The shift from volume to outcomes in international education

For international students, there is no longer a “big four” of Anglophone study destinations - there is now a “big 14” as competition for talent heats up. Stephanie Smith, Shanghai-based trade commissioner with the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade), said Chinese students heading overseas had traditionally chosen from the US, UK, Australia or Canada. That had changed since Covid. “The agents talk about the ‘big 14’,” Smith told the Australian International Education Conference (AIEC). “It puts us in a lot more of a competitive environment.” Hong Kong had become a “massive new market” for mainland Chinese students. Others included Korea, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, New Zealand, the United Arab Emirates and Ireland, which was “doing a good job at destination marketing in China”. France - aiming for 500,000 international students by 2027 - and Germany were considered safe and welcoming with good employment opportunities and low tuition fees. Turkey wants 500,000 international students by 2028. Kazakhstan’s target of 100,000 foreign students by 2028 has been increased by 50 per cent. Read John Ross on what this means in Times Higher Education below and share your thoughts…. #intled #internationaleducation #studyabroad #aiec https://lnkd.in/eiMf-2wz

The diversification of top destinations for international students is great news for the field of higher education. Competition will mean that universities must think outside the box and innovate in the way they present the value proposition of their institution to students. This Times Higher Education article provides a great oversight of the “new” top destinations and the reaction from the field: “Dr. Fanta Aw , CEO of the Washington-based Association of International Educators, said many of the competing institutions in the Middle East and Asia had been established by locals educated in American colleges. “These are graduates of US institutions…going back and creating capacity at home. That’s part of what education is supposed to be about. I think this is healthy.”” Couldn’t agree more. It’s great to see the internationalization of higher education around the word and although the US may have provided the foundational design, it is clear that each country is further enhancing the experience through a mix of innovative best practices intertwined with local culture. https://lnkd.in/exgeHBeS

Carlie Sage of Studyportals writes: When we look at Studyportals global demand data from the top six Southeast Asian countries (Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand) we notice some noteworthy shifts: - China has seen large increases in demand from Vietnam and also from Indonesia and the Philippines - Demand for Canada has plummeted, down 48% out of Vietnam and 43% from the Philippines - New Zealand is attracting students who may have looked to Australia previously, with increases from Vietnam and the Philippines. - Ireland has also seen increases out of these major Southeast Asian markets - Demand to study within the region in the TNE hub of Malaysia has also increased

France reported a record 443,500 international students enrolled in higher education during 2024/25, which is a 3% year-on-year increase and a 17% rise over five years. That puts foreign students at nearly 15% of total higher-education enrolment in France. This growth is being driven by Sub-Saharan Africa, Europe, and increasingly South Asia. Interestingly, the top 10 sending countries together account for just over half of France’s international population, with Morocco, Algeria, China, Italy, Senegal, Tunisia, Spain, the Ivory Coast, Cameroon, and Lebanon among them. India has entered the top ranks, now sending ~9,100 students (a +17% jump year-over-year), reflecting momentum in Franco-Indian mobility. While universities host about 63% of foreign students, business schools are growing fast, showing 52% growth over five years. France is already positioning itself as an alternative to the traditional Anglo destinations. It is also true that it can absorb more international students when compared with other smaller European countries. Stable visa, scholarship, and language support policies reinforce France’s appeal, especially as source markets diversify. The visa process, though stringent, filters out genuine students and ensures that quality students reach France’s classrooms. As business schools and specialized programs scale, promoting niche degrees such as those in luxury, aerospace, and oenology (study of wines) and research strengths will become key to standing out.

The global centre of gravity in #highered is shifting with #Asia and #MENA no longer just sending students—they’re becoming global magnets. A joint report from the British Council and Studyportals, based on data from 51 million prospective students, reveals a geographic rebalancing in global higher education: • Asia leads globally with over 20,000 English-taught programmes across 600 ranked universities. #China, #Japan, #Malaysia, and #India are top draws, while #Vietnam and #Indonesia are fast risers. • MENA is catching up fast, with the #UAE and #SaudiArabia investing in scholarships, transnational education (#TNE), and online delivery—especially attractive to #postgraduates. • TNE is booming in Asia, which now hosts the largest number of #branchcampuses and #jointdegrees globally. MENA shows strong engagement despite fewer providers. • Latin America lags, with limited English-taught options and flexible pathways. • Drivers of this shift include lower costs, visa barriers in the West, and a sharper focus on employability and regional relevance. The report signals a multipolar future in global education—one where innovation, access, and regional strategy matter more than legacy prestige.For institutional leaders, this isn’t just a trend—it’s a call to rethink positioning, partnerships, and policy alignment. https://lnkd.in/d7vr9_w2

