When Aisha Habeeb landed at Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport (FCO) in Rome from Abuja in 2024, the crisp European air hit her face. She felt the taste of success as she headed to her temporary accommodation with a smile spread on her face. After months of frustration trying to secure her US visa and getting her third denial, she abandoned the West and found Europe as her new study-abroad destination.
Today, she was finally in Italy to pursue her Master’s in Sustainable Energy at Politecnico di Milano. However, coming to Italy wasn't without hurdles, especially when making cross-border payments for her.
Back in Abuja, Aisha faced the common problem most international students face when paying for their application, tuition, and other education-related fees. During her quest to study in the United States, she almost missed her visa interview because a friend abroad had delayed processing her SEVIS payment.
With the Italian application deadline looming and her inability to make the payment, she stumbled upon the Pay4Me app through a friend’s recommendation. Despite being skeptical about trying the app, she decided to use it. It took less than 45 minutes to get the application processed and acknowledged by Politecnico di Milano.
Now settled in Milano, Aisha has become a self-proclaimed Pay4Me ambassador, sharing her story about the peace of mind Pay4Me gave her while she chased her dream of European study abroad.
Read: Case Study: European Universities
Europe: The New Study Abroad Frontier
For decades, international students sought world-class education in the West, particularly in Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. However, Europe is gradually becoming the hotspot because of its academic excellence, affordability, ease of travel, and cultural allure. The success story of African students exploring the European educational system without breaking the bank is inspiring.
Take Sadiq, a Ghanaian who couldn’t afford her tuition fee to the New Jersey Institute of Technology, now studying at Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences, or Anyango, a Kenyan engineering student thriving at the University of Fribourg, Switzerland. Gradually, Europe is stealing the study abroad spotlight for international students seeking affordability and a world-class education better than what they receive in their home countries.
Picture this: free Tuition in Germany, cutting-edge labs in the Netherlands, and leading universities renowned for research in Finland. Europe has something for everyone, rolling out the red carpet for you in countries like France, Sweden, Portugal, Luxembourg, and others.
European universities are witnessing substantial enrollment growth driven by the internationalization of higher education, globalized labour markets, and the availability of scholarships and exchange programs.
Meanwhile, the US, alongside European countries like Italy and Germany, has emerged as an increasingly attractive alternative for international students from key recruitment markets in South Asia, Iran, and Nigeria.
Why the shift?
Between 2015 and 2023, international student migration grew by 25%, but Europe witnessed a remarkable 58.33% surge, highlighting its rising appeal. Many European universities offer top-tier education, often at a fraction of the cost countries like the US, UK, and Canada charge international students.
The work-life balance, vibrant cities, excellent transportation system, rich histories, and opportunities to hop between the Schengen Area make Europe irresistible. Here are other reasons:
Affordability
Over the past two years, tuition has skyrocketed in countries like the UK and the US, with Canada and Australia grappling with rising living costs. International students have found Europe a budget-friendly destination with opportunities to visit more countries.
Read: Study in Hungary: An International Student Guide
Easier Visa Processes and Post-Study Opportunities
With the new immigration policies in the big four, Australia, Canada, the UK, and the US, their borders have become tight, making it challenging to secure study visas. In contrast, Europe is opening doors to students with numerous study benefits, including post-graduate opportunities.
Cultural Diversity and Global Exposure
Imagine the patchwork of cultures you would experience in 27 Schengen countries without stepping outside the continent. You can pick up French, German, or Spanish if you want to study in Belgium, France, or Germany. Guess what this multilingual edge would do for you in a globalized world.
Sustainability and Innovation Hub
The world is transforming faster than we can keep up with artificial intelligence and machine learning. European universities prioritize innovation, with hands-on research opportunities in fields like AI, renewable energy, and biotech, rivaling Silicon Valley’s appeal but with less cutthroat competition. Not forgetting the European sustainability culture attracting researchers and students.
Shifting Perceptions of Safety and Stability
If there is everyday news that drives fear and causes shivers, it's the gun violence and unrest in the West. Many families don't want to worry about their kids' safety and prefer them to study in countries like Finland, Switzerland, Norway, Sweden, and others that consistently rank top on safety and quality-of-life indices.
Social Media and Awareness
Social media has amplified Europe's appeal, making it easier for students to fall in love with the different European countries. Videos of the beautiful and affordable student life, testimonials from alumni, and the adventurous part of Europe pop up when you visit platforms like TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and X, swaying students away from the West’s pricier allure.
Facilitating Seamless Cross-border Payments in Europe
One thing you cannot miss when preparing to study in Europe is paying for different cross-border payments like tuition and application fees. Pay4Me has made it easier for you to make such fees in your local currency in minutes from the comfort of your home. Download the app today and get your study abroad journey started.
