Is the Internationalisation of Higher Education Facing a Crisis? Challenges and Opportunities in a Changing Global Landscape
As geopolitical shifts reshape the world, the internationalisation of higher education is encountering unprecedented challenges. Over the past few decades, this sector has thrived under the influence of globalisation, marketisation, and increasing competition. However, as immigration policies tighten, economic pressures rise, and technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) advance rapidly, the future growth of the internationalisation industry is now in question.
The most obvious manifestation of internationalisation in higher education is student mobility. According to UNESCO data from 2023, nearly 7 million students are engaged in international mobility each year. Yet, the scope of internationalisation goes far beyond student exchange. With the deepening of globalisation, new models have emerged, such as branch campuses, joint degree programmes, and other transnational education (TNE) initiatives. These models not only provide universities with additional revenue streams but also play an increasingly significant role in the global education market.
Take the example of Sciences Po, the prestigious French political science university, which has established multiple campuses across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, attracting a large number of local students and furthering its internationalisation efforts. Similarly, many American universities have opened campuses in various countries, offering local students access to world-class education while generating substantial income for the parent institutions. Universities and higher education institutions are now realising that internationalisation is not just about student mobility but about multifaceted cooperation and exchange across borders.
This expansion has led to the internationalisation industry reaching a scale of more than US$1.5 trillion annually. In the United States alone, international students contribute over US$40 billion to the economy each year, while the UK and Australia generate US$50 billion and US$33 billion, respectively. As international student numbers continue to grow, many countries have increased their investment in internationalisation. Organisations like the British Council and the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) are not only fostering student mobility but also facilitating cultural exchange and serving as instruments of soft power for political and economic objectives.
However, this sector is not without its challenges. As immigration policies tighten and political climates shift, many government-funded international education programs are facing significant budget cuts. The British Council, DAAD, and the U.S. Fulbright Program, which have long been champions of international academic cooperation, are all encountering funding restrictions due to economic pressures and changing political dynamics.
Furthermore, the industry’s operation has become increasingly complex. Numerous companies and institutions play a key role in this global ecosystem, but much of their activity is opaque. These organisations, ranging from educational consultancies to student housing developers and even banks that provide loans for studying abroad, often operate behind the scenes. For instance, Studyportals, a Netherlands-based company, helps students find academic institutions around the world, providing valuable services to both students and universities in exchange for fees. This model highlights the deep interconnection between education, business, and technology, but also the potential ethical concerns and lack of transparency in the sector.
One of the most influential yet controversial aspects of international education is the recruitment agent industry. Thousands of agents operate globally, particularly in major sending countries such as China and India, assisting students with university placements in exchange for commissions. While they play a critical role in facilitating international student mobility, these agents have been criticised for their lack of transparency and occasional ethical lapses, such as falsifying admissions materials. Despite the criticisms, recruitment agents remain a cornerstone of the international student mobility ecosystem.
Currently, the internationalisation industry is undergoing significant transformation. Geopolitical tensions, the rise of anti-immigrant and anti-intellectual sentiment, and issues such as housing shortages for international students in many of the world’s top destinations, particularly English-speaking countries, may lead to a reduction in international student numbers. This shift could disrupt traditional mobility patterns and lead to the restructuring of internationalisation models.
Transnational education (TNE) may emerge as a dominant alternative to student mobility. Many universities in the Global North are expanding their TNE offerings through branch campuses, joint degree programmes, and franchise arrangements. These initiatives allow universities to retain income and provide educational opportunities to students while reducing the number of international students coming to their home countries. The rise of South-South cooperation, particularly between emerging economies like India and China, may further reshape global education. For instance, India’s Tamil Nadu University has established collaborative programs with African countries, offering local students access to international education while generating revenue for Indian institutions.
Another transformative factor in the industry is the increasing use of artificial intelligence. AI technologies are already being integrated into university recruitment processes, offering personalised recommendations to prospective students and improving the efficiency of admissions. For example, Stanford University is using AI to analyse students’ backgrounds and academic interests, helping to match them with the most suitable courses and degree programs. This technology not only improves the admissions process but also helps universities build more accurate profiles of prospective students.
Moreover, as countries in the Global South such as India and China continue to rise in economic prominence, we are seeing an increase in South-South cooperation. These countries are actively collaborating on educational initiatives, offering students opportunities to study abroad or participate in joint academic programs. In places like the Philippines, Tunisia, and Albania, education systems are increasingly designed to prepare students for international careers, particularly in industries like nursing, creating new pathways for skilled workers to move abroad.
Despite the many challenges facing international education, the sector still offers tremendous opportunities for growth and adaptation. As the global economic landscape shifts and new technologies emerge, internationalisation must evolve to meet changing demands. Whether through student mobility, cross-border educational partnerships, or the use of AI, the internationalisation of higher education remains a vital force in global academic exchange and cooperation.
In conclusion, while the internationalisation of higher education is certainly facing a crisis, it is also at a crossroads that offers new opportunities for transformation. The industry's ability to adapt to these new realities will determine whether it can continue to thrive and serve as a cornerstone of global collaboration and exchange.