Europe is on the list of every traveller! Filled with history, stunning landscapes, breathtaking architecture, and diverse cultures, Europe offers experiences that last a lifetime.
Apart from cultural immersion, Europe offers tons of educational and career opportunities. Europe is one of the largest hosts of international students, receiving over a million students yearly. If you plan to study or work in Europe, you’re on the right track!
One of the most important barriers when it comes to moving abroad is Language! The good news is there are tons of English speaking countries in Europe.
English is one of the dominant languages worldwide, and the same is true for European countries such as Germany, Sweden, Ireland and the Netherlands.
Fun fact: English is a West Germanic language that originated in England!
In this blog, we’ll explore the top 10 English speaking countries in Europe and the interesting range of opportunities they offer in terms of education and career.
Let’s begin!
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List of English Speaking Countries in Europe 2024
Every region of Europe has its own official language. However, due to Europe’s active global involvement in providing international education and career opportunities for people worldwide, English is one of the primary languages.
The EF English Proficiency Index recently released a list of 113 countries, ranking them based on their English proficiency. Undoubtedly, European countries dominated the list of the top 50, with most of them ranking under the top 10.
Below is a list of the best English speaking countries in Europe!
The Netherlands
The Netherlands has been placed at the top of the list by the EF English Proficiency Index 2023 for a reason! 90-93% of the Dutch can speak excellent English, making blending in with the locals incredibly easy.
The Netherlands has a thriving economy and is home to many Multinational companies. The Netherlands is also a picturesque country, attracting thousands of tourists every year. Undeniably, these factors have influenced the English language proficiency of the Dutch.
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Austria
Austria lies at the heart of Europe and is known for the incredible quality of life it offers. The country has historic castles, majestic palaces, and splendid gardens. Though German is the country’s national language, Austrians speak fluent English.
Austrians learn English as early as in school, making it one of the best English speaking countries in Europe.
Denmark
Denmark is a part of the Scandinavian region of Europe, and full of scenic beauty! Over 86% of Denmark’s population can speak English. Therefore, it’s easy to live in Denmark as an international student or traveller.
Denmark has one of the strongest economies in the world, and its education system has an international reputation. Known for its innovation and open, art-of-state research facilities, Denmark is truly a country that has it all.
Norway
Norway is known for its natural beauty. The official language of Norway is Norwegian. However, they still use English as their second language, which is why it makes it to our list of best English speaking countries in Europe!
Norway welcomes students and tourists from all over the world and naturally has over 4 million English speakers! The country is bustling with career opportunities for foreigners.
Sweden
Sweden stands as one of the world’s most picturesque countries and is full of scenic beauty and friendly wildlife. Sweden is a tourist hub but is also especially important for its thriving global community and education system.
Sweden is increasingly connected with the world through businesses and education. As an influence, Sweden’s population has excellent English proficiency and was ranked 6 (out of 113 countries in the world) by EF EPI 2023.
Here’s a list of the Top 15 English Speaking Countries in Europe
| EF EPI Ranking 2023 (out of 113 countries) | English Speaking Countries in Europe |
| 1 | Netherlands |
| 3 | Austria |
| 4 | Denmark |
| 5 | Norway |
| 6 | Sweden |
| 7 | Belgium |
| 8 | Portugal |
| 9 | Germany |
| 11 | Croatia |
| 12 | Greece |
| 13 | Poland |
| 14 | Finland |
| 15 | Romania |
| 16 | Bulgaria |
| 17 | Hungary |
English Speaking Countries in Europe for International Students
Europe is a great study destination and is full of high-ranking universities offering plenty of English courses. Europe welcomes millions of students worldwide every year, with the UK being the most popular European country for international students, especially Indians.
Europe is home to some of the oldest universities in the world, such as Oxford University (UK), University of Cambridge (UK), Sorbonne University (France), and University of Heidelberg (Germany).
European universities are known for their quality education and offer some of the best technologies, equal learning opportunities for all students, well-rounded curriculums, and innovative learning strategies!
Some European regions, such as Norway, Denmark and Finland, are particularly affordable for international students.
Below is a list of top countries in Europe for studies.
| Country | Average Tuition Fee (Per Year) | Average Cost of Living (Per Month) |
| United Kingdom (UK) | 9L-30L | 85K |
| Ireland | 8L-30L | 89K |
| Germany | 25K-37L | 88K |
| Norway | 8L-17L | 1L |
| Denmark | 5L-14L | 98K |
Top Universities in Europe for International Students
Universities in Europe dominate the list of top universities in the world. European universities not only provide an excellent standard of education and internationally recognised degrees but also have exceptional employment outcomes.
