Top 10 Best Universities to Study Data Science in Europe in 2026
Photo by Mikhail Nilov
Studying Data Science in Europe in 2026 is one of the smartest choices you can make if you’re looking for strong career prospects and future-proof skills. As artificial intelligence, machine learning, and big data continue to transform industries worldwide, data scientists are in high demand across sectors such as technology, finance, healthcare, marketing, and sustainability.
Employers are actively looking for graduates who can turn complex data into real-world insights. Because of this, most universities in Europe now offer Data Science programmes, many of them fully taught in English.
In this guide, we’ve selected institutions known for academic excellence, innovation, employability, and international student support, to help you confidently choose where to build your future in one of the world’s fastest-growing fields.
Study Data Science: Find Bachelors & Masters in English
When looking at global university rankings for Data Science and Big Data, you’ll almost always see the same names at the top: institutions like ETH Zurich, University of Oxford, or Technical University of Munich. These universities consistently rank highly thanks to their academic reputation and heavy focus on research, particularly at PhD and postgraduate level.
However, top rankings don’t always tell the full story, especially for students who are primarily focused on practical skills, industry connections, and student experience. That’s why this list also highlights universities that stand out for their innovation-driven programmes, career-focused teaching, and strong support for international students.
| University | Country | Degree Type |
|---|---|---|
| Chalmers University of Technology | Sweden | 1 Master of Science |
| EURECOM | France | 1 Master of Science |
| KTH Royal Institute of Technology | Sweden | 2 Masters |
| Lancaster University Leipzig | Germany | 1 Master of Science |
| Modul University Vienna | Austria | 1 Bachelor of Science, 1 Master of Science |
| Radboud University | Netherlands | 1 Master of Science |
| SRH University | Germany | 1 Bachelor, 8 Masters |
| TSI Transport and Telecommunication Institute | Latvia | 1 Master |
| University of Helsinki | Finland | 1 Bachelor, 1 Master of Science |
| Vilnius University | Lithuania | 1 Master |
There are plenty of English-taught Data Science programmes across Europe, ranging from practice-oriented courses that focus on hands-on skills like programming, data analysis, and machine learning, to more academic, research-based degrees with a strong focus on statistics, algorithms, and artificial intelligence.
Students can also choose from a wide range of specialisations, depending on their interests and career goals. Whether you’re interested in artificial intelligence, big data analytics, data engineering, business analytics, or applied data science, there’s a programme to match your profile. Here are some examples:
Bachelor’s degrees:
Master’s degrees:
Studying Data Science in Europe gives students access to a wide range of English-taught programmes at internationally recognised universities, even in non-English-speaking countries. Europe combines a strong academic tradition with an international business environment, so students graduate with in-demand skills in statistics, programming, and data analysis. All while studying in a multicultural setting.
Europe is also at the forefront of innovation in AI, machine learning, and data-driven technologies. Major tech and innovation hubs such as Berlin, London, Amsterdam, Paris, and Stockholm are home to startups, research centres, and global companies working with big data and artificial intelligence. Studying in or near these cities gives students access to internships, industry projects, research collaborations, and networking opportunities that are closely linked to the job market.
Another key advantage is the flexibility: Bachelor’s programmes typically last 3 to 4 years, while Master’s degrees usually take 1 to 2 years to complete. Many universities also offer full-time, part-time, and hybrid study formats, allowing students to combine their studies with internships, part-time work, or professional experience.
Study Data Science: Find Bachelors & Masters in English
On average, Data Science degrees at public universities in Europe cost between €0 and €5,000 per year for EU students, while non-EU students typically pay between €3,000 and €20,000 per year. This wide range reflects the fact that tuition fees in Europe depend heavily on your nationality (EU vs non-EU), as well as the country and type of university you choose.
Overall, Europe remains one of the most affordable regions in the world to study Data Science, especially when compared to popular destinations like the US or Australia. Even at private universities, tuition fees usually range from €8,000 to €30,000 per year, which is still very competitive by international standards given the quality of education and strong career prospects.
In addition to tuition fees, all students should budget for living costs, which vary widely across Europe. Many universities also offer scholarships, early-bird discounts, and flexible payment plans, so it’s always worth checking individual programme pages or contacting the admissions team to explore ways to reduce costs.
Admission requirements vary depending on the university, country, and degree level, but most programmes share similar expectations. Whether you’re applying for a Bachelor’s in Data Science or Master’s degree in Big Data, you’ll need to meet the following requirements before receiving an offer.
Application deadlines can vary widely across Europe. Public universities often have fixed and strict deadlines, while many private universities offer more flexible application timelines and multiple intakes per year (for example, September or January). If you think you’ve missed a deadline, it’s always worth contacting the university’s admissions team, they can often advise you on late applications or alternative start dates.
Study.eu Tip: If you’re new to Data Science or want to test the field before committing to a full degree, it’s a good idea to start with free online resources. For example, MIT offers a selection of free introductory courses that cover topics like data analysis, machine learning, and Python. Exploring options like these can help you build basic skills and decide whether this is the right path for you before applying.
A degree in Data Science from a European university can lead to excellent career opportunities across a wide range of industries. As data, artificial intelligence, and automation become increasingly important, graduates with data science skills are in high demand by employers in technology, finance, healthcare, consulting, marketing, logistics, and many other sectors.
Depending on your skills and specialisation, you could work in roles such as:
Many programmes also include internships, applied projects, or collaborations with companies, helping students gain practical experience and build professional networks before graduating. Thanks to this international exposure, you’ll learn how data is used in different industries and markets, develop problem-solving and analytical skills, and graduate with qualifications that are recognised worldwide.
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357 Data Science & Big Data Programmes in Europe
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