Based on a large-scale survey of more than 5,000 higher education students from 40 countries, the report sheds light on how students understand, experience and respond to fraudulent practices in education. It explores six key aspects: knowledge, experience, protection, prevention, technology and community.
Key findings show that while plagiarism is the most familiar and frequently encountered form of fraud, students have limited awareness of other forms such as diploma mills, essay mills, accreditation mills and visa mills. Many students report uncertainty about where to turn when encountering fraud and express concern about limited protection within their academic communities.
The study also reveals ambivalent attitudes towards new technologies, including artificial intelligence: students see them both as tools that can enable fraud and as instruments that can help prevent it. Importantly, respondents highlight the role of universities, teaching staff and students themselves as central actors in safeguarding academic integrity.
By capturing students’ voices, the publication supports inclusive and participatory policymaking and contributes to the implementation of the Council of Europe Education Strategy 2024–2030 “Learners First.” It also builds on Recommendation CM/Rec(2022)18 of the Committee of Ministers to member States on countering education fraud.
The report was prepared by the Council of Europe Education Department in collaboration with the Academic Equivalence Mobility Information Centre of Italy (CIMEA) and presented at the 8th ETINED plenary meeting in Rome.
The publication is available online
