Lori Meadows
Europe is home to some of the world's most prestigious universities, and higher education plays an essential role in fostering innovation, increasing economic development and growth, and improving the well-being of its citizens. In 2020, there were 93.3 million pupils and students enrolled across the EU's six education levels, including 18 million in tertiary education. With over 900 members, the European University Association (EUA) represents universities in 49 European countries, advocating for education, innovation, and research to be high priorities in EU funding programmes. Erasmus+, an EU-funded programme, has enabled over two million students to study abroad during the 2014-2020 period, with a proposed budget increase expected to facilitate 12 million participants by 2027.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of pupils and students enrolled in the EU in 2020 | 93.3 million |
| Number of children enrolled in pre-primary education in the EU | 13.6 million |
| Number of pupils enrolled in primary education in the EU | 23.3 million |
| Number of students enrolled in lower secondary education in the EU in 2020 | 19 million |
| Number of students enrolled in upper secondary education in the EU in 2020 | 17.9 million |
| Number of students enrolled in tertiary education in the EU in 2020 | 18 million |
| Number of students enrolled in post-secondary non-tertiary education in the EU in 2020 | 1.4 million |
| Number of students expected to take part in Erasmus+ during the 2014-2020 period | 2 million |
| Number of students in the UK enrolled in higher education institutions in 2023/24 | 2.9 million |
| Number of students in the UK enrolled in higher education institutions in 2022/23 | 2.94 million |
| Number of applicants through UCAS for undergraduate courses in 2024 | 758,000 |
| Number of applicants through UCAS for undergraduate courses in 2023 | 752,025 |
| Number of universities in Europe ranked by Times Higher Education in 2025 | 700+ |
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What You'll Learn
- In 2020, there were 18 million students enrolled in tertiary education in the EU
- In 2022/23, there were 2.9 million students at UK higher education institutions
- Erasmus+ is expected to enable 12 million people to participate in its programme
- In 2020, there were 19 million students enrolled in lower secondary education in the EU
- Switzerland's ETH Zurich is ranked 11th in the world and is the highest-ranked university in mainland Europe
In 2020, there were 18 million students enrolled in tertiary education in the EU
Tertiary education, which is provided by universities and other higher education institutions, is the level of education following secondary school. In 2020, there were 18 million students enrolled in tertiary education in the EU. This number reflects the demand for highly skilled people in the job market, as tertiary education fosters innovation and increases economic development and growth.
The number of students enrolled in tertiary education in the EU has fluctuated over time. While overall student numbers reached record levels in the early 2020s, there has been a recent stall in progress, with concerns about falling numbers in certain student groups. For example, the number of applicants through UCAS in the UK fell by 7.6% in 2012, although it did bounce back in 2013, and new records were set for acceptances in the following four years. The COVID-19 pandemic and related travel restrictions also raised concerns about a potential drop in student numbers.
The Erasmus+ programme, which covers all 27 EU Member States, as well as several other countries, has contributed to the mobility of students in tertiary education. Between 2014 and 2020, over two million higher education students were expected to take part in the Erasmus+ programme, with an additional 25,000 students participating in joint master's programmes.
The European University Association (EUA) is an organisation that represents over 900 universities and national rectors' conferences in 49 European countries. It plays a key role in building university communities and creating a coherent system for European higher education and research.
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In 2022/23, there were 2.9 million students at UK higher education institutions
In 2022/23, there were 2.9 million students enrolled in higher education institutions in the UK. This number is an estimate, with some sources citing 2.9 million and others 2.94 million. This was the highest number of enrolled students during this period. The number of students in UK higher education institutions fell from 2.5 million in 2011/12 to 2.27 million by 2014/15, but this trend reversed in subsequent years, reaching a peak in 2022/23.
The majority of students enrolled in UK higher education institutions are full-time students studying first degrees. There are proportionately more overseas students studying postgraduate courses. The growth in the student population since 2020 has been driven by increases in overseas students on postgraduate taught courses. The number of entrants to 'other undergraduate' courses has fallen by almost two-thirds over the last 15 years. The large majority of students on these courses are part-time UK students.
In 2022/23, there were 240,420 academic staff and 398,170 total staff (excluding atypical staff) employed at UK higher education institutions. Staff employed on academic contracts made up 52% of staff working in higher education institutions. 16% of academic staff with a known nationality had an EU nationality, while 18% had a non-EU nationality. 8% of non-academic staff with a known nationality had an EU nationality, and 5% had a non-EU nationality.
The latest National Student Survey, published in 2024, found that 85% of students were satisfied with the quality of their course. 85% of respondents agreed that they were happy with the teaching on their course, and 87% were happy with their learning resources. In 2023, a record 23% of UK 18-year-olds from low-participation neighbourhoods were accepted to study a full-time undergraduate degree through UCAS, compared to 14.1% in 2012.
