The EEA ‘stands out as a key alternative’ to the Big Four when it comes to English-taught programmes (ETPs), according to a report from the British Council and Studyportals.
As of June 2024, 43% of on-campus ETPs outside the UK, US, Canada and Australia were in Europe.
The countries offering the most on-campus ETPs are Ireland, Germany and The Netherlands, each with more 2000 degree programmes. Close behind are France, Italy and Spain with over 1000 ETPs each.
Recent anti-immigration policies in some of the Big Four may be behind the growth in these EEA programmes.
‘There is increasing tension between anti-immigration politics in some countries,’ said CEO of Studyportals, Edwin van Rest. ‘Governments in Europe generally have a strategic approach and see international students are not just a source of tuition revenue and spending power, but are key to addressing talent shortages and increasing national competitiveness.’
President of EAIE, Piet van Hove has said there is currently a ‘highly volatile and uncertain landscape’ for international student mobility:
‘Provision of English-taught programmes is a key indicator of the state of internationalisation, and the EEA is still emerging a strong alternative to the Big Four. More and more, students are looking for truly global education experiences and going off the beaten path.’