Though English is widely spoken throughout the continent, it’s important to understand that countries like France, Norway, and Germany prioritise their national languages along with English. Therefore, some of these universities may have fewer English-taught courses.
European universities accept students in two or three intakes, typically in September, January and May.
To get into European universities, you must exhibit good English proficiency. During the admissions, you must provide proof of your language proficiency. Most countries also need your language proficiency scores for Visa purposes.
IELTS is a commonly accepted English proficiency test. Some countries also accept TOEFL, Duolingo, and PTE. The IELTS score requirement for undergraduate courses is 6, and for postgraduate courses, you will need a 6.5. This can vary depending on the university and your course.
Also Read: IELTS Score for UK
Here’s a list of the top 10 universities in Europe.
| University | Country | QS Ranking for UK (2024) |
| University of Oxford | UK | 1 |
| ETH Zurich | Switzerland | 2 |
| University of Cambridge | UK | 3 |
| Imperial College of London | UK | 4 |
| UCL | UK | 5 |
| The University of Edinburgh | UK | 6 |
| Université PSL | France | 7 |
| The University of Manchester | UK | 8 |
| EPFL – École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne | Switzerland | 9 |
| King’s College London | UK | 10 |
Want to explore your study options in the UK and Ireland? LeapScholar has helped thousands of students find their dream universities in Europe. Now’s your turn! Book a free call with our experts, and find out more.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Q. Which countries mostly speak English in Europe?
A. English is the primary language in the United Kingdom, comprising England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The Netherlands is awarded to be the best English speaking country in Europe due to the level of proficiency. In Ireland, both English and Irish are commonly spoken. Additionally, Malta and Cyprus, due to historical ties with the United Kingdom, recognize English as an official language alongside their native languages.
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Q. Is English the official language in all English-speaking European countries?
A. No, English is not the official language of all countries in Europe. However, it is one of the most commonly spoken languages in the region. English originated in England and therefore is prevalent throughout the nation. Europe also hosts a large body of international students, immigrants, and tourists from all over the world who commonly speak English.
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Q. Do Scandinavian countries speak English?
A. Yes. The Scandinavian nations, including Sweden, Norway, and Denmark, are often ranked .in the top 10 English speaking countries of the world. Though English is not their primary language, Scandinavian countries have introduced comprehensive English education early in children’s academic journey, which helps them achieve great proficiency in the language.
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Q. Does Europe have universities that teach in English?
A. Yes, but the availability of English-taught courses depends on the region. Europe has plenty of popular study destinations, including one of the world’s largest hosts for international students, the UK, which offers a world-class education and globally recognised degrees. Germany and France do have English-taught courses, but some universities have fewer options, so it’s best to check.
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Q. How can I practice a British accent as an international student?
A. Immersing yourself in British media, including movies, TV shows, and podcasts, is an effective way to familiarize yourself with different accents. Engaging in conversations with native speakers and participating in language exchange programs provide practical opportunities to practice.
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Q. What are the popular study destinations in Europe for international students?
Popular study destinations in Europe include:
-UK
-Germany
-France
-The Netherlands
-Sweden
-Italy -
Q. Do I need a visa to study in Europe?
A. Yes. If you wish to study in European countries, you must apply for a student visa. The student visa requirements vary depending on the country you choose. You must also apply for the right student visa, considering the duration of your course. It’s best to start the visa process once you have an admission offer from the university.
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Q. Is studying in Europe affordable?
A. It depends on where in Europe you study. Studying in some parts of Europe, such as Denmark, Norway and Austria, can be highly affordable. However, studying in Sweden and some parts of the UK can be on the expensive side. It also depends on the universities you’re applying to. Public universities are cheaper, whereas private universities are often a bit expensive.
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Q. What is the duration of UG and PG courses in Europe?
A. Educational programs in universities may range from 2-4 years, depending on the level of your study. Undergraduate programs often last 3-4 years, whereas the Master’s programs can be completed within 2 years. The UK is especially known for its 1-year master’s courses, which also adds significantly to the affordability factor of the country.
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Q. What are the best universities in the UK for International Students?
A. Some of the best universities in the UK for international students include:
-The Oxford University
-The Cambridge University
-UCL
-University of Edinburgh
-University of Manchester -
Q. What are the best universities in France for International students?
A. Some of the best universities in France that international students prefer include:
-Paris Sciences et Lettres University
-PSL Research University Paris
-ENS Paris
-SaclayInsitut Politechnique de Paris
-Sorbonne University
-Ecole Normale Superieure de Lyo
