NUS has called for a loan system for European Masters programmes as part of our response to the House of Lords EU Committee's Inquiry into the EU's Modernisation of HE Strategy. In addition NUS called for increased opportunities for students to study abroad to meet the European target of 20% of students having studied abroad by 2020 and recognition of the value of shorter periods of mobility.

The Commission’s Communication was published against the background of the Europe 2020 Strategy, which emphasises supporting growth and jobs, and their proposal for the Multiannual Financial Framework 2014-2020, which supports a significant increase in the budget devoted to investment in education, research and innovation. The Commission believes that the potential of European higher education institutions to fulfil their role in society and contribute to Europe’s smart, sustainable and inclusive growth remains underexploited: only 26% of the workforce currently has a higher education qualification and they call for a European-wide 40% target.

For more information on what was submitted read the NUS submission to the House of Lords consultation