- Indian students typically need ₹20–70 lakh per year to cover tuition, accommodation, and living expenses in Europe, depending on the country and university.
- ETH Zurich is ranked #1 in QS Europe 2026 rankings, followed by the Imperial College London, University of Oxford, University of Cambridge and many more.
- Public universities in Germany offer near-zero tuition fees, and countries like France and Italy provide world-class education at a fraction of the cost compared to the USA or Australia.
Top Reasons to Study in Europe
The following are some of the reasons why you should consider Europe as a top choice for fulfilling your dreams of studying abroad.
- Multiple Counties, Diverse Opportunities: According to the United Nations, there are 44 countries in Europe, each with its own cultural identity and tradition. Every European country has a lot more to give to international students, which they can remember for a lifetime.
- Vast Academic & Professional Exposure: Around 300 universities located in Europe provide more than 1000+ courses across diverse study fields such as engineering, science, business management, arts, etc., thereby giving a large catalogue of academic and professional opportunities.
- Cut Your Cost: Unlike the USA, Canada, and Australia, where the average duration of master’s courses is 2 years, you can complete your master’s studies in Europe in 15-18 months, thereby reducing your overall expenses.
- Become Multilingual: Although you can pursue your master’s studies in Europe in the English language, you also have a chance to learn 20+ languages! This includes French, German, Polish, Italian, Spanish, etc.
Best Countries to Study in Europe
These countries are known for academic excellence, post-study work rights, and budget-friendly options:
- United Kingdom
- Germany
- France
- Ireland
- Netherlands
- Sweden
- Italy
- Spain
- Austria
- Poland
- Denmark
- Switzerland
- Latvia
5 Popular European Countries for 2025-26
Here are five top European study destinations that offer great value, globally ranked universities, and attractive study environments for Indian students in 2025 and beyond.
United Kingdom
The UK consistently leads in hosting Indian students due to its historic universities, strong global rankings, and broad post-study work opportunities.
| University | QS Europe Rank (2026) |
|---|---|
| Imperial College London | 2 |
| University of Oxford | 3 |
| University of Cambridge | 4 |
| UCL (University College London) | 5 |
| The University of Edinburgh | 6 |
UK Study Overview
The table below gives a quick overview of tuition fees, living expenses, and most preferred fields of study for Indian students in the UK.
| Metric | Data |
|---|---|
| Indian Student Enrollment | 173,000 |
| Tuition Fees (per year) | £10,000–30,000 (~₹11–32 L) |
| Living Cost (per year) | £15,000–27,000 (~₹15–27 L) |
| Popular Fields | Business, Engineering, Law, Medicine |
France
France attracts thousands of Indian students thanks to low tuition public universities and growing English-taught graduate programs.
| University | QS Europe Rank (2026) |
|---|---|
| PSL University | 9 |
| Institut Polytechnique de Paris | 23 |
| Université Paris-Saclay | 30 |
| Sorbonne University (merged from Paris IV & UPMC) | 31 |
| Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne | 103 |
France Study Overview
The table below gives a quick overview of tuition fees, living expenses, and most preferred fields of study for Indian students in France.
| Metric | Data |
|---|---|
| Indian Student Enrollment | 10,000 |
| Tuition Fees (per year) | €5,000–30,000 (~₹4–27 L) |
| Living Cost (per year) | €10,000–22,250 (~₹9–19 L) |
| Popular Fields | Business, Social Sciences, Arts |
Germany
Germany has become the largest study destination for Indians in Europe, offering minimal/no tuition and high-quality technical education.
| University | QS Europe Rank (2026) |
|---|---|
| Technical University of Munich | 11 |
| Universität Heidelberg | 18 |
| Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München | 21 |
| Freie Universitaet Berlin | 43 |
| Technische Universität Berlin (TU Berlin) | 44 |
Germany Study Overview
The table below gives a quick overview of tuition fees, living expenses, and most preferred fields of study for Indian students in Germany.
| Metric | Data |
|---|---|
| Indian Student Enrollment | 49,483 |
| Tuition Fees (public unis) | Free or €150–350/semester (~₹1.3 L) |
| Living Cost (annual) | €9,000–20,000 (~₹8–17 L) |
| Popular Fields | Engineering, CS, Architecture, Business |
Ireland
Ireland is gaining traction among Indian students for its strong tech industry and growing number of English-medium programs.
| University | QS Europe Rank (2026) |
|---|---|
| Trinity College Dublin | 26 |
| University College Dublin | 51 |
| University of Galway | 98 |
| University College Cork | 105 |
| University of Limerick | 145 |
Ireland Study Overview
The table below gives a quick overview of tuition fees, living expenses, and most preferred fields of study for Indian students in Ireland.
| Metric | Data |
|---|---|
| Indian Student Enrollment | 11,200 |
| Tuition Fees (per year) | €11,000–30,000 (~₹9–26 L) |
| Living Cost (per year) | €7,000–15,000 (~₹6–13 L) |
| Popular Fields | Business, Marketing, Technical |
Netherlands
With high English proficiency and globally ranked universities, the Netherlands is emerging as a preferred choice.
