Europe is home to many long-established universities and offers a wide range of study, work, travel, and cultural opportunities. Studying in Europe can help students improve their English skills while also giving them the chance to learn about other cultures and languages, such as French, Italian, German, and Dutch.
European universities have played important roles in both historic and modern research, innovation, and teaching. For international students, Europe also offers diverse academic environments and opportunities to experience life in different countries.
In the article below, we discuss some of the best English-taught universities in Europe.
Top Universities for English-taught Programs in Europe
| University | Undergraduate English-taught options | Graduate English-taught options |
|---|
| University of Oxford | English-medium undergraduate courses across a broad range of subjects. | English-taught master’s and doctoral programs across a broad range of disciplines. |
| University of Cambridge | More than 30 undergraduate courses covering over 65 subject areas, taught in English. | A wide range of English-taught postgraduate and doctoral programs. |
| ETH Zürich | Bachelor’s programs are taught mainly in German; no fully English-taught bachelor’s degree was identified. | Many master’s programs are taught in English, although some combine English and German. Selected doctoral opportunities also use English. |
| Technical University of Munich | Selected English-taught bachelor’s programs are available; the article does not name specific examples. | Selected English-taught master’s and doctoral programs are available; language requirements vary by program. |
| University of Birmingham | A broad selection of bachelor’s degrees taught in English. | English-taught master’s and doctoral programs across numerous academic disciplines. |
| Trinity College Dublin | English-taught bachelor’s programs in areas including arts and humanities, business, law, engineering, science, and health sciences. | English-taught master’s and doctoral programs across arts and humanities, business, law, engineering, science, and health sciences. |
| University of Amsterdam | A range of English-taught bachelor’s programs; the article does not name specific examples. | A wide range of English-taught master’s and doctoral programs. |
| Lund University | A selection of bachelor’s programs taught in English. | A broad range of English-taught master’s programs and doctoral opportunities. |
| KU Leuven | Selected bachelor’s programs are available in English, although Dutch remains the principal language of many undergraduate programs. | A wider selection of English-taught master’s and doctoral programs is available. |
| Institut Polytechnique de Paris | Selected English-taught bachelor’s options are offered through its member schools. | English-taught master’s and doctoral opportunities are available through its member schools; language varies by program. |
| LMU Munich | Selected bachelor-level offerings may be taught in English or in a combination of English and German. German is generally required for many undergraduate programs. | Selected master’s and doctoral programs are offered in English, while others use German or a combination of languages. |
| Newcastle University | Many undergraduate degrees are taught in English across the university’s academic subject areas. | A wide selection of English-taught postgraduate and doctoral programs. |
| Aalto University | Examples include Economics, Finance, International Business, Data Science, Computer Engineering, Chemical Engineering, and Design and Media. | Examples include Computer Science, Software Engineering, Geoinformatics, Game Design and Development, and Signal Processing and Data Science. English is the principal language across the university’s six doctoral programs. |
| Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam | Examples include Computer Science, International Business Administration, Business Analytics, Artificial Intelligence, Communication Science, Econometrics and Operations Research, and Economics and Business Economics. Some programs have separate Dutch- and English-language tracks. | Examples include Economics, International Technology Law, Language and AI, Computer Science, Computer Security, Computational Science, and Cognitive Neuropsychology. The Business and Management PhD is fully English-taught; arrangements for other doctorates vary. |
| University of Copenhagen | No English-taught bachelor’s degrees were identified; undergraduate programs are generally taught in Danish. | English-taught master’s programs are available, although the article does not name specific examples. |
| University of Kent | A range of bachelor’s degrees taught in English. | English-taught master’s, MBA, and doctoral programs across numerous subjects. |
| Vrije Universiteit Brussel | Selected bachelor’s programs are taught in English. | English-taught master’s and advanced master’s programs are available; the article does not name specific examples. |
| Tilburg University | Fourteen English-taught bachelor’s programs. | More than 50 English-taught master’s programs, together with doctoral opportunities. |
| Eindhoven University of Technology | Nearly all bachelor’s programs are taught in English. Examples include Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Industrial Engineering, Psychology and Technology, and Sustainable Innovation. | Examples include Chemical Engineering, Innovation Management, Human-Technology Interaction, Operations Management and Logistics, and Innovation Sciences, with specialist tracks in areas such as aerospace, hydrogen, AI, electrical engineering, and sustainable energy. Doctoral opportunities are normally vacancy-based paid research positions with English as the working language. |
1. University of Oxford
The University of Oxford is among the best-known English-taught universities in Europe and consistently performs strongly in global rankings. It is also the oldest university in the English-speaking world, with evidence of teaching at Oxford dating back to 1096. Oxford is especially highly ranked in medicine and health-related subjects, and it is also known for strengths in the life sciences, physical sciences, social sciences, arts, and humanities.
