Europe

Reports on higher education in Europe, covering universities, policy, and research developments.

Dundee University faces five-week strike as staff challenge further job cuts

· By Eleanor Shaw

Dundee University staff will strike for five weeks from September over further job cuts, intensifying a long-running dispute that highlights the financial pressures facing UK higher education.

England proposes £925 annual levy per international student

· By H. Yang

England plans to introduce a £925 annual levy per international student from 2028, exempting offshore transnational education while increasing costs for universities recruiting international students to England.

Italy launches €420 million mobility initiative for 150,000 secondary students

· By H. Yang

Italy launches a €420 million initiative enabling 150,000 secondary students to study abroad, strengthen language skills and gain international experience.

Germany’s student housing crisis threatens its appeal to international students

· By H. Yang

New data reveal that a chronic shortage of affordable accommodation is becoming one of the biggest obstacles to Germany’s internationalisation ambitions.

Exeter plans 150 job cuts amid wider 500 staff risk

· By H. Yang

The University of Exeter proposes 150 job cuts, with unions warning over 500 staff are at risk, citing financial pressure and heavy humanities impact.

Finland’s TENK issues national AI ethics guidance for research sector

· By H. Yang

TENK has released new guidance on AI in research, reinforcing core ethics principles like integrity, transparency, and responsibility amid rapidly evolving research practices.

Hertfordshire to cut 200 jobs amid £20m savings drive

· By H. Yang

The University of Hertfordshire will cut 200 jobs to save £20 million, citing financial pressures from stagnant funding, rising costs, and weaker international recruitment.

Netherlands international student numbers decline for first time in 20 years

· By H. Yang

International student numbers in the Netherlands fell slightly in 2025/26, marking the first decline in 20 years, driven by falling bachelor intake and shifting origins.

University of Dundee to cut 190 more jobs after 675 voluntary redundancies

· By H. Yang

University of Dundee plans to cut 190 jobs after 675 voluntary redundancies, aiming to save £20m amid ongoing financial crisis and union strike action.

Excellence framework to reshape UK higher education quality assessment

· By H. Yang

UK’s Office for Students is reforming the Teaching Excellence Framework, introducing Gold–Bronze ratings, stronger interventions, and greater transparency on student experience and outcomes.