- Top-rated European universities for 2024 ranked based on student reviews showcasing overall experience.
- Ranking includes 3,236 reviews from students, ensuring accuracy with at least 10 reviews per university.
- Universities range from large institutions to smaller business schools, reflecting diverse educational opportunities.
- All top 10 universities scored above 4.4/5, indicating high satisfaction among students.
- Final ranking for 2024 to be published early next year, allowing prospective students to stay updated.
Getting ready to apply to university in the autumn? Then, along with perusing prestigious rankings and reading student reviews, you might be interested in discovering the best-rated European universities by students.
On EDUopinions, all student reviewers give their university an overall rating based on their experience on their course and more broadly at the university. Students can also give additional ratings for aspects like facilities, student life, and professors, but it’s their overall rating that best encapsulates their written review.
The following ranking shows which universities are considered the best among students this year so far.
We’ll be publishing a final ranking for 2024 early next year, so be sure to return to see if this universities have held their places in the top ten!
Best-Rated European Universities 2024
Summary and Methodology
To compile this ranking, we looked at only student reviews that had been posted between 1st January 2024 and 26th July 2024. We filtered by the number of student reviews posted for each institution, making sure we only looked at universities that had at least 10 student reviews for greater accuracy.
Based on this criteria, that gave us 3,236 student reviews for global universities in 2024. Finally, we filtered by region to look at only European universities.
The final ranking takes us all the way across Europe, from France to the UK, Italy to Spain. No one country dominates the ranking, and the average number of student reviews left for universities in the final ranking was 20.
Institutions on the list range from large regional universities to smaller business schools, representing the range of educational experiences available in Europe! All the universities in this top 10 received an average overall rating higher than 4.4/5, an excellent score.
10. Heriot-Watt University (4.417 Rating)
Students at Heriot-Watt University benefit from studying in the centre of Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital. With top cultural events like the Fringe, a huge range of historical attractions, and incredible scenery (a post-lecture walk up Arthur’s Seat, anyone?), students at Heriot-Watt are inundated with possibilities.
In addition to a high overall score, student reviewers also score Heriot-Watt highly for student life, value, and facilities, painting a picture of an affordable university with heaps of options for extracurricular activities.
Student Review – Accounting and BUsiness Finance
I was lucky enough to get 2 years in the new campus which was a fantastic upgrade from the previous one. Facilities are all top notch and there’s enough space for everyone. The classroom are tech friendly and there are lot of places to hangout with your friends.
I had chosen business and finance course and the knowledge gained from this course has definitely helped me in my current job, where I put theory to practice.
9. University of Pavia (4.462 Rating)
The University of Pavia is the only Italian institution to make it onto our of the best-rated European universities of 2024 so far. It’s one of the oldest universities in the world, so students at Pavia can take advantage of a rich educational heritage.
However, EDUopinions reviewers rate the University of Pavia the highest on this ranking for student life, for good reason. Pavia is a historic town in one of the most fertile provinces in Italy, meaning the town is packed with incredible cuisine, attractive views, and plenty of museums to keep you interested on the weekends.
Student Review – Social Sciences
The University of Pavia is a fantastic institution situated in a vibrant area surrounded by various universities. This environment has offered me a chance to interact with peers from diverse academic backgrounds. The academic standards are high, providing challenging coursework that prepares students effectively for their future careers. Moreover, the university provides opportunities to connect with inspiring individuals who motivate students to strive for excellence during their college experience.
8. Universitat de Girona (4.524 Rating)
The first of three Spanish universities on this list (the most-represented country on the ranking), the Universitat de Girona is situated in the ancient of Girona, in Catalonia. Though it has its roots in a 15th century university, the current institution was officially established in 1991, and it now appears in the prestigious Times Higher Education rankings of world universities.
Aside from giving the university a high overall score, students are also positive about the facilities available at the university and the quality of professors. Outside of studies, Girona’s the Medieval city centre is a beautiful place to explore during time off, where students can try local Catalonian cuisine and see the city’s varied history laid bare in its incredible architecture.
Student Review – Medicine
The University of Girona is a great place to learn. The teachers are enthusiastic and engaging, and the school offers many opportunities for students. There are small classes, close relationships with professors, and a variety of academic programs. Overall, I have been very happy with my experience at the school
7. ESCI School of International Studies (4.536 RATING)
ESCI is a business-focused institution in the heart of Barcelona, offering students a range of business and management degrees in a thriving city. The school also specialises in sustainability, offering Masters degrees in Sustainability Management and Sustainability Transition Management.
For students looking for a taste of ESCI life in Barcelona, or to see if business studies are right for them, you can apply for the four-week summer school. Along with a high overall rating (not far off the number six university below!), students rate ESCI highly for its professors; a reflection of the quality of education at this young, innovative business school.
Student Review – Advertising and Marketing
I found an amazing community at ESCI, and I loved being a part of it. It was simple to meet people who shared your interests on campus because of the diversity and abundance of clubs and groups and also the ever present lectures ready to answer all your questions patiently and guiding every step fo the way.
6. University of Roehampton (4.583 Rating)
The University of Roehampton has a reputation for having some of the most satisfied students in the UK. One of the reasons for this is Roehampton’s large, self-contained campus in south west London; the university calls itself ‘London’s Campus University’, and offers students the safety and community of a large university with proximity to all the attractions of the UK’s biggest city.
The university’s campus is near London hotspots like Richmond, Wimbledon, and Putney, giving students lots of options for weekend travels. At the same time, the large campus contains a huge range of facilities including a library and e-sports arena. EDUopinions reviewers rank Roehampton particularly highly for internationality and professors.
