From Germany to Spain, top 10 European study abroad destinations in 2026

As visa hurdles rise in Canada and the US, a new report finds Europe could see 5% yearly growth in international enrolments through 2030

Europe is becoming a stronger draw for international students as visa hurdles rise in countries like Canada and the US. A new study now projects enrolments across Europe to grow by about 5 per cent every year through 2030. The report said this pace is slightly ahead of the 4.6 per cent post-Covid growth recorded in the US, UK, Canada and Australia.

 

StudiesIn, a Barcelona-based edtech platform, examined shifting student preferences. For years, the US, UK, Canada and Australia dominated global flows. The study said stricter visa policies and admission barriers could push more than 450,000 students to seek new destinations after 2024, with Europe picking up the interest.

 

 

“International education is undergoing a profound shift,” said Tom Miessen, CEO at StudiesIn. “Students are seeking destinations that balance quality education with affordability and long-term opportunities, and Europe is stepping up to meet that demand. We’re seeing growing interest not only in major hubs like Germany and France, but also in countries like Spain and Italy that are investing heavily in internationalisation.”

 

More English-taught courses and practical training

 

European countries are making room for this growth by expanding English-taught programmes, increasing student support, and building partnerships that connect graduates to jobs.

 

In Spain, international enrolments grew by just over 7 per cent annually between 2019 and 2024, with recent years showing double-digit gains. Many students now look closely at job prospects when choosing where to study. The report said 48 per cent of prospective students in Spain worry about employment before arriving, and 40 per cent prioritise courses where graduate employment rates are strong. Similar trends are emerging across Europe, where practical experience, internships, and clearer job pathways are reshaping university offerings. 

 

Top 10 Europe Study destinations expected in 2026

 

• Germany has seen a 23 per cent increase in international enrolments since 2023, helped by tuition-free universities and reliable employment options

• The Netherlands has recorded a 40 per cent rise in English-taught degrees in the past five years, with strong prospects in tech careers

• France continues to attract students through expanded visa routes and scholarships that support study and stay opportunities

• Spain offers living costs of around €900 a month, more than 1,000 English-taught programmes, and a growing international student base

• Italy is building momentum with new programmes in design and technology, along with post-study stay permissions of up to two years

 

Others include: Ireland, Sweden, Denmark, Finland and Austria.

 

Top 10 European Study destinations and what they offer students

 

Germany

Tuition fee: None for EU/EEA and non-EU, only €100–€350 per semester

Monthly living costs: €850–€1,200

English-taught programmes: Over 2,300

Funding options: DAAD, Deutschlandstipendium (€300 per month), university grants

Work during study: EU/EEA 20h/week; non-EU 120 days per year

After graduation: 18-month job-seeking visa, residence permit after securing a job

 

Netherlands

Tuition fee: €2,600 per year (EU/EEA); €9,000–€24,000 (non-EU/EEA)

Monthly living costs: €800–€1,500

English-taught programmes: Over 2,000

Funding options: Holland Scholarship, Orange Tulip, university grants

Work during study: EU/EEA free to work; non-EU 16h/week in semester, full-time in summer

After graduation: 1-year job search visa

 

France

Tuition fee: €178–€628 (EU/EEA); €2,895–€3,941 (non-EU/EEA)

Monthly living costs: €800–€1,200

English-taught programmes: Over 1,700

Funding options: Eiffel Scholarship, ENS grants, Erasmus+, university fee waivers

Work during study: About 20h/week for all; no separate permit for non-EU

After graduation: 12-month job search visa

 

Spain

Tuition fee: €1,200–€2,500 (EU/EEA); €2,500–€6,000 (non-EU/EEA)

Monthly living costs: €800–€1,200

English-taught programmes: Over 1,000

Funding options: Government grants, Erasmus+, university scholarships

Work during study: EU/EEA free access; non-EU 30h/week with approval

After graduation: 12–24 month job search visa

 

Italy

Tuition fee: €900–€4,000 (EU/EEA); €1,000–€6,000 (non-EU/EEA)

Monthly living costs: €700–€1,300

English-taught programmes: Over 500

Funding options: Government and regional grants, Erasmus+, university scholarships

Work during study: EU/EEA no restrictions; non-EU 20h/week

After graduation: 12-month job search visa

 

Ireland

Tuition fee: €3,000 (EU/EEA); €32,000 UG and €22,500 PG (non-EU/EEA approx.)

Monthly living costs: €1,200–€2,000

English-taught programmes: All

Funding options: Government scholarships, Erasmus+, university grants

Work during study: EU/EEA no restrictions; non-EU 20h/week term and 40h/week holidays

After graduation: 24-month job search visa

 

Sweden

Tuition fee: Free (EU/EEA); €7,500–€25,500 (non-EU/EEA)

Monthly living costs: €700–€1,200

English-taught programmes: Over 1,000

Funding options: Swedish Institute scholarships, Erasmus+, university grants

Work during study: EU/EEA no restrictions; non-EU allowed with studies priority

After graduation: 12-month job search visa

 

Finland

Tuition fee: Free (EU/EEA); €6,000–€18,000 (non-EU/EEA)

Monthly living costs: €700–€1,200

English-taught programmes: Over 600

Funding options: Finland Scholarship, tuition waivers, university grants

Work during study: EU/EEA no restrictions; non-EU 25h/week

After graduation: 24-month job search visa

 

Denmark

Tuition fee: Free (EU/EEA); €6,000–€16,000 (non-EU/EEA)

Monthly living costs: €800–€1,200

English-taught programmes: Over 700

Funding options: Government scholarships, Erasmus+, university grants

Work during study: EU/EEA no restrictions; non-EU 20h/week in semester

After graduation: 6–36 month job search visa

 

Austria

Tuition fee: Free for EU/EEA; €1,453 for non-EU/EEA (plus €24.70 per semester)

Monthly living costs: €950–€1,200

English-taught programmes: Over 350

Funding options: Government scholarships, Erasmus+, university funding

Work during study: EU/EEA no restrictions; non-EU 20h/week in semester

After graduation: 12-month job search visa, option for Red-White-Red Card

 

Big Four vs Europe comparison

 

Tuition fees

Big Four: High, €15,000–€40,000 per year

Europe: Lower or free in many countries

 

Living costs

Big Four: €1,200–€2,500 per month

Europe: €700–€2,000 per month

 

Visa difficulty

Big Four: Stricter rules and higher costs

Europe: Generally easier, cheaper permits

 

Work during study

Big Four: Limited access, varies by country

Europe: EU/EEA unrestricted; non-EU commonly 15–25h/week

 

Post-study work

Big Four: Shorter options, can be costly

Europe: 12–36 month job-seeking visas

 

Language

Big Four: Mostly English

Europe: English programmes plus local language learning

 

Cultural experience

Big Four: Familiar for English speakers

Europe: Rich culture, food, festivals, easy travel

 

Scholarships and funding

Big Four: Available but competitive

Europe: Wide options through governments, universities and Erasmus+ 

 

Post-study work rights drive choices

 

Visa flexibility and work opportunities are becoming decisive factors. Many EU countries now provide 12 to 36-month post-study work visas, helping international students move smoothly from education to employment.