How competitive are universities in Europe?

I'm thinking about studying abroad and Europe seems fascinating. What are some of the most competitive universities over there, and what makes them stand out in terms of academics or reputation? Any specific schools I should look into?

Europe hosts some of the world's most prestigious and competitive universities, each with its unique strengths and specialties. Here are a few standout examples:

1. University of Oxford (UK): Renowned for its rigorous academic environment and iconic collegiate system. It is well-regarded for its humanities, STEM, and social science programs.

2. University of Cambridge (UK): Similar to Oxford, Cambridge boasts a wide array of robust academic programs. It's particularly famous for its mathematics, engineering, and natural sciences disciplines.

3. Imperial College London (UK): This institution is globally recognized for its strengths in science, engineering, medicine, and business.

4. ETH Zurich (Switzerland): One of the world's premier institutions for STEM fields, particularly engineering and technology.

5. Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (Germany): A top university known for a diverse range of programs with particular strength in humanities and natural sciences.

6. Sciences Po (France): This Parisian liberal arts institution is especially celebrated for its social sciences curriculum - including political science and international relations.

Each of these universities stands out for its academic rigor, reputation for excellence, and the success of its graduates. They provide world-class education and research opportunities, and their degrees are highly regarded by employers and academic institutions worldwide. However, the admission processes might differ from those in the US, and it's important to investigate the specific entrance criteria for each institution and study program. Keep in mind, studying in a different country can also come with different financial considerations, especially concerning tuition costs and living expenses.

Finally, I would recommend also considering the language of instruction. While most of the universities listed above offer programs in English at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, the language requirements can vary depending on the program and level of study.