14/10/2026
ONE IN THREE EU STUDENTS IS STRUGGLING WITH READING OR MATHS. WHY SHOULD FUTURE INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS CARE?
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“EUROPE HAS WORLD-CLASS UNIVERSITIES, BUT A NEW REPORT REVEALS A BIG CHALLENGE IN EDUCATION.”
On October 5, 2026, the European Commission published new findings based on the OECD’s PISA 2025 results. The report found that 33.9% of 15-year-olds in the EU underachieve in mathematics, 31.3% in reading, and 25.9% in science.
These results concern school students, not university students. But they raise an important question for Filipino students planning to study in Europe: how do you choose an education environment that will help you succeed?
1️⃣ A UNIVERSITY’S REPUTATION IS ONLY ONE PART OF THE STORY
A famous university name can look impressive on your CV, but rankings alone cannot tell you what your everyday learning experience will be like.
Look at the teaching approach, course structure, academic expectations and support available to international students.
2️⃣ ASK WHAT HAPPENS WHEN STUDENTS NEED HELP
Studying abroad means adjusting to a new academic system, unfamiliar teaching methods and sometimes a different language.
Before applying, check whether the university offers academic advising, writing support, tutoring, language assistance or other services for students who need extra help.
3️⃣ BASIC SKILLS STILL MATTER IN THE AGE OF AI
The Commission's findings point to challenges in reading, mathematics and science, while the OECD's 2025 assessment also examined learning in a digital world.
Technology can help you study, but you still need to evaluate information, understand data, think critically and explain your ideas clearly.
These skills matter whether you're studying business, engineering, healthcare, technology or the humanities.
4️⃣ LOOK BEYOND THE UNIVERSITY WEBSITE
When comparing programmes in Spain, France or elsewhere in Europe, ask current students about their experiences. Check course requirements, student services, internship opportunities and the support available to international students.
You can also look at independent quality assurance information and official programme descriptions rather than relying only on promotional materials.
5️⃣ CHOOSE A PLACE WHERE YOU CAN GROW
The EU's latest findings do not mean European universities are poor quality. The research concerns 15-year-olds and highlights challenges across school education systems.
For aspiring international students, the lesson is to research carefully, ask questions and choose a programme that fits your goals and learning needs.
▶ DON'T JUST ASK, “IS THIS A GOOD UNIVERSITY?” ASK, “WILL THIS UNIVERSITY HELP ME SUCCEED?” ◀
Your study-abroad journey should be about more than getting accepted. It should prepare you to learn, adapt and build the future you want.
What matters most to you when choosing a university abroad, its reputation, affordability, teaching quality or student support?
Share your thoughts below. ⤵️
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SOURCES:
European Education Area, 1 in 3 EU students underachieve in reading or maths
[https://education.ec.europa.eu/whats-new/news/1-in-3-eu-students-underachieve-in-reading-or-maths-amid-decline-in-basic-skills-and-teacher-shortages]
OECD, PISA 2025 Results, Volume I
[https://www.oecd.org/en/publications/pisa-2025-results-volume-i_73451bc5-en/full-report.html]
European Commission, Making quality education and training more inclusive and accessible in the EU
[https://reforms-investments.ec.europa.eu/recovery-and-resilience-facility-1/rrf-impact/making-quality-education-and-training-more-inclusive-and-accessible-eu_en]
European Education Area, Quality assurance and recognition in higher education
[https://education.ec.europa.eu/education-levels/higher-education/joint-european-degree/quality-assurance-and-recognition]
OECD, Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA)
[https://www.oecd.org/en/about/programmes/pisa.html]
