The development of medieval cities, as well as other changes that took place in the life of society, was always accompanied by changes in education. If during the early Middle Ages it was received mainly in monasteries, then later schools began to open in which law, philosophy, medicine were studied, students read the works of many Arabic, Greek authors, etc.
History of occurrence
The word "university" in translation from Latin means "set", or "association". I must say that today, as in the old days, it has not lost its significance. Medieval universities and schools were communities of teachers and students. They were organized for one purpose: to give and receive education. Medieval universities lived by certain rules. Only they could award academic degrees, gave graduates the right to teach. This was the case throughout Christian Europe. Medieval universities received a similar right from those who founded them - popes, emperors or kings, that is, those who at that time had the highest power. The foundation of such educational institutions is attributed to the most famous monarchs. It is believed, for example, that Alfred the Great founded, and Paris - Charlemagne.
The head was usually the rector. His position was elective. Just as in our time, medieval universities were divided into faculties. Each was headed by a dean. After listening to a certain number of courses, students became bachelors, and then masters and received the right to teach. At the same time, they could continue their education, but already at one of the faculties considered “highest” in the specialties of medicine, law or theology.
The way the medieval university was organized is practically no different from the modern way of getting an education. They were open to everyone. And although children from rich families predominated among the students, there were also many people from the poor class. True, many years passed from the moment of admission to medieval universities to the receipt of the highest degree of doctor, and therefore very few went this way to the end, but the academic degree provided the lucky ones with both honor and opportunities for a quick career.
students
Many young people in search of the best teachers moved from one city to another and even left for a neighboring European country. I must say that ignorance of languages did not bother them at all. European medieval universities taught in Latin, which was considered the language of science and the church. Many students sometimes led the life of a wanderer, and therefore received the nickname "vaganta" - "wandering". Among them were excellent poets, whose works still arouse great interest among contemporaries.
The students' daily routine was simple: lectures in the mornings, and repetition of the studied material in the evenings. Along with the constant training of memory in the universities of the Middle Ages, great attention was paid to the ability to argue. This skill was practiced during daily debates.
student life
However, the life of those who had the good fortune to enroll in medieval universities was formed not only from classes. There was time for both solemn ceremonies and noisy feasts. The then students were very fond of their educational institutions, here they spent the best years of their lives, gaining knowledge and finding protection from outsiders. They called them "alma mater".
Students usually gathered in small groups according to nations or communities, bringing together students from a wide variety of regions. Together they could rent an apartment, although many lived in colleges - colleges. The latter, too, as a rule, were formed according to nationalities: representatives from one community gathered in each.
University Science in Europe
Scholasticism began its formation in the eleventh century. Its most important feature was considered to be boundless belief in the power of reason in the knowledge of the world. However, over time in the Middle Ages, university science became a dogma, the provisions of which were considered final and infallible. In the 14-15 centuries. scholasticism, which used only logic and completely denied any experiment, began to turn into an obvious brake on the development of natural scientific thought in Western Europe. Almost completely the formation of medieval universities was then in the hands of the Dominican orders. The educational system of that time had a rather strong influence on the evolution of the formation of Western European civilization.
Only centuries later, the medieval universities of Western Europe began to contribute to the growth of public self-awareness, the progress of scientific thought and the freedom of the individual.
legality
To qualify as an educational institution, an institution had to have a papal bull approving its establishment. By such a decree, the pontiff removed the institution from the control of secular or local church authorities, legitimizing the existence of this university. The rights of the educational institution were also confirmed by the privileges received. These were special documents signed either by popes or by royalty. Privileges secured the autonomy of this educational institution - a form of government, permission to have its own court, as well as the right to grant academic degrees and exempt students from military service. Thus, medieval universities became a completely independent organization. Professors, students and employees of the educational institution, in a word, all, were no longer subordinate to the city authorities, but exclusively to the elected rector and deans. And if the students committed some misconduct, then the leadership of this locality could only ask them to condemn or punish the guilty.
Graduates
Medieval universities made it possible to get a good education. Many well-known figures studied there. The graduates of these educational institutions were Duns Scott, Peter Lombard and William of Ockham, Thomas Aquinas and many others.
