Accounting can lead to well-paid careers in Europe, especially for professionals who earn recognized accounting qualifications. However, salaries vary by country, specialization, and experience. Accounting is also a demanding field, and students often need a strong foundation in mathematics, statistics, finance, and accounting theory. For students interested in pursuing a career in this field, there are several strong options. Today, we will discuss some of the best accounting schools in Europe.
Top Accounting Schools in Europe
1. University of Amsterdam
Students interested in studying accounting will have several options to choose from at the University of Amsterdam, which is considered one of the best accounting schools in Europe. The university offers accounting-related study through programs such as the Bachelor’s in Economics and Business Economics and the Master’s in Accountancy and Control. The master’s program includes tracks in Accountancy, Control, and Financial Management.
Students who want to become registered accountants in the Netherlands can continue from the Master’s in Accountancy and Control into the university’s Post-Master’s Accountancy route, which is combined with practical training for the Dutch registered accountant pathway. Outside of accounting, the University of Amsterdam has a strong international reputation. In the current QS World University Rankings, it is ranked 53rd in the world.
2. Erasmus University Rotterdam
Erasmus University Rotterdam is one of the most important universities in the Netherlands. For prospective accounting students, the university offers strong master’s-level options, including the MSc in Accounting, Auditing and Control and the MScBA in Accounting and Financial Management.
The MSc in Accounting, Auditing and Control is a one-year, 60-credit program with specializations in Accounting and Auditing, Accounting and Control, and Accounting and Finance. The MScBA in Accounting and Financial Management is also a 12-month, 60-credit program and covers topics such as financial reporting, management control, auditing, analytics, and corporate finance. Students can also benefit from Erasmus University Rotterdam’s international environment and the cultural and professional opportunities available in Rotterdam.
3. Aalto University
Founded in 2010, Aalto University is one of the best accounting schools in Europe. Prospective students can study accounting through business-related programs at different levels, including the Master’s Program in Accounting and doctoral study in Accounting through the Aalto Doctoral Program in Business, Economics and Finance.
The Master’s Program in Accounting is a two-year, 120-credit program taught in English. Students learn about topics such as financial accounting, management accounting, auditing, financial statement analysis, risk management, and performance measurement. The university itself is also well regarded outside of its accounting program. In the current QS World University Rankings, Aalto University is ranked 114th in the world.
4. HEC Paris School of Management
- Study Program
- Location: France | Degrees Offered: Master’s, Ph.D.
Founded over 140 years ago in Paris, HEC Paris School of Management is known as one of the best accounting and management schools in Europe. Students interested in accounting can pursue the Master in Accounting, Finance and Management, while doctoral students can specialize in Accounting and Management Control.
While studying at the school, students in the master’s program learn advanced principles of accounting, finance, and management. The curriculum connects accounting, corporate finance, and strategy, and courses are taught by both academics and experienced professionals. At the doctoral level, students can focus on areas such as financial accounting and management accounting.
The HEC Paris campus is located near Versailles and includes Le Château, a 19th-century neoclassical château set in a large park. The campus also offers a wide range of student clubs and associations, giving students opportunities to get involved beyond the classroom.
5. Bocconi University
- Study Program
- Location: Italy | Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s
Located in the city of Milan, Bocconi University is widely regarded as one of the best universities in Italy for business, economics, finance, and management. In the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026, Bocconi is ranked among the top universities in Europe for Accounting and Finance.
The university offers accounting-related study at the bachelor’s and master’s levels. Its Master of Science in Accounting and Financial Management is a two-year, English-taught program worth 120 credits. As a leading accounting school in Europe, Bocconi helps students study topics such as financial accounting, management control, corporate finance, financial reporting, business planning, auditing, and financial statement analysis. These topics give students the chance to improve their accounting skills in preparation for their future careers.
6. University of Cambridge
Cambridge Judge Business School at the University of Cambridge offers the Executive Master of Accounting. This is a 24-month, part-time, blended program designed for experienced professionals. Students study topics such as accounting, leadership, data skills, predictive analytics, data visualization, financial statement analysis, and strategic and ethical issues in accounting.
Students interested in further research can also explore doctoral routes connected to accounting and business, including the Accounting Ph.D. pathway and the Business Doctorate for senior professionals. One of the most famous universities in the world, the University of Cambridge is home to many excellent programs. In the current Times Higher Education World University Rankings, Cambridge is ranked joint 3rd in the world.
7. Tilburg University
Regarded as one of the strong business and economics universities in the Netherlands, Tilburg University is home to accounting-related programs through its Department of Accountancy. The department supports education at different levels, including undergraduate courses, master’s study, post-master’s routes, and doctoral research in accountancy.
Students interested in accounting can build a foundation in economics, business, and management before moving on to specialized study in accounting. Tilburg’s accounting education is especially useful for students interested in areas such as financial reporting, management accounting, auditing, and control.
Tilburg University is also a CFA Institute Program Partner and offers CFA-related opportunities within programs such as the MSc in Accounting and the MSc in Investment Analysis. This partnership can help students connect their studies with the CFA curriculum, although earning the CFA charter still requires meeting CFA Institute exam, experience, and membership requirements.
In conclusion, there are a large number of European colleges that offer excellent accounting programs. The universities discussed above are just some of the best.
FAQs about Studying Accounting
Which European Country is the Best for Studying Accounting?
The United Kingdom can be a strong option for studying accounting in Europe because it is home to internationally recognized accountancy bodies such as the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants and the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants. However, there is no single best country for every student. The best choice depends on the program’s curriculum, language of instruction, tuition fees, scholarship options, visa rules, and the professional accounting qualification a student wants to pursue after graduation.
We hope that you found this article on the best accounting schools in Europe informative and helpful. To know more information about courses in Europe, check out the Available Europe Programs for International Students!
