Top 10 Best Universities to Study Languages in Europe in 2026
Photo by Raúl Sotomayor
If you love learning new languages or dream of working in an international career, studying languages at university can be a good choice.
Artificial Intelligence tools and translation apps are changing how we communicate, but real language skills are still key to understanding people, culture, and meaning. Studying languages can open doors to exciting jobs in translation, travel, teaching, business, or diplomacy.
Europe is also incredibly linguistically diverse. There are around 200 languages spoken across the continent, so you’ll have the chance to explore a rich variety of cultures and linguistic traditions.
Keep on reading to learn about the best universities to study languages in 2025.
Study Languages: Find Bachelors & Masters in English
The list below includes some of the best universities in the world to study languages, based on different rankings such as QS, which recognises their excellent teaching, research, and international reputation.
It also includes a few great institutions that actively welcome international students, offer strong language programmes, English-taught degrees, and plenty of opportunities to experience different cultures.
| University | Country | Degree Type |
|---|---|---|
| Linnaeus University | Sweden | 2 Master’s |
| Saarland University | Germany | 2 Masters of Science |
| Stockholm University | Sweden | 2 Bachelor’s, 6 Master’s |
| The University of Edinburgh | United Kingdom | Undergraduate, Postgraduate |
| University of Agder | Norway | 1 Bachelor, 1 Master |
| University of Cambridge | United Kingdom | Undergraduate, Postgraduate |
| University of Helsinki | Finland | 1 Master of Arts |
| University of Oxford | United Kingdom | Undergraduate, Postgraduate |
| University of Pécs | Hungary | 6 Bachelor’s, 1 Master’s |
| University of Szeged | Hungary | 1 Bachelor’s, 2 Master’s |
There are a good number of English-taught Language programmes across Europe.
Students can also choose from a wide range of specialisations. Whether you’re interested in translation, linguistics, business communication, intercultural studies, or language teaching, there’s a programme to match your career goals. Some universities even offer combined degrees that let you study multiple languages or pair a language with another subject, such as international relations or computer science.
Here are just a few examples:
Bachelor’s degrees:
Master’s degrees:
Studying languages at university is more than just learning to speak another language: It’s about understanding how people think, communicate, and connect across cultures. A language degree helps you develop skills that are highly valued by employers, such as communication, problem-solving, and cultural awareness.
When choosing where to study, it’s also important to look at degree recognition and accreditation. Accredited universities follow international academic standards, which means your language degree will be recognised worldwide. This is especially important if you want to work, study, or live abroad after graduation.
Study.eu Tip: When choosing a university, don’t only look at rankings. Check which universities welcome international students and offer exchange programmes. This way, you can enjoy a better learning experience, meet students from around the world, and improve your language skills faster.
On average, tuition fees for Language degrees in Europe range between €0 and €15,000 per year for both Language Bachelors and Language Masters. This is a wide range because fees vary depending on the country, university, and the language you want to study. The good news is that some countries, like Germany and Austria, offer free or very low tuition even for non-EU students.
But do you have to live in the country where the language is spoken? Not necessarily. Living in the country can help you practice, but it’s not the only factor to consider. For example, you can study Portuguese in Sweden or Germanic languages in Hungary. And same applies with English: You don’t have to go to the UK. High-quality degrees to study English are available in Sweden, Norway, Poland, and other European countries, often with lower tuition fees.
The most important fact to take into account is choosing a reputable university. If the programme is strong, you can study languages successfully in different countries while still gaining excellent skills and qualifications.
Getting into a language programme depends on the university and the country, but most universities have similar basic requirements. Typically, you will need:
Some programmes may ask for a certain level in the language you want to study, but that's not all of them. Universities often welcome beginners and provide courses that start from the basics, so you can learn a new language from scratch.
To apply for a master’s programme in languages, you typically need a completed undergraduate degree, often in a related field such as languages, linguistics, translation, or cultural studies. Some programmes may accept applicants from other backgrounds if they can demonstrate strong language skills or relevant experience.
It’s always best to check each university’s specific requirements well in advance to make sure you meet all the criteria.
Studying languages at university opens doors to a wide range of career opportunities. Graduates gain communication, cultural, and analytical skills that are highly valued by employers around the world. Some common career paths include:
With AI and digital tools transforming communication, graduates who combine language skills with technology, intercultural communication, or translation software are in particularly high demand.
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1117 Languages Programmes in Europe
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