EU plans new rules to attract foreign students

European Commission

The European Commission has proposed ways to make it “easier and more  attractive” for non-European Union students and researchers to study and work in Europe. It said new laws should be in place in 2016 to enable states to compete more successfully in the global talent pool.

The aim according to the commission is to ensure more consistent and transparent rules across the EU. “New legislation will set clearer time limits for national authorities to decide on applications, provide for more opportunities to access the labour market during their stay and facilitate intra-European Union movement,” the commission said in a statement last week.

Member states, the body said, will be required to process visa applications in no more than 60 days, all non-EU students will be permitted to work at least 20 hours a week, and mobility between states will be made much easier – for instance, for researchers on joint programmes.

Currently, the commission said, far too many non-EU students and researchers “face unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles” – while the region needed to attract talented students and researchers who could contribute to Europe’s growth and competitiveness.

The new rules have been proposed by EU Commissioner for Home Affairs Cecilia Malmström and Education Commissioner Androulla Vassiliou.

Despite the economic downturn and rising unemployment, many European countries struggle to fill skilled positions, the commission said – and this situation is likely to continue for economic and demographic reasons.

“More exchange students and international scholars will lead to economic growth, spur innovation and lead to more jobs in the long run.”