Oxford has close historical ties with the University of Cambridge. The two universities share some academic and institutional traditions and are often called Oxbridge. Both institutions have educated many notable researchers, public figures, and professionals across a wide range of fields.
Oxford is home to major museums, the Bodleian Libraries, and Oxford University Press. As one of the world’s oldest surviving English-speaking universities, Oxford has a long history of teaching and research. It also maintains international partnerships and offers a wide selection of undergraduate and postgraduate programs taught in English.
What Current Students / Alumni of University of Oxford Say
| Student/Alumnus and Program | English in Practice | Local-Language Insight |
|---|
Bruno Adrián Caballero Cardozo
Magister Juris in Law | All his classes were conducted in English. | — |
Titus Malunga
MSc in Sustainability, Enterprise and the Environment; subsequent study in African Studies | Reports that teaching and assessment in his Oxford experience are conducted in English. | — |
2. University of Cambridge
The University of Cambridge traces its earliest records to 1209, when groups of scholars congregated in Cambridge for study. Cambridge is one of the world’s leading universities and is ranked 6th in the QS World University Rankings 2026. The university is also associated with the Cambridge Union, established in 1815 and described by the university as the oldest student debating society in the world.
Cambridge attracts students from around the world and offers over 30 undergraduate courses covering more than 65 subject areas, along with a wide range of postgraduate study options. As a university with a long history of research and teaching, Cambridge provides students with academic, cultural, and professional opportunities across many disciplines.
What Current Students / Alumni of University of Cambridge Say
| Student/Alumnus and Program | English in Practice | Local-Language Insight |
|---|
McLeod Asare
MPhil in Development Studies | Describes the programme he is pursuing as delivered in English. | — |
Maheera Abdul Ghani
PhD in Materials Science and Metallurgy | Confirms that all her classes at Cambridge were conducted in English. | — |
Camila
Master’s in Bioscience Enterprise | Reports that everything in her Cambridge academic experience was in English. | — |
3. ETH Zürich
ETH Zürich, commonly referred to in English as the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich, is one of the world’s most highly ranked public research universities. The institution was founded by the Swiss Confederation in 1854 and began teaching in 1855. ETH Zürich is ranked 7th in the QS World University Rankings 2026. Albert Einstein studied at ETH Zurich from 1896 to 1900 and worked there as a professor of theoretical physics from 1912 to 1914.
Among the top English-taught universities in Europe, ETH Zürich offers many master’s programs in English, while some require both English and German and others are taught in German. The main teaching language during bachelor’s degree studies is German. Students should check the language requirements for their chosen degree before applying.
What Current Students / Alumni of ETH Zürich Say
| Student/Alumnus and Program | English in Practice | Local-Language Insight |
|---|
Vicente Algaba MartÃnez
Master’s in Health Sciences and Technology, majoring in Neuroscience | All his classes are taught in English. | Found younger people generally able to help in English. Notes that Swiss German can be difficult to understand even for someone who knows German. |
Emma Craig
Master’s in Computational Biology and Bioinformatics | All her classes are in English. Some examinations provide questions in both English and German. | Managed her first semester with A1 German and found English sufficient for most administrative interactions. Occasionally had difficulty understanding public-transport announcements. |
4. Technical University of Munich
Located in Munich, Germany, the Technical University of Munich is a public research institution. It focuses strongly on applied sciences, natural sciences, engineering, technology, and related fields. For newly enrolled non-EU students in bachelor’s and master’s degree programs, tuition fees usually range from 2,000 to 3,000 euros per semester for bachelor’s programs and from 4,000 to 6,000 euros per semester for master’s programs, depending on the program.
