Search resources and guidance checked: 13 October 2026.
You can study a degree in English without moving to an English-speaking country. The useful question is whether you can complete the specific qualification you want, at a suitable institution, within a budget you can sustain.
An English-language university website is not proof that a degree is taught entirely in English. A programme described as international may be bilingual, offer only selected modules in English, or require another language for placements. This guide explains how to find English-taught programmes, check those details and build a realistic shortlist.
Start with your subject and study level. Then compare teaching language, entry requirements, the qualification awarded and total costs. Use the official search resources below to discover options, followed by the university’s own documents to verify the programme for your intended intake.
What does “English-taught” actually mean?
Read the language information at programme level, rather than assuming it applies to every course at the university. These descriptions can represent different experiences:
- Entirely taught in English: the academic programme is delivered in English. Still check examinations, compulsory placements and any language requirement for graduation.
- Bilingual programme: teaching uses English and another language. You need to understand how subjects are divided and whether both languages are required.
- English track or teaching group: an English route exists within a degree, but you may need a particular allocation, campus or enrolment choice.
- Selected English modules: some classes are available in English. That does not establish that the full degree can be completed in English.
- English-language preparation: a language or foundation course prepares you for later study. Confirm the separate requirements for progression to the degree.
For a concrete example, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid distinguishes entirely English-taught degrees from bilingual degrees, in which at least half of the subjects are offered in English. Its guidance also explains the choice of English teaching groups during enrolment. This is a useful reminder to check the exact route rather than relying on a general description.
Ask for confirmation covering the whole qualification, including later years. An English first year is insufficient if compulsory subjects later switch to a language you do not understand.
Choose the right study level before searching
Bachelor’s programmes
Start with the secondary-school qualification you hold and the subjects you have studied. Check whether the university accepts that qualification for direct entry, requires additional preparation or uses a separate recognition process. Subject prerequisites matter: meeting an English requirement does not replace the mathematics, science or portfolio requirements of a particular degree.
Look at the complete curriculum and qualification awarded. Similar course names can hide different specialisations, academic workloads or progression opportunities. Our explanation of undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate study can help you interpret the terminology.
Master’s programmes
Read the academic entry requirements before paying an application fee. A programme may require a related first degree, particular prior modules, professional experience or a portfolio. A familiar course title alone does not tell you whether your background fits.
Compare the balance of taught modules, independent research and practical work. If you plan to continue to doctoral study or enter a regulated profession, investigate whether the exact qualification supports that next step.
Doctoral study
Research fit, supervision and funding should guide your shortlist. Confirm the working language of the research group, any required courses and the thesis or examination rules. Ask separately about admission, a funded position and the costs you would need to cover yourself.
Exchange, foundation and short courses
Check that the opportunity matches your goal. A semester of English-taught modules, a summer certificate and a full degree are different products. For an exchange, agree credit recognition with your home institution. For a foundation pathway, obtain the progression conditions and the cost of both the preparation year and subsequent study.
Where to find English-taught programmes
The following resources are starting points, not a ranking of countries or a guarantee of admission. Search by subject, study level and teaching language, then open the institution’s current course page. Catalogue coverage and update schedules differ, so programme totals are not a reliable way to choose where to study.
Germania
Utilizzare il DAAD International Programmes database to search by course type, subject and language. DAAD also provides an all-degree-programmes search with a course-language filter. Check the language and admission details of each result; “international” should not be treated as a synonym for English-only.
Leggi il nostro Guida allo studio per la Germania for destination context.
Francia
Campus France’s programme-finding guidance links to its Programs Taught in English catalogue. The catalogue includes programmes wholly or partly taught in English, so distinguish between those categories before adding a course to your shortlist. Check the qualification, campus and current admissions information with the institution.
Esplora la nostra Guida allo studio per la Francia.
Paesi Bassi
Study in NL’s Studyfinder, an initiative from Nuffic, lists English-taught programmes and lets you filter by programme type, subject and other criteria. Read the institution type and degree description as well as the course name. Follow through to the university for current entry requirements, tuition and application instructions.
