The issue of reducing drop-out/improving completion rates in higher education is strongly linked to European priorities of promoting employability and employment, social justice and growth. It is directly linked to higher education outputs and accountability, both in terms of increased need for limits on public spending and demands for greater efficiency in resource allocation. The issue is further linked to equitable access to higher education to avoid a waste of valuable human resources. It is notable that groups that are currently under-represented in higher education tend to be less well prepared for the experience and are therefore disproportionately affected by non-completion and lower employment outcomes.

The overall objective of this study is to provide a consolidated and up-to-date overview of national policies/measures on reducing drop-out and improving completion rates in higher education in Europe and to provide conclusions on the effectiveness of different systemic policies/measures. The study should further provide an assessment of relevance and effectiveness of indicators currently in use and make recommendations on how EU level action can support effective Member State policy-making on this topic.

Total budget: EUR 450 000

Deadline: 20 January 2014

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