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Top universities Europe · QS Europe 2026

The best universities in Europe

For students who want a memorable academic experience, Europe offers a unique combination of quality, culture and opportunity. Whether you are passionate about engineering, technology, medicine or the arts, you will find plenty of programs that match your interests.

In this guide we present the 11 best universities in Europe, according to the QS World University Rankings: Europe 2026, the regional ranking by Quacquarelli Symonds that evaluates over 950 universities across 42 European countries.

This year brings big changes: Oxford has climbed to #1 with a perfect score of 100 (overtaking ETH Zürich), UCL has risen to joint #3, and Delft Technology has entered the top 11 (replacing TUM Munich). Discover what makes them remarkable, the programs they offer and why Upgrade Education is the right choice for your admission.

11
universities in the Europe 2026 ranking
7
United Kingdom universities in the top 11
4
universities from continental Europe
100
Oxford's perfect score, #1 in Europe

Top 11 universities in Europe

The QS Europe 2026 ranking, from #1 to #11, with acceptance rates, fields of study and details about each campus.

01
United Kingdom

University of Oxford

Oxford
Acceptance rate
~17%
Field
Multidisciplinary
Location
Oxford

With an impressive history of more than nine centuries, Oxford offers programs ranging from the humanities and social sciences to the exact sciences and engineering. The "tutorial" system (one-on-one meetings with professors) fosters a deep understanding of the subject and develops independent thinking.

Famous alumni: Bill Clinton, Stephen Hawking, Emma Watson, Indira Gandhi, Theresa May. Students enjoy a vibrant theatre scene, elite sports (rowing) and the largest network of libraries in the UK.

Climbed to #1 in Europe in 2026 (from #3), with a perfect score of 100/100 in the QS ranking.
Study in the UK
02
Switzerland

ETH Zürich

ETH
Acceptance rate
27–30%
Field
Science & Technology
Location
Zürich

ETH Zürich excels in science, technology and engineering. Students benefit from modern laboratories and guidance from renowned professors. A wide range of programs: mechanical engineering, computer science, architecture, biotechnology.

A focus on research and development: students collaborate directly with researchers and industry specialists. A modern campus and a dynamic academic environment. Every year it hosts Polyball, the university's signature event.

The top-ranked university in continental Europe. 20+ Nobel laureates, including Einstein.
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03
United Kingdom

Imperial College London

Imperial
Acceptance rate
14–15%
Field
STEM
Location
London

Imperial College London is renowned for its focus on STEM and medicine. From Biomedical Engineering and Computing to Public Health or Climate Change Management, it offers a unique experience for combining theory with practice.

Over 380 student clubs and societies, one of the most diverse campuses. Young people study in the heart of London, with direct access to networking and internship opportunities.

Joint #3 in Europe 2026 (with UCL). A focus on science, technology, engineering and medicine.
Study in the UK
04
United Kingdom

University College London

UCL
Acceptance rate
16–17%
Field
Interdisciplinary
Location
London

UCL takes pride in its status as a multidisciplinary university. Structured into 11 academic divisions (science, arts, humanities, law, medicine, architecture and engineering), it encourages students to explore multiple fields.

Located in Bloomsbury, the academic and cultural centre of London. The university is a leader in sustainability (3rd in the world in QS Sustainability 2026). In 2026 it celebrates 200 years since its founding as the first university in London.

Climbed 2 places in Europe 2026, joint #3 (with Imperial). 200 years since its founding in 2026.
Study in the UK
05
United Kingdom

University of Cambridge

Cambridge
Acceptance rate
~20%
Field
1-on-1 teaching
Location
Cambridge

Unlike other universities, Cambridge is made up of 31 autonomous colleges, each specializing in a few distinct fields. Over 20 undergraduate programs in the natural sciences, engineering, social sciences and humanities.

A focus on teaching in small groups and one-on-one seminars between student and professor. Access to state-of-the-art laboratories, libraries and museums. Dozens of clubs and societies, from archaeological digs to studies of the works of J.R.R. Tolkien.

800+ years of history. 121 Nobel prizes. Newton, Darwin, Turing and Hawking studied here.
Study in the UK
06
United Kingdom

The University of Edinburgh

Edinburgh
Acceptance rate
~40%
Field
Research
Location
Edinburgh, Scotland

One of the best universities in the world, consistently ranked in the global top 50. Over 400 years of existence and a huge impact on science: chloroform anaesthesia, the Higgs boson, in vitro fertilization.

An entrepreneurial and interdisciplinary culture. Students from over 150 countries in a multicultural and welcoming environment. A variety of student associations and sports clubs, from debating and theatre to rowing and climbing.

Major discoveries: chloroform anaesthesia, the Higgs boson particle, in vitro fertilization.
Study in the UK
07
United Kingdom

King's College London

KCL
Acceptance rate
~13%
Field
Law & Medicine
Location
London

Founded in 1829, KCL has an outstanding reputation in the humanities, law, natural sciences (psychiatry, medicine, dentistry) and social sciences. Significant contributions: the structure of DNA, the development of radio, television, mobile phones and radar.

A focus on practice and close collaborations with recognized experts: students apply all their knowledge in a real-world context. The campuses are strategically located in London, arranged to encourage interaction and personal development.

Climbed to #7 in Europe 2026 (from #8). Academic reputation 99.8/100. The discovery of DNA took place here.
Study in the UK
08
France

Université PSL

PSL
Acceptance rate
~10%
Field
Interdisciplinary
Location
Paris

Located in the vibrant heart of Paris, PSL innovatively combines the exact sciences, the arts and the social sciences. It brings together 11 prestigious schools and institutes, offering a wide range of undergraduate and master's programs.

