I am currently sitting my 14 exams with the Austrian Authorities in Vienna . They have given me an exemption from an approved study course because of my airline experience and I just sit the exams. I use Atplonline.co.uk , often advertised on prune and google to study. Working so far but haven't sat any technical exams yet.
The price of exams , courses and issue of licence varies hugely around Europe at the moment. Each countries civil authorities trying to earn some cash. Greece, Spain and Ireland especially.
For new pilots I would not recommend this method.
Europe does seem to have more jobs for F/O's with about 500 hrs on type, and I have met quite a few yong guys and girls who fully expect to self fund (pay to fly), to reach that level. I don't think that happens in Australia yet?