EURYDICE adds to its facts and figures series a report of national student fee and support systems in 29 European countries (32 different systems). The report reveals, without surprise, significant differences in the amount of student fees, the way that the fees are charged, and the different forms of support (grants, loans, tax benefits, and family allowances) provided to a student as an individual or as a member of a family. It also reconfirms some general patterns such as (higher) fees being charged to second-cycle students and non-EU students when compared to first-cycle, and local students being more likely to enjoy free or subsidised higher education.

The report, aiming to be an aid for European students to compare prices when deciding on their study destinations, has included important system traits of the 32 different systems, covered in a highly simplified format. Preceding the country information, there is also a list of key points highlighting clusters of country differences and extreme cases. For example, students in England are paying the highest tuition fee of up to GBP 9 000 (around EUR 11 500), while students in Austria, Scotland and the Nordic countries not only enjoy tuition-free education, but are also provided with grants and loans.

Not included in the report are: information on fees of private higher education institutions, information of subsidised accommodation, transportation and canteens, as well as information from four countries – Spain, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and Switzerland, which did not submit data for the report.

EURYDICE Report on National Student Fee and Support Systems, 2011/12

European Commission Press Release

EURYDICE Facts and Figures