Who spends to most?

Tuition fees in the United Kingdom and in The Netherlands are rather high while Germany, Austria, France and Scandinavia are relatively generous to students and to their families (also through subsidies and grants). These are some of the highlights of a report by the EU Commission on higher education fees in Europe, that could be compared to the number of university degree students, who increased in numbers in the United Kingdom, France and Germany, with decreasing trends in Mediterranean countries and Eastern Europe. Greater mobility? The report highlights that major differences also exist with regard to student support, tax benefits and student loans. This shows that there are differences in higher education opportunities. A report carried out by the Commission, presented September 10, presents an accurate picture enabling to establish the degree of student mobility across European countries. Accordingly, "The cost of higher education for students varies dramatically in Europe". Tuition fees are highest in England, where students pay up to £9 000 (around €11 500) per academic year. "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" said Androulla Vassiliou, European Commissioner for Education. "This report is both timely and important: it reminds us that modernised education and training is the bedrock of long-term prosperity for Europe". Indeed, it confirms that attending University is still a "luxury", or rather, an opportunity which not all families can afford, considering also the expense of school-books and other learning tools (such as computers), transport, housing or courses abroad… The highest tuition fees. The highest fees are charged in the UK (England, Wales and Northern Ireland). Until 2012 they were set at £3 375 per year for bachelors’ courses. As of September 2012, this level increased in England to a new basic tuition fee of £6 000 and a maximum of £9 000. Students in England receive a loan to pay the fees and do not have to re-pay this until they are in relatively well-paid employment. "However – states the report – nine countries (Austria, Cyprus, Denmark, Finland, Greece, Malta, Norway, UK (Scotland) and Sweden) do not charge fees in most cases". In Germany, for the new academic year 2012/13, two Länder (Bavaria, and Lower Saxony) charge fees, while the other 14 do not. The proportion of students who pay fees in each country ranges considerably. In a number of countries all students pay fees, and this is the case, for example, in Belgium (Flemish Community), Bulgaria, Czech Republic, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal and Slovakia. In seven countries (Belgium’s French Community, Estonia, France, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Romania) a majority pay fees. In four countries (Croatia, Germany, Lithuania, Slovenia), a minority pay fees. Fees levels tend to be higher for Masters’ level.Grants and loans. Student support takes different forms and aims to meet different needs from country to country. All EU countries, with the exception of Iceland and Turkey, provide some types of grant to at least some students. "In Denmark, Cyprus and Malta all students receive grants. In Finland, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and the UK (England, Wales and Northern Ireland) the majority of students receive grants". The survey carried out by the Commission shows that in the vast majority of countries (Belgium, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Croatia, Estonia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Poland, Portugal, Romania, UK (Scotland), Slovakia, Spain) only a minority of students receive grants". The proportion varies from 1% of the student population in Greece to around 40% in Hungary. 5% of European students avail themselves of loans. Family allowances play a significant role in Belgium, Czech Republic, Germany, France, Austria and Poland.