As a rule, a great career awaited those who graduated from such an institution. After all, on the one hand, medieval schools and universities were in active contact with the church, and on the other hand, along with the expansion of the administrative apparatus of various cities, the need for educated and literate people also increased. Many yesterday's students worked as notaries, prosecutors, scribes, judges or lawyers.
Structural subdivision
There was no separation of higher and secondary education, so the structure of the medieval university included both senior and junior faculties. After 15-16-year-old young people were deeply taught Latin in elementary school, they were transferred to the preparatory level. Here they studied the "seven liberal arts" in two cycles. These were the "trivium" (grammar, as well as rhetoric and dialectics) and the "quadrium" (arithmetic, music, astronomy and geometry). But only after studying the course of philosophy, the student had the right to enter the senior faculty in law, medicine or theology.
Learning principle
Even today, modern universities use the traditions of medieval universities. The curricula that have survived to this day were drawn up for a year, which in those days was divided not into two semesters, but into two unequal parts. The large ordinary period lasted from October to Easter, and the small one - until the end of June. The division of the academic year into semesters appeared only towards the end of the Middle Ages in some German universities.
There were three main forms of teaching. The lectio, or lectures, were the complete and systematic exposition, at fixed hours, of a particular academic subject, according to a predetermined statute or charter of a given university. They were divided into ordinary, or compulsory, courses and extraordinary, or additional. Teachers were classified according to the same principle.
For example, obligatory lectures were usually scheduled for the morning hours - from dawn until nine in the morning. This time was considered more convenient and designed for the fresh forces of students. In turn, extraordinary lectures were read to the audience in the afternoon hours. They started at 6pm and ended at 10pm. The lesson lasted one or two hours.
Traditions of medieval universities
The main task of teachers of medieval universities was to compare different versions of texts and give the necessary explanations along the way. The statutes forbade students from demanding repetition of material or even slow reading. They had to come to lectures with books, which were very expensive in those days, so the students rented them.
Already since the eighteenth century, universities began to accumulate manuscripts, copying them and creating their own sample texts. Audiences did not exist for a long time. The first medieval university, in which professors began to arrange school premises - Bologna - already from the fourteenth century began to create rooms for lectures to accommodate it.
And before that, students were grouped in one place. For example, in Paris it was the Avenue Foir, or Straw Street, called by this name because the listeners sat on the floor, on the straw at the feet of their teacher. Later, semblances of desks began to appear - long tables at which up to twenty people could fit. Chairs began to arrange on a hill.
Grading
After completing their studies at a medieval university, students passed the examination, which was taken by several masters from each nation. The dean supervised the examiners. The student had to prove that he had read all the recommended books and managed to participate in the amount of disputes required by the statutes. The commission was also interested in the behavior of the graduate. After the successful passage of these stages, the student was admitted to a public debate, in which he had to answer all the questions. As a result, he was awarded the first bachelor's degree. He had to assist a master for two academic years in order to qualify to teach. And six months later, he was also awarded a master's degree. The graduate was supposed to give a lecture, take an oath and arrange a feast.
The history of the oldest universities dates back to the twelfth century. It was then that such educational institutions as Bologna in Italy and Paris in France were born. In the thirteenth century there are in England, Montpellier in Toulouse, and already in the fourteenth the first universities appeared in the Czech Republic and Germany, Austria and Poland. Each educational institution had its own traditions and privileges. By the end of the fifteenth century, there were about a hundred universities in Europe, which were structured into three types, depending on from whom the teachers received their salaries. The first was in Bologna. Here, students themselves hired and paid for teachers. The second type of university was in Paris, where teachers were funded by the church. Oxford and Cambridge were supported by both the crown and the state. It must be said that it was this fact that helped them survive the dissolution of the monasteries in 1538 and the subsequent removal of the main English Catholic institutions.
All three types of structures had their own characteristics. For example, in Bologna, for example, students controlled almost everything, and this fact often gave teachers great inconvenience. In Paris it was the opposite. Precisely because the teachers were paid by the church, the main subject at this university was theology. But in Bologna, students chose more secular studies. Here the main subject was the law.
