Study guide in Europe

 

Europe, the old continent, is a continent rich in history, culture and innovation. It was and still is a center of excellence and scientific progress.

It includes a distinctive group of countries with different civilizations, cultures, and scientific methods as well, making it an excellent destination for students from all over the world who seek to study abroad.

One of the main advantages of studying in Europe is that it has a variety of study programs. Whether you are interested in medicine, engineering, information technology, literature, or history, you will definitely find the right program for you.

In this article, we will shed light on the many opportunities offered by studying in Europe. Starting with the famous international universities, to visa requirements, the cost of study and living, scholarships, and other details that we will talk about and provide for you so that you can benefit as much as possible before you make the decision to study in Europe.

The most famous European universities

1. University of Oxford in the United Kingdom (University of Oxford)

The University of Oxford is one of the oldest and most famous universities in Europe and the world. It was founded in the twelfth century AD, and is considered the second oldest university in the world after the University of Bologna.

The University of Oxford is a world-leading center for education and scientific research. It is a dream for everyone who wants to study in the United Kingdom.

The university is located in the city of Oxford in England and is distinguished by its continuous ranking as one of the best universities in the world. It also achieved first place globally in the Times Higher Education (THE) ranking of universities in the world for the years 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022.

The university includes 39 colleges and institutes, and offers a wide range of study programs that suit all interests, whether at the undergraduate level or at the postgraduate level in various fields, including the humanities, social sciences, engineering, and medical sciences.

Oxford is famous for its one-to-one teaching system, where students receive individual or group teaching from faculty members.

Its alumni list includes prominent figures in various fields, including global leaders, British Prime Ministers, Nobel Prize laureates, writers and scientists.

2. University of Heidelberg in Germany (Universität Heidelberg)

Founded in 1386, Heidelberg University is one of the oldest universities in Germany and Europe. The university is located in the city of Heidelberg in southwestern Germany, and includes many colleges and academic institutes specialized in various fields.

Heidelberg University is distinguished by its focus on scientific research, as it includes many research centers and laboratories specialized in various fields.

The university is also characterized by close cooperation with companies, industrial and governmental institutions, which provides opportunities for students to learn about practical study and apply theoretical knowledge in a practical way.

Heidelberg University provides student support services, including academic advising and assistance with obtaining accommodation, visas and housing.

If you want to study in Germany, this university should be your first choice.

3. University of Amsterdam in the Netherlands (UNIVERSITY OF AMSTERDAM)

The University of Amsterdam is considered a leading university in the Netherlands, as it was founded in 1632. It is one of the largest universities in the Netherlands and Europe. The university is located in Amsterdam, near the city centre.

The university consists of seven faculties including humanities, social sciences, economics, entrepreneurship, science, law, medicine and dentistry.

It also offers many multi-level study programmes, including basic and postgraduate studies.

Known for scientific research in diverse fields, the University of Amsterdam has produced six Nobel laureates and five Prime Ministers of the Netherlands.

The city is also distinguished by its central location in Europe, making it easy to reach many major European cities easily.

4. University of Zurich in Switzerland (University of Zurich)

Founded in 1833, the University of Zurich in Switzerland is one of the oldest and most famous universities in Europe.

The university is distinguished by providing diverse, high-quality educational programs in various academic fields, including natural sciences, engineering, social sciences, commerce, law, medicine, and liberal arts.

The University of Zurich has more than 26,000 students and approximately 5,000 faculty and administrative staff.

The university is multicultural and attracts students and workers from all over the world, making it an ideal place for exchanging cultures and ideas.

5. Sorbonne University in France

Sorbonne University is a leading and prestigious French university. It was founded in 1253 as part of the University of Paris and was specialized in teaching theology and philosophy.

Sorbonne University is distinguished by its high-quality education and large international student population.

The university currently consists of a group of colleges and postgraduate schools specializing in a wide range of academic disciplines such as medical sciences, engineering, technology, humanities and social sciences and the arts.

Sorbonne University is a hub of academic and cultural activity, hosting many scientific and artistic conferences and seminars.

The university also maintains close partnerships and relationships with international educational institutions and exchanges students and researchers.

6. University of Barcelona in Spain (University of Barcelona)

The University of Barcelona is one of the largest and most prestigious universities in Spain and Europe.

The university was founded in 1450, making it one of the oldest universities in the world. It is located in the city of Barcelona in the lively Catalonia region.

The University of Barcelona is distinguished by providing high-quality education in various academic disciplines.