What Current Students / Alumni of Technical University of Munich Say
| Student/Alumnus and Program | English in Practice | Local-Language Insight |
|---|
Ghazaleh Mohajeran Zadeh
Master’s in Nutrition and Biomedicine | Describes her programme as conducted entirely in English, although some optional courses were available only in German. | German was not required for her programme. Found German useful for paperwork and recommends approximately B1 proficiency for handling administration. |
Sandra Adjeiwaa
Joint master’s in Multiphase Systems and Sustainable Engineering | English is the teaching language throughout her programme in France, Italy, and Germany, including her TUM study period. | Language barriers arose outside university, including interactions with residents and landlords. German language study was optional. |
5. University of Birmingham
In Birmingham, England, there is a public research institution called the University of Birmingham. The institution has spent more than a century pursuing and promoting knowledge through teaching and internationally recognized research. In the QS World University Rankings 2026, the University of Birmingham is ranked 76th in the world and 11th among UK universities. Moreover, the university supports students in developing their ideas and preparing for future careers.
What Current Students / Alumni of University of Birmingham Say
| Student/Alumnus and Program | English in Practice | Local-Language Insight |
|---|
Dr Abdul Razzaque Nohri
MSc in Public and Environmental Health Sciences | His programme is taught in English. He emphasizes the importance of academic writing, presentations, referencing, and professional communication. | English is also the local language; he cautions that conversational fluency alone is insufficient for postgraduate academic work. |
José Bardales
MSc in Structural Engineering | Completed his master’s entirely in English, gaining experience studying, writing, researching, and communicating in English. | — |
6. Trinity College Dublin
The oldest university in Ireland, Trinity College Dublin, was created by royal charter in 1592. Located in Dublin, Trinity offers undergraduate and postgraduate study across major disciplines, including arts and humanities, business, law, engineering, science, and health sciences. Trinity College Dublin, the University of Dublin, also offers a number of scholarship opportunities for prospective and current international students.
What Current Students / Alumni of Trinity College Dublin Say
| Student/Alumnus and Program | English in Practice | Local-Language Insight |
|---|
Blanka Kelecsenyi
Honours bachelor’s in Biological and Biomedical Sciences, specializing in Human Genetics | Confirms that she completed her bachelor’s degree in English. | — |
7. University of Amsterdam
A public research institution called the University of Amsterdam is situated in Amsterdam, Netherlands. The UvA dates back to 1632, when its predecessor, the Athenaeum Illustre, was founded. The university ranks among the world’s top 100 universities and is one of Europe’s leading research universities. UvA offers a range of scholarship programs and international study options for talented students.
What Current Students / Alumni of University of Amsterdam Say
| Student/Alumnus and Program | English in Practice | Local-Language Insight |
|---|
Belén Estrella Fiallo
Dual master’s in Journalism, Media, and Globalization, specializing in Media and Politics | Specifically identifies English as the language of her classes at UvA. | — |
Melina Coelho Garcia
Master’s in International Trade and Investment Law | Her classes were conducted in English. | Reports being able to study, live, and work using English, while recommending Dutch for broader academic, social, cultural, and professional opportunities. |
Banu Keikina
Master’s in Forensic Science | All her classes are in English, and Dutch is not required to complete her studies. | Experienced no academic difficulties without Dutch, but considers it beneficial for securing employment in the Netherlands. |
8. Lund University
One of the oldest universities in northern Europe, Lund University was founded in 1666 and is a public university in Sweden. The institution is situated in the Swedish region of Scania’s city of Lund. Lund University has around 45,000 students and offers a wide range of English-taught programs and courses. A bachelor’s or master’s degree at Lund may help aspiring professionals broaden their expertise in their chosen field.
