7 Strong Reasons Why Europe is Excellent for Postgraduate Studies

Cultural differences, the lack of programmes taught in English, and the perceived expenses associated with education have discouraged students from considering Europe as a study destination. However, universities in Europe have acknowledged these challenges and taken proactive steps to address them. Over the past three years, the Postgraduate Team at The Red Pen has collaborated with students and facilitated their admissions to some of Europe’s leading universities, such as IE Business School in Spain, HEC Paris in France and DELFT in The Netherlands. In this post, we’ve listed seven compelling reasons why Europe is an outstanding study destination for postgraduate applicants.

1) Europe has a multifaceted educational landscape

Europe provides unparalleled opportunities to learn and grow. The continent offers various disciplines, including technology, design, hospitality and catering. Among the best countries in Europe to study, Switzerland stands out for its exceptional hospitality programmes, while France excels in culinary schools, consistently ranking at the top worldwide. Meanwhile, Germany and Scandinavia have established themselves as leaders in technology and innovation. These diverse educational offerings are world-class and cater to various interests and careers, making Europe a prime destination for learning and personal development.

2) Europe has a standardised education system

Europe comprises several countries, but it has harmonised its education systems to foster collaboration and facilitate student mobility within the continent. The Bologna Process, a significant initiative established in 1999, created a standardised education framework and unified Europe’s education system. As a result, many European countries have adopted a three-tiered structure, which includes a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, and doctoral studies, similar to the British education system. Indian students, accustomed to the British-influenced education system, find it comparatively easier to transition into European universities than graduate schools in the US.

3) Europe offers postgraduate courses in English

European universities provide a wide range of English language and bilingual courses for postgraduate students. The Master in Public Policy at Sciences Po, France; Fashion & Luxury Brand Management at Instituto Marangoni, Milan; and MSc Developmental Psychology at Leiden University Netherlands are ideal for international applicants. These universities maintain similar English language requirements as their counterparts in the UK and US, thus streamlining the application process.

4) European education is affordable (sometimes free)

One compelling advantage of studying in Europe is affordability. Several universities, like the University of Helsinki (for doctoral programmes) and the Technical University of Munich (for master’s programmes), offer free courses to international students. Additionally, certain European cities, such as Poland and Norway, are renowned for being highly affordable places to pursue higher education. Studying in Europe gives you access to quality education at reasonable costs.

5) Europe provides excellent employment opportunities

Europe’s thriving industries eagerly embrace talented individuals. With the IT sector being the continent’s top employer, Europe is the headquarters of some of the world’s highest revenue-generating companies. LVMH (France), Nestle (Switzerland), Allianz (Germany), Roche (Switzerland), among others, which play a significant role in driving the European economy forward. As the world’s largest single market, jobs in Europe for foreigners abound. For example, the Frankfurt School of Economics, known for its Applied Data Science course, provides 22 percent of its graduates with functional employment opportunities. Additionally, students can find a job in Europe and engage in part-time work during the academic year and full-time during holidays. This arrangement allows them to gain industry exposure and expertise and actively experience the European job market firsthand.

Meanwhile, in recent news, France will now provide Indian students seeking a master’s degree with a long-term five-year post-study visa, which was previously just two years. This remarkable milestone allows students to prolong their stay in France significantly and boosts their prospects of gaining valuable international exposure and accessing lucrative global job prospects.

6) European universities have unparalleled research opportunities

European universities are globally recognised for their state-of-the-art research facilities and laboratories, which offer students unparalleled access to advanced equipment, technologies, and resources. The TUM Institute for Advanced Study (IAS) is a research institute at the Technical University of Munich that explores biotechnology, artificial intelligence, and robotics. University of Oxford’s Faculty of Philosophy, University of Cambridge’s Faculty of History, and Paris-Sorbonne University’s Faculty of Arts and Humanities are world-renowned.

7) Europe’s rich cultural tapestry enriches the postgraduate education

Europe’s rich cultural heritage serves as an invaluable source of education, particularly for those pursuing postgraduate studies within the continent.

For instance, studying Renaissance art in Florence allows art history students to analyse masterpieces by Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and Botticelli. Exploring the ancient ruins of Rome offers archaeology scholars a chance to uncover the origins of Western civilisation. Likewise, engaging with the works of influential European philosophers like Kant, Nietzsche, and Descartes provides philosophy students with profound insights into the development of critical thought. Furthermore, the opportunity to learn multiple languages, such as French, German, or Spanish, enables postgraduates to enhance their linguistic competencies, fostering cross-cultural understanding and collaboration.

Overall, Europe is a compelling choice for postgraduate education. European graduate schools should be on your list if you want high-quality education in a vibrant and affordable environment. Read our blogs on where to apply for a master’s abroad and how to create a master’s application. For more information on application processes, get in touch. Our postgraduate team looks forward to being part of your journey.