European Study Destinations Now Offering Thousands of English-Taught Degree Programs

Written by

Aditya Raj

Fact check by

Afreen Abbasi

Updated on

Dec 01,2024

European Study Destinations Now Offering Thousands of English-Taught Degree - TerraTern

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Key Highlights

Within recent years, the European study destinations have also broadened the scope of their educational offerings, mainly through English-taught programs (ETPs). ETPs are gaining more and more interest from international students, so Europe is today the best place for people searching for quality education outside of the traditional English-speaking countries such as the US, UK, Australia, and Canada. This has opened doors to millions of chances for students all over the world.

English-Taught Programs (ETPs) in Europe's Most Important Schemes of Professionals

European institutions have been responsive to the increase in demand for ETPs by diversifying their products. According to the latest data, There are more than 28,000 ETPs in Europe, 70 % more than in 2017. These are directed to both those in undergraduate programs and those in postgraduate programs, with a remarkable increase in the number of bachelors enrolled in the program.

There used to be a time when most educational aspirants would shift to the UK or USA for secondary English education. However, economic factors, geopolitical considerations, and global trends have made many look to European countries as an alternative. There has undoubtedly been an increase in English medium degree programs introduced in institutions in the EEAS, and non-EEAS students have promoted this trend, particularly those coming from African and Asian countries.

 

Top European Destinations for English Degree Programs

The variety present in Europe further enhances its attractiveness as an education capital. Germany, Netherlands, and Italy are the countries that offer more opportunities in English medium education:

  • Germany: It ranks among the top countries with English programs, as many students from other nations seek their degrees there. It also has an excellent reputation for technical programs and no tuition at public universities. As with most European countries, many master’s programs are also offered in English, which helps nourish the change and adds more international students to the German education system.

  • The Netherlands: Due to this history, the Netherlands has remained one of the top favourite countries to go to. Dutch schools are famous for the rapid development of teaching techniques, and the institutions are held in very high regard in the international ranking- they remain the choice of the learners.

  • Italy: Italy has witnessed 45% growth in number of students interested in English courses offered in the country from 2021 to 2022. The low cost of education and variety of cultures make Italy appealing to students from non-EEA.

Other countries that join the club of growth include Spain, Belgium, and Poland; among others, Spain is recording a 41% increase in the number of searches for bachelor’s degree programs, while Poland is emerging as a new destination for master’s programs.

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Why English-Taught Programs Are Booming?

English-taught programs are becoming increasingly popular in Europe for several reasons:

  • Globalization and Mobility: The world is fastly shrinking, and student movement is on the rise. Most European countries are part of the Bologna Process or the European Higher Education Area (EHEA), which makes it easy to transfer credits and get academic recognition.

  • High-Quality Education at Lower Costs: Many European countries offer good quality education providers for less money in terms of tuition fees than the US and UK. Tuition fees at public universities in countries such as Germany and Norway are either very low or even completely absent, while certain other countries provide stipends for foreign nationals.

  • Cultural Diversity: Another advantage is the wealth of Europe’s history and culture. International scholars are attracted by the prospect of obtaining an education while getting acquainted with the cultures of different countries on the continent.

Fields of Study in English

There are English-taught programs ready for you in many fields, but these will be coming on fast:

  • Fields Included In STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics): Research-focused programs like STEM dominate the European universities. Germany, the Netherlands, and Finland are countries with lots of master's programs in these fields, and they draw students from all around the world.

  • Business and Management: Nearly all English-taught business programs are offered in Paris, Amsterdam, and Milan, cities with prime locations to gain local insights into the business surroundings.

  • Social Sciences and Humanities (International Relations, Political Science, Psychology): Available in English, practising in different disciplines encourages the students to have an academic experience that is broader and more integrated than usual.

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English-Taught Programs in Europe: The Future

The rise of English-taught degree programs in Europe is just beginning, and as a top destination for higher education, this trend will undoubtedly be on the growth trajectory. Universities have been targeting English programs aggressively for non-EEA students in emerging markets like Asia, Africa, and Latin America.

These programs are also a linchpin of the broader strategy of many European countries to recruit top talent from around the world and enhance their innovation capacity and global innovation competitiveness. In the future, as students demand cheap but good quality education in a culturally rich and ever-evolving environment, Europe will emerge bigger on the global educational map.

 

Conclusion

The landscape of study options in English has changed dramatically in the last decade, and thousands of such degree programs can today be found across several disciplines in various European universities. Europe`s education, low tuition, and language variety make it the top choice for many students on the planet. With the expansion of English-taught programs, it is easy for students all around the world to access Europe's academic offers irrespective of language, and it has rapidly established itself as one of the top regions in higher education.

To learn more about European-taught degree programs and to find easier ways to immigrate to Europe, you must contact TerraTern right now. With an expert team and more than a hundred immigration services being offered, TerraTern should be your go-to for all your immigration needs!

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Aditya Raj

Content Marketing Specialist

I'm a graduate of journalism & mass communication with a passion for media and storytelling. With more than 5 years of ecperience in the immigration inustry, I have developed a strong understanding of the complexities and challenges of immigration policies and procedures.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which are the top European countries with English-taught degree programs?

The top European countries offering English-taught degree programs include Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, Spain, and Poland. These countries are popular among international students due to their high-quality education systems, diverse cultural experiences, and increasing availability of programs taught entirely in English. Germany and the Netherlands, in particular, are known for their wide array of English programs, while countries like Italy and Spain have seen significant growth in recent years.

Are English-taught programs available at undergraduate and postgraduate levels?

Yes, English-taught programs are available at both undergraduate (bachelor’s) and postgraduate (master’s) levels. While the majority of programs have traditionally been at the postgraduate level, the availability of undergraduate programs has grown substantially, giving students more options to study in English at both levels. This expansion is driven by increasing demand from international students seeking quality education in non-English-speaking countries.

Which fields of study are taught in English in Europe?

A wide range of fields is available in English-taught programs across Europe. The most common areas include STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), business, management, and social sciences. Universities in Europe offer cutting-edge research opportunities and professional degrees in these fields, drawing students from around the world. Business and management programs are especially popular in cities like Paris, Amsterdam, and Milan, while STEM programs are strong in countries like Germany and Finland.

Are English-taught programs in Europe affordable?

Yes, English-taught programs in Europe are often considered affordable compared to those in countries like the US or UK. Many European public universities, particularly in Germany and Norway, charge low or no tuition fees for both domestic and international students. Even in countries with tuition fees, such as the Netherlands and Italy, the cost is relatively lower compared to traditional English-speaking destinations. Scholarships and financial aid options are also available for international students in many European countries.

How to apply?

To apply for an English-taught program in Europe, students generally need to submit their applications directly through the university's website. Each program may have specific admission requirements, such as language proficiency tests (e.g., IELTS or TOEFL), previous academic records, or entrance exams. It's essential to carefully review the application deadlines and requirements for each program, as they can vary by institution and country.