- QS European University Rankings include sustainability, academic reputation, and student reviews for comprehensive evaluation.
- Lund University tops Northern Europe rankings based solely on student ratings, highlighting accommodation and student life quality.
- ETH Zurich and EPFL dominate Western Europe, maintaining high scores for career prospects despite limited reviews.
- In Eastern Europe, Czech Technical University surpasses Charles University in ratings, showing diversity in student feedback.
- Universidad de Navarra dramatically rises to first in Southern Europe rankings, receiving exceptional scores for career prospects.
It’s ranking season! Everywhere you look, there’s a new list of the top X universities in X country or region of the world. Popular university rankings like the QS European University Rankings are well respected thanks to a comprehensive methodology that takes into account sustainability, academic reputation, research intensity and employment outcomes.
But what if you want to take into account student opinions of universities? How would the rankings change if we only looked at student reviews?
That’s the question we wanted to answer.
So, using student reviews, we’ve compiled new versions of the four regional QS European University rankings for Northern Europe, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, and Southern Europe.
New to the QS rankings in 2023, the European University Rankings methodology takes into account a few more factors, including inbound and outbound exchange student ratio and the number of academic papers per faculty.
For each of our rankings, we’ve taken the top 10 universities on each region’s list and ranked them by overall student rating given on EDUopinions student reviews.
💡 Interested in seeing how the QS World University Rankings changed when we shuffle the first ten European universities on the list according to student reviews? Check that out here.
The QS European University Rankings—Based on Student Ratings
Northern Europe
Original QS Ranking
The Northern Europe regional ranking is perhaps the most prestigious of the regional European QS university rankings. In fact, many of the universities that appear in the European and Global overall rankings also feature in the top positions in this ranking.
For example, Imperial College London, which takes the top spot in Northern Europe, is ranked the second-best in Europe overall. Likewise, Oxford and Cambridge are both considered
1. Imperial College London
2. University of Oxford
3. University of Cambridge
4. University College London – UCL
5. University of Edinburgh
6. University of Manchester
7. King’s College London
8. The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)
9. Lund UniversityÂ
10. University of Bristol
EDUopinions Student Reviews Version
The Northern Europe regional rankings undergo almost a complete reversal when only considering student reviews! The universities of Oxford and Cambridge suffer the most, dropping four positions each, which might come as a surprise considering their prestigious reputation.
Oxford and Cambridge both get lower scores for their location and internationality compared to other universities in the top 10. This may be down to the fact that
In a huge move, Lund University—the only non-UK university in the top 10—moves up almost the entire ranking to take the number one position. Students rate Lund highly for accommodation and student life, though with just 38 reviews, it also has fewer ratings than the other well-known universities on the ranking.
The University of Edinburgh also fares well, moving into the top three universities in Northern Europe. In our recent ranking of the universities with the happiest students, the University of Edinburgh also beat other popular UK universities to a top five position, and students rank it very highly for career prospects, too.
Rounding out the top three is Imperial College London, which remains in a high position when you only consider student ratings. Imperial scores highest in this ranking for career prospects and internationality, which reflects the strong academic reputation of this top university.
Student Review of Lund University
Lund University is a fantastic place to study, and I’m thoroughly impressed. The campus features state-of-the-art buildings, knowledgeable professors, and a comprehensive library. The departments are always willing to help, and the student community is diverse and vibrant, providing a unique opportunity to learn from and appreciate different cultures.
Student Review of The University of Edinburgh
The University of Edinburgh is, depending on what you want to gain from University, a great place to be. Ultimately, every student experience differs, but everybody tends to unite on the fact that the city is a fantastic place to be as a young adult. As an English Literature student, the bookshops everywhere offer a great way to engage with my course, and the standard of teaching is excellent. The tutors are a particular standout – they are always willing to offer help and are genuinely interested in the content.
Student Review of Imperial College London
Imperial is tough. It will work you hard; work hard, play harder. Imperial sets you up for life, from skills to networking opportunities from peers to faculty to job prospects. With more societies than any other university Imperial boasts a home for you.
Western Europe
Original QS Ranking
ETH Zurich took the top position in QS Overall Europe University Rankings, so it isn’t a surprise to see it at the top of the ranking for Western Europe as well.
