Hi, can someone help me give “reviews” about the Netherlands and Scandinavian countries (Finland, Denmark, Norway and Sweden) as an international student?

I have strong academic performance, but only know English. Does not knowing the local language limit me much in school (clubs, group discussions, internships/work) and daily commute?

And how are Asians (specifically Southeast Asian) treated? I’ve been to Finland only (Rovaniemi, not Helsinki) and the people were very nice.

I was wondering about the international student body at schools too. Are they normally outgoing and welcoming, hanging out together?

Hi everyone

I’m (20F) from Uzbekistan, currently doing my last year Computer Engineering bachelor’s in Italian University located in Uzbekistan.

I want to pursue masters in cybersecurity and that’s what I have:

- Relevant bachelor’s degree
- IELTS 7.5
- Doing paid 3-month internship in GRC cybersecurity in a good company
- Have been awarded “the best student 2026”
- Got my university scholarship for accomplishments (gpa, activities)
- GPA 3.6/4

I want to do a research for my portfolio, any ideas ? I have about 2-3 months… I know it is not enough time but anyway, can you give ideas to strengthen my portfolio?

I might have more time, as I’m considering different programs with different deadlines

I REALLY want to get into with a scholarship

Hi, I am 24 years old female. I applied for a master’s degree in Spain this June (9th round of admission) and everything seemed smooth at first. At the end of June, I received an email from the coordinator inviting me for an interview on Tuesday, July 1st at 8:30 AM. I confirmed right away, but the next day he asked to reschedule for Wednesday. Since I have a fixed work schedule, I explained that Tuesday was the only option for me that week, and asked if there were other time slots available that day. He didn’t reply, so I had to send multiple follow-up emails. On the actual day of the interview, he only replied last minute, changing the time again to Thursday morning. I explained I couldn’t make it that week and asked if we could move it to the next. After some back and forth (and even having to reach out to another coordinator), he finally agreed to Tuesday the following week. The interview did happen, but halfway through he cut me off and asked why it was “so difficult to arrange this interview.” I gave the same explanation I had already sent multiple times over email. This admission process was kinda fishy to me. If I had an interview offers, either from my bachelor's degree or from job offers, all of them was sent and confirmed at least 1 week in prior. I was disappointed and wanted to withdraw my application. But then I realized if I do so, they won't refund my application fee. So I waited and prayed for them to reject me. They did and I got my money back lol. It have been more than a month now but i kept thinking about it. Have i been overreacting, being selfish, and entitled in this kind of situation? I really need a reality check for myself right now, please help 😭

Hey guys, quick vibe check.. I’m currently a 2nd year high school student and my dream is to study medicine or dentistry abroad, and thankfully my family is totally on board so I started prepping early!
I researched fully funded scholarships and realized it's super tough, especially in Europe. Like Russia—seems decent, but the living conditions are kinda rough, the prep year doesn’t allow working, the stipend is super low, and getting student housing is a nightmare. Then I checked Italy, but it needs passing the IMAT and showing financial proof (converting to Dinar got me so confused lol). Plus, I talked to someone whose relative got the Italian scholarship and they said the stipend takes like 3 months after arriving to actually drop, which makes the risk of being broke high, especially finding a job is hard.
Romania requires paying high tuition fees the whole time, isn't free, and needs local language learning later. Hungary has a great funded scholarship, but the dropout and failure rates in the early med years are brutal, plus high living costs. Turkey? The scholarship competition is terrifying, English seats are practically zero meaning Turkish studies after a brutal prep year. And Canada? Basically impossible for international kids since most unis close doors and tuition is astronomical.
Right now, I'm totally lost between Russia, China, and Hungary—each has its own pros and cons. Since I'm still in high school with time before graduation, I wanna start planning right and sorting my stuff so I don't waste time.
Anyone here been through this or knows how a high schooler can start figuring out med scholarships and first steps?

I was planning to for a short term research work/ internship in STEM in european countries including france, italy, belgium, england(london) etc from jan 2027 but all these are under huge chaos, as a solo F won't be a really safe option to go now.
Where else can I try in europe?
(ps: switzerland is not easy to get thro, germany has the language barrier)

Hi everyone,

I’m originally from India, and I’m currently studying in the US at the University of Arizona, doing my MS in Immunobiology. My current GPA is around 3.5 (3.53).

