WIREDGOV

Levels of student tuition fees, grants and loans continue to highlight stark differences across Europe, according to a report published recently by the European Commission's Eurydice network. The report, covering 33 European countries, reveals that fee systems have remained relatively stable across the continent, despite some notable exceptions. Germany is the only country to recently abolish tuition fees, despite introducing them only in 2007.

Estonia significantly changed its funding system in 2014, linking fees to study performance: only students who fail to stay on track with their studies (ie do not achieve the required number of credits each year) are charged. Fees are similarly linked to poor performance in other countries including the Czech Republic, Spain, Croatia, Hungary, Austria, Poland and Slovakia.

The highest tuition fees in Europe are in the UK (England), following a major overhaul of its higher education system in 2012. The fees are not paid immediately, but only after graduation when students' earnings exceed a defined threshold - a unique model in Europe. Relatively high fees are paid up front by students in Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Hungary, the Netherlands and Slovenia.

"Europe desperately needs to improve access to higher education for our young people. Not only does this greatly improve their chances of getting a good job, but it also enhances our economies, which are in need of the innovation and creativity that talented graduates bring," said Androulla Vassiliou, European Commissioner for Education, Culture, Multilingualism and Youth. "Where Member States decide to introduce tuition fees, they should always have measures in place, including grants, to ensure equal access to higher education for all, especially students from disadvantaged backgrounds."

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