According to report published by the European Commission, the cost of higher education for students varies dramatically in Europe. Tuition fees are highest in England, while nine countries (Austria, Cyprus, Denmark, Finland, Greece, Malta, Norway, UK (Scotland) and Sweden) do not charge fees in most cases. Also, the report highlights that major differences exist with regard to student support.

The European Commission published a report which reveals wide fluctuations in cost of higher education and support for students. In particular, the report highlights that tuition fees are highest in England, where students pay up to £9,000 (around €11,500) per academic year, while nine countries (Austria, Cyprus, Denmark, Finland, Greece, Malta, Norway, UK (Scotland) and Sweden) do not charge fees in most cases. The Nordic countries tend to be the most generous, although Finland and Sweden recently joined Denmark in introducing fees for international students. All countries, except Iceland and Norway, now charge non-European students. In April 2011, the Commission called on Member States to urgently modernise their higher education systems.

The report also highlights that major differences exist with regard to student support, which is generous in Germany, the Nordic countries and the UK, while students in Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia and Lithuania receive only limited financial support. There are also significant differences as to who is entitled to support: subsidies can be distributed on a needs-only basis or be readily available to all. Family allowances and tax benefits to parents of students are a significant element of the overall package of student support in around half of the countries.

The review on student fees and support will be carried out annually from now on in order to take stock of changes. This report is produced for the Commission by the Eurydice network, which consists of 38 national units based in the 34 countries participating in the EU's Lifelong Learning Programme (EU Member States, Croatia, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Serbia, Switzerland and Turkey). It is co-ordinated and managed by the EU Education, Audiovisual and Culture Executive Agency.