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This article is based on a European Community funded research project which examined the characteristics and consequences of the marked increase in the numbers of workers with higher education over the last 40 years in France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK. The article is presented in three parts: the first part outlines the main features of the way in which the qualification structure has changed in the five countries; the second part attempts to identify the main causes for this expansion; and the final part looks at the similarities and differences in developments in the five countries. The following are some of the conclusions drawn from this project: the considerable initial differences in economic development were accompanied by differences in formal, certified education; most qualifications are obtained before the age of 28 to 30 years and there is no clear division between the education and training phase and the work phase; the five countries appear to be heading towards a situation in which at least 80% of each cohort will have had 12 years of education and training before entering the labour market; the more education expands, the more heterogenous education systems become; and educational developments of the last 50 years illustrate the complexity of relationships between the public authorities, enterprises, and families and young people.