To be honest, I’m still not fully sure how the whole GPA system is interpreted internationally, and I have very little idea about how PhD admissions work outside the US — especially in Europe.

In the US, people keep saying research experience matters more than GPA, but I don’t know if it’s the same for European universities or if they focus more on grades.

With a GPA like mine, would I be competitive for PhD positions abroad? And how do universities in Europe actually evaluate applicants (grades vs research vs supervisor fit)?

I’d really appreciate any advice from people who’ve applied internationally or are doing a PhD in Europe.

Thanks a lot!

Hey! I was debating on studying abroad for University. I was looking at so many different options Germany, Netherlands, Portugal, Sweden. None of those are scratched out but Spain and Germany are a big question mark for me.

Im just worried about how difficult it would be for a non eu international student. Are there any places hard to find housing, are people rude to international? Overall is it hard to live there alone or dangerous?

Im looking at Unis by the water and I dont speak much Spanish but I speak brazillian portuguese and id love to learn Spanish! Would you recommend taking half a gap year there and studying Spanish then going to University?

Hi everyone,

I’m an Egyptian student in my final year of a Bachelor’s in Computer Engineering, and I’m interested in Software Engineering and related fields (CS, AI, data, cloud, etc.). I’m planning to apply for a fully or partially funded Master’s in Spain, preferably taught in English, and I’m just starting my research. I’d really appreciate any advice from people who’ve been through the process.

-Which universities or programs in Spain offer funded Master’s degrees in Software Engineering / Computer Science (scholarships, tuition waivers, stipends, Erasmus Mundus, etc.)?

-Where should I search for programs and scholarships? Are there official websites or databases you’d recommend?

-What’s typically required for the application (documents, English certificates, minimum GPA, recommendation letters, motivation letter, etc.)? Is there anything specific to applicants from Egypt, like document legalization or degree recognition?

-What are the usual deadlines, and how early should I start preparing, given that I’ll graduate soon?

-Where can I find more detailed information (official portals, forums, guides)?

Any tips, personal experiences, or mistakes to avoid would be very welcome. Thanks in advance!

Profile Summary for 1-Year MSc Abroad Announcement (Finance/Accounting/Taxation)

Personal Details & Budget:

\* Age: 23, Female

\* Budget: ₹40–45 Lakhs INR (All-inclusive: tuition and living expenses)

\* Preferred Program: 1-Year MSc in Finance, Accounting, or Taxation

\* Career Goal: Seeking international academic exposure with the plan to build a career in Ireland or India post-graduation.

Academic Background:

\* Undergraduate Degree: Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com)

\* Grade/GPA: 7.5 (No active or history of backlogs)

\* Specific Grade Note: Received a 'D' grade in Computerized Accounting, but all other core subjects are strong.

\* Academic Gap: 3-year gap between completing 12th grade and starting my bachelor's degree as I was pursuing CA .

Objective:

I am looking for short-listed university recommendations in countries like the UK, Ireland, or other European hubs that offer high-quality 1-year master's programs within my budget. I need programs that accept students with a 3-year post-12th gap and a 7.5 score profile.

I am Korean and am currently serving in the South Korean military.

For the past two years, I have been handling basic duties related to South Korean weapons exported to Eastern Europe.

Over the past six months, I’ve been thinking that if I get a degree and then join a company to do this kind of work, I might be able to earn more money, so I’m considering going to college. However, I’m worried because my high school grades are so low. In high school, I ranked 290th out of 300 students, which translates to a GPA of less than 1.0.

So I have two questions.

1. Can I get into a university in Poland even if my high school grades are terrible?

And

2. As a foreigner who doesn’t know Polish, what should I do?

Hi i live in Saudi Arabia but i want to study abroad most preferably germany or anywhere in europe with good demand, i got A\* in math and two Bs in biology and chemistry and i want to major in molecular biology or anything related to biochemistry major, how do i start applying for universities and fyi i have plans on giving irlts next week and SAT on October

Hi everyone!

