The smallest cities you can study in the EU

2024-02-01 14:50:00, Kosova & Bota CNA

The smallest cities you can study in the EU

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In the wide range of higher education destinations, where bustling metropolises often steal the limelight, there are some excellent universities in smaller towns across Europe that offer quality education but without all the hustle and bustle that characterizes larger cities, such as reveals the European Education Area.

Beyond popular educational hubs, these cities offer an intimate and unique experience for students looking for a different kind of university trip.

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 programs 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, the University of Heidelberg, 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 the natural sciences and medicine, as well as the humanities and social sciences. Almost 30,000 students enroll each year, of which more than 20 percent come from abroad.

Salamanca, Spain

This Spanish city is home to many UNESCO World Heritage Sites and is the ideal destination for architecture students who would appreciate its eight-century-old university, also known as Spain's oldest university. Salamanca University is highly regarded for its humanities and language studies, especially for international students.

Olomouc, Czech Republic

The Czech city of Olomouc is the perfect university town, with the highest density of students in Central Europe, while the total population is 100,000. Nestled by the Morava River and embraced by picturesque landscapes, Olomouc is the proud residence of Palacky University. Standing for over 450 years, the university offers global study opportunities, summer schools and internships across various faculties.

Maastricht, Netherlands

Maastricht is known for its medieval architecture, vibrant cultural scene and lively nightlife, and is a city with a lot to offer. Students will love Maastricht University, which stands out for its innovative educational model, emphasizing a strong multidisciplinary approach to both research and education. /CNA