Can Americans Go to University in Europe?
Yes—but “Europe” is not one admissions system. The real question is which programs fit the student's credentials, goals and budget.
The short answer
American students can apply to universities throughout Europe, including many degree programs taught in English. What changes from country to country is how the student's U.S. academic record is evaluated and how the application is submitted.
Four things to check before falling in love with a university
- Academic eligibility: Does the program accept a U.S. high school diploma by itself, or does it expect APs, IB, college-level study or another qualification?
- Subject prerequisites: Engineering, economics, science and other programs may require specific preparation.
- Application route: The UK commonly uses UCAS; Ireland often uses CAO; the Netherlands commonly uses Studielink; other systems differ.
- Total cost and practical fit: Tuition, degree length, housing, visas, language and career plans all matter.
Why a cross-country shortlist helps
A student may be highly competitive in one system and missing a prerequisite in another. Pathways compares options across countries before narrowing the list, which can prevent wasted applications and last-minute surprises.
Official resources
- Study in NL — Admission Requirements
- UCAS 2026 Cycle
- DAAD U.S. Applicant FAQ
- DGES Portugal — Non-EU Students
Admissions rules change. We use official sources as the starting point and verify requirements with the individual university or program.