Have you ever dreamt of leaving everything behind to pursue your desire to explore the Old Continent? Why not make a career out of these beautiful, lush places without compromising your travel plans? Confused? Well, if you pursue your higher education in the top European universities, you can make a flourishing career while exploring all the hidden gems in this continent.

Sounds expensive and a tad unrealistic? What if you could get a tuition waiver and opportunities to earn while getting your higher education from the finest faculty in the world? Well, the top-ranked European universities have attractive programs for international students along with a plethora of international scholarships and funding programs. 

One of the best courses to pursue here would be a master's degree in relevant subjects per your skills and previous qualifications. Why so? That's because there are multiple benefits of pursuing a master's degree in Europe. You get the opportunity to waive the entire tuition fee with the scholarship programs while grabbing the best internship opportunities for the greatest brands in the world. Another reason for pursuing this course has to be the incredible research and innovation in European universities available for international students.

Diverse Academic Opportunities & High-Quality Education

A statistical report in 2018 shows that around 1.3 million international students came to Europe to fulfil their career aspirations. And among them, about 45% went to the top European universities for master's programs. One apparent reason is that education is more affordable here than in other countries like the USA. 

But it is just one of the European master's degree benefits, along with several other pointers that one must consider when shortlisting countries for their higher education. As per international students, one of the critical advantages of pursuing a master's degree in Europe is the diverse academic opportunities available for international students. 

How? Let's find out here:

• Regarding affordability, nothing can beat the valuable courses offered by European countries and their universities. Also, while cutting down on expenses, these universities never compromise the quality of education.
• Some notable countries like Sweden, Norway, Germany, Denmark, and Finland are known for their affordable education and the long list of scholarship programs available for international students.
• These countries not only offer affordable education but also provide a wide array of globally recognized programs.
• While you pursue your master's degree in any university in Europe, you also get the opportunity to get into the best internship programs as well as research and doctorate programs. There is no restriction to any courses, and these universities prefer to help students explore more areas as per their skill with academic diversity. So, students can always make a shift between classes to learn more about different fields and even get flexible with interdisciplinary studies.
• If you love languages and would like to explore cultures, studying in Europe can offer you a place due to the cultural and language immersion in European master's programs.

Cultural Experience

Studying abroad in European countries comes with a lot of perks. One of the advantages of studying abroad in Europe is that you get to see the real world. One of the pros of getting a master's degree in Europe is enjoying the varied customs, a subtle blend of modern and traditional outlooks, activities, and more. With the opportunity to explore new terrains each day, the student can roam around these attractive countries' renowned museums, natural wonders, and landmarks.

Along with the career advantages of a European master's degree, you also get to experience the host country's cultural diversity while mingling with students from all over the world. Imagine what great opportunities await you while you start growing your network by indulging in these social relationships with distinct cultural perspectives. 

Studying in these European universities will help you taste new foods, cultures, customs, history, social atmospheres, etc. No wonder that character development is one of the benefits of European universities for postgraduate studies.

Language Skills and Multilingualism 

Still, wondering why pursue higher education in Europe? Apart from the vast job opportunities after a European master's degree, students also learn multiple languages due to the constant interactions with people from various countries. You will slowly understand the importance of bilingualism while appreciating a common language's function.

Although English is the most widely spoken language in the world, there are a few more to add to that list, like German, French, Spanish, etc. You might have been too comfortable to use your Google translator wherever you go. But what about the joy and immense sense of accomplishment of understanding the local language and being able to convey your thoughts and feelings to the natives of countries who don't even speak English? 

Well, not everything gets accurately translated, even by Google itself. So, if you love to learn about cultures, Europe can be your final destination as the universities offer affordable and accessible options for language learning. For example, students from the reputed Maastricht University's Global Studies program can select from Arabic, Portuguese, French, German, Russian, Italian, Chinese, Dutch, or Spanish.

Learning a new language is fun! But did you know this can be a great addition to your skills for your resume? If you have been wondering about how a European master's degree can enhance your CV, know that along with your skills and knowledge, an additional European language can be a bonus. 

Networking and Career Opportunities 

One of the top reasons to choose a European master's program is to build a strong and effective network which can yield more diverse career opportunities. Establishing a global network might not be the sole reason to consider the European master's programs vs. other study destinations. But the availability of such vast networking opportunities in European master's programs isn’t a point to be overlooked, especially when you want to establish a flourishing career ahead.

