Study in Europe from the UK

You can study in Europe from the UK at public universities that charge low or no tuition, but since Brexit most UK citizens need a national student visa or residence permit for courses longer than 90 days. Each country runs its own system. Germany, for example, asks most non-EU students to show €11,904 a year in a blocked account (€992 a month), while many of its public universities charge no tuition apart from a semester contribution. France, the Netherlands, Italy, Spain and Ireland all have different fees, funds and visa steps. GIEC Global UK works as study in Europe consultants for UK students and graduates, and this guide compares the main options and explains how the student visa process works.

Why UK students are looking at Europe

For many UK families, the biggest draw is cost. International fees at English universities are high, and even home fees are now over £9,000 a year. By contrast, many European public universities charge low tuition, and some charge none. Add thousands of English-taught programmes, short travel times back to the UK and the chance to learn another language, and it is easy to see why searches for study in Europe consultants keep rising.

• Lower tuition: public universities in Germany and several other countries charge little or nothing for many programmes.
• Quality: universities such as TU Munich, KU Leuven, Delft, Sorbonne, Bocconi and Trinity College Dublin are internationally recognised.
• Career options: study can lead to work permits and, later, to the EU Blue Card for skilled roles.
• Short distance: most European cities are under two hours’ flight from the UK.

Our article on which is the cheapest country in Europe to study compares tuition and living costs in more depth.

How Brexit changed studying in Europe for UK students

Before 2021, UK students had free movement and usually paid EU fees. Now, British citizens are treated as non-EU (third-country) nationals in most EU countries. In practice this means:

• Visas: you can visit the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180 days without a visa, but longer study needs a national visa or residence permit from your study country.
• Fees: some countries now charge UK students non-EU tuition, although many still charge little or nothing at public universities.
• Funds: you must usually prove you can support yourself for the year.
• Exceptions: Irish citizens keep EU rights. UK students in Ireland study under the Common Travel Area and do not need a visa.

Country-by-country guide

Germany

Germany is the most popular choice we see, and the reason so many people search for study in Germany consultants near them. Most public universities charge no tuition for bachelor’s and consecutive master’s degrees, apart from a semester contribution that often includes a public transport ticket. The state of Baden-Württemberg is the main exception, charging non-EU students €1,500 per semester. Students apply directly or through uni-assist, then apply for a national student visa at the German mission in the UK, showing a blocked account of €11,904 per year (€992 per month), health insurance and an admission letter. Students can work 140 full days or 280 half days a year, and graduates can apply for an 18-month job-seeker residence permit.

France

France offers excellent value at public universities, though non-EU students may be charged higher “differentiated” fees, and many universities choose to waive them. Grandes écoles and business schools charge more. Students apply for a long-stay student visa that works as a residence permit (VLS-TS) and validate it online after arrival. Proof of funds is required.

Netherlands

The Netherlands has one of the largest ranges of English-taught bachelor’s degrees in Europe. Non-EU students pay institutional fees, which are higher than statutory EU fees. The university normally applies for your residence permit as your sponsor through the IND, so you deal with the institution rather than an embassy for most steps.

Ireland

British citizens study in Ireland under the Common Travel Area without a visa, and may be assessed for EU fee rates depending on residence history. Non-UK nationals living in the UK need to follow Irish student immigration rules (Stamp 2) and show funds.

Italy and Spain

Both have low public tuition, with Italian fees often linked to family income, and regional scholarships available. Student visas are applied for at the relevant consulate, with admission, funds, insurance and accommodation evidence.

Other options

Belgium, Austria, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Poland and the Czech Republic all attract UK students for particular subjects, especially medicine, engineering and design. Scandinavian countries charge non-EU tuition at most universities but offer scholarships.

General student visa requirements for European countries

Details differ, but most European student visas ask for:

• a valid passport with at least two blank pages and validity beyond your stay;
• a letter of admission or enrolment from a recognised university;
• proof of funds (blocked account, bank statements, scholarship or sponsor);
• health insurance that meets the country’s rules;
• proof of accommodation for at least the first months;
• academic certificates, sometimes with official translations or apostilles;
• language evidence: English test results for English-taught programmes, or the local language for others;
• visa application form, photos and the national visa fee.

If an English score is needed, see our IELTS coaching or TOEFL training.

How much does it cost to study in Europe?

Country	Public tuition (non-EU)	Funds or living costs to plan for
Germany	Usually none, plus semester contribution (Baden-Württemberg: €1,500 per semester)	€11,904 per year blocked account
France	Low; differentiated fees may apply	Proof of funds required; Paris costs more
Netherlands	Institutional fees	Set by the IND each year
Ireland	EU rate may apply to UK citizens	No visa for British citizens
Italy	Low, often income-based	Proof of funds required

Always check the university’s fee page and the embassy’s current funds figure, because both change each year.

