2024 study reveals the UK’s tuition fees are a staggering 65% more expensive than in Europe
Xpatfone, a UK-based virtual phone number provider, empowering students to maintain their UK numbers abroad without incurring roaming charges, has conducted a comprehensive study, aiming to compare the costs of studying in the UK versus Europe and identify the top European universities that excel in cultivating the next generation of business leaders.
On average, studying in Europe £6,000 a year cheaper than studying in the UK
| Country of University | Tuition Fees start from (per year unless stated): | Tuition Fees start from per year (£) |
| Switzerland | CHF805 | £692 |
| Italy | €950 | £767 |
| Spain | €1,320 | £1,125 |
| Austria | €726.72 per semester | £1,239 |
| France | €2,770 | £2,360 |
| Germany | €3,000 | £2,558 |
| Finland | €4,000 | £3,411 |
| Belgium | €4,175 | £3,557 |
| Netherlands | €6,000 | £5,112 |
| Denmark | €6,000 | £5,116 |
| Sweden | SEK 80,000 | £5,881 |
| Norway* | NOK 80000* | £5,907 |
| United Kingdom | £9,000 |
According to data from TopUniversities, the average annual cost of studying in major European countries is just over £3,000, significantly lower than the £9,000 average in the UK. Switzerland offers the most affordable option, with courses starting at an impressive £690 per year, while Norway, the most expensive country to feature in our list, has courses starting at £5,900, still £3,000 cheaper than in the UK. This cost disparity may explain why UNESCO statistics show that around 40,000 UK students choose to study abroad each year.
Top European universities generate almost 300,000 CEOs & Managing Directors
Utilising data from The Times Higher Education’s list of top European universities and LinkedIn alumni profiles, Xpatfone’s research highlights the origins of future CEOs and Managing Directors. The study analysed LinkedIn profiles of alumni from the top 106 European universities offering English-speaking courses, covering graduates from 2000 to 2024. Remarkably, out of the 7,078,063 alumni studied, 298,758 (4.22%) have ascended to roles as a CEO or Managing Director.
| University ranking based on “Times Higher Education” | University ranking based on “Times Higher Education” without UK and Ireland universities | University | Country of University | Total Alumni based on LinkedIn 2000-2024 | Total of CEO’s & MD’s based on LinkedIn 2000-2024 | Total % of CEO’s & MD’s based on LinkedIn 2000-2024 |
| =139 | =93 | Copenhagen Business School | Denmark | 112,406 | 14,063 | 12.51 |
| 63 | 43 | University of Lausanne | Switzerland | 3,464 | 308 | 8.89 |
| 48 | 32 | University of Basel | Switzerland | 28,284 | 2,235 | 7.90 |
| =114 | =75 | Università della Svizzera italiana | Switzerland | 12,909 | 1019 | 7.89 |
| =114 | =75 | Lappeenranta-Lahti University of Technology LUT | Finland | 21,434 | 1,678 | 7.83 |
| =139 | =93 | University of Innsbruck | Austria | 30,539 | 2,373 | 7.77 |
| 45 | 29 | University of Bern | Switzerland | 34,632 | 2,660 | 7.68 |
| =139 | =93 | University of Tartu | Estonia | 30,338 | 2,265 | 7.47 |
| 25 | 16 | University of Zurich | Switzerland | 63,903 | 4,734 | 7.41 |
| 84 | 57 | University of Mannheim | Germany | 42,790 | 3,025 | 7.07 |
| =114 | =75 | TU Wien | Austria | 39,079 | 2,659 | 6.80 |
| =87 | =59 | University of Münster | Germany | 50,056 | 3,245 | 6.48 |
| =91 | =62 | Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies – Pisa | Italy | 5,984 | 386 | 6.45 |
| 4 | 1 | ETH Zurich | Switzerland | 68,428 | 4,379 | 6.40 |
| =114 | =75 | University of Hohenheim | Germany | 19,948 | 1254 | 6.29 |
| 37 | 24 | Free University of Berlin | Germany | 438 | 27 | 6.16 |
| =57 | =37 | University of Hamburg | Germany | 58,879 | 3,624 | 6.15 |
| =114 | =75 | University of Oulu | Finland | 28,749 | 1,733 | 6.03 |
| =91 | =62 | Aalto University | Finland | 56,383 | 3,363 | 5.96 |
| 69 | 47 | University of Cologne | Germany | 59,805 | 3,531 | 5.90 |
Copenhagen Business School in Denmark leads the charge with a significant 12.51% of its alumni reaching top executive positions, despite being ranked joint 93rd by The Times Higher Education. Notably, the school outperforms others in cultivating leaders, underscoring a discrepancy between academic and professional achievements.
Swiss universities producing the next business leaders
Not only do the Swiss offer affordable tuition fees, the study also reveals a strong performance by their universities when it comes to producing CEOs and Managing Directors. Universities such as the University of Lausanne, University of Basel, and Università della Svizzera italiana notably feature in the top five, highlighting Switzerland’s exceptional role in fostering business leadership.
Conversely, some highly academically ranked institutions like the University Paris-Saclay in France show a divergence in their expected influence on business leadership, ranking 9th by The Times Higher Education but 105th in Xpatfone’s survey for producing the next business leader.
This study reveals a significant financial incentive for UK students to pursue their education in Europe, with an average annual savings of £6,000. The research also highlights the remarkable success of European universities in producing future business leaders, with nearly 300,000 alumni achieving CEO and Managing Director positions since 2000. This comprehensive analysis underscores the value and impact of European education on both cost and career success, providing valuable insights for prospective students.
Xpatfone’s Co-Founder, Ed Clayton, expressed enthusiasm about the findings, stating,
“Our study highlights the compelling financial benefits for UK students to study in Europe, saving an average of £6,000 annually. Moreover, our research underscores the exceptional ability of European universities to produce future business leaders, with nearly 300,000 alumni advancing to CEO and Managing Director roles.
If you’re a student planning to take this exciting step in your learning, we can help you stay connected with friends and family. We offer a UK phone number that works seamlessly abroad without any additional charges.”
About the research:
- Field dates (LinkedIn): 16th – 17th May 2024
- Data for number of UK students studying abroad: https://data.uis.unesco.org/index.aspx?queryid=3807
- List of top European universities: https://www.timeshighereducation.com/student/best-universities/best-universities-europe
- UK and Ireland universities not included
- Only European universities that offer English speaking courses included.
- CEO and Managing Director data source: linkedin.com
- Data for tuition fees of European countries (barring Norway): https://www.topuniversities.com/student-info/student-finance/how-much-does-it-cost-study-europe#art_heading_21
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