Top 10 Best Law Schools in Europe in 2025
Photo by Alena Darmel
From the historic courtrooms of The Hague to the chambers of the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg, Europe has long been a hub for legal thought and international justice.
Thinking about a career in human rights, international law, or corporate law? Choosing the right Bachelor’s or Master’s degree is a key first step, and Europe is an excellent place to begin. It’s home to some of the world’s best law schools and offers the chance to study in culturally rich and globally connected cities.
In this guide, we’ve highlighted the institutions that stand out for their academic strength, international focus, and reputation among lawyers.
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This list below brings together law schools that not only have a strong international focus but also regularly appear in global rankings, making them popular choices for students from around the world.
| University | Country | Degree Type |
|---|---|---|
| Brussels School of Governance | Belgium | 3 Bachelors, 4 Masters |
| Central European University (CEU) | Austria | 3 Masters of Law |
| King's College London | United Kingdom | Undergraduate, Postgraduate |
| Leiden University | Netherlands | Bachelor of Law, Master of Law |
| London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) | United Kingdom | Undergraduate, Postgraduate, Short courses, Summer School |
| Maastricht University | Netherlands | 1 Bachelor, 4 Masters |
| Radboud University | Netherlands | 3 Masters of Law |
| Stockholm University | Sweden | 5 Master’s degrees |
| Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne | France | Bachelors, Masters |
| University of Szeged | Hungary | 2 Masters of Law, 1 PhD |
Whether you’re looking for a specialised law school or a broader university programme, these institutions are known for their strong academics and global reputation.
There are plenty of English-taught law programmes across Europe, ranging from practice-oriented courses that focus on real-world legal skills to more academic, research-based degrees.
Students can also choose from a wide range of specialisations, whether you're interested in international law, human rights, commercial law, environmental law, intellectual property, or EU law. Here are some examples:
Bachelor’s degrees:
Master’s degrees:
On average, tuition fees at European universities range from €5,000 to €15,000 per year for both Law Bachelors and Law Masters. The exact cost depends on the country, the type of institution, and whether the programme is more general or highly specialised. Some universities (particularly in the United Kingdom or the Netherlands) may charge higher fees, sometimes reaching €20,000 or more per year.
It’s also important to consider living expenses, especially since many of the best law schools are based in major cities like London, Paris, or Vienna, where rent, food, and other daily costs can add up quickly.
Unlike music or art programmes, law degrees don’t usually require spending on materials or equipment, but you should still budget for books or possible court travel, especially if you plan to be active in extracurricular legal activities like moot courts.
Applying to a law programme in Europe involves more than just submitting your grades. Your academic background, motivation, and critical thinking skills all play a role in the admissions process.
Most universities will ask for a combination of documents, including your high school diploma (for Bachelor’s programmes) or a relevant undergraduate degree (for Master’s programmes). You’ll also need to provide a motivation letter or personal statement, outlining why you want to study law and what your future goals are.
If you’re applying to an English-taught programme, you’ll also need to prove your language proficiency, usually with a test like IELTS or TOEFL.
Ƶ Tip: Some programmes, especially competitive ones, may ask for letters of recommendation or even require you to hold an interview or take an admissions test. Start preparing your application well in advance to give yourself plenty of time and boost your confidence throughout the process!
Not all law degrees are automatically recognised in every country, especially if you plan to return home and practise law after graduation. Many programmes in Europe focus on national legal systems (like German, French, or Spanish law), while others offer a more international or European Union-focused curriculum.
If you’re planning to return home and become a licensed lawyer, solicitor, or barrister, you’ll need to check whether the degree you’re considering meets the requirements to pass the bar in your country in your country. In some cases, you may need to complete additional qualifications or exams to be eligible to practise.
Before applying, it’s a smart move to contact the university’s admissions office and ask specifically about degree recognition. You can also try reaching out to former students or alumni to hear about their experiences - especially if they’ve gone on to practise law internationally or back in your home country. A bit of research up front can save you time (and frustration) later on.
While a degree in Law often leads to careers as a lawyer, solicitor, or legal adviser, it can also open doors to a wide range of other roles within the legal and public sectors, such as:
And let’s not forget: Europe is home to major legal institutions like the European Court of Justice in Luxembourg and the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg. For students interested in international or EU law, studying in Europe offers not just a strong academic foundation, but also proximity to some of the most influential legal bodies in the world.
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