How to apply: step by step

1. Choose a country and programme based on subject, language, total cost and career plans.
2. Check entry requirements, including whether your A-levels or degree are accepted directly or need a foundation year.
3. Apply directly, through uni-assist (Germany), Studielink (Netherlands) or the national portal.
4. Receive admission and accept your place.
5. Arrange funds: open a blocked account if needed, or gather bank and sponsor evidence.
6. Book a visa appointment or follow the university’s residence permit process.
7. Arrange insurance and accommodation, then travel and register locally on arrival.

Deadlines vary. Many German universities use 15 July for the winter semester and 15 January for the summer semester, while Dutch bachelor’s deadlines usually fall between January (numerus fixus programmes) and May, often earlier for non-EU applicants. Start 12 months ahead.

Popular subjects and where UK students study them

Subject	Countries UK students often choose	Why
Engineering	Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden	Strong technical universities and industry links
Computer science and data	Germany, the Netherlands, Ireland	English-taught master’s and tech employers
Business and economics	Netherlands, Italy, France, Spain	Well-known business schools and international cohorts
Medicine and dentistry	Poland, Czech Republic, Hungary, Italy	English-taught programmes with competitive entry
Art, design and architecture	Netherlands, Italy, Germany	Design heritage and studio-based teaching

For regulated professions such as medicine, dentistry, architecture and teaching, check before you apply whether the degree will be recognised by the UK regulator if you plan to work in the UK later. The General Medical Council, for example, has its own rules for overseas medical graduates.

A realistic timeline for UK applicants

When	What to do
12 to 15 months before	Research countries, budgets and programmes; check whether your qualifications are accepted.
9 to 12 months before	Book any language tests; request references; prepare translations and certified copies.
6 to 9 months before	Submit applications before the national or university deadline.
3 to 5 months before	Accept your offer, open a blocked account or prepare funds evidence, book a visa appointment.
1 to 2 months before	Arrange accommodation and insurance, book travel and plan registration on arrival.

Visa appointment availability at European embassies in London can be tight in summer, so book as soon as you have an admission letter. Our Europe education consultants will help you plan these dates around your exams and results.

Working during and after your studies

Most EU countries allow students to work part time, typically around 20 hours a week during term. Germany uses an annual limit of 140 full days or 280 half days. After graduation, many countries offer job-search permits, and graduates who find skilled work may qualify for the EU Blue Card or a national work permit. If you plan to settle long term, see our migrate to Europe page.

Choosing study in Europe consultants: what to ask

Because each country has its own system, a good Europe education consultant should know the rules country by country, not just promote a few partner schools. Ask:

• Which countries and universities do you know well, and can you show recent experience?
• Will you include public universities with no commission, if they suit me better?
• Will you explain the visa, funds and blocked account rules for my chosen country in writing?
• What are your fees, and what do they cover?

Be careful with any agent who promises guaranteed admission or a guaranteed visa. European universities and embassies decide independently.

How GIEC Global UK helps you study in Europe

As study in Europe consultants, we start with what you want from your degree and your budget, then compare countries and universities honestly. Our support covers programme shortlisting across Germany, France, the Netherlands, Ireland, Italy and more; application and document guidance (including translations and certificate checks); blocked account and funds planning; visa or residence permit preparation; and pre-departure advice on housing, registration and insurance. We never guarantee admission or visas; universities and embassies decide.

Comparing with other destinations? See our study in the UK and all study destinations pages. Family members planning a short trip can read our visit Europe guide, and graduates thinking about Irish jobs can read work in Ireland.

Life as a UK student in Europe

Most countries require you to register your address with the local authority within the first weeks, open a local bank account and collect your residence card. Learning some of the local language makes daily life, part-time work and your job search far easier, even if your course is in English. Accommodation can be the hardest part, especially in Amsterdam, Munich, Paris and Dublin, so start looking as soon as you have your offer and use university housing services where possible. Students should also remember that the 90/180-day Schengen rule applies to travel in other Schengen countries outside their study country.

Scholarships and funding for UK students in Europe

Low tuition does not mean low living costs, so funding still matters. The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) runs scholarships for international students and graduates, particularly at master’s and doctoral level. Erasmus Mundus joint master’s programmes offer full scholarships that cover tuition, travel and a monthly allowance across two or more European universities. Many national governments and universities, such as the Netherlands’ and Sweden’s university scholarships for non-EU students, offer partial tuition waivers. Doctoral candidates in many European countries are employed as researchers and paid a salary, which is a big difference from the UK funding model. Start scholarship searches at the same time as your university research, because deadlines are often earlier than admission deadlines.

Sources and review

Reviewed on 31 October 2026 against the German Federal Foreign Office and DAAD guidance, Campus France, the Dutch IND and Study in NL, Ireland’s immigration service, and the European Commission’s Your Europe pages. Rules change each year, so check the embassy and university sources before you apply. This page is general information, not legal advice.