Every year, on the eve of spring, for many of our clients, the problem of choosing a university for their children becomes an urgent one. Traditionally, developed European countries are considered the best place for higher education.
In the UK, Austria, Switzerland are the oldest universities in the world, whose diplomas are quoted as highly as possible. To help you with your choice, we have studied the latest world university rankings.
All educational institutions offer special adaptive programs, language courses. You can identify a child on them now, so that he is better prepared for admission. And parents need to solve one more problem in advance - obtaining a residence permit or citizenship in Europe, so that you do not limit yourself in communicating with children, and they feel at home in another country.
UK universities are definitely the choice of successful people. In the Academic Ranking of World Universities in 2015 (ARWU), the University of Cambridge, founded in the 14th century, stands out among the leaders. And in Britain it is recognized as the number 1 university.
Prestigious specialties
The most demanded are medical specialties, as well as business faculties: management, economics, finance, political science. Girls often go to study design and art history. Graduates usually have no problems finding employment in any large international companies.
Cost of education
- About 12 thousand pounds sterling in the specialty Economics, Law, Political Science
- About 16 thousand in the specialty Architecture, Design, Art History
- About 18 thousand for the specialty Management
- About 29 thousand for the specialty Medicine
Living expenses
An average of 8-9 thousand pounds per year. Additionally, students once a year pay a university fee - 4.4-5.2 thousand pounds.
Admission
Documents are submitted no later than October 15, the reception is carried out by the UCAS system. The applicant is interviewed by the admissions office and provides A-level results, as well as a certificate of English proficiency (GCSE-C, IELTS 6-7, TOEFL 600/250). Interviews are held from September to December.
Study schedule
The first semester runs from October to December. The second is from January to March, and the third is from April to June.
Is it possible to get a British residence permit?
To obtain a residence permit in the UK, you must take part in the state program for investors. Investment in a British company in the amount of 2 to 10 million pounds sterling gives you the right to obtain a residence permit in the most prestigious country in Europe in just 8 weeks.
The oldest university in Europe is considered the number 2 university in the Old World. If you want your child to receive the highest quality higher education in England, this is one of the best options. Oxford University alumni included 25 British Prime Ministers, as well as Margaret Thatcher.
Prestigious specialties
Training in political science, economics and international relations is one of the best in Europe. In 20 of the 100 largest business enterprises in the world, managers are people with Oxford degrees. Thousands of well-known politicians graduated from this university at different times. Girls are attracted to study here the history of art, fashion, and design.
Cost of education
- 13-15 thousand pounds sterling - specialties Psychology, Sociology, Design, Culture and Art
- 18-25 thousand - specialty business areas, Management, Finance, Computer technology
- 30-32 thousand - medical specialties
Living expenses
On average, a month of living in Oxford, taking into account university fees, will cost 1 thousand pounds.
Admission
Applications are submitted by October 15, and the results of the exams are announced in the middle of next year. You can apply now through the UK portal UCAS. Applicants must pass the A-Levels or International Baccalaureate (IB) qualifications, as well as have an excellent command of English (according to the IELTS certificate - 7.0 points, according to TOEFl - 110).
Study schedule
The academic year begins in October and is divided into three terms. Studying at the bachelor's degree will take 3-4 years, at the master's degree - 1 year.
Another elite British university, which is regularly included in the Top 5 in Europe. In 1826, it became the first university in London, and is now part of the "golden triangle" of elite universities in the UK. Notable alumni include Mahatma Gandhi, telephone inventor Alexander Bell, Interstellar author Christopher Nolan.
Prestigious specialties
The college is famous for its medical specialties with practice in leading clinics in the world. Also, work with nanotechnologies is extremely developed here. The leaders of many companies specializing in high technology came from here. Great attention is paid here to the latest specialties related to energy and natural resource management.
Cost of education
- 12-15 thousand pounds sterling - the study of art, economics, mathematics
- 15-17 thousand - engineering specialties, psychology
- 17-20 thousand - specialty Architecture, Design
- from 30 thousand - medical specialties
Living expenses
On average, students, taking into account all university fees, spend from 6 to 12 thousand pounds a year.