| University | QS Europe Rank (2026) |
|---|---|
| Delft University of Technology | 15 |
| University of Amsterdam | 17 |
| Utrecht University | 40 |
| Leiden University | 52 |
| University of Groningen | 53 |
Netherlands Study Overview
The table below gives a quick overview of tuition fees, living expenses, and most preferred fields of study for Indian students in the Netherlands.
| Metric | Data |
|---|---|
| Indian Student Enrollment | 3,500 |
| Tuition Fees (per year) | €6,000–22,000 (~₹5–19 L) |
| Living Cost (per year) | €9,500–14,000 (~₹8–12 L) |
| Popular Fields | Engineering, IT, Law, Business |
Best Universities in Europe
Europe is home to several globally recognized universities that offer world-class education across diverse fields. The table below shows the top-ranked universities in Europe as per the QS World University Rankings 2025.
| University | QS World University Rankings 2025 |
|---|---|
| ETH Zurich | 1 |
| Imperial College London | 2 |
| University of Oxford | 3 |
| University of Cambridge | 4 |
| University College London | 5 |
| University of Edinburgh | 6 |
| University of Manchester | 7 |
| King’s College London | 8 |
| Université PSL | 9 |
| EPFL – École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne | 10 |
Study Intakes in Europe
Understanding study intakes helps international students plan their applications well in advance. European universities typically offer three main intakes, with fall being the most popular.
| Intakes | Commencement of Application | Application Deadlines |
|---|---|---|
| Fall | October-November | February-March |
| Spring | September-October | December-January |
| Summer | January-February | May |
Affordable Countries for Indian Students in Europe (2025)
Many countries in Europe offer quality education at affordable tuition and living costs. Below are the most budget-friendly destinations for Indian students planning to study in Europe in 2025.
| Country | Tuition Fees (INR) | Living Cost (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Austria | 1.3L/year | 9-11.5L/year |
| Italy | ₹45K–4 L/year | ₹7–9 L/year |
| France | ₹2.4–3.4 L/year | ₹8–13 L/year |
| Germany | ₹0–68K/year | ₹11–18 L/year |
| Spain | ₹0.9–3 L/year | 5L–10L/year |
| Denmark | 5L–14L/year | ₹11–14 L/year |
Study in Europe Without IELTS/TOEFL
- Provide Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate (not older than 5 years).
- Score above 85% in English in Class 12 (for UK, Ireland).
- Some universities offer language prep courses instead of IELTS.
- Conditional admits may require proof before the program starts.
Key Takeaways by AdmitX
Europe is a top choice for Indian students thanks to short course durations, affordable tuition, and high ROI. Countries like Germany, France, and Ireland offer globally recognized programs with strong post-study work opportunities.
Need help choosing the right university or applying for a visa?
AdmitX offers personalized support and resources for everything from university selection, documentation, visa applications and more. Contact us today!
FAQs
What are the top countries in Europe to study?
The UK, Ireland, Netherlands, France, and Germany are the top 5 countries in Europe for pursuing higher education.
How to apply for a scholarship to study in Europe?
To apply for a scholarship to study in Europe, you are required to visit the official websites of the scholarships portal, such as DAAD (for Germany) and Campus France (For France). In other countries, you can apply on the university’s websites.
How much does it cost to study in Europe?
The average cost of study in Europe is around INR 14 Lakhs-40 Lakhs per year, depending on the country, university, degree type, and course.
Is it better to study in Europe or the USA?
Compared to the USA, you will get the following benefits when pursuing degree programs.
- Overall expenses in European countries are less since the duration of study is only 1 year.
- More options for affordable study programs and accommodation in 40+ countries and 300+ courses.
- You will get opportunities to explore the rich cultural heritage of European countries.
What is the cost of living in European countries for Indian students?
The average cost of living in Europe depends on the country, city, and lifestyle preferences of the students. However, it ranges from INR 10 Lakhs to 18 Lakhs per year.
What are the QS Europe Rankings 2026 for top universities?
As per the QS Europe Rankings 2026, top universities include ETH Zurich (#1) followed by Imperial College London, University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, UCL (University College London) and more.
Can Indian students study in Europe without IELTS or TOEFL?
Yes, many European universities accept a Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate or high English scores in Class 12. Some also offer preparatory language courses in place of standard English proficiency exams.
Which are the most affordable countries in Europe for Indian students?
Countries like Germany, Italy, Austria, and France are among the most budget-friendly due to low or zero tuition fees and reasonable living costs compared to other international destinations.
When should I apply to study in Europe for Fall 2025 intake?
For Fall 2025 intake, applications typically open in October–November 2024 and close around February–March 2025. It’s advisable to apply early and check specific university deadlines.
What fields of study are most popular in Europe for Indian students?
Indian students commonly pursue programs in Engineering, Business Management, Computer Science, Law, and Medicine, with many universities offering English-taught courses across these disciplines.