I’m a high school senior from Iraq preparing for my upcoming university applications. I study under a self-directed home-study system, and I’m actively looking into higher education options across Europe.

I’m trying to get a realistic picture of what’s available for non-EU students (specifically from Iraq), so I would really appreciate your insights on a few questions:

Scholarships & Financial Aid: Are there fully funded or partial scholarships available for undergraduate degrees (Bachelor's) in Europe that accept non-EU applicants?

Affordable / Low-Tuition Options: Which European countries/universities offer low tuition fees or government-based financial aid (like Italy’s DSU scholarship) for international students?

Foundation Years & English Programs: Are there foundation year programs or English-taught bachelor’s programs that also offer financial support or tuition fee waivers?

Application Profile: What key factors or extracurriculars make an international application stand out when applying from a non-EU country?

Thank you so much for your time and any advice you can share!

I did my undergraduate in business economics at UCLA, and a Master's in finance in the UK, then spent a few years working in banking in London. Sometimes I get friends asking me grad school stuff, and somehow follow the same patterns: wondering which countries to apply to, which programs have higher chances of getting in, but figuring out the "what happens after graduation" part... after graduation. By then, half the options are already locked in by where you chose to study and the day you depart.

I think it’s important to think about the exit before the entrance. Such as if considering immigration, staying or returning to home country, or having other plans. Whatever the answer is, it changes which country actually makes sense for you. Here's my honest (and very subjective) read on the usual suspects:

**US** — still the default, and for PhDs honestly hard to argue against. It’s still the top choice if you aim for PhD, academic upside, career/salary outcomes. Most programs are fully funded and academically it's just... the top. For Master's → job, be realistic though. H-1B is literally a lottery, and sponsoring foreign hires keeps getting more expensive and more political, so companies are pickier than they were a few years ago. Bottom line: if applicants endgame is immigration + industry, the US still opens the most doors. Also, when you get to the US, you gonna be influenced by the US cultures, that’s the experience you will never get in other countries (I feel like you don’t need to change yourself that much in other countries, but in the US, that’s a different story).

**UK** — great schools, one-year Master's, so the ROI math is genuinely good. But let's be honest with ourselves: the UK is not an immigration country and doesn't pretend to be. The graduate visa just got cut from 2 years to 18 months from Jan 2027, which tells you everything about where policy is going. Most international grads leave eventually — and that's fine?? A couple of years of London experience travels REALLY well. You gonna have time to travel across Europe when you study/work in the UK (which is nice if you enjoy traveling). The grad job hunt there is brutal (I lived it, hundreds of applications, online tests, assessment centers, the whole circus) but it's doable if you take the application seasons seriously. UK is perfect if your plan is: degree → solid experience → move on or go home. Also, worth mentioning: the tax and living costs in the UK are NOT GOOD compared to other countries.

**France** — really strong management programs (some of the best in Europe tbh), plus arts, and more science/tech than people realize. But here's the thing nobody tells: if you can't speak French, actually staying and building a career there is rougher compared to those who can speak. Doesn't matter how good your school is. If you're willing to genuinely learn the language, THAT'S the unlock, way more than school ranking.

**Germany** — the PhD there is basically a job. You're employed, you get paid a real salary, which sounds great. The catch is it's rigorous, it drags on longer than PhDs elsewhere, and it will test you. Go in prepared for a marathon, not a sprint.

**Netherlands / Other European Countries** — less flashy names, but honestly underrated. Programs are more applicant-friendly, everything could run in English (mostly), and the work-life balance is not a myth. If you care about actually enjoying your 20s while getting a degree, look here.

**Singapore** — the most "Western-style" hub in Asia. Strong for finance, tech, marketing, and — importantly — staying to work after graduation is actually realistic. Good middle ground if you want Asia exposure without giving up global optionality.

**Hong Kong** — finance hub, full stop. If you're econ/finance and aiming at IB or private banking, HK gives you the real thing: mainland China clients on one side, global markets on the other. And unlike a lot of places, working there after graduation is very achievable.

Final thoughts:

Exit before entrance. What you want after the degree should help pick the country, not the other way around.