  🌏 Are international students choosing Asia over the West? 🎓 As Asian universities have risen in global rankings, students have increasingly looked away from western universities to their own burgeoning institutions. 🇰🇷 In South Korea, families are also reconsidering options amidst an uncertain US education climate. 📚 This month’s October edition of the Asia Echo dives into these shifting study trends — and what they mean for the future of higher education. 📖 Keep reading below for an excerpt from one of our highlighted articles. ✨ Don’t miss out: subscribe to receive Asia Echo in your inbox each month 👉 https://lnkd.in/gu5SNgSE   Asian countries are nabbing a lot more foreign students Ambitious Asian students have long flocked to universities in the “big four” Anglophone destinations, America, Australia, Britain and Canada, drawn by prestige and opportunity. But their appeal is waning. These countries now attract around 35% of the world’s international students, down from roughly 40% in 2020. Stricter immigration policies, geopolitical tensions and rising costs have prompted more students to stay closer to home. For many, studying in nearby hubs such as Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and Hong Kong offers the benefits of quality education without the visa headaches or distance from family. Asian universities are rapidly rising in global rankings and becoming more competitive. Between 2016 and 2022, the number of Asians studying elsewhere in East Asia jumped by about 40%, according to the British Council. Governments across the region are capitalising on this shift: Japan hosted 337,000 foreign students in 2023 (a 21% increase on the previous year) and aims for 400,000 by 2033, while Taiwan plans to more than double arrivals to 320,000 by 2030. These countries are offering more English-language programs, scholarships and post-study work options. Hong Kong has also expanded its cap on foreign undergraduates to 50% of enrolments, up from 40% in 2024 and just 20% before that. Demographic and strategic considerations are fuelling the push. With low birth rates threatening domestic enrolments, international students are helping to fill classrooms and address labour shortages. Soft power is another incentive. Taiwan, for instance, is using its “New Southbound Policy” to attract students from South and Southeast Asia. Yet challenges persist - language barriers, limited capacity and public unease about immigration, especially in Japan, constrain growth. Read the full article in the Economist: https://lnkd.in/g7QkVn_Q Antje Fiedler Dinah Towle #InternationalStudents #HigherEducation #StudyAbroad #AsiaPacific #EducationTrends #AsiaEcho

Are you currently applying for your semester abroad at HWR Berlin? 🌍 Here are a few tips that can help you stay organized and make the best choice for your partner university 👇 1️⃣ Start with your goals. Do you want to experience a new culture, improve your language skills, or focus on a specific academic topic? Defining this early makes your search easier. 2️⃣ Check the course catalogue of each partner university to ensure the courses fit your study programme, that’s key for later recognition in your Learning Agreement. 3️⃣ Look into language requirements. Many universities need proof of English (B2 or higher) or another language certificate. 4️⃣ Compare destinations carefully. Factor in living costs, visa processes, culture, and climate before choosing your top three. 5️⃣ Don’t miss the deadlines! Each faculty at HWR has its own timeline, so double-check your submission dates and documents. 💬 Pro tip: Reach out to the International Office early, they’re incredibly helpful when it comes to selecting universities, checking requirements, or clarifying funding options (like Erasmus+). Good luck to everyone applying right now ! 🌎✨ #HWRBerlin #StudyAbroad #ExchangeSemester #Erasmus #InternationalOffice #StudentTips #GlobalLearning #InternationalExperience

Universities push for UK’s swift return to Erasmus The UK’s possible re-entry into the Erasmus+ program, which enables students, staff, and trainees to study or train abroad, is gathering momentum. 🟣 Universities UK (UUK) and the European University Association (EUA), representing over 900 universities, have urged both sides to finalize a deal quickly, stressing that “time is of the essence.” If successful, the UK’s association with Erasmus+ would rebuild vital bridges for: ▪️ Student & staff exchanges across Europe ▪️ Enhanced skills and employability for UK & EU students ▪️ Stronger research and institutional collaboration 🟪 Jamie Arrowsmith, Director at UUK International, stated: “We urge all parties to move swiftly so that universities, students, and staff can plan with confidence.” The UK government has already signaled intent to rejoin the program, but only under “mutually fair financial terms.” 🟣 Negotiations are underway, and a final deal could allow Erasmus+ participation by mid-2026, restoring one of Europe’s most impactful exchange opportunities. 🟣 At Sash Overseas Advisers, we’re closely tracking these policy shifts, ensuring our students stay informed on UK–EU academic mobility and future study abroad pathways. Sash Overseas Advisers 03184843380 alayha.azam@sashadvisers.com #SashAdvisers #StudyInUK #ErasmusPlus #HigherEducation #InternationalStudents #UKUniversities #StudyAbroad #StudentExchange #GlobalMobility #EducationNews #UUK #EUA

For many years, the world of international education was mostly led by four major countries: the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada. Students from around the world looked to these destinations for quality education, global exposure, and strong post-study opportunities. But that pattern is changing fast. According to a new report, the big four have now become the big fourteen, as more countries are emerging as strong destinations for international students. Nations such as France, Germany, Ireland, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Malaysia, Vietnam, the UAE, New Zealand, and Hong Kong are becoming serious competitors in the global education space. Each of these countries is investing heavily in international student recruitment, improving their English-taught programs, and building stronger work-study pathways. France aims to welcome around 500,000 international students by 2027, and Japan has set a target of 400,000 by 2033. One of the main reasons behind this shift is that today’s students have more diverse needs and priorities. Many are choosing countries that offer affordable tuition fees, good scholarship options, post-study work opportunities, and cultural comfort. Others prefer destinations closer to home or in regions that are politically more stable or easier to access. This trend shows that international education is no longer dominated by just a few countries. It is becoming more global, balanced, and competitive. For students, this is good news. They now have a wider range of choices and can pick study destinations that best fit their goals, budget, and lifestyle. The rise of the big fourteen marks a new era for global education. It is a reminder that quality learning and international opportunities are spreading across more regions, giving students around the world the chance to build bright futures in many different corners of the globe.

Slovenia's commitment to supporting educational mobility continues to position it as an attractive destination for students across the EU/EEA. By providing tuition-free access to public universities, Slovenia enables students to pursue academic goals while experiencing life in a culturally rich and inclusive European setting. This opportunity not only reduces financial barriers but also strengthens cross-border collaboration, cultural understanding, and professional development. Students benefit from high academic standards, strong research environments, and an approachable community atmosphere. For individuals looking to expand their professional and academic horizons, Slovenia offers both accessibility and quality. Learn more: 🔗 https://lnkd.in/dXTwbn84