Student Review – Forensic Psychology
While the campus is scenic, some facilities are in need of modernization. Despite these drawbacks, the university’s commitment to inclusivity and student well-being remains a significant draw.
However, Roehampton provides a solid education with a strong sense of community, though there is room for improvement in certain administrative and infrastructural areas.
5. UCLL University of APplied Sciences (4.588 Rating)
One of the largest universities of applied sciences in Belgium, UCLL also benefits from an association with the prestigious KU Leuven, one of Belgium’s best universities. The result is a rigorous, practical university where courses prioritise building innovative, future-proofed skills and empowering students to make changes in society.
While UCLL ranks at number five overall in the best-rated European universities of 2024, it does even better when we consider other factors. The institution gains the highest scores of any university on this list for accommodation quality, career prospects, facilities, and value. So, if you’re looking for a university in Belgium where you can study a bachelor’s or advanced degree in business or computer science and that has a strong vision, UCLL could be for you.
Student Review – Computer Science
Life on campus definitely doesn’t feel like a typical university experience either. As a smaller institution, it’s easy to get around the compact campuses by foot or bike. Student housing options are plentiful and affordably priced if you do choose to live on or near campus. A busy program of clubs, sports, and cultural events also helps foster a real sense of community among the student population.
4. Universitat de Barcelona Business SChool (4.590 Rating)
As part of the University of Barcelona—one of Spain’s largest universities by student numbers—students at the University of Barcelona Business School can take advantage of a huge student and faculty network while enjoying a close-knit community in the business faculty.
There are clearly benefits to this educational structure, as students give the Universitat de Barcelona Business School the highest score for professors of any university on this list. The University of Barcelona is consistently ranked among the best universities in the world, reaching 152 on the Times Higher Education ranking last year.
Student Review – Accounting
The stunning campus is a sight to behold, particularly during autumn and summer. With all essential resources easily accessible, I was able to immerse myself in research closely tied to my personal interests. This experience deepened my understanding of my chosen field while connecting me with individuals who continue to positively influence my life.
3. SKEMA Business School (4.625 Rating)
Now we come to third place on the list of best-rated European universities of 2024, and it’s another business schools: SKEMA Business School. This school also ranks among the best European universities by the Financial Times, and EDUopinions reviewers recognise the quality of teaching, student life, and internationality in their reviews.
The latter is one of SKEMA’s core attractions. The student population is made up of 130 nationalities, and as well as a core campus in Paris, SKEMA has four international campuses in South Africa, China, the USA, and Brazil, extending the networks of all students at the university.
Student Review – Digital Business
As a BBA student, I’ve found the atmosphere at SKEMA to be extremely collaborative. Students are encouraged to work together on real-life projects and case studies. Student clubs and associations also provide great opportunities to connect and develop leadership skills. However, academic pressure can sometimes be intense, requiring good time management. I particularly appreciate the accessibility of the professors and their willingness to help us succeed.
2. Vilnius University (4.667 Rating)
The only university outside of Western Europe to make it onto this ranking, Vilnius University just beats SKEMA to the second-place spot. Best known for its scientific research, particularly into bacteria and DNA, Vilnius University can name Nobel Prize winners and scientific award-winners among faculty and alumni.
If you haven’t considered studying in Lithuania before, then this might change your mind; Vilnius University gets the highest individual score on this list for its location. Students at VU may be situated in either the Old Town campus in the centre of Vilnius, or the main university hub just outside the city centre. So, if you want a prestigious academic experience in a low-cost country (student reviewers also score VU high for value), then Vilnius University could be the place for you!
Student Review – Business Administration and Management
I’m a new student in the DeepTech Entrepreneurship program at Vilnius University, and my experience so far has been fantastic. The program offers a unique mix of technical and business education, which is perfect for anyone interested in tech innovation. The professors are passionate and very helpful, and the curriculum is both challenging and inspiring. I’ve already had opportunities to work on practical projects and network with industry professionals, which is incredibly valuable. The multicultural environment here is also great, as it brings different perspectives and ideas to the table. I’m excited to see where this journey will take me.
1. Clermont School of Business (4.722 Rating)
And the best-rated European university of 2024 so far according to EDUopinions reviewers is… Clermont School of Business!
The Masters in Management at Clermont ranks among the best in the world and 16th in France in the Financial Times ranking, while in the overall ranking of European business schools, it ranks among the top 25 in France. It’s also triple-accredited, holding accreditations from AMBA, EQUIS, and AACSB, a distinction that only 20 French business schools have.
There are more than 7,000 international students at Clermont, giving each of its four campuses a global outlook and feel. Student reviewers particularly highlight the internationality of Clermont—it gets the highest rating for this individual factor. Students also feel it offers value and strong career prospects.
Student Review – International Management
My stay at Clermont School of Business was very positive. There is a great atmosphere all around. Both french and international students are very welcoming and all the teachers, apart from being great professional, they are great people too. What I learned the most from my program was critical thinking and applied cases. More than learning the theory, we learn, when, how to apply it and analyze cases where it has been applied. Clermont is a great city, small, and cozy with a great student ambiance. Clermont School of Business values its students and makes sure they have every tool to succeed.
conclusion
So, these are our top-rated universities of 2024 so far. The variety of countries and types of institutions represented (across universities and business schools) is a reflection of the diverse student opinions posted on EDUopinions.
We’ll be updating this list early next year with a link to our final top schools of 2024 ranking, so make sure to come back to find out if these schools stayed in the top 10!
For now, why not read our tips for applying to international universities and what to remember when applying to business school.
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