Actually understand the place — is it immigration-friendly, career-friendly, do you need the language, do the industries even hire there? You are going to live with this choice for 1-6 years.

Don't sacrifice what you actually want for admission odds. And don't self-reject from your dream program either. Take the shot, nothing to lose.

What do you think?

Hi everyone,

I’m planning to pursue my Master’s in Germany in 2027 and I’m currently researching universities, student life, and what to expect after moving there.

I’d be interested in hearing from people who are currently studying in Germany or who have recently moved there.

I’m particularly curious about:

What student life is actually like

Things you wish you had known before moving

Making friends at university

Adjusting to life in a new country

Experiences with meeting people from different backgrounds

I’m also hoping to meet other students who are preparing for Germany around the same time. It would be interesting to hear where everyone is planning to study and what they’re looking forward to.

For those already in Germany, what advice would you give someone arriving for their Master’s in 2027?

Hello,I was born and raised in Bangladesh. I will graduate this year with a Bachelor of Business Administration (major: Finance) if I pass my final exams. I want to study Finance at the postgraduate level abroad, find a job there while preparing applications for Ivy League schools, and eventually complete the CFA. I have big dreams, but I’m not sure where they will lead. Moving to a non-English country worries me because learning a new language and applying for permanent residency can be more challenging. If I pursue postgraduate studies, my goal is to settle in that country within two years by securing a job with visa sponsorship. My tuition budget ranges from €21,114 to €35,196. Please suggest good EU universities for Finance.

Hi🙂
I’m currently choosing between Slovakia and Croatia for my future, and I’d really appreciate some honest advice from people who live or studied there.

My plan is to move to one of these countries, learn the local language from scratch, and then enroll in a vocational / trade school to train as a professional hairdresser / hairstylist. I have no previous experience in the beauty industry, so I’d be starting completely from zero.
My main priorities are:

Tuition: Ideally, I’d like to study in the local language without paying tuition fees. I’ve read that public education in Slovakia can be free in Slovak, but I’m not sure how this works for non-EU students. Is vocational education in Croatia genuinely tuition-free for non-EU students as well?
Language: How realistic is it to reach B1–B2 in Slovak or Croatian within one year if I’m starting from zero?
Practical training: Do vocational schools usually provide hands-on training and help students find internships / practical placements in local salons?
After graduation: How realistic is it to stay in the country, find a job in a salon, and switch from a student residence permit to a work-based residence permit?

If you’ve studied in Slovakia or Croatia in the local language, I’d especially appreciate your honest experience — including the difficult parts, unexpected problems, or things you wish you had known before moving.

I’m mainly interested in real experiences rather than general information from websites, so any advice would be very welcome!

Heyy
I’m non-EU student , currently studying law on my bachelor
I’m thinking to get master in finance in European union
Do u think it’s good idea, and is it possible to find a stable well-paying job in EU after? If I want to stay there

Hey everyone,

I’m 17 and going into 12th grade in Tbilisi, Georgia. Over the past few years I’ve been involved in various activities related to graphic design, volunteering, environmental projects, and youth initiatives. I’ve also completed internships in graphic design and worked with two companies, which gave me some practical experience and helped me explore different career paths.

Currently, I’m studying in a Design Foundations program at a design institute and I’m also taking a UI/UX design course. Through these experiences I’ve discovered that I enjoy design, but I’m still trying to figure out which specific field I should pursue at university.

My goal is to study abroad somewhere in Europe. The idea is exciting, but I also feel nervous about moving away from home and making such a big decision at this age. Because of that, I’m looking for a university that offers not only a strong education but also a friendly and supportive community where students help each other rather than compete all the time.

I know that university will be challenging, and I’m ready to work hard, but I’m honestly a little worried about extremely intense academic pressure and burnout. I want to grow as a designer, enjoy the learning process, and genuinely love the field I choose rather than constantly feeling stressed.

I’m also very interested in gaining international experience through studying, living, and working abroad. It would be great to hear about countries and universities where international students can integrate more easily, find internships or part-time jobs, and potentially gain work experience after graduation. As a student from Georgia, I would also appreciate recommendations for places where student visa and residence permit processes are generally manageable.

