Changes in the geopolitical, economic, and public health context in recent years have significantly influenced migration trends, student preferences, and university admission policies across Europe. Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic have created a range of challenges, but also opportunities for restructuring higher education systems. Many European countries have adapted their admission models, while some institutions have introduced innovative, and at times controversial, methods of candidate selection.
1. Consequences of Brexit: Redirecting student flows
After the United Kingdom formally left the European Union in 2020, students from the EU lost their domestic student status, meaning they lost the right to subsidized tuition fees and access to student loans. This led to a significant decline in interest in studying in the UK and a redirection of applications toward other EU countries offering more favorable conditions and an increasing number of English-taught programs. 2
2. COVID-19 pandemic: Digitalization and more flexible admission criteria
The pandemic caused disruptions in the administration of national exams and final assessments, which affected admission processes. Many institutions temporarily abolished standardized tests or enabled predictive grade assessments based on academic performance. At the same time, the digitalization of application and selection processes accelerated, including online interviews, entrance exams, and remote advising. 4
3. Netherlands: Introduction of lotteries for popular programs
In the Netherlands, a sharp increase in applications, especially from EU students, led to the introduction of a lottery system for study programs with limited capacity, such as psychology and medicine.5 The goal of this system is to ensure greater fairness when differences between candidates are minimal. For example, the University of Amsterdam and Radboud University, among others, have reintroduced lottery-based selection models for certain high-demand programs. 6
4. Germany: Numerus Clausus and regional selection
Germany uses the Numerus Clausus (NC) system, which limits admission to the most competitive study programs. After the pandemic, some universities increased the number of available places in public health and medical programs and allowed greater flexibility in recognizing international diplomas.7 Additionally, the number of English-taught programs increased by more than 25% in the period 2020–2023. 8
5. Scandinavia: Focus on balance and social equity
Sweden, Norway, and Denmark are known for free or very affordable higher education for EU citizens. During the pandemic, these countries introduced additional support measures for students, including extended deadlines for completing studies, online mental health support, and more flexible admission conditions.9 Denmark has also begun to consider limiting enrollment in English-taught programs in order to maintain a balance between domestic and international students. 10
6. Belgium: Language flexibility and the Bologna model
Belgian universities, especially those in the Flemish region, are increasingly popular among students from Central and Eastern Europe. Low tuition fees, high-quality teaching in English, and internationally recognized degree programs make Belgium an attractive destination.11 The pandemic further accelerated digitalization and opened opportunities for online admission processes, which increased the number of international applications.
Conclusion
Higher education systems in Europe are undergoing a period of transformation, driven by external factors such as Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic. New admission strategies, such as lottery-based selection, flexible quotas, the expansion of English-taught programs, and the digitalization of admissions procedures, indicate a trend toward greater fairness, internationalization, and accessibility of education. In the coming years, continued adaptation and alignment of admission models will be key to maintaining the competitiveness of European universities on a global level.
References:
- Universities UK International. (2021). The impact of Brexit on EU student recruitment.
- European Commission. (2023). Trends in student mobility in the European Higher Education Area.
- OECD. (2021). The State of Education During the COVID-19 Pandemic.
- Times Higher Education. (2021). “How universities adapted admissions during the pandemic.”
- Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science. (2022). Higher Education Admission Reforms in the Netherlands.
- University of Amsterdam. (2023). Selection and Placement in Numerus Fixus Programmes.
- DAAD. (2023). Access to Higher Education in Germany for International Students.
- Study.eu. (2023). “English-taught programmes surge in Germany post-Brexit.”
- Nordic Council of Ministers. (2022). Education in the Nordics: Pandemic response and future strategies.
- Danish Ministry of Higher Education and Science. (2023). Policy adjustments to international study programmes.
- Flemish Department of Education and Training. (2022). Internationalisation of Higher Education in Flanders.
