Brussels, 10/09/2012 (Agence Europe) - The cost of higher education borne by the students varies considerably in Europe, according to a report by the Eurydice network, published by the European Commission on Monday 10 September. There are also major differences between European countries as regards financial assistance granted to students and considerable differences in the beneficiaries of this assistance. This information on tuition fees and assistance is now easily accessible online to students wishing to compare the cost of their education in different European countries.
Pointing out that up-to-date education and training systems are the cornerstone of Europe's long-term prosperity, Commissioner for Education Androulla Vassiliou said: "I hope the fact that it is now easier for students to compare the cost of education in different countries will lead to increased student mobility and allow students to choose the course that is best for them".
The highest tuition fees are charged in the UK (up to around €11,500 per university year), but hardly exist at all in nine countries or regions (Austria, Cyprus, Denmark, Finland, Greece, Malta, Norway, Scotland and Sweden). Several countries or regions charge all students these fees. This is the case in Belgium (Flemish Community), Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, the UK, Iceland, Liechtenstein, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia and Turkey. In seven countries, most students are charged these fees (Belgium (French Community), Estonia, France, Hungary, Italy, Latvia and Romania). In four countries, they apply only to a minority (Croatia, Germany, Lithuania and Slovenia).
The Nordic countries tend to be the most generous, even though Finland and Sweden have recently joined Denmark in introducing tuition fees for foreign students. In fact, all countries, with the exception of Iceland and Norway, now charge tuition fees to non-European students. Of the countries or regions which do not charge tuition fees, many of them, such as Austria, Scotland and the Nordic countries, also grant substantial aid to students (grants or subsistence loans). Assistance is also generous in Germany, but limited in Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia and Lithuania. There are also considerable differences in the beneficiaries of this aid: it may be granted only to students who need it, or available to all. Additionally, family allowances and tax breaks to the parents of students constitute a key element in the overall support enjoyed by students in half of the countries and regions analysed. (IL/transl.fl)