What Current Students / Alumni of Lund University Say
| Student/Alumnus and Program | English in Practice | Local-Language Insight |
|---|
Yash Joshi
MSc in Large Scale Accelerators and Lasers | His entire international programme is taught in English. | Found communication in Lund easy because the people he encountered spoke English very well. |
Marco Alonso
Master’s in Sociology of Law | All his classes and reading materials are in English. | Considers Swedish important for integration into Swedish society. |
Nemer
MSc in Fire Safety Engineering, joint programme | Reports that classes throughout his programme were conducted entirely in English. | Did not need Swedish for instruction; emphasizes cultural adaptation alongside academic study. |
Khadiza Binte Ahsan
MSc in International Development and Management | All her classes were conducted in English. | Swedish was unnecessary academically, but she considers it useful for social integration and career opportunities. |
Narmin Abbasova
LL.M. in European Business Law | Describes the programme she is pursuing as taught in English. | — |
Nino
MSc in International Development and Management | Reports that all classes are conducted in English. | Found everyday communication easy in English, although written information was often in Swedish. Used online tools and help from others to navigate it. |
Hatice
Master’s in Entrepreneurship and Innovation | Reports no academic difficulties from not speaking Swedish, although she does not specify the proportion of classes taught in English. | Also experienced no social language difficulties, but considers Swedish important for pursuing a career in Sweden. |
Gizelle Jamero
Master’s in Fire Safety Engineering, joint programme | Reports that her programme’s classes were conducted in English. | — |
Matheus Simon
Master’s in Sustainable Urban Design | His entire master’s programme was taught in English, and he never felt academically disadvantaged by not speaking Swedish. | Learning Swedish helped everyday life. Recommends it for social integration and wider employment opportunities after graduation. |
9. Katholieke Universiteit Leuven
Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (KU Leuven) is a research-intensive Catholic university in Belgium. Founded in 1425, KU Leuven celebrated its 600th anniversary in 2025, making it one of Europe’s oldest universities. It is also the oldest university in the Low Countries and the oldest extant Catholic university in the world.
Although Catholic by heritage and culture, KU Leuven offers a diverse learning environment and a strong international profile. The university is ranked 60th in the QS World University Rankings 2026 and 46th in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026. Reuters has also ranked KU Leuven as the most innovative university in Europe in its Europe innovation rankings since 2016.
Although the institution’s main language of instruction is Dutch, it offers a wide range of English-taught programs, especially at the master’s and doctoral levels, making KU Leuven one of the strong English-taught study options in Europe.
What Current Students / Alumni of KU Leuven Say
| Student/Alumnus and Program | English in Practice | Local-Language Insight |
|---|
Grishma Mehta
MSc in Sustainable Food Systems Engineering, Technology and Business | Instruction throughout her joint programme was entirely in English. | Started learning Dutch and values how language learning helps her connect with local culture. |
Dia
MSc in Public Sector Innovation and eGovernance | All her courses were taught in English. | Found that most people in Leuven spoke English, making everyday errands easy. Also found her independent French study useful during her time in Belgium. |
Jovan Samardžić
Master’s in Statistics and Data Science | Describes everything in his academic experience as being in English, with no language-related problems. | — |
Jiwei Lu
PhD research on Nanomaterials for Wastewater Treatment | Reports that English proficiency in his environment makes studying without Dutch or French manageable; does not specify the language of individual courses or research activities. | Says not knowing Dutch or French is not a problem, particularly in Dutch-speaking Belgium. |
Lucas Argandoña
PhD in Engineering Technology | Doctoral training and research are mainly in English. Most courses also offer an English option. | Says Dutch is not a major academic barrier, but recommends basic knowledge for administration, housing, everyday life, and social integration. |
Dindi Guzon
Master’s in Bio & Pharmaceutical Materials Science; thesis placement in Tissue Engineering at KU Leuven | Reports English-medium instruction throughout the master’s programme that included her KU Leuven thesis placement, with no academic language difficulties. | Used basic phrases and translation tools for everyday situations across her study locations; does not give a separate assessment of Dutch in Leuven. |
10. Institut Polytechnique de Paris
Institut Polytechnique de Paris is a public higher education and research institution in Palaiseau, France. It was formally established in 2019 and brings together several major French engineering and technology schools. Through its member schools and programs, students can pursue study options at undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral levels. The institute also offers scholarships and funding opportunities for eligible students.
