How to Choose Between Top UK, US and European Universities

The best universities in the world are spread across two continents. Here, we compare some of the most popular ones to help you decide where to apply!

The opportunities are endless

For European students, choosing where to apply to university used to be a simple process. Little was known about the options overseas, let alone how to apply, so it was typical for students to stay in their home country and attend local universities.

Since then, times have changed. There is much more awareness about the value of international education and students are more mobile than ever before. The question is, how do top UK and US universities compare to ones closer to home, and where is the best fit for you?

Home or away?

Five of the world’s top 50 universities are located in continental Europe, just a short flight away. Whilst these institutions aren’t as prestigious as their UK and US counterparts, they offer lower tuition fees and less rigorous admissions processes.

The UK is home to Europe’s best-known universities, including Oxbridge, UCL and Durham. It is a great choice for anyone seeking an inspiring academic experience and awesome job prospects in a strong international community.

For more adventurous students, the opportunities don’t stop there.

In the last year alone, the number of European students applying to US universities like Harvard and Stanford rose by 4.26%. As well as offering a truly rounded education, the US is famed for delivering fantastic extracurricular opportunities and high graduate salaries.

Comparing some of the greats

Oxford University

The oldest university in the UK, Oxford is home to almost 10,000 international students! With 250 degree combinations and 100 libraries, what's not to love?

MIT

Once again ranked first in the league tables, MIT is a well known as a centre for technological and scientific research. If you love STEM, this one's for you!

ETH Zurich

The highest-ranking uni in continental Europe, ETH has a great reputation for disciplines such as medicine and economics. Most undergraduate courses are taught in German.

Harvard

The creme de la creme of American unis, Harvard delivers on awesome academics and student experience. You'll need to really impress admissions teams here!

EPFL

This public research uni on the shores of Lake Geneva is this year ranked 14th in the world by QS. It's very popular for Engineering and most courses are taught in French.

Cambridge University

Ranked 3rd in the world this year, Cambridge has a fierce reputation for the humanities and engineering. It is made up of 31 colleges - the oldest of which was founded in 1284!

Why Crimson?

Crimson is the world’s leading university admissions support network. Our expert team is here to help you choose where to apply and give you the best chance of getting into the university of your dreams - be it in Europe, the US or elsewhere.

In fact, our students are up to 4 times more likely to gain admission to their target university than if they apply alone.

Why do Crimson students gain such an advantage?

We provide individualised support with every part of the process to ensure each students’ application really stands out.

From helping students craft a memorable personal statement that catches admissions officers’ attention in an instant, to prepping them for an Ivy League interview that leaves a lasting impression - and everything in between - we’re committed to seeing our students succeed.

Meet some of our successful students!

With our help, they carved a path from countries around the world to the universities of their dreams.

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From Bangkok to Harvard Bangkok raised, Crimson student Fresh was accepted to Harvard, Stanford and Cambridge — and decided to accept the offer from Harvard.
From Cheshire to Stanford Josh — a UK Science Fair or Big Bang competition winner — was accepted to his dream school of Stanford in the university's hotly contested early decision round.
From London to Yale Bluebelle, a UK debating champion, was supported in her applications to Yale and to Oxford. Accepted to both, Bluebelle chose to go to Yale.
From Colorado to Columbia US student Cenon, a nationally recognised public speaker and debater, was accepted to his top choice of Columbia University in their competitive early decision round.
From Los Angeles to UChicago California student Elaine was accepted to a number of schools including UCLA and UC Berkeley but chose to accept at her top choice, the University of Chicago.
From Sydney to Harvard Sydney student Lina was accepted to both Harvard and Oxford! She chose the Massachusetts based Harvard where she intends to go ‘pre-law’.
From Sao Paolo to Stanford Brazil's Guilherme — a three-time National Scientific Olympiad medalist — had his pick between Yale and Stanford and chose to go to Stanford.
From Melbourne to Oxford Not only was Australian student Rupert, accepted to his dream law degree at the University of Oxford, he also received offers from LSE, UCL, King’s College London and the University of Durham.
From Auckland to Cambridge New Zealand student, Emma, was accepted to Cambridge's competitive Economics program where she is exploring her passion solving issues related to disadvantaged countries and economic relief.
From Singapore to Columbia Singapore student Ryan was accepted to both Cornell and Columbia — but chose the Big Apple as his base and is now studying computer science at Columbia's New York campus.
From Calgary to St. Andrew's Sarah was drawn to the flexible degree structure at St. Andrews. Now she's studying neuroscience and pursuing interests in human rights and international relations!
From Johannesburg to Brown Johannesburg student Dan plans to double major in applied mathematics and computer science. He was also accepted into UC Berkeley as a rugby recruit!