Admission
Applications are accepted in the UCAS system from January 15 to October 15. The applicant needs a certificate of secondary education (IB, GCSE, A-level). The level of knowledge of English must be at least IELTS 6.5-7.0
Study schedule
The college academic year is divided into 3 trimesters. First: from the end of September to the middle of December. Second: from mid-January to the end of March. Third: from the end of April to the middle of June.
Vienna State University is a great opportunity to give your child a quality and modern education in Europe. Established in the XIV century (last year it celebrated its 650th anniversary), it still remains one of the most prestigious. It consistently ranks among the best business universities in the world and ranks 16th in the MBA list. Its graduates are the business and financial elite.
Prestigious specialties
Another strong point of the University of Vienna is jurisprudence. The Faculty of Law is considered the strongest in Europe. If you want your child to achieve maximum results in the legal field, Vienna is your choice. No less popular is the Faculty of Economics. Girls will be interested in some of the best cultural and art programs in Europe.
Cost of education
In the vast majority of faculties, tuition for a semester costs 750 euros, which is relatively inexpensive.
Living expenses
The advantages of the University of Vienna are in the low cost of living. It is 2-2.5 thousand euros for 10 months of the academic year.
Admission
Applications for bachelors are submitted until September 5th. Pre-registration is carried out on the Internet. Further, the university needs either the original certificate of secondary education, or a notarized copy. It is necessary to confirm knowledge of German at a level not lower than B2. If the course is taught in English, the same requirements apply.
Study schedule
The academic year includes winter (from October 1) and spring (from March 1) semesters. A bachelor's degree takes three years, a master's degree two years.
Is it difficult to get an Austrian residence permit?
Registration of official status under the investment program is really quite complicated here. The easiest way to get a residence permit in Austria is for financially independent persons. To do this, confirm an income of 2,000 euros and a bank account of 20,000 for an adult and 10,000 for a child. To get the maximum chance of getting into quotas, it is better to contact specialists in the migration field.
In the international ranking of the best universities QS World University Rankings (it is compiled by the reputable company QS Quacquarelli Symonds) in 2015, the ETH Zurich took the 9th place. This is the most prestigious university in this country. If you see your child of the future as the head of an international high-tech company, this is a great choice.
Prestigious specialties
Architecture, management, and engineering sciences are taught here at the highest level. Popular destinations: the city of the future, energy, the latest materials. Among the graduates are dozens of Nobel laureates in physics, chemistry, and medicine. The most famous is Albert Einstein.
Cost of education
The advantage of this university is a lower cost of education with a high quality of teaching and the prestige of a diploma. On average, a semester costs 580 Swiss francs.
Living expenses
Accommodation during the semester will cost the student about 65 francs. The same amount should be spent on university fees.
Admission
The deadline for accepting documents for the autumn semester is from November 1 to April 30. Entrance exams are taken exclusively in German. The applicant submits to the commission certificates confirming knowledge of the language: Goethe-Zertifikat C1, Goethe-Zertifikat C2, TestDaF or others. You also need to provide a resume and grades obtained at school for the last three years.
Study schedule
The first semester runs from October to March. Then after the session and holidays - the second semester, which lasts until July. Bachelors study for 3-4 years, masters - another 1-2 years, postgraduate studies - another 3 years.
How to get a Swiss residence permit?
You can apply for a residence permit in Switzerland under the state program for investors. The Swiss government offers a residence permit for a business investment of at least 1 million francs or for the payment of a lump-sum tax of 100,000 francs per year. Registration of official status will take only 3 months.
Advantages of higher education in Europe
For your child, studying in Europe means:
- the highest quality education
- work in prestigious companies
- the ability to work in any country in the world without restrictions
- effective and fast career, high position
- access to the market of the highest paid vacancies
- starting life in one of the leading European countries
Subscribe to our blog updates and find out what other profitable opportunities exist to get an elite education in Europe.
Historically, several types of universities have developed in Europe. The type determines what programs and infrastructure will be available and how your student and daily life will flow.
