Top 10 EU Destinations for International Students in 2026

The 2025/26 academic year is almost here, and international students are already packing their bags, ready to chase their dreams abroad.

For years, the top destinations were the familiar “Big Four”: the US, UK, Canada, and Australia. But this year, things are changing. Students are increasingly looking beyond these countries, drawn instead to the opportunities Europe and Asia now offer.

Global education trends are changing fast. As the Big Four tighten their visa rules and admission policies, more than 450,000 students are exploring new options. Europe and Asia have caught their attention, offering quality education, more affordable tuition, and more post-study opportunities.

StudiesIn.com analyzed student preferences and data to reveal the 10 top European destinations for 2025/26, highlighting tuition, living costs, English programs, work options, and scholarships.

If you are short on time, here’s a summary:

• Europe and Asia are outpacing the traditional “Big Four” as destinations for international students, partly due to tighter visa rules in the US, UK, Canada, and Australia.
• Big Four vs. Europe: A Comparison for International Students on Costs, Visas, and Opportunities
• Top EU destinations for 2025/26: Germany, the Netherlands, France, Spain, Italy, Ireland, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, and Austria.
• Students in Europe can work part-time during their studies and often stay 12–36 months after graduation to find employment.

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Germany

Studying in Germany is exciting because students can enjoy top-quality education without high tuition fees. Outside class, they can explore historic castles, celebrate Oktoberfest, savor local cuisine, and fully experience German culture.

Tuition Fees: Most public universities in Germany are tuition-free for EU and non-EU students, but all students pay semester fees (€100–€350). Some states, like Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria, charge non-EU students €1,500–€3,000/semester for bachelor’s and master’s programs. Private universities charge €10,000–€15,000/year for bachelor’s and €10,000–€20,000/year for master’s programs.

Living Costs for International Students in Germany:

English-Taught Programs: Germany offers 2,400+ programs in English, including 366 bachelor’s, 1,698 master’s, and 165 PhD programs, with many bachelor’s programs in engineering, business, and natural sciences.

Scholarships & Funding:

• DAAD & Foundations: Monthly stipends of €850–€1,300, plus travel or insurance support.
• Deutschlandstipendium: €300/month, merit-based, often with mentoring.
• University Grants: Vary by institution and department.
  

Work Opportunities during studies in Germany:

• EU/EEA students: Up to 20h/week during term, full-time in breaks.
• Non-EU students: Up to 120 full days or 240 half days/year, full-time in holidays; internships that are part of studies don’t count. Freelancing is not allowed.
  

Post-Study Work: Graduates can stay for 18 months to find a job related to their degree and then apply for a residence permit for employment. High-demand fields include engineering, IT, healthcare, and STEM.

Netherlands

The Netherlands is a welcoming place for students, offering high-quality education in English-taught programs. Life outside of classes is amazing, with colorful tulip fields, charming canals, and a lively international community.

Tuition Fees: In the Netherlands, tuition varies for EU/EEA and non-EU/EEA students. EU/EEA students pay statutory fees of around €2,601/year for both bachelor’s and master’s programs. Non-EU/EEA students pay higher institutional fees, typically €9,000–€24,000/year, with some programs at universities like Maastricht reaching €13,000–€32,000/year. Tuition depends on the university, program, and student nationality.

Living Costs for International Students in the Netherlands:

English-Taught Programs: The Netherlands offers thousands of English-taught programs, including over 1,000 Master’s courses, plus numerous Bachelor’s and PhD programs, particularly in business, engineering, and sciences.

Scholarships & Funding: Partial scholarships are available, such as the Holland Scholarship (€5,000/year), Orange Tulip Scholarship, and university-specific grants like the Amsterdam Excellence or Leiden University Excellence Scholarships. Most cover part of tuition and occasionally living costs.

Work Opportunities during studies in the Netherlands:

• EU/EEA students: Can work freely, both during semesters and holidays; no work permit needed. Paid work over 16h/week requires Dutch health insurance and may involve taxes/social security.
• Non-EU students: Can work up to 16h/week during the academic year or full-time in summer; employer must obtain a work permit (TWV). Internships tied to studies are allowed; freelancing is not.
  

Post-Study Work: Graduates can apply for the “Orientation Year” permit to stay for 12 months to search for a job or start a business. After securing employment that meets salary requirements, they can extend their residence permit and continue working.

France

In France, students can start their day with a fresh croissant at a local café before classes and afterward explore historic streets, museums, and a vibrant social life. On top of that, the country offers top-quality education and a rich cultural experience.

Tuition Fees: In France, tuition is heavily subsidized for international students. EU/EEA/Swiss students pay approximately €178/year for Bachelor’s, €254 for Master’s, €628 for engineering programs, and €397 for PhD programs. Non-EU students pay higher fees: €2,895/year for Bachelor’s, €3,941 for Master’s, while PhD fees remain the same. Fees may vary by university.

