Top 10 Best Universities for European Studies in 2026

“United in diversity.” The famous motto of the EU reflects the idea that countries with different languages, cultures, and histories can work together toward common goals. European Studies helps us understand how politics, international relations, culture, economics, and law shape Europe and its role globally.

With this degree, students have the opportunity to study the European Union and international cooperation in places where major political decisions are made; whether exploring EU policymaking in Brussels, studying diplomacy in Paris, or analysing international relations in Berlin or Vienna. In this ranking, we explore some of the best European universities for European Studies and what makes them stand out.

Study European Studies: Find Bachelors & Masters in English

🏆 Top Universities to Study European Studies:

The list below highlights some of the best universities for European Studies degrees, selected for their interdisciplinary teaching and research, strong links to EU institutions, excellent support for international students, and location in some of Europe’s most politically and culturally significant cities. 

University	Country	Degree Type
Brussels School of Governance	Brussels	3 Bachelor’s, 3 Master’s degrees
CIFE European Institute	Austria	5 Master’s degrees
College of Europe	Belgium	Postgraduate degrees
European University Institute	Italy	Postgraduate, post-doctoral degrees
Jagiellonian University - Institute of European Studies	Poland	1 Bachelor of Arts, 2 Masters of Arts
Maastricht University	Netherlands	2 Bachelors, 4 Masters
Malmö University	Belgium	1 Bachelor’s degrees
Sciences Po	France	Master’s degrees, PhDs
University of Helsinki	Finland	2 Masters of Arts
University of Twente	Netherlands	1 Master’s degree

Source: Study.eu

🌍 Degrees Related to European Studies:

There are plenty of English-taught European Studies programmes in Europe, ranging from interdisciplinary degrees focused on politics, history, and culture to more specialised programmes exploring diplomacy, European law, migration, sustainability, and international relations.

 

Bachelor’s degrees:

• Central European Studies (Visegrad Studies) — Comenius University Bratislava
• European Studies — Maastricht University
• European Studies – 2 Specialisations — Jagiellonian University - Institute of European Studies
• European Studies - Politics, Societies and Cultures — Malmö University

 

Master’s degrees:

• European and Nordic Studies — University of Helsinki
• European Studies- 3 Study Tracks — Jagiellonian University - Institute of European Studies
• European Studies — University of Twente
• Superdiversity in Education, Organisations and Society (SEOS) — University of Oulu
• Executive Master in EU Studies — CIFE European Institute
• Intercultural Communication and European Studies — Fulda University of Applied Sciences
• Responsible Economics and Finance — Universidad Católica de Murcia (UCAM) 

🏛️ Why Study European Studies? 

For students who are interested in politics, culture, international cooperation, and global challenges, European Studies is not just about learning how the European Union works; it is about understanding how countries collaborate, how policies shape societies, and how Europe interacts with the rest of the world.

Europe offers a strong balance between academic theory and practical experience. Students can pursue Bachelors and Masters across a wide range of interdisciplinary fields, with access to many English-taught programmes at internationally recognised universities, even in countries where English is not the primary language.

Many universities also collaborate closely with EU institutions, NGOs, embassies, and international organisations, offering opportunities for internships, research projects, and exchange programmes. This hands-on experience can really boost your academic profile and help improve your career opportunities after graduation. On top of that, students get the chance to live in politically and culturally influential cities, where international summits, diplomatic events, and EU policymaking are part of everyday life. 

Study European Studies: Find Bachelors & Masters in English

💸 Tuition fees for European Studies Degrees:

On average, European Studies degrees at public universities in Europe cost between €0 and €3,000 per year for EU students, while non-EU students typically pay between €5,000 and €18,000 per year. This difference depends mainly on your nationality (EU vs non-EU), scholarship opportunities, the country you choose, and whether you study at a public or private institution.

Overall, Europe remains one of the most affordable destinations. Even at private universities, tuition fees often range from €10,000 to €30,000 per year, which are cheap considering the academic quality and international exposure many programmes offer.

When planning to study abroad, it’s important to consider living costs in addition to tuition fees. These can vary widely depending on the country and city you choose. Smaller university towns are often more affordable, while major capitals and political centres tend to be more expensive for accommodation, food, and transport. On average, students should budget between €700 and €1,700 per month, depending on their lifestyle and location.

📝 Admissions requirements to Study European Studies:

Admission requirements for European Studies degrees vary depending on the university, country, and level of study, but most programmes follow a similar structure. Whether you are applying for a Bachelor in European Studies or a Master in European Studies, you’ll typically need:

• Academic background: For Bachelor’s, students usually need a recognised high school diploma with strong grades in subjects such as History, Politics, Social Sciences, or Languages. For a Master’s degree, universities generally require a Bachelor’s degree in a related field such as International Relations, Politics, Sociology, Law, or History.
• English language proficiency: Most English-taught programmes require proof of English proficiency through exams like IELTS or TOEFL, unless you have previously studied in English.
• Additional documents: Universities often ask for a motivation letter explaining your interest in European Studies, a CV, and sometimes recommendation letters.
• International interest: Some programmes value extracurricular activities, volunteer work, exchange experiences, or evidence of interest in international affairs and intercultural communication.

Application deadlines vary across Europe. If you think you’ve missed a deadline, it’s always worth contacting the admissions office, as some universities may still consider late applications or offer alternative start dates.

Study.eu Tip: If you’re unsure about studying European Studies, try following European news and politics more closely. Watching debates from the European Parliament, listening to podcasts about international affairs, or following platforms like Euronews can help you stay updated and discover which topics interest you most.

💭 Career Outcomes:

A degree in European Studies opens the door to a wide range of international careers that value critical thinking, communication, intercultural understanding, and policy analysis skills. Graduates often work in EU institutions, diplomacy, NGOs, journalism, international organisations, education, and public policy.

Depending on your interests and specialisation, you could pursue roles such as: 

• Policy Advisor
• EU Affairs Specialist
• Diplomat
• Political Analyst
• NGO Project Coordinator
• International Relations Officer
• Researcher
• Journalist
• Communications Specialist
• Public Policy Consultant

 

Want to learn more?
Study European Studies: Find Bachelors & Masters in English

 

166 European Studies Programmes in Europe