Esplora la nostra Guida allo studio nei Paesi Bassi.
Svezia
Universityadmissions.se is Sweden’s central international admissions service. It provides course searches, application guidance and information about supporting documents. Check the correct semester, programme level and application round, then follow the university’s programme link for detailed requirements.
Esplora la nostra Guida allo studio in Svezia.
Finlandia
Study in Finland’s admissions guidance directs applicants to the national Studyinfo.fi portal for programme details, eligibility and applications. Its guidance stresses that language tests, accepted evidence and minimum scores vary by university and programme. Check the programme entry alongside the institution’s own admissions page.
Esplora la nostra Guida allo studio in Finlandia.
Italia
Il Universitaly course search includes filters for course language, degree type and delivery mode. Select English, then verify the exact course on the university’s website. Pay attention to whether the result is undergraduate, postgraduate or a single-cycle qualification, and whether attendance is in person or remote.
Esplora la nostra Guida allo studio per l'Italia.
Spagna
Check university course catalogues directly and distinguish English, bilingual and Spanish routes. For example, UC3M’s bachelor’s catalogue identifies teaching languages and provides language filters. It is one search example, not a national list or an endorsement of a particular programme.
Our updated guide to finding English-taught programmes in Spain explains the questions to ask about compulsory modules, teaching groups and placements.
Giappone
The official Study in Japan website’s English degree programmes section provides a starting point for university and graduate-school options. Check the date of any downloadable list and confirm that the course is recruiting for your intended intake. Investigate the language needed outside the classroom separately.
Esplora la nostra Japan study guide.
Regno Unito
UCAS course search lets you explore courses by study type and entry year. Read the institution’s current course page for subject requirements and accepted English evidence. For postgraduate or research applications, confirm the application route directly with the university.
Esplora la nostra Guida agli studi nel Regno Unito.
Canada
EduCanada’s programme search includes English, French and bilingual options, with filters for subject, qualification and province. When checked in October 2026, its notice said programme and tuition information was temporarily not being updated during a data-system transition, with results reflecting information available in July 2026. Use the search for discovery and verify current details directly with the institution.
Esplora la nostra Guida allo studio del Canada.
Australia
Il Study Australia course search offers filters for level, subject, provider, location and study mode. Check the delivery location carefully: a result may concern study in Australia, online study or another location. Confirm the precise campus and course before comparing costs.
Esplora la nostra Guida agli studi in Australia.
Stati Uniti
EducationUSA, the U.S. Department of State’s international student advising network, provides guidance on researching institutions and applying. Use individual university websites for programme details and the U.S. Department of Education’s accreditation resources when checking institutional status.
Esplora la nostra Guida agli studi negli Stati Uniti, or browse all study destinations for other locations.
How to check whether a programme is genuinely suitable
For each shortlisted course, keep a record of the official programme link, the intake and the date you checked it. Save the curriculum and fee information. Where the website is unclear, request a written answer from admissions.
- Teaching: Can every compulsory module be completed in English throughout the qualification?
- Assessment: What languages are used for exams, presentations, the dissertation and any final oral examination?
- Practical work: Do internships, clinical placements, school placements or client-facing projects require another language?
- Access: Is the English track guaranteed for admitted students, or allocated separately?
- Posizione: Is the advertised route offered at your chosen campus and intake?
- Qualification: Who awards it, and what exact title appears on the certificate?
- Progression: Does it meet the requirements of your intended next university, employer or professional authority?
Check recognition independently of teaching language. ENIC-NARIC explains how to verify recognised higher education institutions through official national sources and notes that programme-level recognition may also matter. For a partner campus or teaching centre, establish both the teaching provider and the awarding institution.
Do you need IELTS, TOEFL or another English test?
Use the exact programme’s requirements. Record which tests and test versions are accepted, the required overall and component scores, any validity period and the deadline for submitting evidence. Do not book a test simply because another university accepts it.