Research and applied. Research universities are major scientific, educational, economic and cultural centers, places where fundamental discoveries are made, innovations and life-changing technologies are created. They influence all spheres of public life and have a powerful infrastructure.
Universities of Applied Sciences train professionals oriented towards industry and all applied professions. Universities of this type also have a significant impact on culture and society, but they do not conduct fundamental research, do not participate in international rankings, and therefore are often less known to applicants.
City and campus. Most European universities are urban; their teaching facilities, laboratories and libraries are dispersed throughout the city. The offer of student housing at such universities is limited, and students are forced to select options on their own.
Campus universities in Europe are usually located in small towns or rural areas. They are equipped with everything necessary for study, leisure, sports and permanent residence, although they are inferior in scope to American campuses.
colleges or faculties. Collegiate universities function within the framework of self-governing colleges - special types of student communities. Here, students of different courses and specialties live side by side, communicate closely and support each other. Examples of collegiate universities are Oxford, Cambridge, York in England, the universities of St. Andrews and Glasgow in Scotland, Trinity College in Ireland.
There are significantly more universities organized by faculties or departments in Europe than collegiate ones. How this type of university works is well known to French, Dutch, German, Czech, Russian and many British students. Examples - Paris, Amsterdam, Charles, Liverpool, Manchester universities.
Universities of Western Europe, known and unknown
One of the university success criteria familiar to students is positions in international rankings. Everyone knows the names of universities that are in the top from year to year. Oxford and Cambridge are top of the list, but that doesn't mean the others aren't worth your attention.
Moreover, not all universities in Western Europe participate in the rankings. There may be several reasons for this:
- the university does not conduct fundamental research;
- the university conducts research, but publishes little of their results in English;
- the university does not teach at all educational levels or offers a limited set of programs at one of the levels.
It is important to remember that the absence in international rankings is not a reason to abandon an educational institution. An illustrative example is the universities of applied sciences in Holland. Their graduates are in demand by employers, while the names are almost unknown to foreign applicants.
Universities in Europe teaching in English
English is the language of international communication and is studied by most international students, which is why many universities in Europe outside the UK offer a wide range of English-language programs.
The list of universities in Europe with programs in English is presented on the pages of our search engine - just set the filter and start studying. On the pages of universities, you can not only get acquainted with important information about the university, but also directly contact its representative to clarify all your questions.
The Times Higher Education ranking includes 150 world universities, including Moscow State University (125th place) and St. Petersburg State University (145th place). “The list was formed on the basis of a survey of recruiters and leaders of large companies. In addition, the researchers took into account many factors that make graduates attractive to employers, including professional experience, knowledge of at least two foreign languages, and participation in social events,” explains Business Insider contributor Thomas Colson.
19. University College London, UK
Graduate Demand Index: 301.
University College London specializes in training specialists in the natural sciences. “The educational institution employs 850 professors and more than six thousand teachers who teach 36 thousand students. 52% of students are pursuing master's and graduate programs,” writes Colson.
18. London School of Economics and Political Science, UK
Graduate Demand Index: 307.
The school specializes in the social sciences, including economics, political science, sociology, anthropology, and law, Colson writes: “The school has over 10,000 students and over 3,000 faculty members. Alumni include 16 Nobel Prize winners, as well as philosopher Bertrand Russell and Rolling Stones vocalist Mick Jagger."
17. Paris Polytechnic School, France
Graduate Demand Index: 311.
The school was founded by French mathematicians Gaspard Monge and Lazare Carnot in 1794 during the French Revolution. Among the graduates of the educational institution are three Nobel Prize winners.
16. Research Technical Institute CentraleSupélec, Paris, France
Graduate Demand Index: 312.
The Institute CentraleSupélec was founded in 2015 as a result of the merger of two major technical universities in France. "CentraleSupélec trains executives and managers for the manufacturing industry," writes Colson.
15. Mining School of Paris, France
Graduate Demand Index: 336.
The school was founded in 1783 at the French Mint, when King Louis XVI introduced the position of head of metallurgy and mineralogy. The school is considered one of the three main higher technical educational institutions in France.
14. Federal Polytechnic School of Lausanne, Switzerland
Graduate Demand Index: 339.
