Study: Higher Education Levels Among Migrants in the European Union

A recent study published by the Bertelsmann Foundation sheds light on the evolving educational landscape of migrants within the European Union. The findings reveal a positive trend: the proportion of non-EU migrants holding university degrees or equivalent qualifications has steadily increased, rising from 26% in 2017 to 32.6% in the past year. This upward trajectory mirrors the general increase in higher education attainment among European citizens themselves.

However, the study rightly points out that these figures mask considerable national variations. While some member states, such as Luxembourg, Denmark, and the Czech Republic, show a higher prevalence of university-educated migrants compared to their native-born populations, others lag behind. This disparity underscores the complex integration challenges that persist across the EU.

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The proportion of adults with university education or equivalent among migrants from outside the EU increased from 26 percent in 2017 to 32.6 percent last year.

It is crucial to note that the study does not differentiate between those who obtained their education before migrating and those who pursued it within Europe. This nuance is important as the EU grapples with both a political debate surrounding immigration levels and a pressing need for skilled labor. While efforts are made to curb arrivals, countries like Germany are actively seeking to attract global talent to address demographic shifts and labor shortages. Understanding the educational profile of migrants is therefore essential for effective policy-making.

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The figures vary greatly from country to country, with obtaining a university degree being more likely among migrants compared to citizens in countries including Luxembourg, Denmark, Latvia, and the Czech Republic.