In this new study, we reveal the:

• The best universities to study abroad
• The best cities to live in whilst studying abroad
• The top countries for studying abroad in Europe. 

Since the world reopened, many people are reigniteing their love of travel with trips around the world.

Traveling during your university years offers a fantastic opportunity for young people to dive into diverse cultures. Regardless of your major, studying abroad can significantly enhance your language abilities and deepen your understanding of global lifestyles. It’s not just about academics; it’s an adventure that broadens your horizons and enriches your personal development.

Studying abroad offers an incredible life experience that can greatly enhance a graduate’s employability, particularly for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds, as highlighted by research from the University of Sheffield.

The Study Abroad Index

One of the biggest challenges for prospective international students is deciding, “Where should I go?” To assist with this important choice, our team of experts has evaluated various metrics from universities around the globe, including

• Cost of living
• Student-to-staff Ratio
• Safety of the city
• Size of the university’s international community
• Student satisfaction
• Average summer and winter temperatures
• Things to do in the cities

A variety of factors play a crucial role in shaping a positive experience while living abroad. Even if you attend one of the world’s top universities, being situated in a remote area with a prohibitively high cost of living can hinder your overall enjoyment of the experience.

Consider attending a smaller university that boasts a vibrant international student community and an affordable cost of living—picture enjoying a pint for just $2! This setting not only allows you to save money but also frees up resources for memorable nights out with new friends and weekend adventures exploring your host country.

The Best Universities to Study Abroad

Heidelberg University is the best institution for students looking to study abroad

Heidelberg University, nestled in the picturesque city of Heidelberg in South-West Germany, stands out as the top choice for students seeking an enriching study abroad experience. Renowned for its exceptional medicine program, the university boasts a favorable student-to-staff ratio of 13.9, ensuring personalized attention and support. With 19% of the student body hailing from international backgrounds, you’ll have the opportunity to connect with a diverse range of cultures and perspectives during your time there!

Heidelberg boasts an impressive safety score of 74.82 out of 100, ensuring students can feel secure in their new surroundings. With affordable rent, reasonable grocery prices, and low living costs, students can comfortably manage their finances while enjoying the vibrant city life. With over 200 activities to explore, there’s plenty to keep them engaged and entertained in their new home.

A closer look at the top universities reveals why Heidelberg stands out, boasting an impressive student satisfaction score of 4.2 out of 5. Students relish the warm summers, with an average temperature of 22°C, while the winters remain mild, averaging 9°C, allowing for a comfortable year-round experience.

ETH Zurich follows in second as the best university to study abroad

ETH Zurich stands out as a premier institution in science and technology, securing the second spot in our ranking. With a favorable staff-to-student ratio of 1:14.4, it provides personalized support to its diverse student body, 41% of whom hail from abroad. Located in Switzerland’s largest city, Zurich boasts an impressive safety score of 83.22 out of 100, making it one of the safest cities among the universities we evaluated.

When considering a university in this city, prospective students should be mindful of its high cost of living. The city’s price level index is notably above that of other top universities, which means your budget may stretch less than you’d hope. As a result, you might find it challenging to set aside extra funds for travel or leisure activities.

Students at ETH Zurich rave about their experience, giving the university an impressive average rating of 4.1 out of 5. With summer temperatures hovering around a comfortable 20ºC and winter dipping to a chilly 7ºC, the climate is ideal for outdoor activities. In fact, students can choose from an incredible array of over 910 activities to engage in, ensuring there’s never a dull moment on campus.

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Berlin proves an excellent city to study abroad in, as Germany revealed the best country to choose!

Berlin proudly hosts three of the top 20 universities in our ranking: Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Free University Berlin, and Humboldt University of Berlin. This impressive presence highlights Berlin’s status as a premier destination for international students seeking a vibrant academic environment.

Germany stands out as an excellent choice for students considering their study abroad options. With nine of the top 20 universities located in the country, students can feel assured that they are making a wise decision by selecting a German institution for their education.

