Since the Trump administration began its initial investigation into DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) programs at US universities in March 2025, the higher education team at Quintessentially Education has received near daily requests from families and students on how to navigate the ongoing quandaries created by the current political climate in the US, like…
‘Am I still welcome as a first-generation or minority applicant if there are no longer DEI programs?’
‘If I decide to apply to universities outside the US, can I still use my SAT or ACT score toward the admissions process?’
– Domestic applicants and students
‘Does the suspension of US visa application interviews mean that I will be unable to secure an US F-1 Student Visa for my studies?’
‘Will I still be able to complete my undergraduate/postgraduate degree as an international student?’
– International applicants and students
As an education consultancy with dual US/UK specialist knowledge, we’re uniquely placed to support with shifting plans between these regions at all stages of a student’s academic journey – whether transitioning from current enrolment in the US or applying to the UK and Europe for the first time.
Attaining a global education experience has long been a popular choice for Quintessentially Education families and students, yet recent events in the US higher education sector have caused applicants to increasingly consider options across the pond in the UK and Europe.
UCAS data shows a 12% rise in American citizens applying to UK universities during the 2025–26 admissions cycle, which represents the highest number of US applicants in twenty years since record keeping began. In alignment with these figures, Quintessentially Education has experienced an increased desire by prospective applicants and current offer holders for greater flexibility by expanding application submission plans to include multiple regions.
Global admissions opportunities
Out of uncertainty can come opportunity. Expanding geographical horizons can enable applicants to apply to the admissions systems that best fit their academic talents and preferred educational environments. However, with thousands of institutions across the globe, knowing where to start can feel overwhelming. To help narrow the search, it may be useful to consider the following:
For students with a hyper-focused subject interest
Consider: a specific degree in the UK
Students with a defined academic interest in one or two subjects flourish in the UK. Unlike the Common Application in the US, the UCAS application does not contain an activities list or resume – rather, all extracurricular efforts noted in question three of the personal statement solely focus on activities relevant to the subject an applicant wants to study at university.
For students who are strong at standardised testing
Consider: Italian or Swiss universities
Applicants stronger at standardised tests thrive in the admissions systems of Italy and Switzerland because national or university-specific entrance exams encompass a significant percentage of an applicant’s ranking for enrolment. Whilst English versions of assessments (including the Italian Test OnLine CISIA) are available for candidates applying to degrees taught in the same language, many universities will allow applicants to substitute SAT scores.
For students who did not perform to their fullest acadmic potential
Consider: UK or European bridging qualifications
For prospective students who received lower exam results than expected, don’t fret. Lots of universities in the UK and Europe offer bridging qualifications such as Foundation, Pre-Bachelors, or Pre-Masters programmes. The best bit? Many universities offer conditionally guaranteed transitions onto Undergraduate or Postgraduate degrees.
By looking further afield for educational opportunities, applicants might just find an admissions process, and a degree programme, that is more uniquely suited to their individual learning style.
UK and Europe university alternatives to US colleges
Whilst Quintessentially Education undertakes a student-centric and personalised approach to choosing the right university, the below comparative guide provides an initial insight into equivalent academic strengths and lifestyle environments at elite higher education institutions.
Paris, France
Alternative to Harvard University
UK equivalent: University of Oxford, Oxford, England
EU equivalent: Sciences Po, Paris, France
Campus style: semi-urban
Subject strengths: Government, Politics, International Relations and Economics
Alternative to Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
UK equivalent: Imperial College London, London, England
EU equivalent: Delft University of Technology, Delft, The Netherlands
Campus style: Semi-urban to urban campus
Subject strengths: Comparative subject strengths: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)
London, England
Venice, Italy
Alternative to Cornell University
UK equivalent: Durham University, Durham, England
EU equivalent: Ca' Foscari University of Venice, Venice, Italy
Campus style: historic town
Subject strengths: Archaeology, Classics, History and Engineering
Alternative to University of Pennsylvania
UK equivalent: London School of Economics (LSE), London, England
EU equivalent: Bocconi University, Milan, Italy
Campus style: urban
Subject strengths: economics, finance, and management
Milan, Italy
St Andrews, Scotland
Alternative to Princeton University
UK equivalent: University of St Andrews, St Andrews, Scotland
EU equivalent: University of Maastricht, Maastricht, The Netherlands
Campus style: historic town
Subject strengths: anthropology, history, politics, and psychology
Alternative to University of Michigan Ann Arbor
UK equivalent: University of Warwick, Coventry, England
EU equivalent: IE University, Madrid, Spain
Campus style: large, modern campus
Subject strengths: business and management, economics, international relations
IE Tower, Madrid
Whether you’re a US citizen considering options abroad, a UK citizen seeking to remain on the same continent, or a global citizen undecided where to study, the Quintessentially Education team is here to support with personalised plans in this period of US political uncertainty.
For answers to your questions and to plan with confidence, contact Quintessentially Education at [email protected] or phone +44 (0)20 3073 6839.
