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The list for QS World University Rankings Europe 2025 is released, and one can refer to the top universities all across Europe for the next year. As so many Indian students dream of pursuing their higher education abroad specifically in Europe which accounts for being home to a large proportion of international students, it becomes essential for them to refer to the QS World University Rankings to make a choice that will decide their future.
As per the latest QS World University Rankings Europe 2025, a range of 648 institutions have become part of the list from 40 different countries. Moreover, as far as the best universities in Europe for international students are concerned, ETH Zurich has made it at the top of the list followed by the Imperial College of London, and the University of Oxford, respectively.
Furthermore, the rest of the top 10 universities in Europe include the University of Cambridge, UCL, the University of Edinburgh, The University of Edinburgh, the University of Manchester, King’s College London, the University of PSL, and EPFL, etc.
While one is going through the latest Europe university rankings one should also check the QS World University Rankings 2025 to learn about all the leading universities across the globe for a wider range of options. The QS World University Rankings Europe 2024 list with comparable data has been provided in the article below.
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The QS World University Rankings Europe 2025 incorporates the list of the top 100 globally acknowledged institutions on the grounds of academic excellence, infrastructure, and facilities, placement opportunities, international student body, and much more.
In this article, check the complete details on the QS World University Rankings Europe 2025 list, previous year comparison, region-wise top universities, and more.
Read more: QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025
These QS World University Rankings Europe 2025 not only act as a filter to analyse universities based on their preference but also grant an insight into the reputation and status that many institutions have to uphold. Therefore, these QS rankings are drafted keeping in mind the value, vision, autonomy, and facilities that universities across the world offer to international students.
Below are the top 20 universities in Europe ranked by the QS World University Rankings for the year 2025:
Rank | University | Overall Score |
1 | ETH Zurich | 100 |
2 | Imperial College London | 99.5 |
3 | 99 | |
4 | 97.8 | |
5 | 97.2 | |
6 | The University of Edinburgh | 96.1 |
7 | 95.7 | |
8 | 94.9 | |
9 | Université PSL | 93.4 |
10 | EPFL – École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland | 93 |
11 | 92.1 | |
12 | 91 | |
13 | Lund University | 90.4 |
14 | 89.7 | |
15 | Delft University of Technology | 89.1 |
16 | 88.5 | |
17 | 87.2 | |
18 | Universität Heidelberg | 87 |
18 | 87 | |
20 | 86.9 |
It can be noticed that some minor changes have occurred if we compare the QS World University Rankings Europe 2025 to that of 2024. The most major trade of them all is the swap in the positions of the top 4 universities in Europe for masters as per the 2025 data.
For the year 2024, the QS World University Rankings Europe listed the University of Oxford at the top position which was followed by ETH Zurich, the University of Cambridge, and Imperial College, London at the ranks 2, 3, and 4 respectively. However, their positions are changed among each other as per the QS World University Rankings Europe 2025.
Also, consistency can be noticed in both the years' QS World University Rankings for top European universities like UCL and the University of Edinburgh at the positions of 5 and 6 respectively.
The comparison for QS World University Rankings Europe of the top 10 institutions for the years 2025 and 2024 is mentioned below:
Rank 2025 | Rank 2024 | University |
3 | 1 | University of Oxford |
1 | 2 | ETH Zurich |
4 | 3 | University of Cambridge |
2 | 4 | Imperial College London |
5 | 5 | UCL |
6 | 6 | The University of Edinburgh |
9 | 7 | Université PSL |
7 | 8 | The University of Manchester |
10 | 9 | EPFL – École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne |
8 | 10 | King's College London |
Also Read: Top universities in the World 2024
While the dream of applying to top universities in Europe for master’s or bachelor's can be fascinating as an international student, it also poses questions for the requirements that one needs to fulfill before starting the application process. Therefore we have enlisted some of the top requirements to study in Europe’s top universities as per QS World University Rankings 2025.
Educational Qualifications: This is the most important aspect of preparation whenever one plans to apply abroad for higher studies. The educational qualifications of an international student vary depending on the degree they are planning to apply for in top European universities. For example, if one is planning to apply for a master's programme in Europe they need to have completed their Bacehlor’s in a relevant stream from a recognised institution.
Language Tests: As an Indian student it is also necessary to attempt and score reasonable marks as per the eligibility criteria listed by the top universities in Europe. The English language proficiency exams are mandatory for ensuring the student understands and can smoothly operate in it as a mode of communication. Some of these tests are IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, etc.
Entrance Exams: One needs to make sure that while applying for Engineering or Business related courses they check the entrance requirements in the form of GRE or GMAT scores. As many QS-ranked top universities in Europe have mentioned the desired score for such examinations as a prerequisite for applying to various programmes.
Managing Funds: A major setback that many international students face is gathering and solidating funds to finance their education at top universities in Europe. Therefore, it becomes essential that one calculates aspects such as cost of living, books and supplies, tuition fees, transportation, and other personal expenses before opting for any scholarship, sponsorship, or education loans.
Yes, QS World University Rankings are among the most trusted and reputed ranking bodies across the globe. As it ranks the university on a non-biased and fair basis. The major grounds on which QS Rankins works are specialised courses, infrastructure, academic excellence, employability rate, etc.
The rank 1 university as per QS World University Rankings Europe 2025 is ETH Zurich. The University was ranked at 2 positions in 2024 but has made its way to the top in the latest QS rankings for top European universities.
The King’s College London is among the top 40 universities in the QS World University Rankings 2025. However, to be precise KCL is ranked at 8 for QS World University Rankings Europe 2025.
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