With these courses, you can indulge in organisations and groups to help you grow personally and professionally. You get to connect to people from all over the world with different outlooks and skills, which allows you to become more accepting and open-minded towards life. Along with this, you get to mingle with peers and seniors from such universities who can broaden your career prospects by helping you reach out to corporate giants' global recruiters. An international career brings job opportunities and allows you to stay connected with the entire business world without boundaries. 

Scholarships and Financial Support 

Along with the incredible international student experience in Europe, one can expect fair selections for scholarships and funding programs available for international aspirants here. Every European university and education centre is known for offering different scholarships to international students to help them get affordable and quality education here.

Many options are available, which differ depending on the European country. Every country has its scholarship schemes. The students need to visit the country profiles on their website to learn more about such opportunities. 

Among the important ones, Erasmus scholarship opportunities are worth mentioning. These scholarships are available to cover the student's program costs, travel and living expenses. 

The Erasmus+ Master’s degree loan is also available, where one can borrow up to €12,000 for a one-year Master’s degree programme. The amount changes to €18,000 for a two-year Master’s degree programme, and this scholarship applies to the 33 countries participating in the European Union's (EU) Erasmus+ programme. However, this is available for the students who are nationals of any of the 33 European countries participating in this programme. 

Refer to the Scholarshipportal to find out about more scholarship opportunities in Europe. This database offers information about 1,000 scholarships and more in Europe per the field of study. Some of the best scholarship programmes available for the international students here are:

• Swedish Institute Scholarships for Global Professionals
• Holland Scholarships
• VLIR-UOS Scholarship Awards
• Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Programme
• Danish Government Scholarships for Non-EU/EEA Students
• Italian Government Bursaries for Foreign Students
• Gates Cambridge Scholarships
• University of Maastricht High Potential Scholarships
• Leiden University Excellence Scholarships
• Utrecht University Excellence Scholarships
• Erik Bleumink Scholarships at the University of Groningen
• ETH Excellence Scholarships
• University of Lausanne Master’s Grant for Foreign Students
• Lund University Global Scholarships for Non-EU/EEA Students 

Travel & Exploration

Another benefit of pursuing a master's degree in Europe is that you get to explore the lush green landscapes without worrying about applying for unnecessary travel visas. With a student visa, you can travel across Europe without any issues. 

The international students who already received their residence permits can even skip the entire visa procedure to travel to the countries that come under the Schengen area. So, if you are a travel enthusiast and love exploring such areas, weekends are the perfect gateways.

Also, the traveling cost seems to be pretty reasonable in Europe. Thanks to the affordable airline services, even students can roam around and stay in secured hostels during their vacations. 

You can also try for the reasonably priced train tickets to travel around while binging on the incredibly palatable local street foods in different lanes of European countries. Such experiences are one-of-a-kind, which can only be enjoyed when you are pursuing your higher education in Europe.

Top European Countries Preferred by International Students

Diversity at its best- this can be the biggest takeaway for any international student who wishes to complete their higher education in European countries. With mesmerizing landscapes, world-class educational institutions, and attractive student scholarships, Europe continues to reign as one of the best destinations for international students. Here is a list of the top European countries to fulfil your career aspirations: 

1.      The United Kingdom

Are you looking for the best faculty and internship opportunities? Nothing can beat the courses and career options offered by the top universities in the UK. This country is the home to famous names like Imperial College London, the University of Cambridge, the University of Oxford, the London School of Economics and Political Science, The University of Manchester, the University of Glasgow, Durham University, UCL (University College London), University of Bristol, University of Edinburgh, King's College London (KCL)The University of Warwick, etc. With diverse communities, historical landmarks and exclusive scholarship options for international students, this place has to be one of the best countries to pursue one's future.

2.      Germany

Global recognition, outstanding infrastructure, incredible faculty and diverse internship opportunities describe why Germany is one of international students' most preferred educational destinations. This country has been home to more than 300,000 international students, and the number seems to grow exponentially yearly. The degree programs ideal for international aspirants include Human Sciences, Medicine, Law, Arts and Humanities, Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Management, Economics, and Social Sciences. Some of the renowned universities here are Humboldt University of Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Technical University of Munich, Heidelberg University, University of Freiburg, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, RWTH Aachen University, Technical University Berlin, etc.

3.      Denmark

Want to complete your higher education while enjoying the vivid sceneries and luxury of life in Europe? Denmark is the option to consider in this regard, as this country is often regarded as one of the cosiest places globally. The people here practice "hygge", which reflects the value of societal relationships, norms, and equality to maintain the overall well-being of every individual. Some notable universities here include the University of Copenhagen, Aarhus University, Technical University of Denmark University of Southern Denmark, Aalborg University, Copenhagen Business School, etc. The universities offer more than 1300 courses and 700 degrees, preferably taught in English.

