need to apply for a student visa.
Bulbul is a self-driven professional and an expert writer & editor. She has been a part of the ed-tech industry for the past 2 years now and is motivated to provide study abroad aspirants with factually correct and relevant information. Her knack for impactful writing makes her blogs worth a read!
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