Global Education Partnerships

🔗 How do we know when universities are really plugged into business? We all agree that linkages between universities and businesses are crucial for innovation. But actually measuring those linkages is incredibly hard. So much collaboration lives off the radar: joint labs, contract research, spin-offs, informal advisory roles, international partnerships and talent flows. Traditional statistics only capture a fraction of this. That’s why with Times Higher Education we made a new effort in the Global Innovation Index (GII) 2025 and the November GII Innovation Insight blog https://lnkd.in/e6XRr6bn: A composite indicator on “University industry and international engagement” on: 🧩 Industry engagement – how strongly universities work with firms 🌍 International outlook – staff, students and publications across borders. Global leaders Among high-income economies: 🇭🇰 Hong Kong, China – with the City University of Hong Kong scoring highly 🇳🇱 Netherlands – featuring universities such as Maastricht University School of Business and Economics (our alma matter!) with strong cross-border collaboration 🇸🇬 Singapore – National University of Singapore and Nanyang Technological University Singapore stand out as deeply embedded in global research & business networks 🇨🇭 Switzerland – led by institutions such as ETH Zürich and EPFL 🇺🇸 United States – with universities such as Massachusetts Institute of Technology combining frontier research with commercialization pathways 📈 Fast risers – emerging economy league table Upper middle-income economies 🇨🇳 China – with Peking University (Beijing) as a key anchor 🇿🇦 South Africa – strong university–industry and international linkages 🇹🇷 Türkiye – growing collaboration between academia and business Lower middle-income economies 🇮🇳 India – Indian Institute of Science (IISc) shine 🇯🇴 Jordan and 🇱🇧 Lebanon – stand out on international outlook 🇪🇬 Egypt – increasingly connected to global academic networks Low-income economies entering the radar 🇺🇬 Uganda 🇷🇼 Rwanda 🇲🇿 Mozambique 🇪🇹 Ethiopia Regional champions – universities as innovation anchors 🇪🇺 Europe – Netherlands / Maastricht University 🇺🇸 Northern America – United States / MIT 🌍 Northern Africa & Western Asia – Qatar University 🌍 Sub-Saharan Africa – South Africa / University of the Witwatersrand 🌏 Central & Southern Asia – Iran / Amirkabir University of Technology - Tehran Polytechnic University of Technology 🌎 Latin America – Brazil / USP - Universidade de São Paulo 3 takeaways 🧠 Universities are the “connective tissue” of innovation systems 📏 Measurement is imperfect – but essential. Indicators like this help identify strengths, blind spots and opportunities 🚀 Progress is possible at every income level Phil Baty Michael Mbogoro. PhD RTTP Lien VERBAUWHEDE KOGLIN Marco M. Alemán Lorena Rivera León

Two years ago, I moved to Austria with curiosity in my heart and a question in my mind: What if Austrian and Indian universities could do more together? This week, that “what if” felt more real than ever. TU Austria (a network of TU Wien, TU Graz, and Montanuniversität Leoben) this week has launched a powerful initiative with India, supported by €5 million in funding from the Austrian Federal Ministry of Science, Research and Economy. This isn't just another exchange program. It’s a strategic bridge — rooted in academic diplomacy, built on trust and excellence, and aimed at addressing the global challenges of our time: 📌 Circular economy 📌 Climate-neutral technologies 📌 Sustainable infrastructure 📌 AI and digitalization As someone who has worked for a decade at the intersection of academia, innovation, and international collaboration — from Indian universities to top US institutions, and now actively engaging with Austrian universities — I see this as a defining moment. A moment to: 🎯 Co-create joint research labs 🎯 Launch PhD exchange programs with dual supervision 🎯 Design transdisciplinary academic-industry clusters between Austria and India 🎯 Develop curriculum and mobility models for the future of STEM education This is where I’d love to contribute — as a consultant and bridge-builder for universities in both countries. Helping map opportunities, facilitate strategic dialogues, and enable world-class programs that serve both nations — and the planet. 📢 To university leaders, deans, researchers, and innovation offices — let’s talk. Because when two strong academic cultures come together, we don’t just exchange students. We exchange futures. Read more about the initiative: https://lnkd.in/dfvprh4U (English summary also available via TU Austria) #AustriaIndia #AcademicDiplomacy #JointResearch #HigherEducation #CircularEconomy #GlobalCollaboration #TUAustria #InnovationBridges