What Current Students / Alumni of Institut Polytechnique de Paris Say
| Student/Alumnus and Program | English in Practice | Local-Language Insight |
|---|
Monash Taneja
Master’s in Quantitative Economics, HEC Paris–École Polytechnique double degree | Does not specify the teaching language of his double-degree programme. | Recommends learning French early, particularly for students hoping to work in France. |
Felipe Matheus Korn Meneghini Martins
Engineering double degree in Autonomous Robotics, ENSTA Brest campus | Reports that his Cycle Ingénieur classes are taught primarily in French. | Stresses the importance of French preparation before the programme begins. |
Mohammed Yassine Kraiem
Engineering double-degree programme, Télécom SudParis | Classes are mostly in French, with some courses in English. | Recommends learning French before committing to the programme because it matters academically, even when students use English in everyday interactions. |
Rowan
Engineering master’s specializing in Artificial Intelligence and Cyber-Physical Systems, ENSTA Paris | Most courses are taught in French, with some in English. | Limited French can affect classes and social interactions. Reports that some international students may use dictionaries in certain examinations. |
11. Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich
Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich is one of Europe’s well-known academic and research institutions. Founded in 1472, LMU has developed over the centuries into a major university with strengths across humanities and social sciences, cultural studies, law, economics, medicine, natural sciences, and other fields.
LMU had 52,658 students enrolled in the winter semester 2025/26 and offers more than 300 degree programs. German proficiency is generally required for studying at LMU, but the university offers some bachelor-level and master-level degree programs in English, sometimes in combination with other languages. LMU also offers international doctoral study options.
What Current Students / Alumni of Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich Say
| Student/Alumnus and Program | English in Practice | Local-Language Insight |
|---|
Sumith
Master’s in Molecular and Cellular Biology | Describes his programme as exclusively taught in English. | German was unnecessary for the course, but useful in everyday life and important for many part-time jobs outside his subject area. |
Avinash Sekhar
Master’s in Molecular and Cellular Biology | All his lectures, seminars, and practical courses were conducted exclusively in English. | Experienced no academic difficulties without German. Considers it a significant advantage for industry internships, part-time work, and social integration. |
Thanh Phuoc Ho
PhD in Human-Environment Relations | His doctoral research programme is entirely in English, including international research publications and conference participation. | Reports that not knowing German does not affect his academic studies. |
Saloni
Master’s in Molecular and Cellular Biology | Reports that her classes were conducted in English. | — |
Jennifer FabÃ
MSc in Astrophysics | Her master’s classes were conducted in English. | Not knowing German caused no major academic difficulties, but she recommends learning it for everyday life and integration. |
12. Newcastle University
Newcastle University is a public research university located in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. It is ranked 137th in the QS World University Rankings 2026 and 144th in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026. The university offers many undergraduate and postgraduate courses in English and welcomes students from many countries and backgrounds.
What Current Students / Alumni of Newcastle University Say
| Student/Alumnus and Program | English in Practice | Local-Language Insight |
|---|
Matheus Simon
Undergraduate exchange in Architecture, 2012–2013 | Describes his academic year at Newcastle as his first experience studying in English. | — |
13. Aalto University
Aalto University is a multidisciplinary research university whose main campus is in Otaniemi, Espoo, within the Helsinki metropolitan area. It began operating in 2010 following the merger of three institutions specializing in technology, economics, and art and design. These fields remain central to its teaching and research.
English-taught undergraduate study is available in business, technology, science, and design. Examples include Economics, Finance, International Business, Data Science, Computer Engineering, Chemical Engineering, and Design and Media. The bachelor’s portion normally requires three years and 180 ECTS credits. Many options are presented as three-year bachelor’s plus two-year master’s pathways, with admitted students receiving the right to continue into designated master’s studies.
Most Aalto master’s programs are taught in English. Examples include Computer Science, Software Engineering, Geoinformatics, Game Design and Development, and Signal Processing and Data Science, generally requiring two years and 120 ECTS credits. English is also the principal language of instruction in Aalto’s six doctoral programs, covering science, engineering, electrical engineering, chemical engineering, business and economics, and arts, design, and architecture. The normative duration for full-time doctoral study is four years, although individual funding arrangements may differ.
