International students in Europe have a pretty special thing going on. Several good things, in fact.
Not only do you get a top-notch education, you are in a continent that packs some serious travel punches. Experience famous world capitals, walk through ancient wonders, soak up the infectious personalities of tiny towns — Europe’s 50 countries are where you can do all these and more.
International students can choose from countries from all corners of the world’s second-smallest continent, depending on their academic and personal goals. There are universities with more forgiving price tags than the UK and US, with no compromise on quality.
Thriving start-up scenes and innovative working cultures offer a range of intriguing career opportunities and pathways to explore after graduation.
Which are the continent’s top cities for international students? These are our picks:
Which city is best for international students in Europe?
Copenhagen, Denmark
It’s frequently ranked as one of the happiest countries in the world and the national way of living “Hygge” (pronounced hu-gar), often translated to “cosy,” to pursue warmth, safety and community.
Denmark is cold, but with these, international students in Europe are set up to feel good while studying in its capital Copenhagen.
One of the oldest cities in Denmark and a former Viking fishing village, Copenhagen offers an unmatched experience for international students keen on architecture, history, and arts and culture.
The top university in Denmark and one of the largest research-intensive universities in the Nordic countries — the University of Copenhagen — is also located here.
Forget about spending the whole weekend watching Netflix while here. There are plenty of places to visit and things to do in this city of 1.2 million people. Rent a bike and head to the Rosenburg castle and the King’s Garden, Tivoli Gardens amusement park, and the Langelinie pier which houses the Little Mermaid statues.
When tired, grab a bite or drink at the many hip bars and restaurants — Café Atelier September at the city centre is highly recommended for its open-faced sandwich of thinly sliced avocado on rye.
Vienna, Austria
For international students in Europe looking for a city that has it all, Vienna is hard to beat. Ranked the second most liveable city in 2025, it blends history, culture, and modern student life in a way that just works.
One minute you’re walking past centuries-old palaces, the next you’re surrounded by cool, contemporary design — it’s like living in multiple eras at once.
At the same time, Vienna is a smart choice for your future. Top universities like the University of Vienna and Vienna University of Technology set you up with a strong academic foundation.
And with companies like Siemens, Unilever, and Henkel based here, international students in Europe don’t have to go far to find career opportunities.
With iconic fries, Belgium is calling every international student in Europe. Source: Jesus Carlon/Pexels
Brussels, Belgium
When people think of Belgium, they usually think of good food and beautiful museums. But it’s also an underrated study destination.
As a student in Belgium, you get the best of both worlds. The country itself is easy to explore thanks to efficient transport, and its location in the middle of Europe means you’re just a short trip away from places like France, Germany, or even the UK.
Beyond the travel perks, Belgium is also a major international hub. It played a key role in founding organisations like the European Union and NATO, so you’re studying in a place that’s deeply connected to global affairs.
It’s also a great place to study medicine. Universities like KU Leuven offer English-taught programmes in biomedical sciences and bioinformatics, making it easier for international students to jump right in.
Prague, Czech Republic
Life in Prague is pretty hard to beat as a student. You’ve got respected universities like Charles University, Czech Technical University in Prague, and University of Life Sciences Prague, all in one city.
But Prague isn’t just about lectures and exams. The city is packed with history and character, from its stunning castles to the UNESCO-listed Old Town.
Add in a lively arts scene, great museums, and buzzing nightlife, and it’s easy to see why Prague was ranked one of Europe’s best student cities in 2024.
No matter when you arrive, there’s always something going on. Summer is full of outdoor events and easy weekend trips nearby, while winter turns the city into a real-life fairytale.
When the snow hits and the Christmas markets light up the Old Town Square, Prague feels straight out of a movie.
Dublin, Ireland
The perfect combination of traditional and modern, Dublin is a great choice for international studens in Europe looking for unique and rewarding experiences such as visiting the iconic Cliffs of Moher, Rock of Cashel, Hore Abby, and much more.
Students from all around the world choose Ireland for high-quality academics and friendly, warm culture stemming from the Irish’s long-standing love of social gatherings at pubs and cafes.
They’re also known to be a laidback and relaxed bunch who enjoy getting to know anyone over a classic pint of Guinness or glass of Irish whiskey, perfect for extroverted students who enjoy socialising on the weekends.
There are plenty of cool restaurants to check out in Dublin as well, even vegetarian and vegan options such as Saba and Cornucopia.
Learn about the rich history and traditions behind the Celtic culture, which is still very important and revered by Irish citizens today.
Seek experience in its booming tech scene — a number of tech giants such as Google, Airbnb and Pfizer have set up European headquarters in Dublin.
Top-ranked universities in Dublin include Trinity College Dublin and University College Dublin.
Tartu, Estonia
Dubbed Estonia’s “intellectual” capital, Tartu is home to a handful of top universities, like the University of Tartu, #358 in the QS World University Rankings and among the best four universities in the Europe and Central Asia region.
What makes Tartu really stand out, though, is how easy it is to live in. The city centre is compact, so everything is within walking or cycling distance.
There’s also plenty happening outside of university life. Tartu hosts lots of events throughout the year, and the town square is always a good place to start exploring.
The thermal baths alone are worth the trip for international students in Europe. Source: Silvestre León/Pexels
Budapest, Hungary
Budapest might not be the first place that comes to mind for international students in Europe, but it should be. The Hungarian capital is full of life, with art, music, and culture around every corner.