International Student Mobility Our Discussion Paper on ‘International Student Mobility: A Global and Indian Temporal Overview’ co-authored with Dr. Sonia Pant, Programme Director (Education), and my colleagues Oshin Dharap, Arunima Goyal & Upragya Kashyap has been published as part of the NITI Aayog Working Paper series. It is a prelude to a comprehensive #report by the #Education Division of #NITIAayog on ‘Internationalisation of Higher Education in #India’. I. Trends: i. India’s inbound #internationalstudent trends show an increase in total numbers from 6,896 in 2000–01 to 49,348 in 2019–20. South Asian & African nations continue to be the main contributors. State-wise data reveals a decline in international student numbers in traditional hubs like Karnataka & Tamil Nadu, while Punjab, Uttar Pradesh & Gujarat have seen growth. Stream-wise analysis indicates continuing interest in #Engineering and #Business programmes, but also a rise in fields like pharmacy and computer applications. ii. India’s outbound #studentmobility displays strong growth from 6.8 lakhs in 2016 to 13.35 lakhs in 2024. USA, Canada, UK & Australia remain top destinations. Andhra Pradesh, Punjab & Maharashtra are leading contributors. At the disciplinary level, there is a decline in Engineering and Business, and rising interest in #SocialSciences and #interdisciplinary fields. iii. Consequently, annual outward #remittances under the ‘studies abroad’ component have increased by over 2,000% from $0.16 billion (INR 975 crore) in 2013-14 to $3.4 billion (INR 29,000 crore) in 2023-24. This represents approximately 53% of the Union higher education budget, which stood at INR 55,000 crore in 2023–24. iv. Expenditure on foreign education by #Indianstudents in 2025 is nearly 75% of India's overall #tradedeficit in FY 2024-25. This trend underscores the increasing #forexburden on the #Indianeconomy due to student demand for overseas education, thereby reinforcing the imperative to strengthen #internationalisation efforts within the domestic #highereducation system. II. Action Pathways: i. Set Student Mobility Targets ii. Promote Reciprocal Student Mobility iii. Create customised Branding, Communication and Outreach strategies iv. Strengthen Institutional Capacity through International Alumni Collaboration v. Build Regional Networks in STEAM3 Areas vi. Promote Exposure to India’s low-cost high impact R&D and #Innovation Ecosystem vii. Leverage Immersive Experience in India’s #Startup Ecosystem viii. Integrate Industry and Rural Internship Experience with all Programmes ix. Create Extended Stipend-based #Internships x. Create a Conducive #Culture on Campuses of Leading Indian HEIs xi. Develop a Mobility Dashboard and Publish Annual Mobility Scorecard xii. Ease of Regulation for International Collaborations & Academic Mobility The full Discussion Paper can be accessed at: https://lnkd.in/gQYJqAep

#Germany is quietly becoming the biggest winner in global student mobility. For years, international education was dominated by the “Big Four”: the US, #UK, Canada, and #Australia. That era is shifting. As visa restrictions tighten and political uncertainty grows in traditional destinations, Germany is playing a different game - and it’s working. 👉 420,000+ international students and counting. But this isn’t luck. It’s strategy: ➡️Low or no tuition fees ➡️Clear post-study work pathways ➡️Strong alignment with labor market needs ➡️Consistent national positioning While others debate migration, Germany operationalizes it. And here’s the real takeaway for higher ed leaders: International student recruitment is no longer just marketing - it’s national policy, product design, and long-term positioning. Institutions alone won’t win this game. Countries will. The question is:👉 Are we building funnels… or ecosystems The Koala News #StudyinGermany #HigherEd #IntlEd