What Current Students / Alumni of Aalto University Say
| Student/Alumnus and Program | English in Practice | Local-Language Insight |
|---|
Alisson Yheraldin Onzueta Caballero
Master’s in Water and Environmental Engineering | All her master’s courses are conducted in English. | Finnish has not been an academic barrier. Recommends conversational Finnish for wider social and professional opportunities. |
Muhammad Dayyan Hussain Khan
MSc in Automation and Electrical Engineering, specializing in Electrical Power and Energy Engineering | All his lectures, assignments, examinations, and academic discussions were in English. | Experienced no academic problems without Finnish. Describes Finnish courses as optional and helpful for everyday life and integration. |
Khanh Nguyen
Bachelor’s in International Business | All classes are in English. | Found everyday life manageable in English, but warns that Finnish may matter for employment depending on the job and field. |
Umar Nawaz
Master’s in Building Technology | Reports that lectures, assignments, and examinations in Building Technology are conducted in English. | Recommends taking a Finnish course to support integration and employment opportunities during and after the degree. |
Thinh
Master’s in Computer Science, specializing in Game Development and Computer Graphics | His programme’s courses are fully conducted in English. | Reports widespread English use on campus and points to optional Finnish courses as an opportunity to learn the language. |
Ushnish Chowdhury
MSc in Automation and Electrical Engineering, specializing in Electrical Power and Energy Engineering | Almost all courses, including every mandatory course in his master’s programme, are taught in English. | Reports no academic problems from not knowing Finnish. |
Muhammad Hafas Shafiq
Master’s in European Mining Course | All classes across his joint programme are in English, with English also used by professors, supervisors, and administrative staff. | Finnish was unnecessary academically; learning basic phrases was encouraged for everyday life and cultural interaction. |
Muhammad Hassaan
Joint master’s in Smart Systems Integrated Solutions | English was the language of instruction throughout his programme, with no academic language barriers. | Found everyday communication easy in Finland because English was widely spoken. Introductory language courses helped cultural adaptation. |
Abid Afridi
PhD in Electrical Engineering, specializing in Wireless Communications | Reports that his classes are conducted in English. | — |
Muhammad Aiesh Ghayoor
Master’s in European Mining Course | All courses in his joint programme are entirely in English, and professors and administrative staff communicate fluently in English. | Finnish was not required for the programme; learning it was optional and encouraged for cultural engagement. |
14. Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, commonly called VU Amsterdam, is a comprehensive research university located in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Founded in 1880, it now offers education and research across business, humanities, law, science, social science, behavioral sciences, medicine, and dentistry. It is a separate institution from the University of Amsterdam.
VU Amsterdam offers several three-year bachelor’s programs that can be completed entirely in English. Verified examples include Computer Science, International Business Administration, Business Analytics, Artificial Intelligence, Communication Science, and Econometrics and Operations Research. Economics and Business Economics can also be followed entirely in English. Some degrees have both Dutch- and English-medium tracks, so applicants should select the English track rather than assume that every version of a program uses English.
English-taught master’s choices include the one-year Economics, International Technology Law, and Language and AI programs, as well as two-year programs in Computer Science, Computer Security, Computational Science, and Cognitive Neuropsychology. VU’s graduate schools also provide English-taught research training. One clearly verified doctoral example is the four-year, full-time Ph.D. in Business and Management, which is conducted entirely in English. Doctoral structures vary by faculty; science Ph.D. trajectories generally take three to four years and commonly begin through a funded research position.
