Europe is the world’s second smallest continent. It is bordered by the Arctic Ocean to the north, the Atlantic Ocean to the west, Black Sea to the east and The Mediterranean Sea to the south. There are over 50 countries – both big and small – that constitute most of Europe. Russia is considered the largest country by area and population, while the Vatican City is considered the smallest country.

The many countries that make up the continent of Europe have their own culture and traditions, but the culture of Europe is better described as an overlapping one. The countries that make up Europe have a long history from the Renaissance period to the successive European empires to the inventions and implementations of new technologies over the last century. Europe’s global connections made it possible for the culture to grow adapt and ultimately influence other trends of culture. The cultural innovations and movements made along the way have made Europe what it is today. The numerous countries that make up the European continent have great variations in geographical descriptions within the relatively small areas. Central Europe has many plateaus, river valleys and basins, while the southern regions are mountainous. Hilly and lowland plains spread from the northern regions to the east and west of Europe.

Europe is a highly developed continent, owing its success to the native and multicultural community within the society. In recent years there have been a large number of immigrants going to Europe for better job prospects, standard of living and better education facilities and institutes. Each country within Europe has its’ own language or dialect, which is used as the primary mode of communication in that particular country or region. The main languages spoken in Europe are French, German, Italian, Russian and Spanish. In addition to these widely spoken languages, English is also widely spoken. The influence of the outside world has led the European countries to adopt English as their principal language, with most educational institutes using English as the language of study. Europe is a popular choice with many overseas students going to pursue higher studies in France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Malta, Spain, Switzerland and Turkey. The varied climatic conditions, rich and diverse culture, warm friendly people, make Europe a safe and secure environment to live and study.
 

European countries have a number of well-known institutions offering higher education to students. There are on average at least 100 universities and colleges set up in each country, many of which have been around for century’s altogether. The universities are mostly funded by the state and usually public. Private institutions are also present; however these schools are slightly more expensive.

The university and college itself set up the curriculum whether it is a private or public institution. The undergraduate course is generally a three to four year program, depending on the field of study being pursued. Students can then go on to complete their masters and PhD after an undergraduate degree. The universities in Europe have excellent research facilities if you wish to pursue a career in research later on. The quality of education is on par with internationally renowned institutes. The degrees received from any university or college in Europe is recognized throughout the world for its high standards and is equivalent to any degree from any other Commonwealth institutions around the world.

The academic year usually runs from September to July, which is divided into two semesters. The first semester usually runs from mid September to March and the second semester runs from April to July. During the rest of the months students can enjoy their vacation and no crash classes are offered during this time.

Students can attend university after the completion of their secondary education, after the completion of grade 12 and when they are 18 years of age. Students can enter schools in Europe if they have completed their General Certificate of English (GCE) A-Levels and O-Levels, International Baccalaureate, CBSE and SAT1/SAT2. If English is not your first language, you need to show your competence by passing an English examination - The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOFEL). Some countries may also require you to show your competence in the native language of that place as well – like if you want to pursue further studies in Spain it would be advisable to know Spanish in addition to English. Some universities may also require taking an entrance exam to show their competence and level of studies so far, before being admitted to the university.

Other requirements are usually set up by the institute and state and you will be more aware of it once you start applying to a particular university. European universities management differ from place to place, but they are flexible in terms of program requirements and intake dates.

Universities & colleges:

Jönköping University

University of Debrecen

European University of Lefke

Language schools, and university preperation centres:

Eurocentres