Physics and Maths Bachelor's Degrees in Europe Taught in English

The English-taught science landscape across Europe

Across Europe, an increasing number of universities run full bachelor's degrees in physics and mathematics taught entirely in English, which means you can complete an undergraduate science degree without first learning the local language. Availability is uneven, though: it is broadest in the Netherlands and the Nordic countries, growing in Germany and parts of Italy and Spain, and still limited in countries where most bachelor's teaching remains in the national language.

Because programme availability and language of instruction change year to year, treat any list as a starting point and confirm each programme directly on the university's own official page. Look specifically for a stated language of instruction of English for the whole degree, not just a few modules.

Research-led physics and maths vs engineering tracks

A physics or mathematics BSc is a science degree: it is built around understanding fundamental theory, mathematical reasoning, and (for physics) laboratory and computational work, and it often leads naturally toward a research master's and academia or research-heavy industry. An engineering degree, by contrast, is a professional track focused on designing and building systems, frequently with accreditation tied to the engineering profession.

The two overlap in their first-year maths and physics, but they diverge in purpose. If you are drawn to proofs, derivations, and 'why does nature work this way', a science BSc fits; if you want to apply science to design products and infrastructure, look at engineering programmes instead. Read each programme's official curriculum to see which path it actually trains you for.

Where English-taught BSc options concentrate

The Netherlands offers many English-taught BSc programmes in physics, mathematics and combined 'physics and astronomy' or 'mathematics' degrees at its research universities, searchable on the official Study in NL portal. The Nordic countries — particularly Sweden, Denmark and Finland — also run English-taught science bachelor's degrees, though some keep more undergraduate teaching in the national language than at master's level.

Germany has fewer English-taught science bachelor's degrees than master's degrees, but they exist and can be searched on the DAAD International Programmes database. Italy and Spain have a smaller but growing set of English-taught science bachelor's programmes listed on their national portals. Always confirm the current offering on the official source.

• Netherlands — search the official Study in NL programme database
• Nordics — check universityadmissions.se (Sweden), studyindenmark.dk, studyinfo.fi
• Germany — search the DAAD International Programmes database
• Italy/Spain — check Universitaly and the Spanish ministry university portal

Typical entry profile and what admissions look for

Science bachelor's programmes generally expect a strong school-leaving record in mathematics and physics, plus a recognised secondary qualification that meets the university's entry standard for international students. Many countries assess foreign qualifications for equivalence; ENIC-NARIC centres help you understand how your diploma compares.

English-taught programmes normally require proof of English through a recognised test such as IELTS or TOEFL, at a level each programme sets. Exact subject prerequisites, minimum grades and English levels vary by programme and change over time, so verify the specific requirements on each university's official admissions page before applying.

• Strong maths and physics in your school-leaving qualification
• Recognised secondary diploma that meets the university's entry standard
• Proof of English (e.g. IELTS or TOEFL) at the programme's required level

How to shortlist and apply

Start from the official national portal for each country you are considering, filter for English-taught bachelor's programmes in physics or mathematics, then open each university's own page to confirm the curriculum, intake and requirements. Application routes differ by country — some use a national platform (such as Studielink in the Netherlands or universityadmissions.se in Sweden), others have you apply directly to the university.

Keep a checklist of deadlines, required documents and English-test dates per programme, because these are not standardised across Europe. This is general guidance, not legal or immigration advice — confirm every requirement and any visa or residence-permit step on the relevant official government source.