European Universities See Rapid Growth in English-Taught Degree Programmes
European universities are becoming increasingly popular as an alternative to the traditional “Big Four” study destinations (Australia, Canada, the UK, and the US), offering a growing number of English-taught bachelor’s and master’s programmes. A recent report by the British Council and Studyportals highlights this trend, showing that Europe is gaining a competitive edge in attracting international students.
The report, Mapping English-taught programmes in Europe, reveals that as of June 2024, Europe accounts for 43% of on-campus and 58% of online English-taught programmes (ETPs) outside of the Big Four.
Ireland, Germany, and The Netherlands Lead the Way
Ireland, Germany, and The Netherlands are leading the charge, each offering over 2,000 on-campus English-taught degree programmes. France, Italy, and Spain follow closely with over 1,000 ETPs each. Notably, France and Italy have experienced the fastest growth, with France expanding from 1,200 programmes in 2019 to 1,400 today, and Italy from 960 to 1,250 in the same period.
Top cities for ETPs include Dublin, Amsterdam, Barcelona, Cork, and Berlin.
Online Master’s Programmes Are Gaining Traction
Online English-taught master’s programmes have seen remarkable growth in Europe, with an overall 67% increase in online degree offerings since 2021. The report predicts that online ETPs will continue to flourish at the master’s level, even as growth stagnates for bachelor’s programmes. German institutions are at the forefront of this expansion.
The rise of online learning is particularly noteworthy given the current restrictions on international student mobility due to policy changes and other global challenges. This shift presents European institutions with an opportunity to bolster their online education reputation.
A Shift in Global Education Preferences
Piet van Hove, President of EAIE, remarked on the changing landscape of international education, citing political and social factors as reasons for the volatility in student mobility. The increase in English-taught programmes serves as a positive indicator of Europe’s growing strength as an alternative to the Big Four.
Megan Agnew of IELTS Global Partnerships at the British Council added that while traditional destinations remain strong, the expansion of English-taught education in Europe offers international students more options than ever before.
A Strategic View on Internationalisation
Edwin van Rest, CEO of Studyportals, noted the unique perspective European institutions have towards internationalisation. Despite anti-immigration sentiments in some countries, European governments recognize international students as valuable assets for addressing talent shortages and enhancing national competitiveness.
Europe’s emphasis on English-taught programmes underscores its commitment to offering high-quality, global education experiences, making it an increasingly attractive option for international students.
