An accessible and inclusive higher education for all

According to official EU statistics, up to 1.66 million students as of 2022 (from other EU countries or from non-EU countries) were undertaking tertiary-level studies across the EU.

Studying in Europe provides substantial financial advantages, largely due to robust government subsidies in most EU countries. Aiming to further promote education and broaden access for international students, several nations have introduced low-cost or even tuition-free programs for those pursuing studies in public higher education institutes.

Europe also boasts a wealth of scholarship programs. For this, I should like to emphasize the prestigious Erasmus+ initiative, one of the best-known and, I dare say, best-loved EU programmes. This popular programme offers scholarships and grants to students to study in different European countries. It is a highly prestigious scheme.

In addition to this program, Europe provides more scholarships compared to other continents, which makes studying in Europe even more attractive. The regional and university-specific scholarship programs indeed alleviate financial burdens and make the pursuit of studying in Europe a more attainable goal for students globally.

In addition to its affordability, Europe offers diverse academic programs, allowing students to choose from long-term options such as bachelor's and master's degrees to short-term programs such as summer courses and language classes. This diversity paves the way for international students to engage in advanced educational systems while immersing themselves in Europe’s rich multicultural environment.

One of the notable aspects of European education is academic mobility facilitated by the Bologna Process — an agreement among EU countries to bring more coherence to higher education systems across Europe. This framework ensures the mutual recognition of qualifications and learning periods completed at other universities, simplifying the transfer process for students who wish to study in several different countries.

As a result, their academic experience is enriched with a multi-dimensional mindset in a multicultural context. Additionally, this process standardised the quality of education, ensuring that students can access a highly consistent and internationally recognised education regardless of the EU country where they decide to study, thereby optimising their learning and development opportunities.

Multicultural environment enhances experience and skill development

Of course, let's not forget that Europe has plenty to offer on top of this. The benefits of studying in Europe go far beyond the lecture halls. About this, I would like to highlight the following attraction, which cannot be found elsewhere in the world:

• Language learning: Students in Europe have the opportunity to pursue their studies in English, as an increasing number of universities across the continent offer courses in Shakespeare's language. Moreover, with 24 official languages and numerous regional dialects spoken across the 27 EU countries, studying in Europe provides a unique chance to learn a new language both inside and outside the classroom. This linguistic diversity not only enriches the academic experience but also enhances employability, as language skills are highly valued in today’s global job market.
   
• European heritage and culture: Wherever you go in Europe, you will immediately stumble over history, culture, and beauty. Historical buildings and private houses from early centuries abound, and rich museums are to be found everywhere in Europe with the most amazing collections. On the edge of innovation and technology, Europe remains the cradle of philosophy, literature, music, architecture, arts, and sport. Many of our universities were founded in the 11th century and are still housed in buildings dating from the Middle Ages. This is not something which can be found elsewhere.

Above all, I also wish to share practical news which will trigger great interest for those students considering their study plans in Europe:

Since May 2018, the improved visa rules allow students and researchers to stay at least nine months in Europe after finishing their studies or research in order to look for a job or to set up a business.

Also, students will have the right to work at least 15 hours a week. This possibility may be of particular interest to students who want to self-fund their studies in Europe.

In short, this means studying in Europe has become more flexible, affordable, and gives more opportunities to gain professional experience in the European labour market.

Extensive information availability for studying in Europe

On this occasion, I would like to invite you to come to the upcoming annual European Higher Education Week 2024, which marks the largest scale since its beginning in 2014, featuring the first-ever in-person participation of the representatives from nearly 60 universities across 1Europe and offering the most comprehensive and detailed insights into academic programs, majors, and appealing scholarship opportunities.

In addition, the Erasmus+ Day, organised for the first time as part of the European Higher Education Week, provides valuable insights into the Erasmus+ program for universities, institutions, and education managers, while creating opportunities for Vietnamese and European universities to broaden their connections, share best practices in collaborative projects, and establish new partnerships.

I just wanted to give you a taste of what Europe offers to students. I want to conclude by saying that studying in Europe is a unique experience: an academic, cultural, social, and personal experience. What you will bring back home to Vietnam is Your Europe and things about history, society, and innovation that will truly open your mind.