In a highly competitive and economically struggling market like India’s, it is almost necessary for undergraduate students to look at colleges for their higher studies. In addition to that, for those who pursue to advance academically as well, a postgraduate degree opens up countless new avenues. Given this background, and because of the abysmal situation of educational institutes in our own country, studying in a foreign university is one of the most sought-after options. For students belonging to almost every economic stratum of the society, choosing an international university for a masters degree is a dream come true, but on the other hand, it requires a daunting amount of research. Hopefully, this piece could act as a bridge for a novice to know about the colleges that reign supreme, particularly in Europe, one of the most lucrative places for higher studies in the world.
- ETH Zurich – Swiss Federal Institute of Technology
When one thinks of pursuing a masters in science and technology, ETH Zurich is a name that almost immediately pops out. Established in 1855, the university still ranks 6th in the QS World University Rankings, and in the domain of “Engineering and Technology”, manages to close 3rd. Engineering is hardly seen as a social task in a country like India. But, the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology has had a consistent track record of delivering on student ambitions, as well as, providing for the needs of the society.
Although the college might be deemed costly by a large chunk of the student community, the availability of a high number of scholarships, combined with the institute’s drive to teach Engineering and Science through a multi-disciplinary lens is what appeals to me the most.
- Université Paris Sciences et Lettres (Université PSL)
Next up is the Institute that has single-handedly managed to put France on the radar for one of the most attractive places for higher studies. Although a public university, PSL ranks 53rd on the QS World University Rankings, surpassing some of the most popular universities out there. Although the institute provides bachelor’s, master’s and PhD diplomas in a plethora of courses, ranging from Philosophy, to Engineering, to Linguistics, the university’s Mathematics course stands out the most. Out of all the major Mathematics universities in the world, PSL manages to secure the 20th position, which definitely makes it a ground-breaking player in the domain.
With over 181 laboratories and 101 ERC grants, it is no surprise that PSL has access to over 92 specialised and general libraries, including some of the most famous journals as well. For someone like me, who never tires of reading new content, PSL’s extensive reach in the academia seals the deal.
- Delft University of Technology
The Delft University of Technology, or TU Delft, as it is called, is a front-runner in the race of leading engineering colleges. Although the Institute has recently seen a decrease in the total number of its publications, what is most impressive is its ability to maintain a consistent record in the number of its scientific publications. As a result, even in the QS World University Rankings, the university manages to bag the 3rd position in the stream of “Architecture”. That’s not all. Even in other engineering subjects, like those of “Civil and Structural”, “Mechanical”, and “Chemical”, the Institute ranks in the top ten.
- Technical University of Munich
The last candidate in this brief list of academic laureates is the Technical University of Munich, an institute, which not unlike ETH is a leading contender in teaching Engineering and Sciences through a multi-faceted angle. Ranked 55 in the QS World University Rankings, and 8th in the 2018 Global University Employability Rankings, the college was, in its initial days, the main reason behind Bavaria’s industrial transition from an agricultural state. Having brought a change of this magnitude, it is no surprise, that one of the foremost courses taught at the institute is that of “Physics and Astronomy”, a subject whose implications are far-reaching.
As one may notice, this list is, in no sense, exhaustive. It hardly ventures into the colleges that lead in Humanities subjects. The aim of this quick read was to familiarise the readers with the immense educational opportunities that await them outside India, and how to go about comparing and measuring up the best of the colleges against each other.