Top 10 Best Universities to Study History in Europe in 2026
Photo by Maksym Harbar
“Those who do not know their history are doomed to repeat it.” The famous quote by philosopher George Santayana still rings true today, perhaps more than ever. History helps us understand how societies evolved, why conflicts happen, and how ideas, cultures, and political systems shape the world we live in.
Europe is the perfect place to study history. Students have the opportunity to learn in places where major historical events actually happened; whether exploring Roman history in Rome, studying the Renaissance in Florence, or examining Cold War history in Berlin.
Europe is also home to some of the world’s oldest universities, many of which have been teaching History for centuries. In this ranking, we explore which are some of the best and what makes them stand out.
Study History: Find Bachelors & Masters in English
The list below highlights some of the best European universities for History degrees, selected not only for their strong performance in global rankings, but also for their excellence in teaching and research, strong support for international students, and location in some of Europe’s most historically significant cities.
| University | Country | Degree Type |
|---|---|---|
| Central European University | Austria | 3 Masters of Arts, 1 PhD |
| Freie Universitaet Berlin | Germany | 1 Bachelor of Arts, 4 Master’s |
| Leiden University | Netherlands | 1 Master of Arts |
| Radboud University | Netherlands | 4 Masters of Arts |
| Royal College of Art | United Kingdom | MA in History of Design |
| The London School of Economics & Political Science (LSE) | United Kingdom | Undergraduate, Postgraduate |
| Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne | France | 1 Master’s degrees |
| University of Cambridge | United Kingdom | 4 Bachelors, 5 Masters |
| University of Oslo | Norway | 2 Master’s degrees |
| University of Oxford | United Kingdom | Undergraduate, Postgraduate |
There are plenty of English-taught History programmes in Europe, ranging from practice-oriented degrees that emphasise museums, archives, and heritage work, to more research-driven programmes focused on historiography, critical theory, politics, arts, cultural history, and advanced academic analysis.
Bachelor’s degrees:
Master’s degrees:
For students who are passionate about the past, history is not just about memorising dates and events; it is about learning how to think critically, analyse sources, and connect historical developments to today’s challenges.
Europe also offers a strong balance between academic theory and hands-on learning. Students can pursue Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees across a wide range of fields, with access to many English-taught programmes at internationally recognised universities, even in countries where English is not the primary language.
Most universities also collaborate with museums, archives, cultural institutions, and research centres, offering opportunities for internships, fieldwork, and archival research. This practical exposure can significantly strengthen your academic profile and improve your career prospects after graduation. Many programmes also provide study abroad options, research exchanges, and flexible study formats.
In addition, students can live in cities rich in history, where many museums and cultural sites are usually free or offer discounts for them, making it easier to engage with history beyond the classroom.
Study History: Find Bachelors & Masters in English
On average, History 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. The variation largely depends on your nationality (EU vs non-EU), the country you choose, the scholarship opportunities, and whether you study at a public or private institution.
Overall, Europe remains one of the most affordable destinations to study History, especially compared to destinations like the US or Australia. Even at private universities and institutions in the United Kingdom, tuition fees often range from €10,000 to €30,000 per year, which is still a competitive price given the academic quality many degrees offer.
When planning to study abroad, it’s important to consider living costs in addition to tuition fees. These can vary widely depending on the country and city you choose. Smaller university towns are often more affordable, while major capitals tend to be more expensive for accommodation, food, and transport. On average, students should budget between €700 and €1,500 per month, depending on their lifestyle and location.
Admission requirements for History degrees vary depending on the university, country, and level of study, but most programmes follow a similar structure. Whether you are applying for a Bachelor in History or Master in History, you’ll typically need to meet the following requirements before receiving an offer.
Application deadlines vary across Europe. If you think you’ve missed a deadline, it’s always worth contacting the admissions office, as some universities may still consider late applications or offer alternative start dates.
Study.eu Tip: If you’re unsure about studying History, try exploring it in different ways first. Visiting free museums, watching history YouTube videos, and reading introductory books or historical fiction can help you discover which periods or themes interest you most. Podcasts are also a great option if you prefer learning on the go, shows like The Times History Podcast can make the subject more accessible and engaging.
A degree in History opens the door to a wide range of careers that value critical thinking, research, and strong communication skills. While it is often associated with academia, History graduates are in demand across many sectors including education, museums and cultural heritage, publishing, journalism, public policy, diplomacy, and international organisations.
Depending on your interests and specialisation, you could pursue roles such as:
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