University study in continental Europe and Ireland

Universities across the continent of Europe are as diverse and varied as the array of different countries and cultures which constitute Europe.  In general, though, the universities of continental Europe offer a significantly different experience to those of the UK, the USA and Australia, whilst the universities of the Republic of Ireland are, for historical reasons, similar to those of the UK.

Europe is home to some of the world's most renowned and historic universities.  Tradition has it that the University of Bologna * in Italy was founded in 1088, thus making it the oldest university in continuous operation anywhere in the world.  Across the European continent, universities play a crucial role in the cultural life of the various European countries, and in  general, European young people undertake their university education in the country of their birth.

Thus many universities in European countries cater predominantly for students from the countries in which they are established.  Given the complexity of Europe's linguistic make-up, most European universities teach in the language or languages of the country in which they are situated.  This situation is, however, changing, with the continued emergence of English as a dominant international language of learning and economic activity.  Many universities now offer degree courses in English, and thus attract significant numbers of international students.

In featuring university courses in Europe of likely interest to British School students who are completing school education in English, this website concentrates on highlighting universities which offer degree courses in English.  There are an increasing number of these, offering an attractive line-up of courses at both undergraduate and graduate level.

As you start to explore the options available at university in Europe, as in other locations, you should be aware of two distinct categories of university: public and private.  

Public universities 

These make up the majority of universities in Europe - they are part of national education systems, funded by the nations in which they operate.  

They generally offer courses with highly subsidised tuition fees; in many European countries, tuition fees at public universities are very low, and in some countries are free.

Public universities tend to be institutions with very large student numbers.  They also tend to offer traditional courses in well-established subject areas.

The application process for entry to public universities will depend on the country, but the standard entry route will always be with qualifications from the school-system of the country in which such universities operate.

Private universities 

These are generally more recently-established institutions, operating independently of the state.

They offer courses with market-rate tuition fees, which are almost always considerably higher than those of state-supported institutions.   

Private universities tend to be institutions with smaller student numbers.  They often offer more innovative courses in emerging academic areas, or more vocationally focused qualifications, such as degrees in business.

The application processes for entry to these private universities is varied.  Whilst academic standards for entry are often high, the ability to pay the tuition fees is an essential factor.

You can find information about universities in specific European countries by following the links below:

• France

• Germany

• Ireland

• Italy

• Lithuania

• The Netherlands

• Norway

• Portugal

• Romania

• Spain

• Switzerland

Here is a link to a table of university rankings * featuring universities across Europe (including the United Kingdom).  Use the filter facility to reveal rankings within individual countries.

Photo - Aula der Alten Universität, Heidelberg University, Germany.  Photo - Wikimedia Commons