English-taught degrees in Europe
Quick answer: English-taught degrees are widespread in the Netherlands, Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic and the Baltic states, while in Germany, Austria and Italy they are concentrated at master’s level. Admission typically calls for IELTS 6.0–7.0. Fees vary by country: non-EU students pay €726.72 per semester in Austria, and Charles University charges €40 to €30,620 a year for its English-taught programmes.
Studying in English lets applicants from Azerbaijan start a European degree without first learning the local language, though programme numbers, prices and entry rules differ sharply between countries.
Finding English-taught programmes
- Germany: filter the DAAD programme database by “English” (daad.de); English-taught options are mainly master’s, and most at public universities charge no tuition.
- Netherlands: plenty of English-taught bachelor’s and master’s programmes in university catalogues, applications go through Studielink, and fees are high (study costs in the Netherlands).
- Poland, Hungary, the Baltics: a broad English-taught choice even at bachelor’s level, with moderate fees. Check admission pages for international applicants, plus the Stipendium Hungaricum programme list for Hungary (English-taught study in Poland).
- Italy: many English-taught master’s programmes and the income-based DSU grant.
Language requirements by degree level
| University | Bachelor’s | Master’s |
|---|---|---|
| TU Delft | IELTS 6.5 | IELTS 7.0, sections 6.5 |
| University of Vienna | — | B2: IELTS 6.5; IELTS 8 for programmes requiring C1 |
| University of Bologna | — | B2; IELTS shown in a 5.5–6.5 range |
Source: tudelft.nl, tudelft.nl, univie.ac.at, unibo.it — checked 11/2026.
Requirements can vary even between programmes at the same level, so take the figure from the specific programme page.
Fees: where English costs more
Countries where study in the local language is free or cheap sometimes price English-taught programmes separately. The Czech Republic is the clearest case: at Charles University, study in Czech is free, while programmes in English and other foreign languages cost from €40 to €30,620 a year (cuni.cz). In Austria, by contrast, non-EU students at public universities pay €726.72 per semester whatever the language of instruction (studyinaustria.at).
Is a “medium of instruction” letter enough?
Many applicants hope that a letter confirming their earlier studies were in English will replace a certificate. Official rules are stricter: the University of Bologna does not accept such letters (unibo.it), and TU Delft’s master’s exemption covers only citizens of certain English-speaking countries or degrees earned there (tudelft.nl). Read the programme’s rule before relying on an exemption, and plan a certificate as a fallback; more in admission with an English certificate.
Applying to several countries at once
A typical document set includes your school certificate (bachelor’s) or bachelor’s diploma (master’s) with a transcript, often translated into English and apostilled; an English certificate such as IELTS, TOEFL or PTE; a motivation letter and CV, plus recommendation letters for a master’s; and your passport. Some programmes add a portfolio, interview or entrance exam.
Because one package can serve several countries, a practical mix is one “dream” choice (the Netherlands, say), one “realistic” choice (Poland or Hungary) and one “safe” university that admits directly on your school certificate. Track the differing deadlines in one spreadsheet. Business, economics, computer science and engineering, international relations and the social sciences offer the most English-taught programmes; regulated fields such as medicine and law have fewer, pricier ones, sometimes with a separate entrance exam.
Frequently asked questions
If I study in English, do I need the local language?
Not for your degree, but it is very useful for daily life, part-time work and job hunting after graduation.
Can I study in English for free in Europe?
Some English-taught programmes at German public universities charge no tuition; in the Czech Republic, free study applies only in Czech.
Does my earlier English-medium education replace a certificate?
That depends on the university: Bologna rejects such letters, and some others recognise only diplomas from particular countries.
How do I search for English-taught programmes?
For Germany, use the DAAD database; elsewhere, the universities’ international admission pages are the most reliable source.
Plan it with us
Tell EDDE Global your field and budget, and we will draw up a shortlist of English-taught programmes across several countries. Book a free consultation.