EHEF 2025: New Pathways to EU’s Academic Excellence

This year, the European Higher Education Fair (EHEF) 2025 brings new opportunities for Filipino students wishing to explore European higher education. 

Organised by the Delegation of the European Union to the Philippines, together with the Embassies of the EU Member States, the EHEF welcomes new participants. 

For the first time, Latvia, Romania, and Slovakia join the roster of EU Member States, offering Filipino students a wider range of opportunities and academic programmes to explore across the EU. In addition, the Czech Republic, Germany, Ireland, Spain, France, Italy, Latvia, Hungary, The Netherlands, Austria, Romania, Slovakia, Finland, and Sweden represented this year.

Students, academicians, and researchers will be able to meet with representatives from 97

European higher education institutions, embassies and cultural institutes joining this year.

The fair will also introduce new programme sessions, featuring representatives from the Copernicus Programme – the EU’s flagship Earth Observation programme, and EURAXESS, the EU’s platform that supports researcher mobility and career development.

A special session on Erasmus+ Capacity Building for Higher Education (CBHE) will also be held underscoring the EU’s continued commitment to fostering innovation, collaboration, and network building within the Philippine higher education sector. 

Information sessions will highlight other programmes by matching them with more focused academic and institutional groups to ensure greater alignment and impact.

“Each year, EHEF grows not just in size but also in depth. With new EUMS states joining us and new programme sessions expanding our offerings, we are opening more pathways for Filipino students and researchers to connect, learn, and thrive in the EU. This reflects the EU’s continuous dedication to making education a bridge between nations and cultures,” said H.E Massimo Santoro, European Union Ambassador. 

EHEF 2025 will take place on 21 & 22 November at the Midtown Atrium of Robinsons Manila, with a series of online sessions on 24 November for those who cannot attend the onsite event. Throughout the fair, participating EU universities and representatives will showcase their wide range of degree programmes, scholarships, and research opportunities designed for Filipino students seeking to pursue higher education in the EU. 

What awaits you in the EU? 

Studying in the EU means discovering the world as you  learn and share your skills and talents in a borderless EU. It is a chance to learn new languages, and immerse yourself in cultures that shape global perspectives. With diverse and specialised programmes, rooted in real-world practice, EU universities offer students the freedom to pursue their passions in ways that go beyond traditional courses. 

EHEF 2025 is supported by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), together with the regional hubs University of Santo Tomas (Metro Manila), University of the Cordilleras (Luzon), Eastern Visayas State University (Visayas), and Xavier University - Ateneo de Cagayan (Mindanao). University partners include Ateneo de Davao University, Caraga State University, De La Salle University, Far Eastern University, Holy Cross of Davao College, Lyceum of the Philippines-Manila Campus, Mindanao State University - Iligan Institute of Technology, Pampanga State Agricultural University, Polytechnic University of the Philippines, University of San Agustin, University of the Philippines Manila, and Visayas State University.

Professional organisation partners include: 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 such as Backend News, Baguio Herald Express, Daily Guardian, Daily Tribune, Gadgets Magazine, Manila Bulletin, Mindanao Gold Star Daily, SEA Wave Pop Culture Magazine, SEA Wave Pilipinas, Tempo, and WhenInManila.com help bring the event closer to students nationwide. COMCO Southeast Asia-Pilipinas is the PR and communications partner.

For more details about the European Higher Education Fair 2025, visit www.ehefphilippines.com or follow @EHEFPhilippines on Facebook, Instagram, and X for updates.

Inspiring Journeys of Academic Growth and Excellence of Filipinos in the EU

From the stage of the European Higher Education Fair (EHEF) to success stories across the EU, the journey continues this year. EHEF celebrates not just opportunities, but also the inspiring achievements of Filipino students who once walked the halls of the fair. Now scholars, professionals, and changemakers in various fields, these Goodwill Ambassadors stand as living proof of how education can open doors to global excellence, cross-cultural growth, and lifelong learning impact. 

