More Filipino students will have greater access to higher education and scholarship programs in Europe after 13 European Union member states presented their academic offerings during the European Higher Education Fair (EHEF) 2026 press conference held on October 28 at the Yuchengco Museum in Makati City.
The event forms part of growing education cooperation between the Philippines and the European Union under the EU-Philippines Enhanced Partnership, which was launched on July 24, 2026. The partnership includes commitments to expand student and staff exchanges as well as strengthen collaboration between European and Philippine universities.
The impact of existing EU education programs is already visible among Filipino scholars. From 2021 to 2025, a total of 364 Filipinos received Erasmus Mundus scholarships to pursue joint master’s degree programs in Europe. In addition, 85 Filipino students were accepted into the Erasmus+ program in 2026.
Representatives from Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden took part in the press conference to present study opportunities available in their respective countries.
In her opening remarks, Agata Nowicka, Deputy Head of Mission of the Delegation of the European Union to the Philippines, underscored the importance of international education in promoting cross-cultural understanding and stronger global cooperation.
Filipino alumni and EHEF Goodwill Ambassadors Jan Carlo Castro and Jessica Isabelle Badua also shared their personal experiences of studying in Europe. Castro spoke about his academic journey across Portugal, Ireland, Poland, and Austria, as well as an internship he completed in the Netherlands.
Also Read: Pre-Fab Training: How Simulation & AI Prepare Semiconductor Engineers
EHEF 2026 will bring together more than 70 universities, embassies, and education partners. Prospective students will be able to obtain detailed information on postgraduate programs, admission requirements, tuition fees, scholarships, and student life in Europe. The fair will also highlight EU-supported education and research initiatives, including the 28DIGITAL Master School, Erasmus+, and EURAXESS.
Carrying the theme “EU: Pathways to Excellence. Building the Future,” the fair will take place on November 20 and 21 at the Midtown Atrium of Robinsons Manila. Online sessions will follow from November 23 to 25, allowing more students across the country to participate.
The European Higher Education Fair continues to serve as a key platform for connecting Filipino students with European higher education institutions. By providing direct access to information on programs, funding opportunities, and practical aspects of studying abroad, the event aims to help more young Filipinos pursue quality education in Europe and contribute to deeper people-to-people ties between the Philippines and the European Union.
Organizers and participating embassies encourage interested students and parents to attend the onsite fair or join the subsequent online sessions to explore available pathways for postgraduate study and research collaboration.