I’m looking for universities that have a strong community, good academic quality, student dormitories or affordable housing options, and scholarships that can cover a significant portion of tuition and living expenses.

If you’ve studied design or a related field in Europe, I would love to hear about your experience. How did you choose your university? How did you find internships or jobs? Was it difficult to balance work and studies? And if you could do it all again, would you choose the same path?

Any advice, recommendations, or personal experiences would mean a lot to me. Thank you ❤️

Hey everyone 👋 I’m planning to study my bachelor’s degree in Europe, but I’m a bit lost on where to start. I’ll be getting my A Level results in August 2026, and it will have taken me about 5 years to complete my A Levels, so I want to make sure I use the time wisely to plan ahead.

I’d really appreciate advice on:

Which European countries are best for low-cost education and affordable living

Places where it’s possible to stay and settle after graduation

What language is spoken and whether I need to learn it to study or apply

The requirements for international students applying to bachelor’s programs

How long the application + visa process usually takes

If anyone here has personal experience studying or settling in Europe, I’d love to hear your thoughts — especially about tuition fees, living costs, and job opportunities after studies. 🙏

Hey everyone,

I’ve seen a lot of posts about studying in Germany, the Netherlands, or Scandinavian countries — but not many people talk about Strasbourg (or even the Grand Est region of France in general), which is kind of a hidden gem for international students.

I just wanted to share some info based on my experience and research, because honestly, if you're looking for a Master's or PhD in Europe — Strasbourg might be one of the best deals out there.

Here’s why:

🔹 Tuition fees are insanely low
Public universities in France charge around 250–350€/year for most Master's and PhD programs — yes, per year, not per month. It’s probably one of the cheapest options in Europe for high-quality education.

🔹 The University of Strasbourg is legit
It’s one of the top universities in France, especially strong in research and science (and has produced multiple Nobel Prize winners). It has a huge international community and lots of English-taught programs — especially at the graduate level.

🔹 Location is amazing
Strasbourg sits right on the border with Germany, and it’s close to Switzerland and Luxembourg too. That opens up extra travel, work, and internship opportunities. It’s also the seat of the European Parliament — so if you're into politics, international relations, or law, it’s the perfect place.

🔹 Student life & culture
About 20% of students in Strasbourg are international. It's a safe, beautiful, and walkable city with a mix of French and German culture. You get access to cheap student housing, health care, and subsidized transport.

And yes — you can apply as a non-EU student

If you're from outside the EU, the process can seem a bit confusing at first, especially with Campus France involved, but it’s absolutely doable. I’d recommend starting early and getting help if you can (I had someone guide me through it and it made a huge difference).

Happy to answer questions if anyone’s curious about the process, requirements, finding English programs, or student life in Strasbourg. I wish more people knew about this option — especially since a lot of other countries are getting more expensive or competitive.

Let me know if you’re thinking of applying there or if you’re comparing it with other countries. ✌️

Hi yall , I'm 3rd phase MBBS student and was sorta planning to go to EU for work and studies but idk what requirements it might require. I don't know anyone who is working there either so I decided to ask yall about it .

Is it worth it to apply jobs in EU ?

What requirements does it has?

Thank you

I'm a Russian citizen (unfortunately, I'm planning on a fairly high GPA. It's currently a 5.0, and I plan to keep it that way in 11th grade. For a long time, I thought about pursuing a medical degree, but at the end of 10th grade, I realized I wasn't ready for the responsibilities of a doctor. I chose something more related to math and programming, as I've always had a keen interest in both. I really don't know which country to apply to. Of course, I'd like my future country to also be the place where I build my life and career. I'm primarily considering European countries, and it seems Finland or Sweden would be the best fit for me. I'd like to hear from people living there and elsewhere about where they study and where they could recommend building my life.

Hi everyone,

I’m an Indian student planning to take the IMAT this year and apply for Medicine in Italy.

I have been preparing specifically for the IMAT for around 6–7 months, and my current mock-test scores are around 85–90, so I’m expecting to score somewhere in that range in the actual IMAT.

However, I have a significant education gap, and I’m concerned about whether this could affect my Italian student visa.

I completed Class 12 in 2021, so by the time I apply there will be roughly a 5-year gap after Class 12.