“The EHEF is more than a fair; it’s a bridge and a pathway that connects dreams to possibilities, and talent to opportunities waiting in the EU,” said EU Ambassador H.E. Massimo Santoro.

From Policy Studies to Public Service 

Oliver James Soriano Dulay, Germany’s Goodwill Ambassador, embodies global citizenship shaped by education and purpose. A Helmut Schmidt Scholarship recipient under DAAD, he earned his Master’s in Analysis and Design of Policies and Security Studies in 2023. Now a Medico-Legal Officer III at the Commission on Human Rights, Oliver upholds justice, human rights, and public service through his work.

“My journey was transformative, teaching me the value of critical thinking. Studying in the EU is not just about academics; it’s about growing as a global citizen. The world is our home. Embrace this chance to learn, grow, and breathe excellence,” said Dulay. 

Bridging Cultures, Building Excellence

Jessica Isabelle Badua, Spain’s Goodwill Ambassador, exemplifies how international education bridges cultures and builds leaders. A British Council IELTS Prize Scholar and recipient of the Premio Extraordinario Fin de Máster, she earned her Bilingual Master’s in International Relations and Migrations at the University of Cádiz and a BA in European Languages (cum laude) from UP Diliman. Now an Assistant/Archivist at the Embassy of Spain in the Philippines, Jessica continues to promote collaboration and diversity, shaped by her EU academic and professional journey.

Badua shared, “Studying in the EU is about growth, discovery, and building lifelong connections. If you have the opportunity to return to the Philippines, use what you have learned to give back and help create positive change. Alternatively, if you become part of something bigger internationally, that’s great too!” 

Nurturing Innovation Through Science and Service

Johnrell Zuniega, France’s Goodwill Ambassador, shows how scientific collaboration drives innovation. A 2024 PhD graduate in Agroresources, Food, Bio products and Nutrition from L'Institut Agro Montpellier, he has contributed to sustainable plant protection research and presented internationally. Now an Assistant Professor at UP Los Baños, he continues linking European research excellence with Filipino agricultural development while actively engaging in community and professional networks.

According to Zuniega, “This experience showed me that excellence is not about individual achievement, but about learning together and uniting diverse perspectives to solve global challenges.”

Learning Without Limits

Frances Lee Sanchez, Italy’s Goodwill Ambassador, embodies how education opens minds and builds purpose beyond borders. A Master’s graduate in International Management from Italy, she presented research on generative AI’s impact on Metro Manila e-commerce consumers. Now a Virtual Assistant for an Australian firm and a Faculty Member at Dr. Carlos Lanting College, Frances inspires students to pursue excellence and embrace global perspectives, proving that learning knows no boundaries.

“Had I not studied in Italy, I would not have gained this perspective. That experience sparked in me a dream: to return to the Philippines and share what I have learned with Filipino students. My EU higher education equipped me with knowledge, skills, and a global outlook that I now carry with purpose,” said Frances Sanchez.

Transforming Through Science 

Alexis Cabahug Achacoso, Hungary’s Goodwill Ambassador, exemplifies how education and research drive excellence. A PhD candidate in Chemistry at the University of Debrecen, he explores innovations in MRI probe technology. Active in mentoring and student leadership, Alexis promotes collaboration and growth among international scholars. Describing his EU experience as transformative, he continues to advance science while inspiring young Filipinos to learn, lead, and create meaningful change.

As the EHEF marks another year of empowering Filipino learners, the stories of its Goodwill Ambassadors stand as proof that education in the EU goes beyond degrees, it shapes leaders, nurtures innovation, and inspires service. Each alumnus carries forward the EHEF spirit of excellence, bridging nations through knowledge and purpose. 

Join EHEF 2025 on 21 and 22 November at the Midtown Atrium, Robinsons Manila, and on 24 November for the online sessions. For more information, visit ehefphilippines.com and stay updated by following EHEF Philippines (@EHEFPhilippines) on Facebook, Instagram, and X.