The Europe Supplement

Europe’s stature as a global centre for academic excellence remains steadfast. As Chair of the QS Global Advisory Committee (Europe), I witness firsthand how dramatically and swiftly the international education landscape is evolving. Europe stands at a critical juncture, shaped by geopolitical realignments, technological advancements, evolving societal expectations and economic pressures. Addressing these challenges demands more than incremental changes; it requires bold, visionary leadership and strategic foresight.

Student Mobility and Geopolitical Dynamics

The dynamics of student mobility and geopolitics profoundly influence Europe’s role in international education. Global student mobility continues to grow, with over 6 million students pursuing higher education abroad in 2023, driven by internationalisation, globalised labour markets, and scholarships according to the ICEF Monitor. Projections suggest this could reach approximately 7.2 million by 2025, reflecting sustained demand.

Countries like Germany and France have adeptly capitalised on this growth. Germany is on track to exceed 405,000 international students by the end of 2025, with DAAD projections suggesting it could surpass 420,000, driven by proactive recruitment and supportive immigration policies, such as the Skilled Immigration Act.

Conversely, the United Kingdom faces significant challenges. Recent reports indicate declines in international student enrolments in some sectors, with 58 percent of business schools reporting lower numbers in early 2025, primarily due to Brexit-related impacts and restrictive visa policies. The UK’s Turing Scheme, which replaced Erasmus+, has been criticised for offering fewer benefits, with Euronews analyses highlighting its lower funding and more complex application process.

Economic Contributions of International Students

The economic significance of international students cannot be overstated. In Germany, international students are estimated to contribute approximately €15.5 billion to the economy, reinforcing higher education’s role as a vital economic driver. This economic impact underscores the need to attract and retain international talent through robust integration policies, such as expanded work rights and career support initiatives.

Affordability and Housing Challenges

Europe faces formidable barriers to accessibility. Affordability remains a critical challenge, exacerbated by a severe student housing shortage. Reports indicate that demand for student accommodation continues to outstrip supply, with estimates suggesting a shortage of over 3 million beds across Europe, intensifying affordability pressures. Inconsistent tuition fee structures further hinder Europe’s competitiveness. Germany’s tuition-free model contrasts with differentiated fees for non-EU students in countries like the Netherlands and France, creating barriers to a unified European appeal.

Demographic Imperatives and Policy Alignment

Europe’s demographic trends amplify the strategic importance of international students. Ageing populations and labour shortages increase reliance on international graduates to sustain economic vitality and innovation. Countries like Germany, France and Spain have aligned educational frameworks with economic needs, enhancing post-study work rights and immigration pathways. Germany’s Skilled Labour Initiative, for example, offers career services and job fairs to retain graduatesHowever, policy inconsistencies across Europe pose challenges to maximising the continent’s collective attractiveness, as noted in recent higher education analyses.