The university has several colleges and graduate schools covering a wide range of fields including medical sciences, social sciences, humanities, arts, natural sciences, engineering, and others.

7. University of Copenhagen in Denmark

The University of Copenhagen is one of the oldest and largest universities in Denmark and Europe. The university was founded in the year 1479, and is considered one of the most ancient educational institutions in the world.

The University of Copenhagen is distinguished by providing high-quality education and diverse educational programs in various academic disciplines.

The university has several colleges and graduate schools that include medical sciences, social sciences, humanities, natural sciences, agricultural and technical sciences.

Ideally located in the Danish capital, Copenhagen, Copenhagen is a vibrant metropolis full of history and culture. The university provides a dynamic and culturally diverse learning environment for students and scholars.

Note: You can find out more information about any of the universities mentioned by visiting its official website, which is located as a link in the name of each university above.

Language requirements for studying in Europe

Language requirements for studying in Europe vary according to the country and university in which you wish to study, and also differ from one study program to another. However, English is the most common language used in most parts of Europe.

Students who wish to study in Europe in English must prove a good level of the language through certain internationally recognized tests such as:

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): One of the most famous tests, which measures the level of English in various skills such as reading, writing, listening and speaking.

The required TOEFL score ranges from 550 to 587 points for the paper-based exam and 213 to 240 points for the electronic exam.

The required test scores can vary depending on the country or university in which you wish to study.

Reading, writing, listening and speaking test in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS):

IELTS is widely used in the world. Some universities require specific scores in language tests, while some educational institutions allow students to apply for admission on the condition that they improve their level of English after admission to the university.

However there are also some European universities that require specific language certifications such as PTE or Cambridge English Exams.

In most European countries and universities, the scores you get in these tests are equivalent to the Common European Framework for Languages (CEFR).

The Common European Framework for Languages (CEFR) is an internationally recognized reference for assessing language level.

The CEFR was developed by a group of experts in the field of language education from across Europe, and was first published in 2001 by the Council of Europe.

The CEFR consists of six main levels ranging from A1 to C2, and each level describes an individual's language abilities in reading, writing, listening and speaking.

The CEFR is an important reference for students, teachers, employers and educational institutions to assess language skills.

Some universities require specific scores on these tests, while others merely require proof of a good level of English. Some universities may also require you to pass a personal interview or their own English language test.

In some European universities there may be requirements for other languages in addition to English. For example, some universities in Europe may require a C1 level in English and a B1/B2 level in French.

Or submit an internationally recognized German language certificate, such as TestDaF, DSH, Goethe-Zertifikat, or telc, which proves learning the German language to study in Germany, especially study programs taught in the German language.

A certain score in these tests is required for admission to some academic programs. Therefore, you should check the language requirements of each university to confirm your suitability to these requirements.

In some countries, students may be required to have a certain level in the national language of the country in which they are studying.

In these cases students may need to prove their level of the national language through standardized tests such as the TCF for French or the DSH for German.

In general, the choice of language requirements depends on the country and university in question. For this reason, it is advisable to visit the websites of the universities of your interest to obtain specific information about the language requirements for each university and study programme.

You can also contact the university admission department for more information.

It is also very important to start preparing for the required language test early before submitting your university application.

The most important scholarships available to study in Europe

There are many scholarships available to study in Europe, which are available from local governments, institutions and private organizations.

These scholarships include, but are not limited to:

1. Erasmus+ programme

The Erasmus+ program provides opportunities for student exchange, practical training, education, and volunteer work in addition to scholarships for master’s degrees.

Applying for the Erasmus+ program requires the student to review the educational institution he is studying at, and find out whether it is part of the Erasmus+ network.

In the event that there is a partnership between his institution and a university in Germany, the student will be directed to the office responsible for the Erasmus+ program at his university to obtain more information on how to apply and qualify for the scholarship.

2. Chevening programme

The Chevening Program is an international scholarship program funded by the UK Foreign Office. It aims to enable outstanding students from all over the world to obtain a master’s degree at any British university.

It covers the costs of study, travel, accommodation and personal expenses.

Applicants are selected on the basis of academic, professional and personal achievements, and the applicant must be able to present a clear plan for returning to their country of origin and applying the knowledge gained in Britain.

Scholarship applicants must hold a bachelor's degree or equivalent, and must have been accepted into a master's program at any UK university before submitting an application. They must also be proficient in English to a high level.

