Study Computer Science in Europe: Programmes, Entry Requirements and Fees
Fee figures: catalogue of 6 October 2026.
Computer science is one of the largest fields in our catalogue: 826 undergraduate programmes at 501 institutions in 7 countries. Unlike medicine, it is a subject where a motivated applicant can find a place in every country, and in several of them without a competitive score.
Where it is taught and how you get in
- Germany. 304 programmes, the largest offer in the catalogue, at universities and universities of applied sciences. Many have open admission: you get a place if your school certificate is recognised and you meet the language requirement. Computer science in Germany.
- France. 164 programmes on Parcoursup: the three-year university licence, mostly non-selective, and the three-year BUT at technology institutes, which selects on the application file. France.
- Italy. 108 three-year degrees in computer science and computer engineering. Engineering faculties usually use the TOLC-I test, either to rank applicants or only to check starting knowledge. Italy.
- Portugal. 93 programmes at universities and polytechnics. Last admitted scores ran from 111.3 to 167.3 out of 200, which shows how much the choice of institution matters. Portugal.
- Spain. 59 four-year degrees. Access scores at public universities ran from 5 (every applicant with a pass was admitted) to 10.98 out of 14. Spain.
- Czechia. 51 programmes, with entrance exams in mathematics or general aptitude at most faculties. Czechia.
- Switzerland. 47 programmes at the federal institutes of technology, cantonal universities and universities of applied sciences. Switzerland.
Mathematics decides more than the entry score
Where admission is open, selection happens during the first year. University computer science starts with analysis, linear algebra and discrete mathematics, and a large share of students leave after the first exams. Universities of applied sciences in Germany and Switzerland and the French BUT are more practical, with projects and internships built in. Compare the first-year module lists, not only the degree title.
What it costs
Typical fees for EU students at public institutions: no tuition in Germany, €178 a year in France, €697 a year in Portugal, €1,040 a year in Spain and €2,395 a year in Italy before income-based reductions. For non-EU students: €2,902 a year in France, €3,500 a year in Portugal and €2,081 a year in Spain.
Studying in English
37 programmes in the catalogue are taught in English: 14 in Italy, 10 in Czechia and 7 in Switzerland. English-taught programmes at Czech public universities charge tuition, while Czech-taught ones do not. At bachelor's level most programmes everywhere are still in the national language.
Recognition
Software work is not a regulated profession, so employers judge the degree and your skills directly. A three-year bachelor's degree from any of these countries gives access to master's programmes across Europe under the Bologna system.
Where to look next
Official sources
- DAAD: study programmes in Germany
- Parcoursup
- CISIA: TOLC tests
- DGES
Always check current information on the official website of the university before you apply.