Belgian universities are seeing a marked increase in student interest in STEM fields, particularly artificial intelligence, as the country invests in initiatives to bolster tech education [[1]].Recent “experience days” at Thomas More university drew 3,000 prospective students, with AI workshops proving especially popular amid concerns about academic integrity and the use of tools like ChatGPT [[2]]. This surge in applications comes as Belgium expands its offerings in AI-focused degree programs [[3]], signaling a potential shift in the nation’s higher education landscape.
Interest in technology-focused higher education is surging, as evidenced by a significant increase in registrations for workshops at De Nayer, a campus of Thomas More university in Belgium.
On a recent series of “experience days,” students explored technological fields including robotics, artificial intelligence, civil engineering, and various engineering disciplines through 25 different workshops. Attendance at the AI-focused workshops was particularly high, indicating a growing student interest in the field. AI is rapidly transforming industries, from healthcare to finance, making it a popular area of study for aspiring technologists.
The event wasn’t limited to hands-on learning. Students also had the opportunity to attend trial lessons and explore campus life at an information fair, providing a comprehensive look at the university experience.
Across all Thomas More campuses, a total of 3,000 students in their final year of secondary education participated in the experience days. The increased enrollment numbers suggest a growing pipeline of talent entering the technology sector.