While the number of students in UK higher education institutions reached a peak in 2022/23, the overall student numbers across Europe are much higher. In 2020, there were 93.3 million pupils and students enrolled in the EU across 6 education levels: pre-primary, primary, lower and upper secondary, post-secondary non-tertiary, and tertiary. Of these, 18 million students were enrolled in tertiary education. More than two million higher education students were expected to take part in Erasmus+ during the 2014-2020 period, and the programme budget for 2021-2027 has been doubled to enable 12 million people to participate.
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Erasmus+ is expected to enable 12 million people to participate in its programme
In 2020, there were 93.3 million pupils and students enrolled across 6 education levels in the EU. This includes pre-primary, primary, lower and upper secondary, post-secondary non-tertiary, and tertiary education. Out of these 93.3 million, 18 million students were enrolled in tertiary education.
Erasmus+ is a programme that combines the EU's different schemes for transnational cooperation and mobility in education, training, youth, and sport in Europe and beyond. It is open to any organisation active in the fields of education, training, youth, or sport. Erasmus+ is expected to enable 12 million people to participate in its programme. This number is significantly higher than the number of participants in the programme's first cycle, from 2014 to 2020. By 2021, the programme had engaged over 13 million participants.
The programme is targeted at individuals through organisations, institutions, bodies, or groups that organise activities it supports. Erasmus+ projects are submitted and implemented by participating organisations. If a project is selected, the applicant organisation becomes a beneficiary of an Erasmus+ grant. The conditions for participation depend on the country in which the participants and participating organisations are based. As a general rule, they must be established in an EU Member State or a third country associated with the programme.
Erasmus+ plays a pivotal role in strengthening European identity and values and in contributing to a more democratic Union. In 2022, the programme had a budget of €4 billion, with 26,000 projects, around 73,000 organisations, and approximately 1.2 million participants in mobility activities. The programme supported 134,000 people with fewer opportunities to take up a mobility activity in 2022.
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In 2020, there were 19 million students enrolled in lower secondary education in the EU
In 2020, there were 93.3 million pupils and students enrolled in the EU across 6 education levels: pre-primary, primary, lower and upper secondary, post-secondary non-tertiary, and tertiary. Of these, 19 million students were enrolled in lower secondary education.
Lower secondary education typically starts when students are aged 10-13 and ends nine years after the start of primary education, when students are 15-16 years old. In the EU, there were 13.6 million children enrolled in pre-primary education and 23.3 million in primary education.
In 2020, 17.9 million students were enrolled in upper secondary education, which includes both general and vocational studies. After completing secondary school, students can pursue post-secondary non-tertiary education or tertiary education. Tertiary education is provided by universities and other higher education institutions and plays a crucial role in society, fostering innovation and economic development.
While the number of students enrolled in lower secondary education in the EU is substantial, it is important to consider the overall landscape of education across the different levels. The distribution of students across these levels reflects the dynamic nature of the EU's education system and the diverse range of educational opportunities available to its students.
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Switzerland's ETH Zurich is ranked 11th in the world and is the highest-ranked university in mainland Europe
Europe is home to some of the world's most prestigious universities. In 2020, there were 93.3 million pupils and students enrolled in the EU across 6 education levels: pre-primary, primary, lower and upper secondary, post-secondary non-tertiary, and tertiary. Tertiary education, which is provided by universities and other higher education institutions, is considered essential for fostering innovation, boosting economic development, and improving the well-being of citizens.
Switzerland's ETH Zurich is one such prestigious university, ranked 11th in the world and the highest-ranked university in mainland Europe. With a rich history dating back to 1855, when it was established as the Federal Polytechnic School, ETH Zurich has become a powerhouse of scientific excellence. The university has produced 21 Nobel laureates, including the iconic Albert Einstein.
Located in Zurich, Switzerland's largest city, ETH Zurich offers a blend of solid theory and practical application in its degree programs, many of which are built on strong mathematical foundations. The university values diversity and actively seeks talented students from around the world to join its academic community. International students can find a welcoming environment, with English being widely spoken in academic life and communication, making it accessible to a global audience.
ETH Zurich's main teaching language for undergraduates is German, while most master's programs and doctoral studies are conducted in English. The university's modern main campus is situated on the outskirts of the city, providing a vibrant hub for academic events and a meeting point for leading scientists from across Europe. Students at ETH Zurich benefit from a well-rounded education, with opportunities to attend regular exhibitions and concerts that complement their intensive academic study.
The university's high ranking and reputation for excellence attract students seeking a world-class education. With its combination of academic rigor, practical application, and diverse opportunities, ETH Zurich exemplifies the quality of higher education in Europe and its contribution to shaping the world through research and innovation.
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Frequently asked questions
In 2020, there were 18 million students enrolled in tertiary education across the EU.
There are more than 700 institutions of higher education in Europe.
In 2020, 93.3 million pupils and students were enrolled in the EU across 6 education levels: pre-primary, primary, lower and upper secondary, post-secondary non-tertiary, and tertiary.
While there is no definitive ranking of universities, ETH Zurich in Switzerland achieves the highest rank among mainland European institutions and is 11th in the world according to the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025.
The European University Association (EUA) is the collective voice of the universities of Europe. It is a community of over 900 members and affiliates, representing universities and national rectors' conferences in 49 European countries.
