MANILA, Philippines — Representatives from 13 European Union (EU) Member States presented educational opportunities in their respective countries during the European Higher Education Fair (EHEF) 2026 press conference held on October 28 at the Yuchengco Museum in Makati City.
EHEF 2026 will bring together more than 70 universities, embassies, and education partners. This year's fair will feature representatives from 13 EU Member States: Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden.
In her opening remarks, Agata Nowicka, Deputy Head of Mission of the Delegation of the European Union to the Philippines, highlighted how studying abroad can contribute to stronger international cooperation.
“When students learn in another country, they gain more than academic knowledge. They encounter new ideas, experience different cultures, and develop an understanding that can strengthen cooperation long after their studies have ended,” she said.
The EU–Philippines Enhanced Partnership, launched on July 24, 2026, builds on existing educational cooperation, with commitments to student and staff exchanges and closer ties between European and Philippine universities.
Between 2021 and 2025, 364 Filipinos received Erasmus Mundus scholarships to pursue joint master's programmes at European universities. In 2026, another 85 Filipino students were accepted into the Erasmus+ programme.
Filipino alumni Jan Carlo Castro and Jessica Isabelle Badua, both EHEF Goodwill Ambassadors, also shared their experiences of studying in Europe.
Castro recounted his academic journey across Portugal, Ireland, Poland, and Austria, as well as his internship experience in the Netherlands.
“The thing about Erasmus is that at the end of it, you're never the same afterward,” he said.
Visitors to EHEF 2026 will have the opportunity to speak directly with representatives about postgraduate programmes, admission requirements, tuition fees, scholarships, and student life in Europe.
The fair will also feature 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 20–21 at the Midtown Atrium of Robinsons Manila, followed by online sessions from November 23–25.