Paris university PSL takes the number two spot, though this institution will be missing from our EDUopinions ranking because of a lack of student reviews.
Other prominent universities in the Western Europe ranking are the University of Heidelberg and the University of Amsterdam.
1. ETH Zurich
2. Université PSL
3. EPFL – École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne
4. Technical University of Munich
5. Delft University of Technology
6. University of Amsterdam
7. Universität Heidelberg
8. Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München
9. Institut Polytechnique de ParisÂ
10. KU Leuven
EDUopinions Student Reviews Version
Unfortunately, we’ve had to discount Université PSL and Institut Polytechnique de Paris from this ranking, given that we currently don’t have reviews from students or graduates at those institutions. If you’ve attended, write a review!
The ranking changes in the graphic above reflect PSL and Institut Polytechnique de Paris’ existing positions in the QS Western Europe rankings, at 2nd position and 9th position, respectively.
In general, when considering only student reviews, the Western Europe rankings don’t change all that much. It’s still Swiss universities that triumph over other countries in Europe, with EPFL and ETH Zurich in the top positions. However, the EPFL rating is based on just 3 reviews.
ETH Zurich, meanwhile, has garnered over 30 reviews, and students rate it highly for career prospects, internationality, and value for money.
The only Belgian university in the top 10, KU Leuven, has gained a higher score than LMU Munich to move up the ranking. Likewise, the Delft Institute of Technology is highly rated by students; they give the institution a particularly high score for career prospects, higher even than TU Munich and the University of Amsterdam.
Student Review of EPFL
It is a great university, well ranked worldwide, with a beautiful view on the lac and the Alpes from the campus. The courses and the programs are really interesting, the teachers are smart, but you have to work a lot, specially during the first year of bachelor, which is a kind of selective year.
Student Review of ETH Zurich
ETH Zurich is a very good university for studying. The lectures they offer are mostly interessting and well organized. However exams are hard and take a lot of studying to pass. The students associations at ETH Zurich are great and make studying at ETH even more interessting. They offer a great oppurtunity to have fun besides academic studying. Even though lectures can be hard it is absolutely worth it.
Student Review of Delft University of Technology
I liked the university and the programme specifically due to the
-Mostly high quality professors
-Wide variety of courses
-Practical projects and group work
-Student communities
-Career and networking opportunities
Eastern Europe
Original QS Ranking
The city of Prague is well-represented in the regional ranking for Eastern Europe. Charles University can also claim to be one of the oldest universities in the world, as it was established way back in 1347!
Hungary and Poland both have a strong showing of universities in this top ten. In fact, the city of Warsaw produces two universities that rank in the QS list.
1. Charles University
2. University of Warsaw
3. Jagiellonian University
4. Masaryk University
5. Czech Technical University in Prague
6. Eötvös Loránd University
7. Warsaw University of Technology
8. Palacký University Olomouc
9. University of Debrecen
10. Brno University of Technology
EDUopinions Student Reviews Version
The Eastern Europe regional rankings are dominated by universities in the Czech Republic and Poland, and (perhaps a testament to the accuracy of rankings) student ratings of these universities generally follow the QS ranking. However, low student reviews for Eastern European universities make this ranking less accurate than our other regional rankings.
So, the Czech Republic still has two universities in the top three, though Czech Technical University overtakes Charles University to take the top spot, and Masaryk University also moves up.
On the whole, ratings for universities in Eastern Europe are more diverse than for other regions. So, Czech Technical University gains an overall rating of 4.5, while Eötvös Loránd University only manages 3.75.
Student Review of Czech Technical University
Firstly, I would like to mention that CVUT is one of the best unis in Czech Republic.
After graduating it gives a plenty of opportunities to work since its certificate is recognised around the world in huge companies.
It’s not a secret that not all of the students can work while studying, it’s quite difficult to study there but it worth it.
Inside, every faculty’s building is modern. Especially FIT, where I am studying now looks great. Professors and tutors create opportunity to study, they can answer to all your questions if there are.
Secondly, getting to the uni is not that difficult even if you live far from it. Transportation in public is so developed and trams can get you anywhere quickly.
For instance, I am living in Prague 3 and uni is located in Prague 6, even though in map it the distance could be seen so far, by using tram I get to the uni in 20-30 minutes.