An interdisciplinary environment where you can combine studies from various fields for a personalized path. Collaborations with leading research laboratories, with many projects leading to start-ups and patents.

Founded in 2010, yet already one of the most prestigious universities in France. 11 schools and institutes.
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09
United Kingdom

The University of Manchester

Manchester
Acceptance rate
~56%
Field
Innovation
Location
Manchester

One of the largest and most respected higher-education institutions in the UK, known for its contributions to science and technology. Faculties recognized in engineering, business and management, physical sciences and medicine.

Over 800 undergraduate and master's courses, so every student can find their ideal path. Partnerships with renowned industries and organizations. Green campuses with modern facilities: sports centres, concert halls, landscaped gardens.

A world leader in biotechnology, artificial intelligence and sustainable energy. 800+ courses.
Study in the UK
10
Switzerland

École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne

EPFL
Acceptance rate
~30%
Field
Engineering
Location
Lausanne

EPFL is one of the most prestigious technical universities in Switzerland, specializing in the natural sciences, architecture and engineering. Set on the shore of Lake Geneva, it has one of the most beautiful campuses in the world.

The educational experience goes beyond classic learning: students take part in projects and benefit from the guidance of mentors. EPFL supports creative ideas and offers resources for start-ups, funding for research and partnerships with recognized companies.

One of the most beautiful campuses in the world, on the shore of Lake Geneva.
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11
Netherlands

Delft University of Technology

TU Delft
Acceptance rate
~30–50%
Field
Engineering & Tech
Location
Delft

TU Delft is the oldest and largest technical university in the Netherlands, founded in 1842. A world leader in Aerospace Engineering, architecture, civil engineering and industrial engineering. Programs taught in English at both undergraduate and master's level.

Strong partnerships with international companies (Shell, Philips, Siemens, ESA). A modern campus close to Rotterdam and The Hague. Selectivity varies by program: the elite programs (Aerospace) are highly competitive.

Climbed 4 places in Europe 2026 (from #15 to #11). #1 in the world in Aerospace Engineering.
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Frequently asked questions

What students and their parents most often ask about studying in Europe.

Which is the best university in Europe in 2026?

According to the QS World University Rankings: Europe 2026, University of Oxford is #1, the best university in Europe, with a perfect score of 100/100, overtaking ETH Zürich, which dropped to 2nd place. The top 5 in Europe includes: Oxford (#1), ETH Zürich (#2), Imperial College London (#3 joint with UCL), University College London (#3 joint with Imperial) and University of Cambridge (#5). The biggest changes in 2026: Oxford climbed 2 places to #1, UCL climbed 2 places to joint #3, and TU Delft entered the top 11 (from #15).

How many UK universities are in the top 11 in Europe 2026?

The United Kingdom dominates the QS Europe 2026 ranking with 7 universities in the top 11: University of Oxford (#1), Imperial College London (#3), University College London (#3), University of Cambridge (#5), The University of Edinburgh (#6), King's College London (#7) and The University of Manchester (#9). The top 11 also includes: ETH Zürich (#2 Switzerland), Université PSL (#8 France), EPFL (#10 Switzerland) and TU Delft (#11 Netherlands).

Which are the best universities in continental Europe (non-UK)?

The top-ranked universities in continental Europe in QS Europe 2026 are: (1) ETH Zürich: #2 in Europe, the best university on the continent, specializing in science and technology; (2) Université PSL: #8 in Europe, bringing together 11 prestigious schools in Paris (École Normale, Mines ParisTech, Dauphine); (3) EPFL Lausanne: #10 in Europe, francophone, on the shore of Lake Geneva; (4) TU Delft: #11 in Europe, #1 in the world in Aerospace Engineering, programs in English.

Can I study in English at universities in continental Europe?

Yes, most recognized European universities offer programs in English at both undergraduate and master's level: TU Delft (programs in English for Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, etc.), EPFL (master's programs in English), ETH Zürich (most master's programs in English), Université PSL (a selection of programs in English across the different schools). In the Netherlands, the Universities of Amsterdam, Erasmus Rotterdam and Groningen offer undergraduate degrees fully in English. Note: the Netherlands announced changes for 2025-2028. Some programs (Medicine at Groningen, Psychology at Amsterdam & Rotterdam) will return to the local language.

What are the advantages of studying in Europe for an EU citizen?

As a Romanian citizen, and therefore an EU citizen, studying in continental Europe gives you significant advantages: (1) Lower costs: tuition fees in the Netherlands, Germany, France and Italy are 5-20x lower than in the USA and 2-5x lower than in the UK post-Brexit, and as an EU citizen you often pay local-level fees; (2) Quality of programs: 4 universities from continental Europe are in the top 11 (ETH, PSL, EPFL, TU Delft); (3) Cultural diversity: students from all over Europe; (4) Generous scholarships (Cambridge Trust, Fundación Amancio Ortega, Bocconi Merit); (5) Access to Erasmus mobility and to the EU labour market without a visa.

What are the main changes in the QS Europe Rankings 2026?

The QS World University Rankings: Europe 2026 brings major changes compared to 2025: (1) University of Oxford climbed to #1 with a perfect score of 100/100, overtaking ETH Zürich; (2) ETH Zürich dropped to #2; (3) UCL climbed to joint #3 with Imperial College London; (4) TU Delft entered the top 11 (from #15), climbing 4 places and replacing TUM Munich (Technical University of Munich); (5) KCL climbed from #8 to #7.

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