Students planning to study abroad often find themselves questioning about the region and the universities to consider for their higher studies. European universities, in that regard, have become an important place of consideration for international students due to their combination of quality education, culture, world-class infrastructures, impressive research opportunities, and active campus life. In these domains, universities in the United Kingdom have emerged as the best destination for international students, with over 758,855 overseas students in 2022-23. In the 10th annual U.S. News & World Report Best Global Universities rankings, four out of five best universities in Europe were in the United Kingdom alone. This was followed by a tie for the fifth spot between ETH Zurich, Switzerland, and University of Amsterdam, Netherlands.
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Let’s take a look at the best universities in Europe to study in 2025:
University of Oxford
Established in 1096, the University of Oxford is ranked 4th in the global university rankings. In 2023, 23,000 undergraduate applications entered the flow, and 38,000 people applied for graduate study. Oxford usually has around 3,300 places for undergraduate students and about 5,500 graduates every year.
The university guarantees housing for first-year undergraduates, and the Oxford scholarship fund is also immense. In the academic year 2023-24, more than 45% of new graduate students received full or partial funding from the University. Equipped with state-of-the-art research facilities across disciplines, the university has access to world-class labs and resources. With a global network of alumni and close ties to industry, providing students with vast career opportunities, making it one of the most popular choices for students worldwide.
University of Cambridge
The University of Cambridge, an undoubtedly world-class institution, provides advanced facilities for international students. More than 24,000 students hailing from over 140 countries study at its campus. It is positioned within the top 5 for academic excellence in the Academic Ranking of World Universities 2023 and has attained first in the Complete University Guide 2024. The university guarantees accommodation for most undergraduates throughout their study years. With 121 Nobel Prize affiliates, relatively strong career opportunities, and 91% of graduates either getting employed or pursuing further study within 15 months, Cambridge makes a suitable destination for international students.
University College London
Ranked 7th in Best Global Universities, 3rd in Best Global Universities in Europe, and 3rd for Best Global Universities in the United Kingdom, University College London (UCL), offers more than 400 undergraduate and 700 postgraduate programs across a wide range of fields. With an extensive student body comprising over 150 nationalities, UCL ranks among the world’s finest universities for quality teaching and research. Rated in the top 10 for Research Power (REF 2021), it has amassed its list of Nobel laureates. UCL possesses a multitude of student support services, vibrant campus life, and tremendous career prospects for international scholars interested in transformative academic experiences.
Imperial College London
Imperial College London prides itself on being one of the international universities with optimal student experience, whereby all eligible first-year undergraduate students who take the university as their firm choice are ensured accommodation. Over 90% of first-year students made their homes in its college halls. Imperial advocates for a vibrant campus life with more than 350 student-led clubs and societies and world-class programs in arts and music. The university singles itself out for diverging investments into very modern research facilities. Situated in London-one of the best cities in the world–they get to enjoy great career opportunities and cultural experiences, which makes it an excellent choice for those looking for an international university experience.
ETH Zurich
ETH Zurich was ranked 33rd in the Best Global Universities ranking, jointly with the University of Amsterdam, and is the leading institution in Switzerland. This European university is well known for its academic excellence in engineering, natural sciences, and mathematics. In a university of more than 20,000 students from 120 countries, ETH Zurich is another focal point of global talent, particularly at the Master’s and PhD levels, with 35% of its students coming from overseas. The university extends state-of-the-art research facilities and the opportunity to be part of pioneering projects with global impacts. The students benefit from a rich and diverse campus life with over 100 student organizations, art programs, and a close connection with industry to give them a rich and rewarding learning and social experience.
University of Amsterdam
The University of Amsterdam (UvA) is one of the best European universities, ranking third in the world, according to the US News Best Global Universities 2024-2025, and fifty-fifth in the QS World University Rankings 2025. UvA offers over seventy bachelor’s and more than 250 master’s courses in various subjects. The university is also known for its cutting-edge research: every year, it awards close to 500 doctoral degrees. A successful academic reputation suits an institution high in the rankings, such as 58th in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025 and 101-150th in the Shanghai Ranking: Academic Ranking of World Universities 2024. 
Conclusion
Europe has become an enticing region for aspirational international students, and among such universities are its renowned high–level institutions, providing an unmatched academic experience to the students. With the historical prestige of Oxford, the modern research expertise at ETH Zurich, the student life and vivacity of the University of Amsterdam, all in all, they further make students’ global success. For students planning to study abroad, these universities not only guarantee education but also unbounded opportunities.
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