To sum up, it can be difficult to study there and subject can be hard too but it worth it since after it creates you a huge opportunity to work in successful companies without any doubt.
Student Review of Masaryk University
I’ve been studying at Masaryk University for two years now, and I must say it’s been an incredible experience! The university offers a wide range of programs and courses, and the faculty is incredibly knowledgeable and supportive. The campus is modern and well-equipped, with state-of-the-art facilities and resources.
Student Review of Jagiellonian University
The professors are absolutely fantastic! They have such a deep knowledge of their subjects and their teaching methods are truly captivating. The way they engage with students and encourage critical thinking is truly innovative. The classrooms are modern and well-equipped, creating a dynamic learning environment. It’s no wonder you’re enjoying your stay there and finding the classes so skilled and captivating! Keep immersing yourself in the local culture and traditions while you continue to have an amazing experience at Jagiellonian University.
Southern Europe
Original QS Ranking
Politecnico di Milano is frequently ranked as one of the best universities in the world, never mind just in Southern Europe. The institution is also home to one of Europe’s top-ranked business schools, which has increased its reputation internationally.
Across the rest of the ranking, capital cities, including Madrid, Lisbon, and Rome, are well represented. However, non-capital universities, like the University of Navarra and Università di Padova, also make the ranking.
1. Politecnico di Milano
2. Università di Bologna
3. Universitat de Barcelona
4. Complutense University of Madrid
5. Sapienza University of Rome
6. Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona
7. Universidad Autónoma de Madrid
8. Università degli Studi di Padova
9. University of Navarra
10. University of Lisbon
EDUopinions Student Reviews Version
Like the Northern Europe ranking, there’s a reasonably drastic change when you decide on the QS Southern Europe ranking with student reviews alone. Politecnico di Milano, one of the best-ranked universities in Europe, leaves the top three, while Universidad de Navarra surges eight places to take the number one position.
Universidad de Navarra gains an overall score of 4.62, compared to number-two Universitá di Bologna’s 4.17. However, both institutions receive high scores from students for career prospects.
Other Spanish universities aren’t as lucky as Navarra, and Universidad Complutense de Madrid drops the most on the ranking, right out of the top five. On the other hand, the University of Lisbon, the only Portuguese university on the list, does well, climbing seven places thanks to high scores for facilities, location, student life, and value for money.
Student Review of Universidad de Navarra
The UNAV is a wonderful University located in the north of Spain, Navarra. The environment of the University is full of green areas and active students minding their own business. Classes, professors and students are really nice and take very seriously the uni life. I love almost everything about UNAV, most importantly the fact that is religious and the majority of people in there are part of this community.
Student Review of Universitá di Bologna
This is a great school in an amazing area. I enjoy the people and
have equally found fun things. Although the class are challenging, All classes are engaging, informative and interesting, thereby making them nothing but great.
Student Review of the University of Lisbon
Overall, I have found it to be a well-rounded and demanding institution, with highly qualified professors and good resources. They also took great care to help students prepare for the future, both in terms of job prospects and international opportunities. My program is comprehensive so far and has shown it is very useful for my career. I do wish the bureaucracy was less of an obstacle, but it’s a small price to pay for the quality of the education I receive.
Conclusion
So, do you agree with the results of the QS European University Rankings: EDUopinions edition? Do you feel that they better reflect the quality of the university experience, or do you prefer the methodology of the QS rankings?
In the end, when you’re deciding where to study, it’s neither one nor the other. Both university rankings and student reviews can make it easier to objectively evaluate institutions and decide where is best for you.
If you want to read more student experiences, we recently looked at the results of the QS Best Student Cities 2025 ranking. Do students believe that London should take the top spot? Find out here.
Related Posts :
Recent Posts
We created the EDUopinions Student Reviews Guide to highlight students' opinions of universities. All of the rankings we produce as part of the Guide ...
The University of Pécs in Hungary ranks among the top 1,000 universities in the world, and in the top 300 in Europe. Located in one of Hungary’s best ...
Want to boost your skills with an MBA, but don’t want to take time out from your job to study – or move abroad? An Online MBA means you can study the ...
North-West University is globally recognised for its strong teaching and research; it is ranked seventh in Africa and among the top 1,000 ...