How tough are European universities, really?

So, hypothetically speaking, which European universities would be considered the most difficult to get accepted into? And why are they? Is it the competitive programs, high grades requirements, or something else?

European universities can indeed be challenging to get into, particularly the top tier ones, because of stringent admission requirements and competitive applicant pools.

For example, The University of Oxford and University of Cambridge, both in the United Kingdom, are known for their rigorous admission processes. These universities expect outstanding academic grades, and potential students must excel in admissions tests and interviews specific to the course they're applying to. Plus, the sheer competition adds to the difficulty: both universities are internationally recognized, drawing applicants globally.

Another one is the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich (ETH Zurich), Switzerland's top university, and renowned for its focus on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Applicants are required to have a top-notch high school record, proficiency in German, and pass a comprehensive entrance exam in many cases.

Meanwhile, in France, the École Normale Supérieure (ENS) in Paris, is notoriously selective. Entrance is typically via a grueling competitive exam that involves written and oral components, conducted over several days. The exams are extremely rigorous, covering several subjects in depth.

In the Netherlands, the University of Amsterdam is well-regarded and often attracts a large pool of international applicants. Admission requirements vary by program but often include proficient use of English, excellent grade averages, and in some cases, passing an entrance examination.

All these universities also tend to value extracurricular activities and evidence of a student's passion for their chosen subject, much like top-tier universities in the U.S.

Remember, academic difficulties vary significantly across courses and departments within each university and largely depend on a student's preparation, academic background, and work ethic. Additionally, simply getting admitted doesn't necessarily indicate how challenging the curriculum will be once you enroll. But overall, their high standards and rigorous application processes make these European universities some of the most difficult to gain admission to.