Celebrating International Students’ Day: A spotlight on education and data
How open data supports student mobility, inclusion, and innovation across Europe
Monday, 17 November marks International Students’ Day, a global occasion to celebrate the role of students in shaping society. The date marks a historical moment in 1939 when Nazi forces raided the University of Prague, leading to the tragic loss of student lives and the closure of Czech universities. Today, the day serves as a global reminder of the importance of student rights, access to education, and the power of youth-led movements.
Across Europe, students contribute to innovation, civic engagement, and cross-border collaboration. With over 17 million tertiary students in the EU, data plays a role in understanding their needs, tracking mobility trends, and improving education systems. From Erasmus+ statistics to datasets on digital learning and youth employment, open data helps make informed decisions that benefit students and society.
The European Data Portal offers a wide range of datasets related to education, youth, and mobility. These include insights into student exchange programmes, regional education performance, and digital skills development. By making this data publicly available, the EU promotes transparency, supports research, and empowers students to engage with data-driven solutions.
As Europe continues to invest in education and youth, International Students’ Day is a reminder to harness open data, foster collaboration, and build inclusive learning environments for the next generation. Explore The European Data Portal to discover a wide range of datasets that can inspire new ideas, support student-led research, and foster innovation in education.
For more news and events, follow us on X/Twitter and LinkedIn, or subscribe to our newsletter. You can also connect with other users through our collaboration channel.