Advising on universities in Europe: what to consider

Advising students on finding a university in Europe can be tricky to navigate because of the differences between countries and universities. It can be daunting to discern best fit and help students make a decision.

When it comes to having university conversations with students and families, rankings is usually one of the first topics the student wants to consider. And sure, it is a great place to start, but it’s important to dive a bit deeper. 

Rankings

If your student wants to attend a prestigious law school or a top-ranked business school with a polished reputation and ample connections post-graduation, rankings may be a good place to start. 

If your student is seeking a school for environmental science research, they may wish to be outside a city at a programme with a top science department and internship opportunities – in which case reviewing a ranking list may help jump-start ideas on where to apply. 

However, while this may be a good place to begin, so many factors beyond name-brand universities and rankings should be taken into consideration.

Language of instruction

When it comes to considering destinations within Europe, it's important to keep language of instruction in mind.

For example, is the programme in English, or is it delivered in the native language of the country? Perhaps there is a hybrid option?

This is an important consideration if the student wants to study only in English because it will give them post-study work options in English in other countries.

Or, perhaps the programme is offered in a different language but there is a language requirement for the course (for example, French or German at a specific level). Is the student proficient at that level to be admitted to the programme?

Thus, understanding the language of instruction is a good starting point after rankings, to help narrow down the options for universities in Europe.

Tuition and lifestyle costs

Another thing to consider is the price of tuition, which can differ depending on a person’s passport.

For example, a European Union citizen will have much cheaper tuition across the EU compared with an American student; the cost will also vary between EU and non-EU countries in Europe.

And since Brexit, UK prices have changed for non-UK citizens, and tuition costs have also changed significantly for British citizens wishing to study in Europe.

However, some countries, such as the Netherlands, have very affordable tuition rates for both local Dutch students and international students. And although this is enticing, finding housing in the Netherlands can be tricky and/or expensive depending on the city.

So another point to consider when narrowing down university choices with your students is the overall price of tuition, housing and general living costs. Some private universities may still be quite expensive compared with US universities, whereas other options may either be mid-range or very affordable, depending on their family budget and individual circumstances.

Climate and community 

Lastly, apart from university rankings, language of study and budgetary concerns, lifestyle and climate are overlooked but equally important factors to consider when finalising a university application list.

Although Europe is a relatively small region, there is still great variance in the overall experience a student will have outside the classroom.

For example, the Spanish lifestyle is arguably more relaxed than Germany’s, but Germany is generally considered more efficient and organised. Living in bigger cities such as Berlin, Amsterdam or Paris is rarely dull but can be busy and stressful whereas more rural or smaller cities tend to have a slower pace and more lifestyle balance.

In bigger cities, students may have better access to public transport or be able to walk to class whereas in smaller or more remote cities students may need a bike or car.

Safety and social options in the wider community are significant factors, too.

Considering the climate is also important – being in a colder, rainier climate can impact some students’ well-being, while others might not adjust well to hotter temperatures. It all comes down to personal preference and what each location offers; this is important to discuss with your students because they will be spending just as much time outside their university as they will in it. 

So, when it comes to advising students about Europe, you may have to dive deep to understand the specific pros and cons within the options available.

What works for your student? What languages do they speak, or wish to learn, or have access to in the community to study/communicate/work in? What is their overall budget when it comes to tuition, housing and personal lifestyle? Will they live with family, on campus, or in the community? What are their lifestyle “non-negotiables”?

When researching European options, rankings may be a good place to begin, but then considering the above aspects will ensure a student is putting their best foot forward in compiling a curated list that leads to a successful journey ahead.