IEC International

Europe

Studying in Europe

As an EU citizen, you are entitled to study at any EU university under the same conditions as nationals. Efforts have been made in the EU to streamline higher education but each country still has their own education system, structure, entry requirements etc. Most undergraduate programmes in mainland Europe are three years, and they often do not have separate Ordinary and Honours degrees as we do in Ireland.

Experience a world-class higher education in Europe and benefit from an extensive choice of bachelor’s and master’s courses, doctoral study programmes and more.

Explore diverse languages and cultures in a welcoming, social environment.

EUROPE University

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Education system in Europe

The Study in Europe website covers higher education in 33 European countries. Each country has its own nationally governed higher education system, but all form part of the European Higher Education Area (EHEA).

The EHEA system helps to ensure that higher education systems across Europe are compatible and that students, researchers and academics in Europe can collaborate and study or work abroad more easily.

Europe, there are countries with a higher education system based upon a distinction between higher education institutions, universities of applied sciences and research universities.

Universities of applied sciences are focused on the practical application of arts and science. Research universities offer research-orientated programmes in an academic setting.

There is no distinction between universities of applied sciences and research universities in the United States.

Grading system

The grading system differs per country in Europe. In Austria, grades form 1 to 5 are used, with 1 being excellent and 5 being insufficient. In some European countries, grades are based on percentages from 0 to 100 and in other, grades range from A to F, or from 1 to 10.

In colleges and universities in the United States, the grading system is based on a 4.0 scale from A to F, where ‘A’ is the highest grade you can receive and ‘F’, the lowest.

Costs

Tuition fees for non-EU students in Europe range from approximately €1,000 to €20,000 per year. Tuition fees in the United States are generally higher than those in Europe.

Typical tuition fees at public universities for undergraduate and graduate programmes in the United States range from $10,000 to $70,000 per year for international students.

Content of study programmes in Europe

Most study programmes in Europe involve lectures and classes, assessed through essay assignments, exams and coursework. Some also involve a period of time working in industry or on industry-related projects.

Bachelor’s degrees

Most full-time Bachelor’s study programmes in Europe last 3 or 4 years (this will be longer if you study part-time).

To do a Bachelor’s degree, you usually need school qualifications – this varies, so check the entry requirements for your chosen study programme.

A Bachelor’s degree can be a great way to prepare for further study, as well as for skilled employment.

Master’s degrees

Most full-time Master’s study programmes in Europe last 1 or 2 years (this will be longer if you study part-time).

To study a Master’s degree, you usually need a Bachelor’s degree or other undergraduate qualification.

Master’s degrees are a great way to develop professional and research competences. A Master’s degree may be research-focused or more modular and assessed by coursework and/or exams.

Most study programmes involve lectures and classes, with assessment through essays, exams and coursework. Some also involve a period of time working in industry or working on industry-related projects.

Doctoral studies

Most full-time doctorates in Europe last around 3 or 4 years (this will be longer if you study part-time).

To do a doctorate, including a PhD, you usually need a Bachelor’s degree and a Master’s degree.

Doctorates are ideal for people with a passion for research. They are especially useful if you want to work in academia, become a specialist in a particular field, or an industry researcher.

Doctorates typically focus on independent study and research, specialised in one particular subject.

To apply, you usually have to submit a research proposal, outlining what your doctorate aims to achieve.

Research programmes in Europe

EURAXESS is the European Union’s (EU) website for researchers wishing to pursue their research careers in Europe. On EURAXESS, you can find information about funding and scholarships for research programmes, as well as advice on planning your move to Europe as a professional researcher.

You can also search through over 40,000 research jobs per year in universities, research institutes and industry across Europe. 

As well as the main EURAXESS website, there are national websites for 40 countries in Europe, providing more detailed information about each country.

Language courses

Europe offers many opportunities to increase your language skills. There are many language courses available across the continent. The length and level of the course are open for you to choose.

If you plan to apply to a European university to study, it is worth checking the proof of language skills accepted as part of the entry requirements before signing up to a language course.

European higher education institutions may also offer language courses during the summer months.

Fields of study in Europe

You will find a huge range of higher education study programmes on offer across Europe – Astrophysics, Biotechnology, Business, Chemical Engineering, Football management, Geography, Green energy management, History, Information Technology, International Relations, Languages, Law, Literature, Medicine, Sociology, Teaching, Tourism, Zoology, and much, much more. 

Most higher education study programmes have a ‘modular’ structure. This means that you can build a personalised programme by choosing several different modules or units of study each year from a wide selection. For example, if you are studying Fashion, you might choose one module on Fashion Marketing, one module on Textile Design, and one module on Ethical Textile Production.

Accommodation

Many universities and colleges in Europe offer accommodation to students in a student residence hall or block of flats. There are usually communal areas, such as a lounge or TV room, a library, or gardens where you can meet fellow students, so it’s a great way to make friends.

Some residence halls and flats have canteens offering hot and cold meals, or shared kitchens where you can cook your own food.

You’ll usually have your own room, but may also be offered accommodation where you share with one or more students (of the same gender).

Rooms are typically ready-equipped with a bed, wardrobe, cupboard and desk. Some may provide blankets, towels, curtains, cooking utensils, Wi-fi access and more – check what is and isn’t provided. Some rooms have an en-suite toilet and wash facilities, whereas for others you may have communal facilities.

Job opportunities There are several job opportunities for Indian students in Europe, especially in fields such as science, engineering, IT, finance, and healthcare. Some of the most popular countries for Indian students seeking employment in Europe include Germany, France, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Sweden.

Here are some of the most common job opportunities for Indian students in Europe:

  1. Science and Engineering: There is a high demand for skilled professionals in fields such as computer science, mechanical engineering, civil engineering, and electrical engineering.
  2. Information Technology: The tech industry in Europe is rapidly growing, and there is a high demand for skilled professionals in fields such as software development, cyber security, and data analytics.
  3. Finance and Accounting: Many European countries have a large financial sector, which offers opportunities for Indian students with skills in finance, accounting, and risk management.
  4. Healthcare: There is a high demand for healthcare professionals in many European countries, including doctors, nurses, and healthcare managers.
  5. Teaching and Education: Many European countries have a shortage of teachers, especially in subjects such as mathematics, science, and foreign languages.

It is important for Indian students to research the job market and work visa requirements in the country they wish to work in before applying for jobs. Additionally, many companies in Europe prefer candidates who are fluent in the local language, so learning the language can improve job prospects.

Student visa

A Student Schengen Visa is an entry permit to the Schengen Zone, granted to third-country nationals wishing to enter and remain for short-stays in any of the member states, under the purpose of studying.

This visa permits its holder to remain in the Schengen territory for a maximum of 3 months. If your study or training course lasts longer than that, you should apply for a Long-Stay Study Visa at the embassy of the respective country.

The mandatory documents to apply for a Student Schengen Visa are as following:

  • Dormitory contract. Signed between you and an official of a dormitory in the country where you will be staying.
  • Rent Agreement. A contract with a property owner in this Schengen state, specifying the address and other information details about the facility and landlord.
  • Letter of Invitation. A letter written by a resident in the country you are applying to enter, confirming they are willing to take you in their home throughout the period you will be there.
  • Scholarship. Original attestation of an official scholarship of minimum 631€/month.
  • Bank account statement. Showing your bank balance for the last three months.
  • Sponsorship.