Top Universities in the Schengen Area Accepting International Students in 2025

The Schengen Area, encompassing 27 European countries, offers a diverse and enriching environment for international students. With a blend of world-class education, cultural diversity, and accessible travel, it's an attractive destination for higher education. This guide highlights the top universities in the Schengen Area that are welcoming international students in 2025.​

Overview: ETH Zurich is renowned for its excellence in science and technology. It consistently ranks among the top universities globally and is the highest-ranked university in Europe according to the QS World University Rankings: Europe 2025.

Programs: Offers a wide range of programs in engineering, natural sciences, architecture, and more.​

Tuition & Fees: As of the fall semester of 2025, tuition fees for international students have increased threefold.

Language: Many master's programs are offered in English.

Overview: TUM is one of Germany's top universities, known for its research and innovation in engineering and technology. It ranks among the top universities in Europe. ​

Programs: Offers programs in engineering, natural sciences, life sciences, and medicine.​

Tuition & Fees: Public universities in Germany, including TUM, generally do not charge tuition fees for international students.

Language: Many master's programs are available in English.​

Overview: KU Leuven is a prominent research university in Belgium, known for its high-quality education and research output.​

Programs: Offers a broad spectrum of programs across various disciplines.​

Tuition & Fees: Tuition fees vary by program but are generally affordable compared to other Western European universities.​

Language: Offers numerous programs in English, especially at the master's level.

Overview: The University of Amsterdam is one of the leading research universities in Europe, known for its diverse academic programs and international outlook.​

Programs: Offers a wide range of programs in humanities, social sciences, law, and sciences.​

Tuition & Fees: Tuition fees for non-EU/EEA students are higher than for EU/EEA students but remain competitive.​

Language: Many bachelor's and master's programs are offered in English.

Overview: Lund University is one of Scandinavia's oldest and most prestigious universities, consistently ranking among the top 100 universities worldwide.

Programs: Offers programs in engineering, science, law, social sciences, and humanities.​

Tuition & Fees: Tuition fees apply to non-EU/EEA students, but scholarships are available.​

Language: Offers over 100 master's programs taught in English.

Overview: The University of Helsinki is Finland's oldest and largest university, known for its high-quality research and teaching.​

Programs: Offers a wide range of programs in various fields, including science, humanities, and social sciences.​

Tuition & Fees: Tuition fees are applicable to non-EU/EEA students, with scholarship opportunities available.​

Language: Many master's programs are offered in English.

Overview: The University of Oslo is Norway's largest and oldest institution of higher education, known for its research and academic excellence.​

Programs: Offers a variety of programs across disciplines such as humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences.​

Tuition & Fees: Public universities in Norway do not charge tuition fees for international students.

Language: Many master's programs are available in English.

Overview: The University of Copenhagen is Denmark's largest university, renowned for its research and education.

Programs: Offers a wide range of programs in health sciences, humanities, law, and sciences.​

Tuition & Fees: Tuition fees apply to non-EU/EEA students, with various scholarships available.​

Language: Offers numerous master's programs in English.​

Overview: The University of Vienna is one of the oldest universities in the German-speaking world, known for its rich history and academic excellence.​

Programs: Offers a broad array of programs in humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences.​

Tuition & Fees: Tuition fees are modest for international students, with some exemptions and scholarships available.​

Language: While many programs are in German, there is a growing number of master's programs offered in English.

Overview: Founded in 1088, the University of Bologna is considered the oldest university in the Western world and is renowned for its academic tradition, research excellence, and international outlook. It remains a major hub for students from across the globe.

Programs: Offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs in arts, sciences, law, economics, engineering, and medicine.

Tuition & Fees: Tuition fees are moderate and depend on the student’s country of origin and family income. There are several scholarships and tuition waivers for international students.

Language: A growing number of programs, especially master's degrees, are offered in English.

Overview: The University of Barcelona is one of Spain’s leading higher education institutions and a prominent member of the Coimbra Group of European universities. It combines rich cultural heritage with modern academic innovation.

Programs: Strong in humanities, sciences, law, and health sciences. The university is known for its research excellence and collaboration with international institutions.

Tuition & Fees: Public universities in Spain are relatively affordable, with fees for non-EU students ranging between €1,000–€3,000 per year depending on the program.

Language: While many undergraduate programs are in Spanish or Catalan, numerous postgraduate programs are offered in English.

Overview: Established in 1348, Charles University in Prague is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Central Europe. It has become increasingly popular among international students seeking quality education in a vibrant cultural setting.

Programs: Offers a broad array of programs in medicine, humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences.

Tuition & Fees: Programs taught in Czech are generally tuition-free, while English-taught programs charge modest fees, typically between €3,000–€12,000 per year depending on the discipline.

Language: A wide variety of master's and doctoral programs are offered in English, especially in medicine and sciences.

Overview: The University of Warsaw is Poland’s top university and among the leading research institutions in Central and Eastern Europe. It plays a significant role in academic innovation and has numerous partnerships with global universities.

Programs: Offers programs in sciences, economics, business, law, social sciences, and humanities.

Tuition & Fees: Non-EU international students typically pay between €2,000–€4,000 annually. However, scholarships are widely available for academically strong students.

Language: Several programs, especially at the master's level, are taught in English.

Overview: Located in the capital city of Slovenia, the University of Ljubljana is a highly respected institution in the Balkans and Central Europe. It attracts international students for its quality education and low cost of living.

Programs: Strong in economics, arts, social sciences, law, natural sciences, and engineering.

Tuition & Fees: Tuition fees for international students vary between €2,000–€6,000 per year depending on the program and level.

Language: Many master's and doctoral programs are taught in English, making it accessible to non-Slovenian speakers.

Check Application Deadlines:
Universities in the Schengen Area often have application deadlines between December and April for programs starting in the fall. Some universities offer rolling admissions or different timelines for international students.

Prepare Documents Early:
Ensure you have a valid passport, academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, statement of purpose, CV, and proof of language proficiency (usually IELTS or TOEFL for English-taught programs).

Apply for a Student Visa:
Non-EU/EEA students must apply for a Schengen student visa once admitted. Requirements include proof of admission, financial means, health insurance, and accommodation details.

Consider Scholarships:
Many universities and national governments offer scholarships to international students, such as the DAAD (Germany), Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships, Eiffel Scholarships (France), and Erasmus+.

Language Preparation:
While many programs are in English, having some understanding of the local language can enhance your experience and integration into the host country.

Conclusion

The Schengen Area is home to many of the world’s top universities, offering diverse academic programs, modern research facilities, and a multicultural environment. From the renowned ETH Zurich and the historic University of Bologna to emerging institutions in Central Europe like Charles University and the University of Warsaw, students have countless options for pursuing high-quality education in 2025.

Whether you're looking for STEM programs, humanities, business, or arts, the Schengen Area provides opportunities not just for academic growth but also for cultural exchange and international networking. With affordable tuition (especially in countries like Germany, Norway, and the Czech Republic) and a wide selection of English-taught programs, studying in Europe remains an attractive and attainable dream for international students worldwide.

Take your time to explore university offerings, funding options, and visa requirements—and make 2025 the year you launch your academic journey in Europe.