Turning ideas into start-ups: Entrepreneurship in Europe
Europe is a great place to study — and to start something new. Many international students are using their time at university not only to gain a degree, but also to turn their ideas into successful ventures.
Innovation begins at university
Across Europe, students are building start-ups in areas like tech, sustainability, and health. Universities offer entrepreneurship hubs, business incubators, and accelerator programmes, providing access to mentors, pitch training, and early-stage funding.
Studying in a multicultural environment gives you a unique advantage as an entrepreneur. You’ll learn to work across cultures, develop international networks, and gain diverse perspectives that can help shape globally relevant solutions.
Where to begin
Starting a business while studying requires careful planning, especially if you’re on a student visa. Make sure to check legal requirements in the country where you study and ask your university for guidance on combining study and entrepreneurship.
If you’re interested in exploring entrepreneurship while studying, here are a few ways to get started.
Check your university’s start-up support services
Many universities have dedicated entrepreneurship centres, start-up labs, or innovation hubs. These often offer free access to mentors, office space, pitch training, and start-up coaching.
Join student entrepreneurship communities
Take part in start-up weekends, hackathons, networking events, and innovation competitions. These can help you build connections, find co-founders, and refine your business ideas.
Apply to incubators and accelerators
Some university-linked and independent incubators accept students with early-stage ideas and help them develop business models, access seed funding, and connect with investors.
Explore funding opportunities
Look into local, national and EU level funding and support schemes. Many countries offer grants and incentives for young entrepreneurs, including international students.
Turn your ideas into action
Whether you’re starting a business now or building the skills to launch one later, Europe offers the right environment to grow. Take advantage of campus resources, build your network, and start exploring how you can turn your ideas into impact. A good option to check out is the Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs initiative, which helps overcome the initial hurdles of starting and running a business while facilitating international growth and business partnerships.
Many European countries also offer national startup visa schemes that support international entrepreneurs after graduation. These often include residence permits, mentoring, and funding opportunities, but eligibility, application processes, and conditions vary between countries.
Looking for more opportunities beyond your studies?
Read about the EU Blue Card and working in Europe after graduation
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