Planning a trip to Germany or Berlin? Learning some German before you arrive can make a world of difference! Familiarizing yourself with the language will not only help you navigate the city more easily but also enhance your overall experience. So why not start picking up some key phrases now?

Best cities for your year abroad

According to our ranking, the top cities to live in as an international student are:

Paris ranks as the best city to study abroad

5 of the top 70 universities to study abroad are all located in the city of love, Paris. 

With a safety score of just 45.04 out of 100, Paris may seem concerning at first glance, especially given its vast size. However, this perception doesn’t align with the experiences of its residents—an impressive 89.2% of Parisians view their city as safe, and 92.5% find it enjoyable to live in.

Living in Paris offers an array of attractive benefits, including a reasonable price level index and a relatively low cost of living. In fact, rental prices in the City of Light rank as the fifth most affordable among all cities surveyed, making it an appealing choice for residents.

To live more like a local Parisienne, and less Emily in Paris, learn french online in preparation for your adventure. 

Barcelona is the third best city in our ranking

Barcelona comes in third of the top cities to study abroad. 

The vibrant coastal city of Barcelona boasts a safety score of 51.9 out of 100, reflecting a relatively secure environment, along with an impressive happiness score of 6.48. When it comes to housing, rental prices are notably competitive compared to other major European cities. Additionally, Barcelona excels in grocery affordability, ranking first and significantly enhancing its overall cost of living. This combination results in an outstanding price level index, the highest among all the cities examined.

If you’re planning a trip to Barcelona and want to enjoy a refreshing Sangría upon your arrival at your home away from home, consider learning Spanish online before you go. It will enhance your experience and help you connect with the local culture!

Dublin and Stockholm round off the top five

The Irish and Swedish capitals make up the last of the top five cities to go when studying abroad. 

Dublin boasts a solid safety score of 48.3 out of 100 and a happiness rating of 7.04, ensuring that students can feel secure while fully enjoying their time in this vibrant city. One of the biggest advantages of living in Dublin is its affordable cost of living, highlighted by lower rental prices and the fourth lowest average grocery costs in the country. This financial ease is essential for students embarking on a year abroad, freeing up more funds for unforgettable experiences and adventures in their new home.

Stockholm boasts a safety score of 53.92, reflecting its secure environment. With affordable rent and grocery prices, the city ranks fifth in overall cost of living among the studied cities. This combination of affordability and safety contributes to a remarkable quality of life, evidenced by a high happiness rating of 7.38.

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The best countries to go to study abroad

According to the findings of this study, the top-ranked universities highlight the best countries for an enriching study abroad experience:

Following Germany, the Netherlands stands out as an exceptional destination for studying abroad. Its universities boast an impressive student-to-teacher ratio, fostering a conducive learning environment. Notably, 24.6% of students hail from international backgrounds, enriching the academic experience. Safety is another strong point, with an average score of 66.4—highest in Maastricht and lowest in Enschede—ensuring a secure atmosphere for students.

The Netherlands is an attractive destination for students, boasting a favorable cost of living—especially in cities like Maastricht and Enschede, which are more affordable compared to larger cities like Amsterdam. Additionally, the country excels in rental affordability, with Groningen leading the way as the top city for rent among all university towns studied. Furthermore, Groningen is not just budget-friendly; it also ranks high in overall student satisfaction, with an impressive happiness score of 7.42.

Worried about the time it will take to learn a new language before your trip? Use our study time calculator to determine how many hours you’ll need to invest to reach your desired proficiency level. It’s a simple way to plan your learning journey!

Students can take advantage of exclusive discounts on live 1-to-1 language lessons, empowering them to enter their next adventure with confidence.

Methodology

To create a comprehensive index of Europe’s top universities, we consider various factors, including the university’s European ranking, individual course ratings, student satisfaction surveys, cost of living, safety, and sustainability measures. For the top 10 universities, we delve even deeper, examining aspects like course satisfaction, language options, and city-specific features, such as seasonal weather and recreational activities beyond academics.