Applications for Chevening Scholarships open in August each year and close in November. An independent scholarship committee selects successful applicants, and the results are announced in July of the following year.

3. DAAD Foundation Scholarship (German Academic Exchange Service)

The DAAD Scholarship is one of the most popular scholarships in Germany, which includes Masters and PhD scholarships, and is offered by the DAAD Foundation to international students who wish to study in Germany.

The scholarship value and conditions depend on the applicant's nationality and study program. The student must start by creating an account on the DAAD website, search for available programs according to his preferences, and familiarize himself with the application requirements and required documents.

4. Eiffel Scholarships

Eiffel Scholarships are scholarships funded by the French government, aiming to attract outstanding international academic talent to study doctoral and master’s degrees in France.

Fields eligible for this scholarship include humanities, social sciences, medical sciences, management sciences, engineering sciences, and natural sciences.

The Eiffel Scholarship provides outstanding students from all over the world with full coverage of tuition fees, health and travel insurance, as well as a monthly stipend for living in France.

The nomination and selection process is based on high academic and research standards, and students are evaluated based on their CV, French and English language level, in addition to the study and research plan they present.

The Eiffel Scholarship usually opens for application in October of each year, and results are announced in March of the following year.

Applicants must have been accepted into a master's or doctoral program at any French university before submitting the application.

In addition to many other grants provided by private institutions and various European universities.

Therefore, it is preferable to check the official websites of the universities you wish to attend to find out the latest information about the scholarships offered annually, in addition to the required papers and documents, and to review the most appropriate timing for applying for the scholarship.

Read also: The 13 best scholarships for Arabs (most of them fully funded)

Steps to obtain a study visa in Europe

The steps and requirements for obtaining a visa to study in Europe vary from one country to another, but in general most European countries agree on these details:

1. Determine the educational institution and program you wish to enroll in, and ensure that the admission requirements for this institution are met.

2. Obtaining an acceptance letter from the educational institution, which determines the duration of study and the type of visa the student needs.

3. Apply for a study visa to the embassy or consulate of the country in which you wish to study.

The student must submit all required documents, such as passport, acceptance letter, personal photo, health certificate, and health insurance.

4. Pay the visa fee according to the amount specified by the embassy or consulate.

5. The embassy or consulate may request an interview to ensure that you intend to study and return to your country after completing your studies.

6. Waiting for the approval decision; It can take up to several weeks for the application to be processed and the visa issued.

7. Travel to the destination country and register in the educational institution.

Please keep in mind that the process of obtaining a visa may differ slightly depending on the European country you choose, so it is preferable to research the visa requirements of each country individually and contact the relevant embassy or consulate in your country to obtain more detailed information about the documents and procedures to be followed.

Cost of living and studying in Europe

The costs of studying and living in Europe vary between different countries and cities, and can also be affected by the chosen educational institution and study programme. However, approximate information can be provided about the costs of studying and living in Europe.

a) Tuition costs: Tuition fees vary greatly between countries and universities. In some countries like Norway, Sweden and Germany, studying is free for students from the European Union and sometimes for international students as well.

In other countries such as the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and France tuition fees may range from a few thousand to tens of thousands of euros per year. Costs also differ between studying at public and private universities.

b) Costs of living: The cost of living in Europe varies between different countries and cities, and can range from 700 to 1,200 euros per month.

These costs include rent, food, transportation, entertainment and other expenses, and costs can be higher in larger cities such as London, Paris and Berlin.

The cost of housing depends on the city and type of housing. In many major European cities rent can be high, but many universities offer affordable student housing options.

Regarding transportation; Many European cities have good and affordable public transport networks, and many universities provide special student transport cards.

The cost of food and entertainment depends on your lifestyle. Many universities provide affordable catering, and there are many affordable options for entertainment in many European cities.

Of course, we should not forget the costs of health insurance, as health insurance is an essential part of the study visa in most European countries, and the cost of health insurance varies based on the country and type of coverage.

Study and living costs in Europe can be relatively high, but these costs can be reduced by looking for educational institutions that offer scholarships and financial aid to international students.

You can also save more money by working part-time while studying or searching for affordable housing and reducing transportation and entertainment costs.

Work while studying in Europe

Obtaining work while studying in Europe varies between different countries, and laws related to work are affected by citizenship, visa and entry requirements to work in the destination country.

However, some general information about working while studying in Europe can be provided:

1. Working hours: The working hours allowed in Europe vary between different countries and according to the type of work.

In general, international students are allowed to work part-time for up to 20 hours per week during study periods, but this number may increase during study holidays.