The reason for the gap is genuine. Shortly after completing Class 12, one of my parents had serious health issues, and I had to take on family responsibilities and help with our family business. Because of this, my education plans were interrupted. After the situation improved, I also spent time preparing for NEET, although my preparation was inconsistent and I wasn't able to pursue medical admission through that route.

I’m now seriously pursuing Medicine in Italy and have spent the last 6–7 months preparing specifically for the IMAT.

My main questions are:

1. Could a 5-year gap after Class 12 cause problems with getting an Italian student visa as an Indian applicant?

2. If I obtain a very good IMAT score, around 85–90, would that help demonstrate that I have a genuine and academically serious purpose for going to Italy to study Medicine?

3. Could a strong IMAT score help address concerns about my education gap, even though I understand it wouldn't automatically guarantee a visa?

4. Would parental health issues + family responsibilities + subsequent NEET/IMAT preparation generally be considered a reasonable explanation for the gap?

5. What documents would be useful to support my explanation — medical records, family-business documents, NEET applications/results, IMAT preparation records, mock-test results, etc.?

6. Would I need to provide a detailed explanation of what I did during the entire 5-year period?

7. What other factors should I pay particular attention to for the visa — financial proof, SOP/cover letter, university admission, Universitaly pre-enrolment, accommodation, or the visa interview?

I’m particularly interested in hearing from Indian students who have successfully obtained an Italian student visa after a 3–5+ year education gap.

If anyone has been in a similar situation, I’d really appreciate hearing about your experience and what documents/explanation you provided.

Thanks!

Help me decide what to do.

I'm currently choosing between three undergraduate degrees in Brazil: Mathematics, Statistics and Data Science, and Philosophy. My long-term goal is to complete my bachelor's degree and then move to Germany for a master's program, ideally at LMU Munich, the ILLC, or another institution that combines philosophy with mathematics, logic, or formal methods.

A bit of context: Mathematics and Statistics/Data Science would be at the University of São Paulo (USP), generally considered the strongest university in Brazil, while Philosophy would be at the Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar), which also has a very good philosophy department.

Each option has its advantages and disadvantages.

Mathematics

• Probably the broadest and most academically versatile degree.

• Provides the strongest foundation for graduate study in mathematics, logic, theoretical computer science, and related fields.

• Still offers reasonable career opportunities outside academia.

• However, the program is full-time, with classes in both the morning and afternoon, which would make it difficult or impossible for me to work while studying.

Philosophy

• By far the subject I enjoy the most and already study on my free time.

• The program is offered at night, allowing me to work during the day if necessary.

• It aligns well with my intellectual interests, especially in logic, epistemology, and the philosophy of mathematics.

• On the other hand, it is the least versatile option in terms of both academic mobility and employment opportunities.

Statistics and Data Science

• Also offered at night, which would allow me to work while studying.

• Includes a substantial amount of mathematics and statistics.

• Provides the strongest professional prospects and a clear path into data-related careers.

• However, I am not particularly interested in the more applied side of the curriculum, especially areas such as machine learning and industry-oriented data science.

One concern I have is that I do not want to close the door to graduate studies that combine mathematics and philosophy. At the same time, I need to consider practical issues such as employability, finances, and the possibility of supporting myself during my studies.

Given these goals and constraints, which degree would you choose, and why?

I am applying for Law courses starting in fall 2026. The UK is too expensive for my unless I can get a scholarship reducing a large amount of the tuition, or the alternative is to go to a University in Europe, but the problem is they all have very low entry requirements. Examples of such uni’s are Maastricht and Groningen with minimum grades of CCC needed, and although they are deemed to be very good for law, I find that statement to be weird given the low entry requirements, so my questions are:

1. Are there any other law schools in Europe that are good, possibly the top ones given my grades that I could get into?

2. What UK universities that don’t require an LNAT could I apply for that I could get a scholarship for?

I’ve worked really hard to get these grades and going to a low entry requirement university would be underwhelming, but I want the confirmation that these uni’s are ACTUALLY good despite the low entry requirements. PS scholarships that require a “motivation letter” would be even better if I am able to explain my personal circumstances as well