One of the best things about the city is how it gives you options. You’ve got museums, unique attractions, and some really impressive dining spots.
Academically, there’s plenty of choice too. Eötvös Loránd University, for example, is a highly regarded public institution recognised for Mathematics, Physics, Metallurgical Engineering, Biology, Veterinary Science, Education, and Psychology.
Meanwhile, Budapest Business School is the country’s largest institution dedicated to business education.
On top of that, Budapest is just stunning. From the Danube riverbanks to historic landmarks like the Hungarian Parliament and Buda Castle, Budapest is a place you won’t get tired of.
Luxembourg City, Luxembourg
Luxembourg might be tiny, but that’s actually what makes it such a great place to study for international students in Europe.
Because everything is smaller, universities feel more personal; classes are less crowded. which means it’s much easier to get help or guidance when you need it.
One example is the University of Luxembourg, established in 2003. It’s a relatively new university, but it’s already making a name for itself with strong research and modern programs.
What’s more, you don’t have to worry about transport costs because buses and trains are free nationwide.
Berlin, Germany
The capital of Germany is a top student city, as the country’s cultural and economic centre with fascinating historical monuments still carefully preserved.
Known as “the most beautiful square in Berlin”, the Gendarmenmarkt is also situated in Berlin’s historical Mitte, where the French Cathedral, German Cathedral, and Konzerthaus (Concert Hall, formerly Playhouse are located.
You’ll never go hungry in Berlin with the abundance of delicious local food to try, from currywurst to schnitzel to maultaschen (pasta pockets stuffed with meat).
Vegetarians can try spätzle, a type of pasta made with eggs, flour, salt, and a hint of fizzy water, as well as check out the variety of vegan and vegetarian restaurants in the capital city.
It’s also a powerhouse in academics, home to several internationally-recognised universities such as the Free University of Berlin and Technical University of Berlin which offer a variety of English-taught programmes.
The main draw for international students, however, is the low cost of studying in Berlin. Tuition fees are either very low or free for international students at most universities in Berlin, so you can gain a world-class education at a much more affordable cost compared to other countries.
Vilnius, Lithuania
A lesser-known city for international students in Europe is the capital city of Lithuania. Known for baroque architecture, cobblestoned streets, and historical religious sites, the second-largest city in the Baltic states has its own unique appeal.
The city was officially declared a UNESCO Heritage Site for its well-preserved architecture in medieval Old Town, perfect for history buffs and wanderlusters.
For foodies, it’s a great opportunity to try local delicacies like cepelinai (potato dumplings), saltibarsciai (beetroot and kefir soup), and dried apple cheese (a type of dessert).
Vegan and vegetarians will also find plenty of options to suit their dietary needs with the variety of hip plant-based, organic, and meat-free eateries.
This hidden gem in Europe also offers a great academic experience for students. The country’s top university — Vilnius University — is a prestigious and well-ranked university, particularly in the sciences.
Riga, Latvia
Riga, the capital of Latvia, is a great mix of student life and city charm for international students in Europe.
It sits along the Gulf of Riga and stretches across the Daugava River, giving it some really nice views.
The city has some top universities too, like Riga Technical University and Riga Stradins University, so you’re not sacrificing academics.
And when it’s time to relax, Riga is known for its spas and traditional baths, making it easy to unwind after classes.
Something international students in Europe can look forward to? All the delicious food. Source: Sonali Mehta/Pexels
Milan, Italy
Milan is perfect for international students in Europe who want a mix of creativity and business. As a fashion capital and financial hub, it offers something for almost every type of student.
One place you can get started is Politecnico di Milano; it’s a popular choice for international students, especially in design and tech-related fields.
Then there’s the food. You’ll never run out of good pizza or pasta, and if you explore beyond tourist areas, you can eat really well without spending too much.
Bucharest, Romania
Around the 1900s, Bucharest picked up the nickname “Little Paris” thanks to its elegant buildings and strong French influence.
That mix of cultures is still alive today, especially in education, where international students in Europe can study in English, French, German, Romanian, or even Hungarian across a wide range of programmes.
When you’re not in class, there’s plenty to explore. With over 40 museums and seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Romania offers way more than you might expect.
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Lisbon, Portugal
Located on Portugal’s west coast, Lisbon pretty much ticks all the boxes for a European capital. It’s full of culture, history, and personality, plus amazing food, wine, music, and nightlife to enjoy.
It’s also a popular student destination, with leading institutions like the University of Lisbon. That’s why it’s no surprise, then, that around 16% of Lisbon’s 79,900 students come from outside Portugal.
Warsaw, Poland
With more than 100 universities, Poland is a great place to study.
In Warsaw, schools like the University of Warsaw are among the top in Europe, attracting students from all over the world.
Worried about the language? Don’t be. Many programmes are offered in English, French, or German, so you don’t need to speak Polish to get started.
Living in Warsaw also puts you right in the middle of Europe’s science and culture scene.
You can explore interactive exhibits at the Copernicus Science Centre, check out art at the Zachęta National Gallery of Art, or just relax at open-air Chopin concerts in Łazienki Park.
Stockholm, Sweden
Stockholm is a great place to study, with top universities like the Karolinska Institutet, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, and Stockholm University.
It’s perfect if you want to improve your English too; Swedes are among the best non-native English speakers in the world.
The city is also a major startup hub, especially in tech, music, and gaming, with one of the highest numbers of unicorns per capita worldwide.
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