Top 10 European International Education News Stories of 2025
2 Min Read
The landscape of international education in Europe shifted significantly in 2025. From new taxes in the UK to record-breaking student numbers in Ireland and Germany, here are the ten biggest stories you need to know.
1. Denmark Toughens Entry Rules
Denmark has introduced stricter rules for international applicants. The new measures include higher academic requirements and shorter post-study work permits. These changes aim to ensure that the education system isn’t simply used as a “back door” into the Danish job market.
2. UK Government Issues a Warm Welcome
After years of restrictive rhetoric, the new Labour government has changed its tone. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson released a video message welcoming international students, reassuring them that the UK remains a safe and world-class destination for their studies.
3. The New UK ‘International Student Levy’
A new policy now requires English universities with more than 220 overseas students to pay a flat fee of £925 per international student. While designed to fund domestic maintenance grants, critics worry this “tax” might discourage applicants.
4. UK Graduate Visas Shortened
The UK government announced that the Graduate Route visa; which allowed students to work for two years after finishing their degree, will be reduced to 18 months starting in January 2027.
5. The Cost of Capping Students in the Netherlands
The Dutch government has considered limiting international student numbers to ease housing and funding pressures. However, research suggests that capping numbers at just five major universities could cost the Dutch economy up to €5 billion.
6. Germany’s “8-to-1″ Financial Success
New data from Germany shows that international students are an incredible investment. For every Euro the government spends on them, these students eventually contribute eight times more back into the public budget through taxes and economic activity.
7. Malta’s Education Boom
Malta is becoming a major player in European higher education. International enrolments on the island rose by more than 25% in a single year, driven by its warm climate and attractive post-graduate career options.
8. France Targets American Scholars
France is actively positioning itself as an alternative to the UK and US. To celebrate the 250th anniversary of the American Declaration of Independence, the country launched a special new fellowship specifically to attract US students and researchers.
9. Ireland Reaches Record Numbers
Ireland is more popular than ever, with international student numbers hitting a record 44,500. The country is seen as a stable, welcoming English-speaking alternative within the EU, leading to the first-ever “PIE Live Ireland” event in Dublin this year.
10. The UK Rejoins Erasmus+
In a major post-Brexit U-turn, the UK government confirmed it will rejoin the Erasmus+ exchange scheme from the 2027/28 academic year. This move restores vital mobility links for students across Europe.
The landscape of European education in 2025 is a study in contrasts. While some nations, like Denmark and the UK, are introducing stricter financial and immigration controls to manage numbers, others like France, Germany, and Ireland are aggressively expanding their reach. The UK’s decision to rejoin Erasmus+ stands out as a pivotal moment, signalling a desire for closer academic ties with the continent despite broader policy tightening. For students and institutions alike, the message is clear: the map of “ideal” study destinations is shifting, and flexibility will be the key to success in 2026.
Source: THE PIE NEWS
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