Living Costs for International Students in France:

English-Taught Programs: France offers 1,700+ programs in English, mostly at the Master’s level, across fields like engineering, IT, business, and sciences. The Campus France catalog provides a full list of programs.

Scholarships & Funding: Major opportunities include the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship (€1,181/month for Master’s, €1,700 for PhD), ENS International Selection, and Erasmus+. Many universities also offer merit-based tuition waivers and grants, while regional councils and private foundations provide additional support.

Work Opportunities during studies in France:

• EU/EEA students: Can work freely, up to 20h/week during term; more hours may require social security contributions.
• Non-EU students: Can work up to 20h/week during term or full-time during breaks; internships tied to studies do not count toward the limit. Freelancing is generally not allowed.
  

Post-Study Work: Graduates can apply for the Autorisation Provisoire de Séjour (APS) to stay up to 12 months to find a job or start a business. Master’s or higher degree holders can apply for temporary residence linked to a work contract or a French startup visa. Key sectors include engineering, IT, and business.

Spain

Studying in Spain gives international students access to top universities and innovative programs. Plus, after class, nothing beats sharing a delicious paella or tapas with new friends to make all that learning even more rewarding!

Tuition Fees: In Spain, tuition varies by nationality and program. EU/EEA students typically pay €800–€2,500/year for Bachelor’s and €1,200–€3,300/year for Master’s. Non-EU students usually pay €2,000–€6,000/year, with some Master’s programs costing more depending on the university and region.

Living Costs for International Students in Spain:

English-Taught Programs: Spain offers 1,000+ English-taught degrees, including 500+ bachelor’s, 750+ Master’s, and 180+ PhDs, across fields like business, engineering, economics, and social sciences. Leading universities include Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, and ESADE Business School.

Scholarships & Funding: Options include Spanish Ministry of Education grants, Erasmus+, and regional programs in Catalonia and Andalusia. Universities such as the University of Barcelona, Universidad de Valencia, and IE University also provide merit-based scholarships and tuition waivers. Full-ride funding is rare, but these programs help reduce costs.

Work Opportunities during studies in Spain:

• EU/EEA students: Can work freely with no hour restrictions, though full-time study must remain the priority.
• Non-EU students: Can work up to 30h/week with a work permit, provided jobs don’t interfere with studies. Internships linked to studies are allowed and easier to arrange. Freelancing is generally not permitted.
  

Post-Study Work: International graduates can apply for a 12-month residence permit to find work. Master’s graduates may extend up to 24 months if employed in sectors like engineering, healthcare, or technology.

Italy

International students studying in Italy say the country perfectly balances high-quality education with rich culture, lively cities, stunning art, and unique regional experiences. They also rave about delicious pasta, pizza, and gelato, learning Italian, cooking authentic dishes, and easy travel between cities, making life in Italy both inspiring and unforgettable.

Tuition Fees: Public universities in Italy charge EU/EEA students around €900–€4,000/year, depending on family income (ISEE). Non-EU students usually pay €1,000–€6,000/year, with fees varying by program and institution.

Living Costs for International Students in Italy:

English-Taught Programs: Italy offers 500+ English-taught degrees across Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD levels. Popular fields include engineering, architecture, design, business, and technology. Top universities with international programs include University of Bologna, Sapienza University of Rome, and Politecnico di Milano.

Scholarships & Funding: Funding options include the Italian Government’s “Invest Your Talent in Italy” program, offering tuition coverage and stipends in selected fields. Regional grants (e.g., Lombardy, Tuscany) and university scholarships at leading institutions provide tuition waivers, merit-based support, and accommodation assistance. Erasmus+ and bilateral agreements also benefit EU and partner-country students.

Work Opportunities during studies in Italy:

• EU/EEA students: Can work freely without restrictions, though it’s recommended to limit to 20h/week during term time.
• Non-EU students: Can work up to 20h/week during semesters and full-time (40h/week) during holidays, with a maximum of 1,040 hours per year. Internships related to studies are allowed and don’t count toward the limit. Freelancing is generally not permitted unless switching to a work visa.
  

Post-Study Work: Graduates can apply for a 12-month “Stay for Job Search” permit to find employment in Italy. If they secure a job related to their degree, they can switch to a work residence permit. Strong opportunities exist in engineering, design, and technology sectors.

Ireland

Ireland is a fantastic place to study, with universities that emphasize research, practical skills, and innovation in fields like technology, business, and healthcare. After lectures, students can explore stunning landscapes like the Cliffs of Moher and the Ring of Kerry, visit historic castles, enjoy traditional music in cozy pubs, wander charming villages, and join lively festivals, making life in Ireland as exciting as it is enriching.

