The Global Talent Challenge Behind UK Universities’ International Growth

A strategic look at higher education recruitment in the era of TNE

Transnational Education (TNE) is no longer a side venture; it's becoming central to how UK universities grow, diversify income, and extend their global influence. According to the British Council, UK TNE enrolments grew by over 12% in 2022–23, signalling a strong shift in global strategy among institutions. 

But as more institutions build partnerships, campuses, and programmes abroad, many are discovering that successful international expansion depends on something harder to scale: the right leadership.

And that’s where today’s higher education recruitment challenges begin.

Why TNE demands a new approach to recruitment in higher education

Delivering quality education overseas isn’t just about exporting curriculum. It requires leadership that blends academic rigour, commercial thinking, and operational agility across cultures, time zones, and regulatory frameworks.

As HEPI has observed, the expectations placed on higher education leadership have evolved. Higher education institutions now require individuals who can navigate a blend of internal governance, cross-border partnerships, and global market dynamics. In short, recruitment in higher education is shifting to favour hybrid skill sets that span beyond the traditional academic mould.

At JSS Search, we’re seeing a clear shift in what top institutions now need from their leadership teams abroad:

• Deep understanding of local education systems and compliance
• Ability to manage multi-disciplinary teams and external partners
• Experience driving student growth and financial performance
• Cultural fluency and global mindset

This new leadership profile doesn’t sit neatly within traditional academic pathways, and it’s one of the main reasons higher education recruiting is under pressure.

The talent crunch: global competition, local shortages

Recruitment in higher education is increasingly global, but so is the competition. Markets such as the UAE, Southeast Asia, and Sub-Saharan Africa are booming with demand for international programmes, with UNESCO reporting a steep rise in student mobility and cross-border enrolments in these regions.

This makes in-market leadership not just a preference, but a necessity. Yet, the pool of experienced, mobile, and mission-aligned senior leaders is shrinking. While many UK institutions historically relied on expats to launch or run overseas operations, the tide is turning. There's now a growing need to:

• Build local leadership teams with deep regional knowledge
• Support cross-border hiring and succession planning
• Address retention through clear progression and support

Without a flexible higher education recruitment strategy, institutions risk inconsistent delivery, reputational damage, or failed ventures abroad.

Strategic responses to global recruitment pressures

As UK universities expand their international footprints, many are re-evaluating how they approach leadership recruitment. Universities UK International highlights how institutions are moving towards strategic partnerships and sustainable delivery models, all of which hinge on getting leadership appointments right.

So, rather than relying solely on traditional models, institutions are beginning to:

• Blend academic and commercial leadership within governance structures, creating hybrid roles that reflect the operational demands of TNE
• Invest in leadership development programmes that prepare internal talent for global roles, reducing reliance on overseas hires
• Build cross-border talent pipelines, identifying candidates with regional knowledge and international outlooks well in advance of demand
• Leverage interim leadership during periods of transition, providing stability while permanent appointments are carefully made

These strategies are increasingly important as global competition for skilled education leaders intensifies. In regions such as the UAE and Southeast Asia, demand is outpacing supply, and the institutions that succeed will be those able to plan, attract, and retain strategically, often years ahead of schedule.

A global perspective on higher education recruiting

Delivering complex education initiatives across borders demands more than academic know-how. It takes strategic, human-focused higher education recruiting built for today’s realities.

As a trusted recruitment partner to the higher education sector, we help universities align talent with mission. That means identifying the right people, fast, and making sure they thrive in roles that shape the future of learning worldwide.

Whether you're exploring a new overseas partnership, managing rapid growth, or need to fill a key leadership gap, we’re here to support you.

Talk to our Higher Education recruitment specialists about your next hire.