On 29 September 2025, a dedicated workshop explored the development of the European Student Observatory, a new initiative aiming to become a one-stop-shop for students across Europe. Once fully implemented, the Observatory will serve as a comprehensive platform hosting a Student Benchmarking Tool, helping students compare universities and study programmes across Europe based on diversity, academic quality, and learning environments.
During the online workshop, participants were introduced to the concept, structure, and potential synergies of the Observatory. The event began with a presentation outlining the general framework of the Student Benchmarking Tool, designed to provide transparent, data-driven insights on European higher education institutions. The tool’s interactive features will allow users to explore comparative data on universities, supporting informed decisions when choosing where to study.
Following the presentation, breakout sessions invited participants to share their views on how the tool could best serve students. The discussions focused on key elements such as benchmarking parameters, inclusion of contextual data, effective communication strategies, and integration with existing EU initiatives like the Study in Europe portal. An open Q&A session concluded the workshop, giving stakeholders the opportunity to provide direct feedback on the project’s next development phases.
The European Student Observatory is expected to offer a variety of resources, including a benchmarking tool helping students identify the best universities and study programmes for their needs; Data analyses on students and graduates from sources such as EUROSTUDENT, EUROGRADUATE, and EHESO institutional surveys; Practical tools and information supporting academic and personal decision-making for prospective students.
The roadmap for the Student Observatory was adopted earlier in 2025, outlining the concept, content, and timeline toward full implementation. Looking ahead, a transitional version of the Student Benchmarking Tool is expected to be launched in late 2025, paving the way for the full implementation of the European Student Observatory by 2026–2027. By integrating data, transparency, and engagement, the Observatory aims to enhance student mobility, support informed choices, and strengthen the European Higher Education Area.