Tuition Fees: EU/EEA undergraduates benefit from the Free Fees Initiative, covering most tuition costs, but must pay a student contribution fee of up to €3,000/year. Non-EU students pay significantly higher fees, ranging from €9,850–€55,000/year for undergraduate programs and €9,950 to €35,000/year for postgraduate courses, depending on the field and university.

Living Costs for International Students in Ireland:

English-Taught Programs: Ireland is an English-speaking country with 1,500+ bachelor’s programs and 2,000+ master’s programs across diverse fields. Leading universities include Trinity College Dublin, University College Dublin, University College Cork, University of Galway, Maynooth University, Dublin City University, University of Limerick, and TU Dublin.

Scholarships & Funding: International students can apply for Government of Ireland International Education Scholarships, as well as university-specific funding at TCD, UCD, UCC, and others. EU students may also benefit from Erasmus+ exchanges. While full scholarships are limited, partial tuition waivers and merit-based awards help ease costs.

Work Opportunities during studies in Ireland:

• EU/EEA (including UK & Switzerland): Free access to the labor market with no restrictions on working hours.
• Non-EU students: Can work up to 20h/week during the academic year and full-time (40h/week) during holidays (June–Sept & Dec 15–Jan 15). No additional work permit is needed if enrolled in a full-time ILEP-recognized program. Freelancing is not permitted.
  

Post-Study Work: Graduates can apply for the Third Level Graduate Scheme, which allows them to remain in Ireland for up to 24 months (36 months for PhDs) to find employment. During this period, they can work full-time without needing a separate permit, with strong demand in IT, engineering, and finance sectors.

Sweden

Sweden offers an exceptional study experience, with universities focusing on innovation, practical skills, and critical thinking in fields like technology, design, and sustainability. Outside the classroom, students can soak up the vibrant city life in Stockholm or Gothenburg, enjoy cozy fika breaks, explore breathtaking nature, and experience unique moments like the Northern Lights or local cultural festivals.

Tuition Fees: Public universities in Sweden offer free education for EU/EEA and Swiss students. Non-EU students pay SEK 80,000–295,000/year (€7,500–€28,500) for Bachelor’s and Master’s programs. PhD programs are tuition-free for all students, regardless of nationality. Non-EU applicants must also pay a SEK 900 (€80) application fee.

Living Costs for International Students in Sweden:

English-Taught Programs: Sweden offers 1,000+ English-taught degrees across 40 universities at both bachelor’s and master’s levels. Popular institutions include Lund University, Uppsala University, and KTH Royal Institute of Technology, known for innovation, engineering, and technology.

Scholarships & Funding: Non-EU students can apply for the prestigious Swedish Institute (SI) Scholarships for Global Professionals, which cover tuition, living costs, insurance, and travel. Many universities also offer merit-based scholarships covering partial or full tuition. EU/EEA students already benefit from tuition-free study. Additional funding opportunities exist via Erasmus+ and private foundations.

Work Opportunities during studies in Sweden:

• EU/EEA students (including Switzerland): Same rights as Swedish students, with no restrictions on working hours. Must remain enrolled full-time in studies.
• Non-EU students: Allowed to work without hour restrictions as long as they hold a valid student residence permit. Studies must remain the primary focus, or visa renewal could be at risk. Internships linked to studies are fully allowed. Freelancing/self-employment is technically possible but rare in practice, as it must comply with visa and tax rules.
  

Post-Study Work: Graduates can apply for a 12-month residence permit to find work or start a business after completing their studies. Once employed, they can switch to a work permit or long-term residence permit, making Sweden attractive for careers in tech, engineering, and entrepreneurship.

Finland

Studying in Finland offers students a chance to learn in a system that emphasizes innovation, problem-solving, and critical thinking across fields like technology, education, and design. In their free time, international students can explore stunning natural landscapes, witness the magical Northern Lights, relax in traditional saunas, and dive into Finnish culture and great student life.

Tuition Fees: Public universities in Finland are tuition-free for EU/EEA and Swiss students at Bachelor’s and Master’s levels. Non-EU/EEA students pay €6,000–€18,000/year, depending on the university and program. PhD programs are generally tuition-free for all students. English-taught programs usually carry tuition fees, while programs in Finnish or Swedish are typically free.

Living Costs for International Students in Finland:

English-Taught Programs: Finland offers 600+ English-taught Bachelor’s and Master’s programs across universities and universities of applied sciences, covering fields such as technology, engineering, business, and research. Leading institutions include University of Helsinki, Aalto University, and University of Turku.

Scholarships & Funding: Non-EU/EEA students can access tuition waivers (partial or full) and sometimes living stipends. Programs include the Finland Scholarship Program (Master’s students) and university-specific merit-based scholarships at University of Helsinki, Aalto University, University of Turku, and others. EU/EEA students study for free.

