So why consider it? Here are some thoughts:
- Best rankings: it may surprise you to read that Tokyo, Singapore and Melbourne rank ahead of Edinburgh, while the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Göttingen and the Karolinksa Institute in Sweden outrank Bristol University
- Financial help: studying at many European universities remains virtually free - one of the benefits of EU membership. In the Netherlands for example, non Dutch EU students are entitled to a state maintenance grant as long as they undertake paid work for a certain number of hours per month. But remember, you won't be eligible for UK student loans and grants outside of the UK.
- More challenging: "...it's more challenging that going to a local university and you experience new ways of studying, as well as a different working culture" Beatrice Merrick, director of services and research at the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA)
- Job hunting: becoming a globally aware graduate makes you stand out to multinational businesses looking to hire. Also the Bologna Process has helped to standardise degrees across Europe, making a foreign degree more likely to be accepted and understood by UK employers
- No need to learn the language: most courses are taught in English. In fact Dutch universities are actively recruiting UK students with over 200 undergraduate courses available in English.
- Combine business with pleasure: once your studying in the country, doing some travel out of term is a hugh money saver
What to do next? There is no UCAS system for Europe so you must approach the universities direct. A good place to start is the Times University Rankings to get in touch. Also try the International Student Message Board or Study Overseas UK who are holding an education fair on Friday June 3rd from 1-7pm in Russell Square, London. Here you can meet representatives from international universities and see what is available, understand the visa process and how to go about it.
Finally it is worth remembering about all the small print items like health insurance, visas, accommodation and living costs. All of these will be more complicated and potentially add to your budget so it's worth doing the research now to see what's possible.
(More information can be found at The Telegraph)