What Current Students / Alumni of Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam Say
| Student/Alumnus and Program | English in Practice | Local-Language Insight |
|---|
Rosheen Naeem
Master’s in Software Engineering for Green Deal | English remained the teaching language throughout her joint programme. Reports that professors and students communicated fluently in English. | Used basic phrases and translation tools outside university, with her strongest language difficulties occurring during the Italian study period. |
Hiba
Master’s in Software Engineering for Green Deal | Reports that the language of instruction was always English across the programme. | Encountered no significant everyday language barriers, but recommends learning basic Dutch and considering optional language classes. |
Dua
Master’s in Neuroscience, Neurasmus programme | Lectures, slides, assignments, and examinations are all in English. | Found communication in Amsterdam straightforward because the people she encountered spoke English fluently. |
Syed Shaharyar Ahmed
Master’s in International Technology Law | All classes in his programme are conducted entirely in English. | Manages academic life and campus interactions in English. Recommends basic Dutch for social and cultural integration. |
Daniela Fajardo
MSc in Software Engineering for Green Deal | Her programme was in English, so she experienced no academic language barrier. | Found English widely spoken in the Netherlands, while recommending Dutch for cultural connection and broader opportunities. |
Prachi
Master’s in Software Engineering for the Green Deal | Her courses were in English, so academic language was not a significant problem. | Across her study locations, shopping, transport, and paperwork sometimes presented difficulties. Used basic phrases, translation apps, and help from others; does not isolate Dutch-specific difficulties. |
15. University of Copenhagen
In Copenhagen, Denmark, there is a public research institution called the University of Copenhagen. Founded in 1479, the university is Denmark’s oldest university and one of the oldest in Northern Europe. It has six faculties, 36 departments, and more than 200 research centers. Tuition fees vary by program and are listed for 60 ECTS, while applicants from outside the EU/EEA and non-Nordic countries are generally required to pay tuition fees unless they qualify for an exemption.
What Current Students / Alumni of University of Copenhagen Say
| Student/Alumnus and Program | English in Practice | Local-Language Insight |
|---|
Sachin Timilsina
Joint master’s in Global Forestry | English remained the language of instruction throughout his programme. | Daily life sometimes required Danish; basic conversational phrases and translation apps helped. |
Mary Motunrayo Ogunleye
MSc in Sustainable Forest and Nature Management | Instruction in both Denmark and Sweden was in English, enabling her to learn and participate without significant language barriers. | Found that people readily switched to English, helping her communicate and integrate without speaking Danish. |
Bolanle Lizzy Bamidele
Joint master’s in Global Forestry | Her programme was entirely in English across its host universities, including communication with faculty and fellow students. | Learning basic Danish phrases and cultural norms helped everyday interactions and integration. |
Faith Klijian
MSc in Security Risk Management | Describes coursework, lectures, and examinations in her English-taught study setting as conducted in English. | Danish was unnecessary academically, but she recommends basic Danish for everyday life and connecting with local people. |
Rama Prajapati
Master’s in Pharmaceutical Sciences | Reports that her classes were conducted in English. | — |
Mohan Krishna Chowdry Avilineni
Joint master’s in Global Forestry, specializing in Agroforestry Systems and Biodiversity | English was used across the partner universities for lectures, coursework, and classroom communication. | Found Copenhagen particularly English-friendly, which eased his transition into the programme. |
Emma Tkach
MSc in Global Health | All her classes were taught in English. | Reports no academic problems from not knowing Danish. |
Tomás Basile
Master’s in Physics of Complex Systems | Reports that all his classes were in English. | Says Danish was unnecessary academically; many students and professors in his programme did not speak it. |
Zachary Gavry
MSc in Global Health | Reports that his classes were conducted in English. | — |
Sabeen Imran
Joint MSc in Sustainable Forest and Nature Management | Says the programme’s teaching language remains consistent across locations, but does not explicitly name it in her account. | Reports that English is sufficient to get by in Copenhagen, although shopping, transport, and healthcare can involve language barriers. Recommends basic Danish vocabulary and translation tools. |
Ilaria Mainero Rocca
PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences | Reports English-medium classes and English as the research language in her academic environment. | Says not knowing Danish did not create academic problems. |
Mina
Master’s in Global Health | Reports that her classes were conducted in English. | — |
16. University of Kent
In Kent, England, there is a semi-collegiate public research university called the University of Kent. The university offers undergraduate, postgraduate, master’s, MBA, and PhD courses to international students and has a student body representing more than 100 nationalities. Kent also provides support services, scholarships, and pathway options for international students beginning their studies in the UK.