Previous education may be accepted as evidence in some situations, but an English-medium school or degree does not automatically create an exemption everywhere. For example, Sweden’s official English requirements explain routes through recognised tests and certain previous studies. The applicable route depends on the evidence and requirements.
If you receive a conditional offer, list every condition and deadline. Ask whether a preparatory English course satisfies the degree’s requirement, whether progression requires a further test, and what happens to payments if you do not progress.
Compare the full cost, not just tuition
For each programme, build a budget covering the entire qualification. A low annual fee may become less attractive if the course takes longer or the campus is in an expensive housing market.
- Tuition for your nationality or fee status, including any scheduled increases.
- Application, registration and compulsory course charges.
- Rent, deposits, utilities and the actual length of the housing contract.
- Food, transport, insurance, study materials and equipment.
- Travel, document preparation and application-related expenses.
- A reserve for unexpected costs and exchange-rate changes where relevant.
Obtain the payment schedule and refund terms before committing. Compare money needed before departure with later monthly spending. Count a scholarship in your confirmed budget only when you know its value, conditions and award status; a tuition discount does not necessarily cover living expenses.
Do not make an immediate part-time job the foundation of your budget. Study in Finland’s official funding guidance, for example, warns that jobs can be difficult to find and that employment should not be the main funding plan. For your destination, check work eligibility with the relevant authority and investigate actual opportunities separately.
Il nostro Spain living-cost examples show how to organise a budget. Use the method for comparison, replacing the figures with evidence for your own city and circumstances.
English in the classroom and the local language outside it
Treat these as two separate research questions. You may be able to follow a degree in English while still benefiting from the local language for housing, healthcare, administration, friendships and work.
Ask current students about daily life at the actual campus. Can the accommodation office help in English? What support exists for local-language learning? If you hope to work after graduation, investigate the language employers use in your target profession. A course’s teaching language tells you little about that labour market.
A practical shortlist checklist
Create one record for each programme and use the same headings so you can compare like with like:
- Programme and intake: exact course name, degree level, campus, duration and start date.
- Language: confirmation of teaching, assessment and placement languages.
- Eligibility: academic prerequisites, accepted qualifications and English evidence.
- Recognition: awarding institution and suitability for your intended next step.
- Budget: full tuition, living costs, upfront payments and confirmed funding.
- Applications: official application route, document requirements and deadlines.
- Practical fit: housing, attendance requirements and support services.
- Open questions: issues awaiting written confirmation before you accept an offer.
Eliminate options that fail a non-negotiable requirement before comparing lifestyle preferences. A programme is not a realistic choice if its compulsory language, entry conditions or funding needs do not work for you.
Domande frequenti
Which country is best for studying in English?
There is no single best destination for every student. Begin with suitable programmes and compare eligibility, the qualification awarded, cost and practical fit. A country with many English-taught courses may still offer few options in your subject or at your study level.
Can I study in English for free?
Check the exact fee rules for the programme and your status. Do not infer a zero fee from the words “public university” or “Europe.” Even a confirmed tuition-free place requires a plan for living expenses and other costs.
Is an English-taught degree the same as an English language course?
No. An English-taught degree uses English to teach an academic subject. An English language course develops language skills. Foundation and pathway courses may combine language preparation with academic content, so check their outcome and progression conditions.
Can I apply without an English test?
Possibly, if the programme accepts another form of evidence that you can provide. Check the official rules for your qualifications and country of study. Do not assume that another applicant’s exemption applies to you.
Does an English-taught programme guarantee a job?
No. Assess the curriculum, practical experience and career support, then research employers’ requirements. Teaching language alone does not establish job availability, local-language expectations or permission to work.
Using this guide
The linked national services, admissions portals and university pages are the primary sources for the examples above. This is a search and comparison guide, not a league table or a comprehensive inventory of every English-taught programme. Course availability, fees and entry requirements can change; confirm the details for your intake with the institution before applying or paying.
Continue with our guide per paese or the updated Guida per studiare in Spagna.