TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The best universities in Europe are globally recognized for their academic excellence, innovative research, and influential alumni. Countries like the UK, Switzerland, and Germany consistently rank high in global education. These countries continue to set the standard for higher learning.
The best universities in Europe are renowned for their selective admissions and strong academic reputation. They are ranked in the US News Best Global Universities list, which evaluates them based on research performance and international recognition.
List of Best Universities in Europe
According to the US News, the University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, and Imperial College London once again lead the list of the best universities in Europe, alongside other strong contenders such as:
1. University of Oxford - United Kingdom
The University of Oxford is often recognized as the best university in Europe, standing as a world-class institution with a strong focus on research and academic excellence. Comprising 44 colleges and halls and supported by more than 100 libraries, it also houses the largest library system in the United Kingdom, making it a hub for knowledge and innovation.
Its alumni network of more than 250,000 people reflects the university’s lasting global impact, including 26 Nobel Prize laureates, over 120 Olympic medalists, and more than 30 world leaders who once studied within its historic halls.
2. University of Cambridge - United Kingdom
Another remarkable name on the list is the University of Cambridge, which offers students access to more than 100 libraries that enrich learning and research opportunities. With a legacy spanning over 800 years, the institution is home to world-class facilities, including renowned arts, scientific, and cultural museums.
Strengthening its position as a global leader in education, Cambridge also invests heavily in innovation, supported by an impressive research budget of $1.98 billion dedicated to advancing knowledge and discovery.
3. University College London - United Kingdom
Situated in the heart of London, University College London (UCL) holds a prominent place among the best universities in Europe, renowned for its academic excellence and global influence. Its legacy is reflected in an extraordinary alumni network that includes visionary figures such as Alexander Graham Bell and Mahatma Gandhi.
Today, UCL continues to shape the future through a dynamic curriculum offered across 11 faculties, ranging from Arts and Humanities and Engineering to Medical Sciences, Laws, and Social and Historical Sciences.
4. Imperial College London - United Kingdom
Ranked high among the best universities in Europe, Imperial College London is a powerhouse in science, technology, engineering, medicine, and business. Its legacy of innovation is highlighted by 14 Nobel Prize laureates, including Sir Alexander Fleming, the Scottish physician celebrated for discovering penicillin.
Through its International Research Opportunities Programme, undergraduates are given the chance to spend at least eight weeks studying at partner universities around the world, gaining invaluable global experience alongside their academic pursuits.
5. University of Amsterdam - Netherlands
The University of Amsterdam is praised by academics worldwide for its regional research reputation, which further cements the institution’s place as the top contender in the country. With a history dating back to 1632, the University of Amsterdam is now fully occupied by local and international students alike.
6. ETH Zurich - Switzerland
ETH Zurich continues to be one of the world’s leading public universities in science and technology, renowned for its strong interdisciplinary research across 16 departments. For more than 150 years, it has served as Switzerland’s national hub of innovation and education, fostering a spirit of curiosity and discovery. Students are encouraged to push the boundaries of knowledge through a wide range of research units and programs, making ETH Zurich a driving force in shaping scientific and technological advancements on a global scale.
7. King’s College London - United Kingdom
King’s College London has earned its place among the best universities in Europe, excelling across the humanities, law, sciences, and social sciences. The institution has played a pivotal role in major global breakthroughs, from helping uncover the structure of DNA to contributing to the invention of radar.
With nearly two centuries of academic excellence, King’s continues to balance innovation, research, and sustainability at the highest level. Remarkably, 84 percent of its research has been recognized as world-leading, reflecting the university’s enduring commitment to advancing knowledge.
8. University of Edinburgh - United Kingdom
The University of Edinburgh (UoE) proudly carries the title among the best universities in Europe, with a legacy of producing Nobel laureates across diverse fields, including Chemistry, Peace, Literature, and Economic Sciences. Its global reputation continues to draw more than 35,000 students from around the world, creating a vibrant and diverse academic community.
9. University of Copenhagen - Denmark
The University of Copenhagen (UCPH) is one of the largest centers for research and education in the Nordic region, with more than 40,000 students and 9,000 employees. As a member of the International Alliance of Research Universities (IARU) and the League of European Research Universities (LERU), UCPH contributes to advancing global academic collaboration.
The university also partners with leading private sector companies such as Microsoft, Novo Nordisk, Novozymes, VELUX, and GlaxoSmithKline, fostering innovation that connects scientific discoveries to real-world applications.
10. Humboldt University of Berlin - Germany
Rounding out the list, Humboldt-Universität in Berlin has a long history as one of the best universities in Europe. It collaborates with more than 190 institutions worldwide, including Princeton University, the National University of Singapore, and Brazil’s Universidade de São Paulo.
The university is also home to major interdisciplinary research centers, such as the August Boeckh Center for Antiquity and the Georg Simmel Center for Metropolitan Studies. Through these partnerships and research hubs, Humboldt continues to influence global education and innovation.
From Oxford to Humboldt, the best universities in Europe prove why the continent remains a powerhouse in higher education, research, and innovation. And, if you are ready to plan better, let’s put the cost of living in Oxford into consideration.
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