2. Wage: The wage paid to international students in Europe varies according to the industry, type of work and working hours, and the wage can range between 8 to 15 euros per hour.

3. Language: Working in some countries may require knowledge of the country's national language, and international students should look for work that requires the language they are fluent in.

4. Procedures for obtaining work: International students must obtain a work permit if this step is required in the destination country, and a work permit can be obtained by submitting an application to the competent authorities in the destination country.

5. Applying for work: International students can search for work at the university or through job advertisements in local newspapers or websites.

Job opportunities available after graduation in Europe

After studying in Europe, there are job opportunities available for international students, but these opportunities are affected by several factors such as the country of study, field of study and level of previous experience.

Here are some popular opportunities to work in Europe after studying:

1. Working in private companies: You can search for job opportunities in local and multinational companies in Europe.

The private sector in Europe is diverse and offers opportunities to work in different areas such as marketing, sales, human resources and technology.

2. Work in the public sector: There are job opportunities available in the public sector in Europe, including work in local government and other government institutions. Some of these opportunities may require a good level of the local language for communication and work.

3. Research institutes: If you are interested in research and development, you can search for job opportunities in the field of scientific research in universities or research institutes in Europe. There may be opportunities to join research teams and participate in innovative projects.

4. Entrepreneurship: If you have a desire to establish your own business, you can explore entrepreneurship opportunities in Europe.

There is support and resources available to innovators and entrepreneurs to help establish and develop startups.

5. Freelancing and temporary contracts: Freelancing and temporary contracts can be a popular option after studying in Europe, especially if you have special skills in a particular field.

In addition, there are some industries and fields that are popular and provide wide job opportunities in Europe, such as:

ICT, engineering and design, health and medical care, tourism.

You can search for various job opportunities in Europe by:

A) Search engines such as: GOOGLE or BING.

b) General Employment Sites: There are many employment sites offering job opportunities in Europe. Some examples are Indeed, LinkedIn, Glassdoor, Monster, and CareerBuilder.

C) Local employment websites and newspapers specific to the country in which you wish to work.

d) Professional network: Take advantage of your professional network to search for job opportunities in Europe. Reach out to former colleagues, friends and acquaintances working in Europe and inquire about any opportunities they may be aware of.

Challenges that you may face while studying in Europe

Studying abroad is different from studying in your home country, as international students face many challenges during their time studying in Europe.

However exciting these challenges can be, they can provide opportunities for learning and personal growth.

In this part of the article we will explore some of the cultural challenges that international students may face while studying in Europe.

1. Language and communication: One of the most prominent challenges that you can face while studying in Europe is language. The local language in the country in which you are studying may be different from your mother tongue.

Some may find it difficult to understand lessons or communicate with local students. Improving local language skills may be necessary to adapt and integrate into the new school community.

2. Customs and traditions: Cultures and customs differ from one country to another in Europe, and it may be surprising for international students to deal with these differences.

They may face challenges adapting to local customs and traditions, such as holidays, social appointments, and lifestyle. It is important that students are open to respecting, accepting and learning from cultural differences.

3. Social integration: You may feel lonely and alienated at the beginning of your studies in Europe. It may be difficult to build friendships and form a social network at first.

Organizing social activities, joining student groups and participating in group activities can help promote social integration and communication with local students.

4. Teaching methods: Academic rituals and teaching methods vary from country to country. There may be differences in teaching methods, lectures and assessment methods. It may require you to adapt to these new methods and understand the academic systems in place at your university.

5. Weather and climate: The climate in the country of study may be completely different from the climate you are used to in your home country.

You may face challenges in adapting to different temperatures and seasonal changes. You may be required to adapt to appropriate clothing and use different means of transportation in different climate conditions.

6. Mindset and cultural adaptation: You may face challenges in adapting to a new culture and social environment. You may feel homesick and miss family and friends.

It may be important to build a strong social support system and look for communities and groups that provide psychosocial support to international students.

7. Finance and Finance: Finance and finance can be a challenge for international students. You may face challenges in managing your personal expenses, study costs and accommodation.

You should plan ahead financially and look for opportunities for scholarships or part-time jobs to help you cover their costs.

This brings us to the end of the study guide in Europe, which provides many useful and exclusive information for international students who want to study in Europe.

We hope that this guide will be useful to you, and that it will help you make the appropriate decision about studying in Europe. We wish you all the best and success in achieving your dreams and developing your life and future in Europe.