In the broad range of higher education destinations, where bustling metropolises often steal the spotlight, there are some great universities in smaller cities across Europe that offer qualitative education but without all the mess that characterises bigger cities, as the European Education Area unveils.
Beyond the well-known educational hubs, these cities offer an intimate and unique experience for students seeking a different kind of university journey.
In this article, SchengenVisaInfo delves into the allure of studying in these charming places, uncovering the advantages and distinctive qualities that make education in Europe’s smallest cities the right choice for those pursuing their academic goals.
Leuven, Belgium
With its rich cultural scene and fun nightlife, this Belgian city has attracted around 40,000 students every year.
KU Leuven is one of the oldest universities in the world, celebrating 600 years of existence in 2025, and some of the best international programmes it offers include biomedical sciences, humanities and social sciences, as well as science, engineering and technology.
Heidelberg, Germany
With a population of 160,000 and located on the banks of the Neckar River, Heidelberg University, which was founded in 1386, is a hidden gem for international students.
More than 50 Nobel Prize winners are affiliated with this university, which offers a wide range of disciplines, including natural sciences and medicine, as well as humanities and social sciences.
Almost 30,000 students register every year, out of which more than 20 per cent come from abroad.
Salamanca, Spain
This Spanish city is home to many UNESCO World Heritage sites and is the ideal destination for architectural students who would appreciate its eight-century-old university, also known for being Spain’s oldest university.
It is linked to many important historical figures, including Christopher Columbus, Beatriz Galindo and Miguel Cervantes.
Salamanca University is highly acclaimed for its humanities and language studies, especially for international students.
Olomouc, Czechia
The Czech city of Olomouc is the perfect university town, boasting the highest density of students in Central Europe, while the total population stands at 100,000.
Nestled by the Morava River and embraced by picturesque landscapes, Olomouc is the proud residence of Palacky University.
Having stood for over 450 years, the university provides global study options, summer schools, and internships across various faculties.
Maastricht, the Netherlands
Maastricht is renowned for its medieval architecture, vibrant cultural scene, and lively nightlife, and it’s a city with a lot to offer.
Students will love Maastricht University, which stands out for its innovative education model, emphasising a robust multidisciplinary approach to both research and education.
With over half of its student body being international, the university primarily conducts most programs in English, including bachelor’s degrees. While covering a range of research disciplines, Maastricht University particularly excels as a top school in political economy.