What Current Students / Alumni of University of Kent Say
| Student/Alumnus and Program | English in Practice | Local-Language Insight |
|---|
Maria Shafaqat
Master’s in Biomedicine | Reports that the academic English writing and technical vocabulary she developed have been valuable for her module assessments and laboratory reports. | — |
17. Vrije Universiteit Brussel
An institution with a strong urban focus, Vrije Universiteit Brussel is located in the heart of Europe. VUB has students and staff from more than 125 countries, and its 2024 facts and figures reported 5,950 international students from 151 countries. VUB offers academic bachelor’s, master’s, and advanced master’s options, including English-taught programs. It actively contributes to society through research, education, and international collaboration.
What Current Students / Alumni of Vrije Universiteit Brussel Say
| Student/Alumnus and Program | English in Practice | Local-Language Insight |
|---|
Barbara Lazarotto
PhD in Law | Reports that all higher-education interactions in her experience at VUB take place in English. | Says not knowing Dutch or French does not create academic problems in her setting. |
18. Tilburg University
Located in Tilburg in the southern Netherlands, Tilburg University is a public research institution with strengths in the social and behavioral sciences, economics, law, business sciences, theology, and humanities. The university offers 14 English-taught bachelor’s programs and more than 50 English-taught master’s programs, along with other courses and professional learning opportunities. If you are willing to relocate to the Netherlands, Tilburg University offers many study options to help you advance your academic and professional goals.
What Current Students / Alumni of Tilburg University Say
| Student/Alumnus and Program | English in Practice | Local-Language Insight |
|---|
João Pedro Rocha Oliveira
LL.M. in International Business Taxation | Describes the master’s programme he pursued as taught in English. | — |
19. Eindhoven University of Technology
Eindhoven University of Technology, abbreviated as TU/e, is a specialized research university in Eindhoven, the Netherlands. Founded in 1956, it concentrates on engineering, applied science, computing, design, and technology management. Its location in the Brainport Eindhoven region supports extensive research and educational cooperation with technology companies.
Nearly all TU/e bachelor’s programs are taught in English and normally require three years and 180 ECTS credits. Verified English-medium examples include Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Industrial Engineering, Psychology and Technology, and Sustainable Innovation. Chemical Engineering and Chemistry is explicitly described as entirely English-taught. Students should still confirm the language shown on the individual program page because the university’s directory includes programs with different language arrangements.
TU/e offers numerous two-year, 120-ECTS English-taught master’s programs, including Chemical Engineering, Innovation Management, Human-Technology Interaction, Operations Management and Logistics, and Innovation Sciences. Additional English tracks cover areas such as aerospace systems, hydrogen technology, artificial intelligence, electrical engineering, and sustainable energy. Doctoral candidates conduct paid, in-depth research for approximately four years rather than enrolling in a conventional course-based Ph.D. TU/e identifies English as its working language for doctoral research and normally recruits candidates for defined research vacancies.
What Current Students / Alumni of Eindhoven University of Technology Say
| Student/Alumnus and Program | English in Practice | Local-Language Insight |
|---|
Aaradhya
Master’s in Sustainable Energy Technology | All classes were conducted in English, and faculty and fellow students communicated comfortably in English. | — |
Srinivasan Seshadri
Master’s in Chemical Engineering | Reports that the availability of English-taught master’s courses made his academic transition easier; describes most master’s courses as taught in English. | Found studying manageable without Dutch because of English-medium teaching. |
FAQS About English Track Programs in Europe
Which Country in Europe is Best to Study English-Taught Programs?
For students who want an English-speaking study environment, the United Kingdom and Ireland are straightforward choices because English is the main language of instruction at most universities. The UK is home to institutions such as King’s College London, the University of Cambridge, and the University of Oxford, which continue to attract many international students.
Along with the UK and Ireland, the Netherlands, Germany, France, Belgium, Switzerland, Finland, Sweden, and Denmark also offer many English-taught programs, especially at the master’s level. Students should always check the language of instruction, tuition fees, scholarships, and entry requirements on the official program page before applying.
Since English is not the first or official language of many European countries, choosing a university may feel difficult at first. We hope this overview helps you compare some of the best English-taught universities in Europe and narrow down your options.
We hope this article on the best English-taught universities in Europe was informative and helpful. If you are interested, explore Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees for International Students!
