The diploma of a European university is recognized all over the world, and being a graduate of one of the centuries-old universities is considered very prestigious, but this has long ceased to be something unattainable (even for high school graduates from not very wealthy families) thanks to numerous programs to attract students. Some countries in Europe support a higher education system in which universities are autonomous and independent of the state, while others support a more centralized system in which the state plays an active role in regulating teaching standards and financing higher education.
In general, the education system in the EU is one of the most developed in the world, and many universities offer very affordable and even free programs for students. For comparison, the most expensive European higher education is in the UK, Denmark, Ireland, Sweden and Switzerland. Universities in Spain, Italy, Hungary, Greece, and Cyprus charge more moderate fees. Some countries, such as Finland, Germany, Czech Republic, France, Norway, offer free higher education for all foreign students, while other states offer only students from EU countries, however, non-residents of the association can receive free education if they participate in exchange programs, have received a government grant or have a scholarship that covers tuition costs.
In other countries, such as Romania, Slovenia and Bulgaria, young people from abroad also have the opportunity to receive free and high-quality higher education, but the conditions may vary depending on the chosen university. The educational system of the above states is based on the principle of bachelor's, master's and doctoral studies, as in most EU countries. Education is carried out mainly in the state language, some universities offer courses in English. Universities in many European countries provide access to preparatory programs for adaptation to their educational system and academic environment, in-depth study of the local language. The Bologna process, which brought together students from almost fifty countries, was initiated to help European countries combine different educational systems and make them more comparable.
However, just focusing on getting an education in Europe will not be enough, you need to prepare in advance for admission, collect acts, calculate the budget, taking into account other costs. It must be remembered, for example, that a mandatory condition for Europe for a long stay of a foreigner will be to obtain medical insurance at his own expense, and you also need to plan the student's expenses for accommodation, meals and travel, which will largely depend on the chosen city and region (unfortunately, not all universities provide space on campus). It is worth noting that in some universities, students still have to pay for accommodation in a hostel and meals in the canteen, even if the course itself is completely preferential, and in other cases a small administrative fee is charged. At the same time, it is possible to receive a scholarship or other form of discount (if we are talking about a paid faculty) for good academic performance.
It will not be difficult for international students to find a grant or scholarship program according to their needs and aspirations if the high school diploma meets the criteria of the chosen university. All information is usually available on the websites of the relevant institutions and specialized student portals, it is regularly updated, as is the list of required documents, certificates and forms to fill out. Submission of documents to universities in Europe is carried out remotely.
By inviting young people from less developed countries to study, the EU competently fills the shortage of specialists in certain areas that are not popular among local applicants. One important plus of such education (apart from its availability) is getting a well-paid job in the specialty immediately after graduation. Each country providing such programs is ready to invest in the training of precisely those professionals who are most needed for its sustainable development.
