Admission and entry to university

As an EU citizen, you are entitled to study at any EU university under the same conditions as nationals. However, conditions of entry vary significantly between individual countries and universities.

Different rules may apply to university fees and grants, depending on the country.

Knowledge of the language of the host country may also be required to enrol into university, so in some EU countries you may be asked to take a language test. Exceptions can be given based on individual circumstances if, for example, you have already lived or worked in a country using the relevant language.

Applying to university as an upper secondary school graduate

If you just completed upper secondary education in your home country, you could still go to university in another EU country even though you may not have previous educational experience there. Each country is free to stipulate the level of secondary education future students need for university admission

National governments have sole responsibility for recognising university qualifications obtained elsewhere, so it is always recommended to check the specific requirements from the university you are applying to. Check the different university systems by country to be informed about the different conditions and requirements to enrol.

If you want further advice or information on recognition matters and assessment of qualifications, you can:

• check for the recognition of university diplomas
• check below the different university systems by country.

University systems by country

You should find out about the higher education system in the country where you wish to study before you leave home.