Access to higher education in the EU: an analysis

In general, universities are quite widely distributed across Europe. Convenient access to higher education can be an important asset for regional development and competitiveness. It can boost innovation and upgrade the skills of the labour force through education and lifelong learning. Widespread access will allow more people to attend university, including those who cannot afford to move to get a degree. In the EU and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) area an average of four out of five people live within a 45-minute drive of the main campus of at least one university.