I’m going to say something that might be uncomfortable for a lot of students, parents, and even parts of the ecosystem. The country you think is “safe” may not be as safe anymore. And I don’t mean safety in the usual sense. I mean - outcomes. Over the last 12-18 months, global mobility has changed in ways that most students, parents, and even parts of the ecosystem haven’t fully caught up with and yet, ~1.8+ million Indians are studying abroad currently. So, demand is still strong but outcomes are no longer consistent. Some students land well, many take longer than expected, some don’t recover financially for years. That variance didn’t exist at this scale earlier. From what we’re seeing across students and markets: → Students taking 6-9 months to get their first job in certain markets → Graduates settling for roles outside their field just to stay back → Rent in some cities touching 40-50% of a student’s total monthly spend → Post-study work windows getting used up before meaningful progress This is because students are still choosing countries the old way but countries are not behaving the same way anymore. So, If you’re planning for 2026, this is how I think about it: 1. Start with your course, not the country Pick 2-3 countries where your field actually has hiring demand. A generic “business” or “data” degree does not convert the same way across markets. In some countries, entry-level hiring in these roles is already saturated. 2. Reverse engineer the outcome Look at: → Time to first job → Type of roles students actually land → Whether visas give you enough runway Example: A 2-year post-study work visa sounds comfortable. But if it takes 8-10 months to get your first role, your margin is already tight. 3. Calculate the full cost, not just tuition Rent + living + time to first job We’re seeing cases where: → Students save on tuition → But spend 2x on rent because of city choice A “cheaper” degree can still become the more expensive decision. 4. Check policy direction, not just current rules Look at what has changed in the last 12 months. Visa rules don’t change randomly, they move in a pattern. So even if today’s rule still looks manageable, you should plan assuming it could get stricter while you’re there. 5. Have a Plan B before you leave If things don’t go as planned: → Can you switch roles within your skill set? → Are you open to moving cities where jobs exist? → Can you absorb a delayed income phase without stress? If you put all of this together: There is no “safe country” anymore. Only a country that works for your course, budget, and risk appetite. So, If you’re a student, parent, or counsellor planning for 2026, drop the country + course you want to know about in the comments. Our team tracks what’s happening across markets from visa trends to job timelines to student cost realities. Happy to share a straight, practical view in the DM! Follow me (Saurabh Arora) for Student and Global Mobility Insights.

'How a volatile world is reshaping international student mobility' - highlights from British Council HE and TVET #GoingGlobal2025. The largest #highered systems will shape tomorrow's flows; with outbound mobility ratios broadly stable, the systems adding the most #highered students will send the most students overseas. An excellent discussion with Jo Johnson, Leina Shi, Minh Quach and Andy Westwood: - Inward-looking policies and tighter immigration in the Big Four (USA, UK, Australia, Canada) are accelerating the erosion of market share and pushing a shift towards multiple destinations - #HigherEd growth is strongest in low and lower-middle-income countries. As a result, students are becoming more price-sensitive and value-oriented, and are choosing options closer to home (regional hubs, TNE, hybrid); - #China and #VietNam are positioning as international student hubs, with TNE central to their strategies. Regulatory relaxations and heightened focus on TNE quality seek to attract domestic and international learners into English-taught programmes and to rebalance outbound mobility flows; - Audience poll: 72% (59 responses) expect the most significant growth in intra-regional mobility in the next 3-5 years, with TNE expansion cited as the main driver. The chart below shows that most higher education enrolments are concentrated in Asia (the size of the bubble indicates the size of each country's HE system). #HigherEd #InternationalStudentMobility #IntlEd #TNE #Multipolarity #StudentDemand #GlobalTrends

International business students are increasingly exploring Asian study destinations over the Traditional Big 4. There are concerns about the political climate and post-graduation work opportunities in the Big 4 due to which students are looking for regional alternatives. Asian countries such as Singapore, Malaysia, Japan, South Korea, & China, along with the Middle East, particularly Dubai, are actively expanding internationalization strategies, easing visa processes, rolling out English-taught programs, and offering scholarships to meritorious and deserving students. There is a growing belief that universities in these regions offer quality education at more affordable costs and better post-study work opportunities. For Indian students, regional proximity also plays a role in the final decision. Overall, I see this benefiting international students as they will have more choice to select their degree program and institution according to their situation. Why the change? - Visa complexity: 94% of surveyed business schools attribute falling demand to stricter visa policies and restrictive post-study work opportunities. - Geopolitical friction and job market uncertainty are also cited as deterrents across major Western markets. What does this mean for the stakeholders? Universities must expand presence in emerging markets (e.g., Southeast Asia), diversify international partnerships, and craft messaging around accessible career pathways. Recruitment teams and advisors should highlight programs in destinations with more favorable visa environments, showcasing practical and flexible benefits to prospective learners. Policymakers must reassess and reinforce global competitiveness by simplifying visa frameworks and reinforcing post-study work viability to attract quality international talent. The "Big Four" is no longer the default. International business students are prioritizing stability, access, and regional opportunity.

