EU cultural studies 2021: women lead, humanities top

In 2021, there were around 2.6 million tertiary students in the EU studying in culture-related fields, corresponding to 14% of all tertiary students in the EU. 

Source dataset: educ_uoe_enrt03

Across the EU countries, the largest share of tertiary students in culture-related fields of education was recorded in Italy (20%), followed by Sweden (17%) and Estonia (16%). 

The largest number of students in culture-related fields pursued humanities and languages (50%), followed by arts (27%), journalism and information (10%), and architecture and town planning (9%).

Women dominate tertiary education in cultural fields

In 2021, there were more female than male tertiary education students in the EU studying culture-related fields (64% compared with 36%).

Source dataset: educ_uoe_enrt03

The share of women was markedly higher among those studying journalism and information studies (68%), humanities and languages (67%), and arts (61%). Meanwhile, the gap was less pronounced for those studying architecture and town planning, where 55% of students were female. 

In light of the 2023 European Year of Skills, these statistics provide valuable insights for policymakers about the distribution of culture-related studies among the EU's tertiary students and the potential implications for skills application and job market trends.