Bachelor's degree in Europe
Quick answer: A European bachelor’s usually lasts 3–4 years. Many countries accept an Azerbaijani school-leaving certificate (attestat) directly, while others ask for a preparatory year first. Official 2026/27 examples: €2,902 a year at French public universities, €4,300 at the University of Warsaw and €13,500 for economics at Erasmus University Rotterdam. Most programmes at German public universities charge no tuition at all.
Because higher education across Europe follows the Bologna system, degree cycles are comparable between countries and credits are counted in ECTS. A bachelor’s from one European country is therefore recognised for a master’s in another.
What a bachelor’s costs in 2026/27
| Country | University / system | Fee for non-EU students |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | Public universities | No fee on most bachelor’s programmes; €1,500 per semester in Baden-Württemberg |
| France | Public universities (Licence) | €2,902 a year |
| Poland | University of Warsaw, international relations | €4,300 a year |
| Latvia | Rīga Stradiņš, international business | €3,300 a year |
| Lithuania | VILNIUS TECH, business / engineering | €3,950 / €4,950 a year (2027/28) |
| Netherlands | Erasmus University, economics | €13,500 a year |
| Netherlands | TU Delft, all bachelor’s programmes | €19,906 a year |
Source: daad.de, campusfrance.org, uw.edu.pl, rsu.lv, vilniustech.lt, eur.nl, tudelft.nl — checked 11/2026.
Fees for the same degree level can differ more than tenfold within Europe, so weigh your budget alongside rankings when you shortlist countries.
Direct entry or a preparatory year?
Eleven years of secondary school in Azerbaijan is not always enough for direct university entry. Germany is the best-known case: applicants with a foreign certificate usually need a Studienkolleg (preparatory year) or 1–2 years of study at a university in Azerbaijan first. Some Dutch and British programmes require a Foundation year. Most universities in Poland, the Baltic states, Hungary and Türkiye, on the other hand, accept the attestat directly.
Where and how to apply
| Country | Application route |
|---|---|
| Germany | Directly to the university or via uni-assist (€75 for the first programme, €30 for each additional one) |
| Netherlands | Studielink plus the university’s own portal |
| United Kingdom | UCAS |
| Italy | University portal; Universitaly registration for international students |
| Poland, Baltic states, Hungary | The university’s own online system |
Source: uni-assist.de — checked 11/2026.
Documents you will need:
- Your attestat and transcript (or a school reference or predicted grades if you are still in Year 11), translated and apostilled.
- IELTS, TOEFL, Duolingo or PTE, at the programme’s minimum (how the tests compare).
- A motivation letter and sometimes a reference letter.
- Passport and photo; some programmes add a portfolio or an entrance exam.
Choosing a country
- Budget: tuition plus the living funds required for the visa.
- Language: the Netherlands, Poland, Hungary and the Baltic states offer the widest choice of English-taught bachelor’s programmes; in Germany and France most courses are in the local language.
- Funding: Hungary’s Stipendium Hungaricum, Italy’s DSU and Azerbaijan’s State Programme can all cover a bachelor’s.
To cut costs, aim for low-fee public universities, apply for scholarships in parallel and consider a cheaper regional city. Start preparing at the beginning of Year 11: language tests, translations and deadlines need at least 9–12 months.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a DİM score for a bachelor’s in Europe?
Most universities assess your attestat and transcript rather than a DİM score. If you plan to study under the State Programme, its own rules decide whether a DİM condition applies.
How long does a European bachelor’s take?
Under the Bologna system it normally takes 3 or 4 years (180–240 ECTS), depending on the country and programme.
Where is the cheapest bachelor’s in Europe?
German public universities charge no fee for most programmes. Among the official English-taught examples, Rīga Stradiņš (€3,300) and French public universities (€2,902) are at the low end.
Plan it with us
EDDE Global has helped students get into European universities since 2018 and can map out your bachelor’s route country by country. Book a free consultation.