Tag: Germany

  • The European international education stories you should know from 2025

    The European international education stories you should know from 2025

    1. Denmark tightens restrictions on international students

    In late September, news broke that Denmark – a growing educational destination – was taking steps to make it harder for international applicants to study at Danish universities. The policy would impose stricter academic entry requirements, restrictions on spouses, national reviews of forged documents, and shorter post-study work permits for third-country students in response to rising concerns over fears education is being used as a back door into the Danish labour market. This was The PIE News’s most-read story of the year, showing rising interest in Denmark as a study destination.

    2. The UK’s education secretary issues a warm welcome to international students

    After years of increasingly restrictive polices affecting the international education sector, many stakeholders welcomed a new Labour government, led by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, that seemed to be rolling out the welcome mat for international students. Education secretary Bridget Phillipson released a video message addressing students thinking of choosing the UK as their study destination, reassuring them that the country is “a wonderful and safe place to study”.

    3. The UK ushers in a levy on international student fees

    Under the immigration white paper, a road map outlining the UK’s plans to control immigration, the Starmer government laid out plans to introduce a tax on international student fees. An announcement in the Autumn budget released more details; a £925-per-international-student flat fee for institutions in England with more than 220 overseas students. While it’s widely understood that the controversial policy was designed to help the higher education sector prove the value of international education – with the cash raised from the levy set to go towards domestic maintenance grants – critics have aired concerns that overseas students could be put off from studying in the UK if the levy is passed on in higher fees.

    4. UK Graduate Route condensed by six months

    In another major development for the UK sector in 2025, the international white paper introduced plans to shorten the Graduate Route – originally set at two years – to just 18 months. The condensed post-graduate work stream will come into effect in January 2027.

    5. Capping student numbers would lose the Netherlands serious money

    The Netherlands has long been a popular destination for international students – offering value for money and many programs taught in English. But the international education sector in the country is facing its fair share of headwinds, including right-wing politicians’ attempts to curb overseas enrolments. But research shows that capping international students at just five of the Netherlands’ universities could cause countrywide losses of up to €5bn – an eye-watering number that should leave policymakers thinking twice.

    6. Germany’s international students return eightfold investment

    Another major European study destination, Germany has been steadily rising in popularity over the past few years. But while students are flocking to the country, local communities can expect benefits in return. Research from the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) shows that international students in Germany contribute eight times more to public budgets than the amount the government spends on them.

    7. Rising international student numbers in Malta

    A rising ELT hub, Malta is also attracting its fair share of international students in higher education due to its friendly locals, proximity to mainland Europe, balmy climate and attractive post-graduate opportunities. This is showing up in the growing number of higher education international enrolments, with this number shooting up by more than a quarter in just one year between 2022/23 and 2023/24, according to data from the country’s National Statistics Office.

    8. French institutions cash in on US policy turmoil

    With the US – traditionally the most sought-after study destination in the world – facing significant challenges with Donald Trump back in the White House, other countries are seeing an influx of students looking for alternative places to study. Some, like France, are actively positioning themselves as an attractive alternative. The country has also introduced a new fellowship for American students, launched in anticipation of the 250th anniversary of the American Declaration of Independence.

    9. International students flock to Ireland as Celtic Tiger roars

    Ireland is fast becoming a regional hub for international education, as the largest English-speaking country still in the EU following Brexit. International students are flocking to the country in their droves, leading the the inaugural PIE Live Ireland being held in Dublin this October – at which Ireland’s higher education minister gave a video address welcoming international students.

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  • The future of IT education: beyond lectures and into the real world

    The future of IT education: beyond lectures and into the real world

    Technology is evolving faster than ever. AI is reshaping entire industries, cybersecurity threats grow more sophisticated by the day, and software engineering is no longer just about coding – it’s about solving real-world problems through innovation.

    That’s why IT education must go beyond code and empower students to create real-world solutions that drive change.

    For too long, many universities have relied on large lecture halls, theoretical coursework, and outdated curricula that struggle to keep pace with technological developments and industry needs. Meanwhile, employers are looking for graduates who think critically, adapt quickly, work hands-on and integrate the latest technology into reshaped businesses.

    The Rise of hands-on IT education: active learning on real-world challenges with expert mentorship

    Gen Z grew up with digital technology. They don’t just want to hear about AI, cybersecurity, and software engineering in a lecture – they want to learn actively, create, test, and innovate with it. The most forward-thinking IT programs today focus on:

    • Active learning and mentorship: Personalised learning in small classes, direct interaction with industry professionals, and collaborative problem-solving are replacing traditional, passive learning models.
    • Industry partnerships: Universities that integrate real-world projects, internships, and company partnerships help students gain experience that translates directly into job opportunities.
    • Agile learning environments: Rapid technological change requires adaptable curricula that evolve alongside industry advancements, rather than relying on fixed, multi-year course structures.
    • Innovation hubs and labs: The best IT programs provide students with access to the newest technologies, collaborative spaces, and the freedom to experiment, fail, and innovate.

    The innovation imperative in IT education

    Innovation isn’t just about new technology – it’s about curiosity and social networks. The world’s biggest breakthroughs come from those who know how to challenge the status quo, think creatively, leverage insights from other disciplines and turn own ideas into reality. Yet, many traditional IT programs still focus on passive learning, where students memorize theories instead of actively tackling and solving problems.

    Gen Z grew up with digital technology. They don’t just want to hear about AI, cybersecurity, and software engineering in a lecture – they want to learn actively, create, test, and innovate with it

    Tomorrow’s tech leaders need more than just knowledge – they need environments where they can experiment, fail, and iterate. That’s why forward-thinking universities are integrating IT meetups, startup incubators, and transdisciplinary collaboration into their ecosystem. Students don’t just work on assignments; they tackle real-world challenges alongside industry mentors.

    These shifts are essential. The coming generation of IT professionals won’t just apply technology; they’ll redefine it.

    The future of IT education: where innovation meets industry

    The next wave of IT education also needs to prepare students to lead in a constantly changing field. This means more interdisciplinary programs where AI, cybersecurity, and software engineering overlap. It means moving beyond tests and grades to portfolios of real-world projects. By partnering with industry leaders, educational institutions ensure a relevant curriculum, aligned with real-world needs.

    Universities that embrace this hands-on, innovation-driven approach will lead the way and shape the next generation of digital leaders.

    A new kind of IT university

    At the Munich University of Digital Technologies (MUDT), we are building an institution that embodies this future – where small classes, hands-on industry projects, and innovation-driven learning come together to create an unparalleled educational experience. Our students won’t just graduate with a degree; they’ll graduate with experience, connections, and the ability to turn ideas into impact.

    The next era of IT education is here. The question is: Are you ready for it?

    About the author: Univ. Prof. Prof.h.c. Dipl.-Ing. Dietmar Wiegand is the Rector of the Munich University of Digital Technologies (MUDT), where he leads the university’s strategic initiatives in advancing digital education. With extensive experience in engineering and management of IT projects, Prof. Wiegand has a strong academic and professional background, having led numerous research and development projects and academic initiatives. His expertise in fostering innovation and sustainability is central to MUDT’s mission to prepare the next generation of digital leaders in an evolving technological landscape.

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