University Students In Europe: How Many Are There?

Education is a vital aspect of Europe's economic and social context, with the continent being home to some of the world's most prestigious universities, such as Oxford and Cambridge. In 2020, there were around 93.3 million pupils and students enrolled in the EU across 6 education levels, from pre-primary to tertiary education. This includes almost 20 million tertiary students represented by the European Students' Union (ESU). The number of students pursuing higher education in Europe has been steadily increasing, with approximately 40% of young Europeans obtaining a degree as of 2018. This trend is expected to continue, with a growing demand for highly skilled individuals in an increasingly complex modern economy.

In 2020, there were 18 million students enrolled in tertiary education in the EU

The number of students enrolled in tertiary education in the EU has been increasing over time. In 2021, 41% of 25 to 34-year-olds in the EU had completed tertiary education, compared to 37% of 25 to 54-year-olds and 22% of 55 to 74-year-olds. This trend may be due to the increasing demand for highly skilled workers with relevant education to manage complex and flexible jobs.

The percentage of young people in the EU with a tertiary education varies across member states. Over half of 25 to 34-year-olds in Luxembourg, Ireland, Cyprus, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Sweden, Denmark, Spain, Slovenia, Portugal, and Latvia had completed tertiary education in 2021. In contrast, only 23% of young adults in Romania had received a degree at the tertiary level, with Italy and Hungary also recording low shares of 28% and 33% respectively.

Mental health is a significant concern for students in higher education in Europe, with around 40% experiencing mental health issues. Research has shown that mental health issues particularly affect young adults, who make up the majority of the student population. Therefore, higher education institutions have a responsibility to support students' well-being and mental health throughout their studies.

40% of students in higher education in Europe experience mental health issues

In 2020, there were around 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.

Mental health issues are prevalent among students in higher education in Europe. In fact, 40% of students experience mental health issues, and approximately one in five struggle with mental disorders. Many students suffer from anxiety, depression, and other serious mental health problems. The mental health and well-being of young people in Europe is a growing concern, and higher education institutions have a responsibility to support their students' well-being and mental health throughout their studies.

The transition to university can be stressful and involve significant lifestyle changes. Students must adjust to the demands of a new learning environment, interact with a diverse range of people and environments, and cope with being away from trusted support networks. These challenges can make it difficult for students to participate in class, engage with course content, and complete their work. As a result, their attendance and academic performance may suffer, putting them at risk of falling behind or dropping out.

It is important for universities to be aware of the signs of mental health issues and provide support to students who are struggling. Tracking attendance and engagement levels can help identify at-risk students, and universities can offer personal counseling and other resources to help students succeed. Additionally, universities should promote mental health awareness and reduce the stigma associated with mental health difficulties, so that students feel comfortable seeking help when needed.

Furthermore, a sense of belonging and good relationships with tutors, lecturers, and peers can positively impact students' mental health and academic performance. Universities should foster an inclusive and supportive environment to help students thrive during their studies and beyond.

The number of EU students enrolling in UK universities halved after Brexit

There are around 93.3 million students enrolled in the EU across 6 education levels: pre-primary, primary, lower and upper secondary, post-secondary non-tertiary, and tertiary. In 2020, there were 18 million students enrolled in tertiary education.

The number of students enrolling in UK universities from EU countries has halved since Brexit. In the 2021-22 academic year, there was a 53% fall in the number of first-year EU students. This decrease is largely due to changes in fees and eligibility requirements. Before Brexit, EU students paid the same fees as UK students, which were just over £9,000 per year. Now, fees have risen to as high as £38,000 per year for non-EU students. Brexit has also excluded EU students from accessing student loans, as they are now required to obtain visas and prove they can financially support themselves.

The loss of EU students has impacted the diversity of classrooms and the finances of colleges. EU students were more likely to enrol in longer courses, such as three or four-year undergraduate degrees, whereas new international students often enrol in one-year postgraduate courses. The decline in postgraduate students is a particular concern, as they were a vital part of the talent pipeline for the science sector.

The biggest decrease in student numbers has been from Italy, Germany, and France. In contrast, the number of students from China, India, Pakistan, and Nigeria has increased. Despite this influx of students from non-EU countries, the decline in EU student numbers is still a cause for concern for UK universities, both in terms of financial stability and the loss of talent.

41% of 25-34-year-olds in the EU had completed tertiary education in 2021

In 2020, there were 93.3 million pupils and students enrolled across 6 education levels in the EU: pre-primary, primary, lower and upper secondary, post-secondary non-tertiary, and tertiary. Of these, 18 million were enrolled in tertiary education.

In 2021, 41% of the EU’s population aged 25-34 years had completed tertiary education. This is a notable increase from the 40% of young Europeans who had obtained a degree as of 2018. While this is an impressive figure, it is still 4 percentage points below the EU's 2030 target, which aims for 45% of the EU population aged between 25-34 years to have tertiary education.

There is a clear gender disparity among those with tertiary education. A larger share of women aged 25-34 had completed tertiary education than men (47% of women, 36% of men). While the share of men with tertiary education has been increasing over the last ten years, the rate of growth has been slower than for women, resulting in a broadening gender gap over time.

Almost half of the EU Member States have already met the 2030 EU-level target, including Luxembourg, Ireland, Cyprus, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Sweden, Denmark, Spain, Slovenia, Portugal, and Latvia. In contrast, the lowest shares were recorded in Romania (23%), Italy (28%), and Hungary (33%).

Looking at the differences between age groups with regards to educational attainment in 2021, there is a clear age difference: 37% of the EU population aged 25–54 had a tertiary level education compared with 22% of those aged 55–74.

The European Students' Union represents almost 20 million students in Europe

The European Students' Union (ESU) is an umbrella organisation of 44-45 National Unions of Students (NUS) from 40 countries. The ESU represents almost 20 million students in Europe, aiming to promote and represent the educational, social, economic, and cultural interests of students at the European level. The union is committed to ensuring equal educational and social opportunities in an open and democratic Europe, where students play a pivotal role in shaping a sustainable future.

The ESU's diverse and democratic nature embraces students from all backgrounds, regardless of political beliefs, religion, ethnicity, cultural origin, sexual orientation, or social standing. It is student-run, autonomous, and operates with transparency and respect for differing opinions. The union's highest structure is the Board Meeting, where representatives from all member National Unions of Students convene to set policy direction and elect the executive committee.

The executive committee, elected annually, comprises a president, vice-presidents, and seven general members, collectively responsible for the union's day-to-day operations. The ESU's activities include seminars, training, campaigns, conferences, research projects, and publications geared towards students, policymakers, and higher education professionals.

The ESU has undergone several name changes since its inception in 1982, initially established as the Western European Students Information Bureau (WESIB). It evolved into the European Student Information Bureau (ESIB) in 1990 and later became the National Union of Students in Europe in 1992, reflecting its transition into a political organisation advocating for students' interests in European institutions. In 2007, it adopted its current name, the European Students' Union.

The ESU's role has grown in significance as decisions regarding higher education are increasingly made at the European level. It is the only Europe-wide student platform, advocating for sustainable, accessible, and high-quality higher education across the continent.

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