4.      The Netherlands

Globally, hundreds of international students move to this country to complete their education yearly. With the availability of English-taught programs, students can fulfil all their dreams while getting tuition fees waived, provided they qualify for the varied scholarships available for international students. Although Dutch might be the official language here, the country is known for cultivating innovation- driven curriculum training while focusing on student requirements chiefly. Some notable universities include the University of Amsterdam, Universiteit Leiden, The Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Wageningen University & Research, The University of Groningen, Erasmus University Rotterdam, etc.

5.      Italy

Italy is the best place to have your favourite gelato, pasta, and pizza. But did you know this country has much more to offer, from breathtaking landscapes to world-class educational opportunities? With its rich culture and history, it is the perfect place to complete your higher education if you have a keen interest in architectural wonders and art masterpieces. Some reputed universities here are the University of Padua, Sapienza University of Rome, Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna, University of Pisa, University of Naples Federico II, University of Milan, etc.

Conclusion

Overall, pursuing your Master's degree in any of the top-rated European universities will be an enriching experience. With diverse cultures, mesmerizing landscapes, and exciting career and internship opportunities, these universities open multiple doors for international students. From lip-smacking recipes to old monuments, various languages and cultural aspects, Europe has a lot to offer their students in terms of hope, prosperity, and world-class education. Prepare your list of European countries today and start on a journey of a lifetime while you create unforgettable memories and lifelong friendships with souls across the globe.

Frequently Asked Questions 

What are the advantages of studying for a Master's degree in Europe?

Some of the key reasons to pursue a Master's degree in Europe include cultural diversity, internship opportunities, jobs and career prospects, network growth, low tuition fees, scholarship and funding programs, diversified academic options, part-time jobs, travel allowances, etc.

How does the cost of tuition compare for Master's programs in Europe versus countries?

Studying in European universities is much cheaper than other countries like the USA. A general comparison of the total cost of studying shows that it is around $100,000 - $170,000 in the USA, while many European countries like Germany, Finland, and Norway offer free education. Given the multiple scholarships available for international students, pursuing higher education in Europe is always profitable.

Can I work while studying for my Master's degree in Europe? 

Many European countries allow students to apply for part-time jobs while completing their courses full-time. One can work 20 hours weekly during the semesters and gain appropriate experience to help them advance in their career. Some of the countries that allow these international students to work are Germany, Luxembourg, Italy, Lithuania, Latvia, France, Finland, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Denmark, Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Austria, Netherlands, Poland, Norway, Spain, Belgium, Switzerland, etc.

What are the language requirements for Master's programs in European universities?

The language requirements vary depending on the European country's regulations and course conditionsHowever, some of the basic tests required for pursuing a Master's degree in Europe include:

• IELTS Academic Test with a minimum 6.0 sub-score for speaking TOEFL IBT with a minimum23 sub-score for speaking
• Cambridge CAE/C1 Advanced
• Cambridge CPE/C2 Proficiency
• RATEr which is only applicable to EU/EEA/EFTA applicants.

Remember that the test results of IELTS and TOEFL expire after 24 months.

Are there scholarships available for international students pursuing a Master's degree in Europe?

Multiple scholarship and funding programs are available for international students pursuing higher education in EuropeSome of the scholarships include British Chevening Scholarships, Erik Bleumink Scholarships at the University of Groningen, University of Lausanne Master's Grant for Foreign Students, ETH Zurich Excellence Masters Scholarships, Amsterdam Excellence Scholarships, Radboud University Scholarship Programme,ENS International Selection Scholarships, Rhodes Scholarships at the University of Oxford, etc.

How long does it typically take to complete a Master's degree in Europe? 

A Master's degree in Europe is completed in two years. However, the duration can vary depending on the course and country, corresponding to 60-120 ECTS credits.

What are the job prospects for international students after completing a Master's degree in Europe?

Incredible job opportunities are waiting for international students in Europe. Even the Netherlands offer a one-year visa to foreigners to start their own business. Since the approval process is pretty flexible, the students can quickly get work visas in this country without any hassles. Also, countries like Germany offer attractive job offers with salaries ranging from 40,000-60,000 EUR after MS. Some of the best universities that provide the most outstanding job prospects are:

• University of Cambridge, UK
• Technical University of Munich, Germany
• University of Oxford, UK
• ETH Zurich, Switzerland
• Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne, Switzerland
• HEC Paris, France
• IE University, Spain
• Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Germany
• Imperial College London, UK Ecole Polytechnique, France