European Union strengthens education ties with the Philippines through Erasmus Mundus and EHEF 2024

The European Union (EU) has reaffirmed its commitment to empowering Filipino students by expanding access to transformative educational opportunities, particularly through the prestigious Erasmus Mundus program.

Dr. Ana Isabel Sánchez-Ruiz, Deputy Head of Delegation of the European Union to the Philippines, called on Filipino students, especially the youth, to take advantage of the Erasmus Mundus scholarship program.

“The idea of Erasmus is to allow everyone with a dream to pursue their education and make it a reality. I encourage Filipinos to explore Erasmus because we want to see more Filipino applicants,” Sánchez-Ruiz stated in an interview with Radio Veritas.

She highlighted that the EU provides full financial support to qualified students, ensuring they can focus on their studies and thrive in an international academic environment.

Sánchez-Ruiz also invited students, researchers, and academicians to participate in the European Higher Education Fair (EHEF) 2024, a flagship event promoting student mobility and academic excellence.

The fair will take place on November 22–23 at Robinsons Galleria, Ortigas, and will also offer an online session via Zoom on November 25 for wider accessibility.

The EHEF is a gateway for Filipino students to connect with premier European universities, providing a diverse array of opportunities for higher education and research.

EU Ambassador Massimo Santoro emphasized the fair’s significance in strengthening ties between the EU and the Philippines.

“The European Higher Education Fair reflects the EU’s commitment to providing an immersive platform for Filipino students to explore a wealth of opportunities, resources, and insights for pursuing their higher education in Europe,” Santoro shared.

This year’s event will showcase 77 higher education institutions and diplomatic missions from EU countries, including Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Spain, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Hungary, the Netherlands, Austria, Poland, Finland, and Sweden.

Attendees can expect a comprehensive lineup of programs tailored to meet the needs of aspiring students.

Organized in collaboration with EU Member State Embassies, Philippine academic institutions, and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), EHEF 2024 extends its reach through regional hubs across the country. Host institutions include the University of Santo Tomas (Metro Manila), Wesleyan University (Luzon), and Xavier University–Ateneo de Cagayan (Mindanao).

Partner universities include Ateneo de Manila University (European Studies Programme), De La Salle University, Enderun College, Holy Cross of Davao College, Lyceum of the Philippines University–Cavite, Mabalacat City College, and World Citi College.

Through initiatives like the EHEF and Erasmus Mundus, the EU continues to forge meaningful connections between Europe and the Philippines. By bridging opportunities for Filipino students, these programs foster academic excellence, encourage cultural exchange, and strengthen international cooperation in education.

For more information about the European Higher Education Fair 2024 and the Erasmus Mundus program, visit the officialEU website.