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There is no standard application process for applying to study in Europe as it varies by country. You can apply to most universities directly using their online portals. Below are some of the more popular destinations but check BridgeU or speak to your form tutor or DP Coordinator if you want to know more about a country that isn't listed.

Germany

One of Germany’s strengths as a university system is the equal weight it places across academic, vocational and creative degrees.
Germany’s low tuition fees make it an attractive destination for students worried about the cost of higher education.

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Netherlands

Like Germany, the Netherlands offers a good mix of academic, vocational and liberal arts courses, providing a wealth of exciting pathways.
Some courses in the Netherlands have a limited number of places (called ‘numerus fixus’). The application deadline for these courses is earlier in the academic year (January, as opposed to May).

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Spain

There are over 60,000 international undergraduates in Spain.
Many universities teach in Spanish, but an increasing number offer courses in English, too.
There are over 70 universities in Spain; roughly two thirds are state-run, and one third are private universities.

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Admission

The admission procedures may vary from one university to the other and so do the application deadlines. Some universities even encourage early application to increase your chance of admission. Most European universities accept online applications. Keep in mind that in some cases, you might be charged an application fee so, it’s best to have a look on their official websites and stay informed!

Documentation

Make sure you have the basics covered in terms of documentation for your application. This can include results of an English test, a motivational letter, a CV, or a portfolio. It will certainly include a copy of your passport (check if it hasn't expired!), a copy of your secondary school diploma, as well as a transcript of reports.

From European Education Area

English Proficiency

You may be asked in applications to prove your level of English. If English is not your first language, being awarded the Diploma in English and/or taking English at SL or HL may be enough. In some cases, you may be asked to take an IELTS, TOEFL or similar test.

"A recent study commissioned by the IB aims to assist universities in determining the language proficiencies of DP students without the need for additional testing.

While many universities accept IB language courses grades as proof of language proficiency, some require additional assessments from IB students. The study, conducted by Ecctis, examined how grades in selected IB language courses compare to levels on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). The CEFR is widely used in the development and referencing of language syllabus qualifications, assessment and other learning materials.

The findings indicate that DP language courses are comparable to CEFR B2, the level most commonly required by universities. The research therefore provides universities valuable benchmarks for comparing IB student grades against CEFR proficiency levels in Language A and Language B courses in English, French, German and Spanish."

ibo.org/research

Find out more about applying to European institutions by reading the BridgeU guide here.

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