Work Opportunities during studies in Finland:

• EU/EEA students (including Switzerland): Can work freely without restrictions. No work permit required. Must remain enrolled full-time.
• Non-EU students: Can work up to 25 h/week during the academic year and full-time during holidays (summer/winter breaks). A work permit is included with the student residence permit. Internships tied to studies are allowed and don’t count toward the weekly limit. Freelancing/self-employment is generally not permitted.
  

Post-Study Work: Graduates can apply for a residence permit for job-seeking or entrepreneurship, valid for up to 2 years. During this period, students can work freely while searching for a job or setting up a business. Once employed, they can transition to a work-based residence permit, making Finland attractive for careers in technology, engineering, and research.

Denmark

Denmark offers students top universities that foster critical thinking, innovation, and practical skills. Outside the classroom, they can cycle through Copenhagen like a local, visit iconic spots such as Tivoli Gardens, and soak up the cozy Danish atmosphere known as hygge.

Tuition Fees: Public universities in Denmark are tuition-free for EU/EEA and Swiss students at Bachelor’s and Master’s levels. Non-EU/EEA students pay €6,000–€16,000/year, depending on the program and institution, with some specialized programs costing more. Non-EU applicants usually pay a €100 application fee. Private institutions may have different fee structures.

Living Costs for International Students in Denmark:

Scholarships & Funding: Non-EU/EEA students can access the Danish Government Scholarship program offering full or partial tuition waivers and grants for living costs. Universities such as Aarhus University, University of Copenhagen, and DTU also provide merit-based scholarships. Erasmus+ supports EU students. While full funding is rare, scholarships significantly reduce costs and support students in high-demand fields.

Work Opportunities during studies in Denmark:

• EU/EEA students (including Switzerland): Can work freely without restrictions. No work permit required. Must remain enrolled full-time.
• Non-EU students: Can work up to 20h/week during the semester and full-time during June–August. Must hold a valid student residence permit. Internships part of studies
• are allowed and don’t count toward the weekly limit. Freelancing/self-employment is generally not permitted.
  

Post-Study Work: Graduates automatically receive a 6-month job-seeking period with their residence permit. Master’s and PhD graduates may extend this to 3 years under the Establishment Card scheme. During this period, graduates can search for qualified employment or start a business. Once employed, they can transition to a regular work or residence permit. Denmark emphasizes retaining talent in engineering, IT, and green technologies.

Austria

In Austria, students can explore historic cities like Vienna and Salzburg, enjoy classical music and cultural events, savor a traditional Wiener Schnitzel in Vienna, or ski in the Alps. The country also offers high-quality universities that emphasize research and innovation.

Tuition Fees: Public universities in Austria are tuition-free for EU/EEA and Swiss students, with only a small administrative fee (~€24.70/semester). Non-EU/EEA students typically pay €726.72/semester. At Universities of Applied Sciences (UAS), EU/EEA students pay around €363.36/semester, while non-EU/EEA students pay €727–€7,500/semester depending on the institution. Private universities charge €3,000–€23,000/year, varying by program and institution.

Living Costs for International Students in Austria:

English-Taught Programs: Austria offers 350+ English-taught programs at Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD levels. Leading universities include the University of Vienna, Vienna University of Technology (TU Wien), Graz University of Technology (TU Graz), University of Innsbruck, and WU Vienna (Vienna University of Economics and Business). Popular fields include engineering, business, economics, and natural sciences.

Scholarships & Funding: International students can access Austrian Government Scholarships via OeAD, offering monthly stipends, travel allowances, and sometimes accommodation. Universities such as University of Vienna, TU Graz, and University of Innsbruck provide merit-based scholarships, tuition waivers, and living cost support. Erasmus+ also supports EU students. While full funding is rare, these programs significantly reduce expenses for talented students.

Work Opportunities during studies in Austria:

• EU/EEA students (including Switzerland): Can work freely without restrictions. No work permit required. Must remain enrolled full-time.
• Non-EU students: Can work up to 20h/week during semesters and full-time during semester breaks. Must hold a valid student residence permit. Internships tied to studies are allowed and don’t count toward the weekly limit. Freelancing/self-employment is generally not permitted.
  

Post-Study Work: Graduates can extend their residence permit for up to 12 months to search for qualified employment. If they secure a job relevant to their degree, they can apply for a Red-White-Red Card, granting residence and work rights, typically for up to 2 years. Austria prioritizes skilled graduates in business, engineering, and research sectors.

This article is for informational purposes only and should not be viewed as a ranking. It highlights a selection of European destinations popular among international students. All information is sourced from reputable governmental and official organizations, including DAAD (Germany), Campus France, Nuffic (Netherlands), MIUR (Italy), Education in Ireland, Ministry of Education (Spain), Study in Austria, Study in Belgium, Swissuniversities, University Admissions Sweden, the Danish Agency for Higher Education and Science, and more.

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