“It is the leading Swiss institution of higher education, with over 3,000 masters and 670 teaching staff,” writes Colson.
13. High Normal School, Paris, France
Graduate Demand Index: 366.
The institution known as ENS was founded during the French Revolution by proponents of the philosophy of the Enlightenment, Colson writes: "Now the institute trains personnel for the government and the scientific research community."
12. Edinburgh University, UK
Graduate Demand Index: 367.
Founded in 1583, the University of Edinburgh is one of the six oldest educational institutions in Europe. “The university has three colleges, where more than 35 thousand students, masters and postgraduates study. Biologist Charles Darwin, telephone inventor Alexander Bell and Sherlock Holmes author Arthur Conan Doyle studied here at various times.
11. Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Germany
Graduate Demand Index: 368.
The Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich is also considered one of the oldest universities in Europe. Established in 1472, it is considered one of the best research universities in Germany with over 50,000 students.
10. ETH Zurich, Switzerland
Graduate Demand Index: 403.
The educational institution is better known as ETH Zurich and is the most prestigious university in Switzerland. The school prepares specialists in the field of natural sciences, technology and mathematics.
9. EMLYON Business School, Lyon, France
Graduate Demand Index: 415.
“EMLYON is a leading French business school with branches in other countries such as China and Morocco. The school's management training standards are among the highest in Europe,” writes Business Insider.
8. IE University, Spain
Graduate Demand Index: 417.
A private Spanish university specializing in the preparation of masters in management and jurisprudence.
7. University of Manchester, UK
Graduate Demand Index: 420.
"It is the largest university in the UK with over 40,000 students," writes Colson. In addition, according to the administration, the educational institution has the largest network of graduates in Europe, consisting of 300,000 people from 190 countries. Among them - 25 Nobel laureates.
6. Kings College, UK
Graduate Demand Index: 431.
The educational institution is known for Europe's largest research center in the field of health. The college owns three teaching hospitals with over 27,000 students, including 10,500 masters, internships, writes Business Insider.
5. HEC Paris Business School, France
Graduate Demand Index: 465.
“This prestigious business school is very selective about students. Its leadership training program produces some of the most competitive leaders in Europe,” says Colson.
4. Imperial College London, UK
Graduate Demand Index: 517.
"Fourteen Nobel Prize winners have graduated from this institution, including Alexander Fleming, the inventor of penicillin," writes Colson. The college was founded in 1907. It specializes in training specialists in four areas: natural sciences, engineering, medicine and business.
3. Technical University of Munich, Germany
Alumni Demand Index: 744.
The Technical University of Munich (or TMU) is one of Germany's leading educational institutions and a member of TU9, an association of the country's oldest and most prestigious universities. Among the graduates of the university - 13 Nobel laureates.
2. Oxford University, UK
Graduate Demand Index: 773.
“As you know, this is the oldest university in Europe. You can talk about his strengths for a long time, but he is famous, first of all, due to the high level of training of specialists in the natural sciences and research activities, ”says the author of Business Insider.
1. Cambridge University, UK
Graduate Demand Index: 836.
Among the 18,000 students at Cambridge University, 4,000 come from other countries. "The university has the most 'quality' alumni network - 92 current students and faculty of the university are Nobel Prize winners," writes Colson.
Free higher education in Europe is available not only to residents of the European Union, but also to students from Russia, Ukraine, Belarus and other post-Soviet countries. Many European countries finance the education sector so much that free education is available to everyone. Obviously, in order to obtain it, it is necessary to meet a number of established requirements imposed by governments and universities in various countries.
European education is traditionally and deservedly considered one of the best and highest quality. Applicants and students from different parts of the world seek to study at universities in Europe. Such education is the real guarantee of a successful career in an equally successful country.
A big drawback for Russian students in such educational institutions has always been tuition fees. It, as a rule, was high even for residents of European countries, and even more so for the average citizen of the post-Soviet state. However, for some time now, Europeans have realized that by investing public money in the training of specialists, the country makes an invaluable investment. This has led to the fact that today there are a number of countries and many programs that allow you to get a completely free education in the European Union (well, or for a very nominal fee, even by the standards of the CIS residents).
