Here are European countries that are currently open to (or will soon be accepting) applications from international students for the 2026/2027 academic year intakes.
This is based on ongoing/ upcoming admission cycles for fall/winter 2026, which are the main intakes in most of Europe.
Many universities in these countries have portals open, rolling admissions, or deadlines extending into 2026.
📍Germany 🇩🇪
▪︎ Applications for the winter semester 2026/2027 (starting October 2026) are typically open from around May/June 2026, with common deadlines around July 15, 2026 (via uni-assist or direct to universities).
▪︎ Many public universities offer low or no tuition for international students, and processes are active for planning now.
▪︎ Popular for engineering, sciences, and English-taught programs.
📍United Kingdom 🇬🇧
▪︎ UCAS applications for 2026 entry opened in 2025, with the main equal consideration deadline in January 2026, but many universities accept international applications later (up to summer 2026 or even Clearing in fall).
▪︎ The UK remains very open to international students, especially for September 2026 starts.
📍Italy 🇮🇹
▪︎ Universities like Sapienza University of Rome, University of Bologna, University of Siena, University of Genoa, and University of Pavia have already opened pre-selection, applications, or calls for 2026/2027.
▪︎ Italy offers many English-taught programs and is actively processing international admissions.
📍Portugal 🇵🇹
▪︎ The University of Porto (and others) has calls open for international students for 2026/2027, with application phases and vacancies listed for non-EU applicants.
▪︎ Deadlines vary by phase but are active in early 2026 for fall intakes.
📍Lithuania 🇱🇹
▪︎ Vilnius University has admissions open for the 2026/2027 academic year (September start), with deadlines like May 1 for international students.
▪︎ Its welcoming English-taught programs and part of the growing Baltic options for internationals.
- Dr Oludayo Sokunbi