Frequently Asked Questions

Do many international students choose to study in continental Europe?

Continental Europe is becoming more popular with students from outside the EU. For example, 25% more international students study in Germany than they did two years ago, and 39% of all postgraduate students at Swiss universities are from outside that country. As a result, European institutions have improved the level of support given to international students.

It is also becoming more common for students from EU member states to spend at least some of their study time in another EU country, often as part of exchange schemes like the EU’s Erasmus (European Community Action Scheme for the Mobility of University Students) programme. Current figures suggest about 300,000 do this each year – and these numbers are growing.

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What is the Bologna Agreement?

It is an agreement between European governments that was made in Bologna in Italy on 19 June 1999. The ultimate aim of the Agreement is to place higher education on a more ‘European’ level through constructing a European Higher Education Area, which will ensure that higher education and research meet the needs of society and are open to the latest scientific developments.
The Agreement also aims to set up a Europe-wide system of comparable degrees based on two main cycles – undergraduate and graduate. A system of transferable academic credits and better European co-operation in quality assurance are to be established, to promote better student mobility between European countries and to improve training opportunities for them. Some European nations are now overhauling their education systems to meet these aims.
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Will my qualifications be acceptable?

There is currently no Europe-wide system established for the equivalence of qualifications. You must check to see how your qualifications will compare with the qualifications system in operation in the country you are going to, and whether your qualifications as they stand will be suitable to enter your chosen programme.
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Will there be any language requirements?

Yes. The language that the course you have chosen will be taught in is most likely to be the language of the country or region where it is located. The institution will indicate which language that course will be taught in and insist applicants have a minimum level of proficiency in it before they will be accepted, usually indicated by  a language certificate or test score.

If you are going to be studying in a language other than your mother tongue, make sure you know whether you are going to have to pass a language test and get this organised in plenty of time.

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How do I apply?

There is no centralised application procedure for all European institutions. This means you should ask the individual institutions you are interested in about application procedures, making sure you meet their entry requirements. The application process usually takes place before the start of each semester and may take several months.
At postgraduate level, you will often have to make an application in co-operation with a supervisor who has agreed to supervise your research. Again, you should approach the institution or faculty directly for further information.
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