In what language can you get a free education in Europe
Well, it is obvious that knowledge of the English language is relevant in most programs. However, there are also national features. Wider opportunities open up for the student with knowledge of the language of the country in which he is studying. In Germany, for example, you cannot study for a medical specialty in English. And in the prospect of employment, knowledge of the official language of the host country is useful.
At the same time, it is quite realistic to find a program according to which studies will be carried out in English. In parallel, you can learn local languages, which will be useful in further socialization and employment. The opportunity to study in English for free is available in countries such as Germany, the Czech Republic, Finland and others.
Some European universities offer a preparatory course in which the student will have to learn the language of the country. As a rule, such courses are also free or with a nominal fee.
Another feature of European education is the discrepancy between the Russian system of secondary education and most European countries, where 12-year education is provided. At the same time, a number of universities require documents on the completion of a twelve-year course. For Russian applicants, the problem can be solved by entering local universities and completing one or two courses.
Where can I get a free European education
Below is a list of countries where you can study for free or for a nominal fee (up to a thousand euros per year). Studying in them is available for foreigners.
- Austria. Public Austrian universities offer admission without entrance tests/exams (with the exception of English or German). You need an elementary higher education (minimum 1 year) in your home country. A preparatory year for language learning is possible. In some cases, enrollment directly after school is allowed.
- Germany. A wide range of specialties are offered. There are no entrance exams, only a language test. There are many English-language courses, however, the competition for them is very high. A minimum of 2 years of study at a university in your home country is required. A preparatory year is possible after completing only one course at a Russian university.
- Greece. Education is conducted in Greek, however, upon admission, a language proficiency test is not required. Enrollment occurs without exams and is possible immediately after the end of secondary education.
- Spain. You can enter state universities right after high school. Entrance tests are provided. Teaching takes place in Spanish. After completing the first year at home, you can enter a Spanish university without exams.
- Italy. It is possible to study in English. Upon admission, language proficiency is tested. Requires primary education at a university in the home country (one to two years). For a number of specializations and directions, entrance tests are provided.
- Norway. State universities accept immediately after graduation. Teaching languages: Norwegian, English.
- Finland. Educational programs and courses in English are provided. You can enroll in public higher education immediately after high school. Mainly there are entrance exams. There is an opportunity to go to college after high school.
- France. Support for programs in English. Language proficiency must be proven. Enrollment occurs without preliminary exams and tests. You need a high school diploma with good grades.
- Poland. Courses are taught in Polish, which, by the way, is not so difficult to master for those who speak Russian, Ukrainian or Belarusian. Applicants are enrolled on the basis of a competition of certificates. There are paid relatively inexpensive training programs in English (within 2 thousand euros per year).
- Portugal. You need knowledge of the Portuguese language and pass the entrance test. Admission is allowed immediately upon completion of secondary education.
- Czech. Education in the Czech language is free at state universities. The possibility of admission after school is allowed. Enrollment can be carried out under a properly executed power of attorney (without the presence of an applicant and without a language test). Basic knowledge of the language is required to start studying. It is possible to find educational programs in other languages (including English). Their price starts from a thousand euros per semester.
In addition, no fees are charged for higher education in Slovenia, Luxembourg. And for example, in Iceland you only need to pay an administrative fee in the amount of 100 to 250 euros.
Despite the possibility of obtaining an excellent higher education in Europe completely free of charge or very inexpensively, there is an opinion that the cost of living and eating in the EU countries will be prohibitive for people from Russia and other post-Soviet countries. The current expenses of students in the European Union, of course, exist and they are:
- about 40-150 euros - semester fee for study materials, stationery, copies;
- housing and meals - in Europe, a student can get these benefits cheaper than in the Russian capital (rental housing, for example, reaches from 200 to 400 euros, and, in general, accommodation is required somewhere around 900 euros per month).
Thus, higher education in Europe is available to Russian applicants both in terms of conditions and finances. Many free programs make it even more attractive for people from the CIS countries. At the same time, as a rule, there is also a chance to learn one of the European languages. And this greatly increases the competitiveness of the future graduate in employment in a European country.
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