College of Europe
The College of Europe stands as a unique institution in global higher education, exclusively focused on postgraduate studies in European affairs. Founded in 1949 in Bruges, Belgium, the College emerged from the vision of European integration pioneers, establishing itself as the premier training ground for future European leaders. With a second campus in Natolin, Warsaw, the institution bridges Western and Eastern European perspectives. The College operates as an independent academic institution governed by a Board including representatives from numerous European governments. Students arrive having already completed university degrees, seeking specialized expertise in EU law, economics, politics, and diplomacy. The intensive academic programs, combined with multicultural residential life, create transformative experiences that forge lifelong professional networks. Alumni occupy leadership positions throughout European institutions, national governments, and international organizations. The College maintains close relationships with European Union bodies, facilitating guest lectures, internships, and research collaboration. This prestigious institution represents the gold standard for those pursuing careers in European policy and governance.
- Acceptance Rate
- 65.0%
- SAT Range
- 1050–1250
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- Avg GPA
- 3.25
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Student Life & Environment
Life at the College of Europe is famously intense. The demanding academic program leaves limited time for leisure, but students make the most of what they have. The college organizes social events, and student-led initiatives fill the calendar with national nights where different countries showcase their cultures, traditions, and often their drinks. Students live in residences scattered throughout Bruges, creating small communities within the larger cohort. Meals happen in the college dining hall, providing daily opportunities for conversation with classmates from around the world. Friendships formed here prove durable, with alumni networks organizing reunions decades after graduation. Bruges itself is a medieval gem, small enough to navigate on foot but packed with history and atmospheric enough to charm even students buried in coursework. Bars cater to the college crowd, and traditions develop around certain establishments. Brussels is an easy train ride away when students need the resources of a capital city or simply want more nightlife options.
Location & Surroundings
Bruges offers an unusual setting for graduate education in international affairs. The city looks like a medieval painting, with canals, gothic buildings, and cobblestone streets that have not changed fundamentally in centuries. This beauty comes with tourist crowds during the day, though the old town quiets down after evening descends. The college's buildings occupy historic structures around the city center, giving students the experience of studying in spaces that carry centuries of history. This atmosphere affects the feel of the institution, creating a sense of significance and tradition that newer campuses cannot replicate. Belgium's position at the heart of Europe makes travel easy. Brussels, the de facto EU capital, lies just an hour away and draws students for internships, research, and networking. Paris, Amsterdam, and London are all accessible for weekend trips. The college's second campus in Natolin, Poland offers another perspective on European integration from the east.
Costs & Career Outcomes
Tuition runs around 25,000 to 30,000 euros for the academic year, with room and board adding significantly to total costs. Scholarship coverage varies by nationality and circumstances, with some students receiving full funding and others paying substantial portions themselves. The compressed timeline means just one year of expenses, unlike longer graduate programs. Career outcomes represent the college's primary selling point. Approximately 70 percent of graduates work in European affairs within a few years of completing the program. The European Commission, European Parliament, and other EU institutions hire heavily from College of Europe alumni. National foreign services, international organizations, and consultancies focused on European matters also recruit regularly. The alumni network numbers over 15,000 and spans the European continent and beyond. This network opens doors directly, as graduates in hiring positions often favor fellow alumni. The shared experience of the intense year in Bruges creates bonds that facilitate professional connections throughout careers.
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