Study in the European Union

The creation of the single European market means that UK nationals can live, study and work in any of the member countries of the EU.

If you are interested in studying in the EU, there is a growing range of opportunities. For example, through exchange programmes, you can study for part of your UK qualification at a European institution. You can also study for a full qualification or course in a member country of the EU.

There are many reasons why you might wish to study or work in the EU, the most common are:

To learn a language
To gain experience of a different culture
To improve your qualifications
To discover the world and yourself
To improve your employment prospects

Below, you will find a range of websites and other resources, which will be of benefit to anyone considering working or studying in an EU member country:

Careers Europe
Socrates
Leonardo da Vinci
EU Youth Programmes
EUROPA
EURES
Other sources of information
Working and studying in Scotland

Careers Europe

Careers Europe is the UK's Euro-Guidance Centre. They produce a range of helpful databases and publications on working and studying in Europe. These include:

Exodus – a comprehensive electronic database with hyperlinks, addresses and further reading covering working, studying and living in any Individual EU member country and beyond
Eurofacts – a paper version of the above with self help exercises
Globalfacts – information in a similar vein (in a paper format) for countries outwith the EU

Note: all are accessible free of charge at your local Careers Scotland centre.

Socrates

Socrates is the EU's main education programme and comprises a number of separate sections:

Comenius: school education
Erasmus: higher education
Grundtvig: adult education and other education pathways
Ligua: learning European languages
Minerva: information on ITC in education

Find out more from Europa Online

Leonardo da Vinci

The EU's vocational training action programme.

EU Youth Programmes

The EU's new programme for 15-25 year olds. The programme is aimed at those who wish to become involved in cultural, community and volunteering exchange programmes.

EUROPA

A portal for all the institutions of the EU; it provides links to a number of useful pages.

EURES

The European Employment Service. Where member countries of the EU and EAA, exchange information on current job vacancies and applications for work.

For more information, visit Europa Online

Other sources of information

Eurydice - The Information Network on Education in Europe. Reliable and comparable information on education systems across Europe.
European Commission - The European Commission Representation in the UK. Good, general information on the EU and links to other sites.
Citizen EU - General information on living, working and studying in individual EU member countries.
ESTIA - Information on education, professional level careers and labour market information in EU member countries.

The careers library at your local Careers Scotland centre also holds a number of useful publications to progress your research.

Working and studying in Scotland

For further information about working in Scotland, visit Information for Non-UK residents.

Students from outwith the UK wishing to study in Scotland should visit our section on International students - useful websites.