Many future students all over the world dream of pursuing their education abroad. The idea of studying in a different country, speaking a foreign language on a regular basis, discovering new cultures, habits and people and interacting with fellow students all over the globe is thrilling, and that’s what makes a one of a kind experience out of it. But when it comes to choosing where to study, it is hard to decide. Many students look at the 10 best international student cities in Europe, in order to make their choice. Some others are very determined from the very beginning to study in a certain country or city.

Europe is a top destination for international students all over the world due to the high quality of instruction and cultural variety.
If you are one of the students who dream of studying in Europe, but don’t know yet what destination to pick, do not worry! The QS Best Student Cities 2015 offers a top of the best student cities in the world in 2015 –– that can be checked anytime when you need some inspiration.

We have selected for you the top 10 best international student cities in Europe. Curious to see which the top ten student cities in Europe are? Read below to find out!

1. Paris:
The French capital tops again for the third year in a row the QS Best Student Cities rankings and this comes as no surprise, since Paris can pride on having an amazing number of 17 universities listed in the QS World University Rankings® 2014/15. It is true that the living costs may be higher than in other top European student cities, but the relatively low tuition fees make up for it, so at the end, Paris remains an affordable destination to take into account. Among the well known specialised universities you can apply to in Paris there are ESN Paris, Ecole Polytechnique ParisTech, Sciences Po Paris,  Université Paris-Sorbonne (ParisIV)  and HEC Paris. You can find courses from these universities in the directory on QS Course Finder.

2. London:
One of the world’s main financial centers and the British capital, London is a highly ranked student destination with no less than 18 universities in the QS World University Rankings® 2014/15. London is a diverse city, offering not only world-class instruction at renowned academic institutions, but also an intense cultural life and countless professional opportunities. Living costs are known for being higher than in other parts of the UK, and tuition fees can be compared to the American ones. Nevertheless, London’s quality in all aspects recommends it to any student willing to start building a top career. London’s best ranked universities are: Imperial College London, University College London, King’s College London, London School of Economics and Political Science, Queen Mary University London, to name just a few. If you are looking to study in London, you can choose your courses on the QS Course Finder directory.

3. Zurich:
Zurich prides beyond doubt on an excellent reputation worldwide: high living standards, low taxes, Switzerland’s largest and Europe’s wealthiest city. If the high living costs are what scares you, you should know that international tuition fees are relatively low compared to other top destinations in the UK, US or Australia. Besides, Zurich is a true to world picturesque city near the famous Swiss Alps and boasts breathtaking natural landscapes.

4. Munich:
Situated in South Germany and the capital of the federal state of Bavaria, Munich is the third biggest German city and a real hub of academic excellence, cultural opportunities, metropolitan vibrancy and students coming from all over the world. The best part is that tuition fees at undergraduate level have been removed and for postgraduate courses tuition fees are anyway very low for international standards. For further information about studying and living in Munich, we recommend you to read more here. 

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5. Berlin:
The same rule about tuition fees in Munich also applies to the capital of Germany, a city where courses taught in English are more and more numerous. Berlin is the ideal place for any art and history lovers, which attracts more and more international students thanks to the relaxed liberal atmosphere and its affordability. QS ranked universities in Berlin are Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin and Technische Universität Berlin.

6. Barcelona:
Barcelona is a cosmopolitan city and a dream destination of any student longing for sunny weather, cultural variety, and exquisite cuisine. It prides on a significant international student community due to its international reputation as a city with top educational facilities and plenty of leisure activities. Top ranked universities in Barcelona are: University of Barcelona, Universidad Autonoma de Barcelona, Universidad Pompeu Fabra, Universitat Politecnica de Catalunya, ESADE Business School.

7. Vienna:
Ranked for the sixth time in a row as the world’s most livable city by Mercer, Vienna is a beautiful city with a rich cultural tradition. What’s more, the tuition fees are either very low or zero, which makes it, together with Berlin and Munich, three of the most affordable European capital cities.

8. Edinburgh:
UK’s second best student city and the capital of Scotland, Edinburgh is a popular destination with international students, who make up 38% of the total student population of the city. Even if tuition fees for international students are higher than in London or Manchester, undergraduate students from the EU can benefit from a subsidy from the Student Awards Agency for Scotland. The rich cultural heritage consisting in castles and historic buildings are a plus that adds to the charm of Edinburgh. Top universities in Edinburgh are University of Edinburgh and Heriot-Watt University.

9. Copenhagen:
The best student city in the Nordic countries, the Danish capital is world-renowned for the high living standards, which makes it also a rather pricey option as far as the living costs are concerned. Nevertheless, tuition fees are relatively low and the atmosphere and student life offered by Copenhagen really pay off the whole investment. QS ranked university in the capital of Denmark are University of Copenhagen, Technical University of Denmark and Copenhagen Business School.

10. Manchester:
International diversity and high instruction quality recommend Manchester as the third best student city in the UK after London and Edinburgh. Host to numerous music festivals and priding on a rich cultural life, Manchester attracts more and more international students every year. Top universities in Manchester are the University of Manchester, University of Salford and Manchester Metropolitan University.

You probably have now a couple of options to ponder upon. If you still don’t know yet what European city to pick as your future study destination, you may want to check the QS Course Finder directory for Europe and choose the city according to the desired university or field of study.