EU fair opens new opportunities for Filipino scholars in pursuit of global excellence

As the country continues to encourage more Filipinos to pursue advanced studies and research opportunities abroad, one of Europe’s most prominent education platforms is returning to bring world class institutions closer to local learners. The European Higher Education Fair 2025 is set to welcome students, researchers and academicians who are seeking stronger global exposure and access to specialized fields that are not widely available in the Philippines.

This year’s fair carries the theme Pathways to Excellence, which will be highlighted in a symbolic opening where the European Union Ambassador and representatives of EU Member States will come together to present their collective strengths across diverse academic fields. The gesture serves as a visual representation of the many routes Filipinos can take in pursuing higher learning in Europe.

“We are pleased to open the EHEF 2025 here in Manila. EHEF offers Filipino students and researchers a unique opportunity to explore new pathways to excellence while deepening the enduring partnership between the European Union and the Philippines,” said European Union Ambassador H.E. Massimo Santoro.

Through the years, EHEF has become a signature initiative of the EU Delegation to the Philippines. It showcases Europe as a center of academic excellence and a destination for high level training in science, research and innovation. For 2025, new program sessions will introduce Copernicus and EURAXESS, both known for supporting global mobility, research collaboration and academic exchange.

To reach more students across regions, the Fair is backed by the Commission on Higher Education and several academic hubs in Metro Manila, Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. These include the University of Santo Tomas, University of the Cordilleras, Eastern Visayas State University and Xavier University Ateneo de Cagayan. University partners such as Ateneo de Davao University, De La Salle University, Far Eastern University, Polytechnic University of the Philippines, University of the Philippines Manila and Mindanao State University Iligan Institute of Technology help broaden access to information sessions and consultations.

Professional organizations have also joined the initiative, among them the National Academy of Science and Technology Philippines, Philippine Architecture School Association, Philippine Computer Society, Philippine Economic Society and the United Architects of the Philippines. Media partners from national dailies, digital platforms and regional news outlets support the event’s nationwide reach, with COMCO Southeast Asia Pilipinas serving as PR and communications partner.

EHEF 2025 took place onsite on 21 and 22 November at Robinsons Manila and online on 24 November via Zoom. Ninety nine exhibitors from fifteen EU Member States are participating this year, including institutions from the Czech Republic, Germany, Ireland, Spain, France, Italy, Latvia, Hungary, The Netherlands, Austria, Romania, Slovenia, Slovakia, Finland and Sweden.

With Europe offering a full spectrum of academic pathways, from research intensive programs to specialized professional fields, Filipino students now have wider options to pursue excellence in a global environment.