Across the European Union, leaving education early is far more common and complex than many assume. Figures from Eurostat show that 14% of EU citizens aged 15 to 34 have dropped out of school, university, or training at least once, with striking differences between countries. Why students drop out across the EU often comes down to fit rather than finances: 43% leave because courses are too difficult or fail to meet expectations, while 18.5% cite personal reasons. Only 9% leave for financial reasons, 14% to work, and 8% due to illness or disability.
Click on to explore where dropout rates are highest, and what’s really behind the numbers.