In 2022, there were 1.66 million students from abroad, including those from both EU and non-EU countries, who were pursuing tertiary-level studies across the EU, according to Eurostat. These students were spread out across various countries within the EU. Among them was Rim, a 26-year-old student from Lebanon studying in Brussels. She chose to study abroad to have a better and more secure life and is facing challenges balancing work, studies, health, and social life. The most attractive destination for these students was Germany, followed by France and the Netherlands.
Many students from abroad choose to study in the EU due to the academic excellence and quality of services offered by universities in various countries. For example, Lucrezia, a student from Italy, enrolled in a bachelor’s program in the Netherlands due to the scientific and data-driven approach to communication sciences. However, finding affordable housing can be a struggle for international students in some countries. Luxembourg had the highest relative proportion of international students, while countries like Italy, Spain, Croatia, and Greece had a smaller share of students from abroad.
Students from various regions in the world are pursuing degrees in different fields within the EU. The most common fields of study for international students were business, administration, and law, followed by engineering, health, arts, humanities, and social sciences. Europe accounted for 43% of students from abroad in the EU in 2022, while Asia and Africa made up 25% and 17%, respectively. Students like Shadiya from India, who is studying environmental policy in Italy, face challenges such as racism, administrative hurdles, and language barriers.
The credit-mobility program allows EU students to study abroad for at least three months to gain academic credit. In 2022, approximately 390,000 credit-mobile graduates from the EU were recorded. France had the largest number of credit-mobile graduates, followed by Germany and Italy. Popular destinations for short-term study abroad among European students included Spain, the UK, and the US. Students like Ana Paula from Brazil took advantage of scholarship programs to pursue studies in countries like Hungary, which provided internship opportunities and led to professional growth.
Overall, many students from abroad choose to study in the EU for various reasons, such as academic excellence, cultural experiences, and professional opportunities. Countries like France, Germany, and Spain attract a significant number of international students for both long-term and short-term study programs. Despite challenges such as language barriers, administrative hurdles, and cultural differences, international students find value in studying in the EU for personal and professional growth. With a diverse range of programs and opportunities available, the EU continues to be a desirable destination for students seeking higher education.
