How European students perceive Higher Education in Europe

A new Europe-wide survey among students shows that they want wider access to higher education and that universities should open up cooperation with the world of work and to lifelong learning. A large majority agree that it is important for higher education institutions to foster innovation and an entrepreneurial mindset among students and staff, and that there should be the possibility to undertake work placements in private enterprises as part of a study programme. More students want to study abroad and a majority want more information about the quality of higher education institutions in order to inform their study choices.

Ján Figel', European Commissioner with responsibility for Education, Training, Culture and Youth, said "Higher education modernisation is at the heart of students' interest; this feedback from students shows that Europe is on the right track with reforms aimed at the modernisation of Europe's 4,000 higher education institutions."

Students from 31 European countries – all EU Member States plus Croatia, Iceland, Norway and Turkey were asked for their opinions for this Eurobarometer survey, which took place in February 2009. The findings echo equally the opinions of academic staff which were surveyed two years ago on improved possibilities for learning mobility, and on opening up universities to business cooperation and lifelong.

The results of the survey cover access to higher education; costs of higher education; higher education institutions and their study programmes; purposes of higher education; quality and transparency of higher education institutions; studying abroad; cooperation between universities and businesses and plans after graduation. The figures are available in the Memo published in parallel and in the summary of the survey.

This Eurobarometer survey complements other European Commission supported activities to understand the needs and views of students and to promote their active engagement in the process of higher education modernisation, such as the European Students' Union analysis 'Bologna with Student Eyes'.

To know more:

MEMO/09/171. European Commission: Bologna (includes full Eurobarometer report and summary)