💡 My Big Idea for 2026: Global education demand is not slowing. It is rerouting. In 2026, the biggest shift in international education will not be whether students study abroad. It will be how and where they do it. Here is what I expect to define the year ahead: 🌍 Mobility will continue to rise, but flows will diversify. Students will apply to multiple destinations at once, often three to five countries. This will accelerate growth in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East alongside traditional Anglophone markets. 🛂 Visa reliability will outweigh reputation. Approval rates, processing speed, and post study work pathways will increasingly drive decisions. Predictability will matter as much as brand. 📈 ROI will replace rankings. Affordability, employability outcomes, and pathways to residency will matter more than prestige alone. 🧠 Talent shortages will shape demand. AI, data science, healthcare, engineering, and green skills programs will see the fastest growth, especially where education and immigration policies are aligned. 📄 Portable, trusted credentials will become essential. As student pathways grow more complex, learners will rely on globally recognized assessments to demonstrate readiness across borders. The global appetite for education is strong. In 2026, certainty, value, and flexibility will define the destinations and institutions that win. What trend do you think will have the biggest impact on education and talent mobility in 2026? #BigIdeas2026 #GlobalEducation #StudentMobility #FutureOfWork #HigherEducation #GlobalTalent #TOEFL

FHEIs in India: Will They Really Reduce Indian Students Going Abroad? For most Indian students, studying overseas has never been just about education. It is about careers, post-study work visas, global exposure, and long-term mobility. These aspirations cannot be changed by policy announcements alone. The Government of India’s decision to invite Foreign Higher Educational Institutions (FHEIs) to establish campuses in India is a positive and forward-looking step, aimed at: • Reducing outbound student mobility • Curtailing foreign exchange outflow on overseas education I share this perspective based on three decades of academic experience, including leading the International Office of a university. 1️⃣ Employment & Migration Advantage: The Core Driver Global mobility studies show that over 70% of Indian students study abroad primarily for employment and migration opportunities, not classroom learning alone. An FHEI campus in India cannot offer: • Post-study work visas • Access to overseas labour markets • Long-term settlement pathways As long as this gap remains, the motivation to study abroad will persist. 2️⃣ Regulatory & Operational Realities Indian higher education largely operates under a not-for-profit framework, raising a key question: How will FHEIs sustainably generate and repatriate surplus while navigating India’s regulatory and compliance ecosystem? Scaling beyond a limited presence will be challenging for many institutions. 3️⃣ Cautious Entry by FHEIs Most FHEIs are entering India cautiously by: • Launching niche programs • Limiting student intake • Treating India as a pilot market This signals a “test-the-waters” approach rather than deep commitment—at least initially. 4️⃣ Existing Global Pathways Indian students already access global education through: • Dual degrees • Twinning arrangements • 2+2 or 1+1 models These are often more affordable and aligned with employability outcomes. 5️⃣ Foreign Exchange Outflow: Limited Impact India spends USD 40–45 billion annually on overseas education. Without comparable mobility and career outcomes, this outflow is unlikely to decline meaningfully. 🎯 Message to Parents & Students Do not rely on brand names alone. Ask: • What are the career outcomes? • Is there real global exposure? • Is it better value than existing options? Final Thought The policy intent is positive, but ground realities will decide impact. Indian students will always choose value, outcomes, and long-term opportunity. Let’s have an honest, evidence-based discussion.

International education isn’t slowing down. But the motivation behind it is changing. For a long time, aspiration was enough. Brand, rankings, the promise of a global experience. Today, outcomes are driving the decision. In our recent data: • 54% of students say it’s extremely important that their subject leads to strong job prospects. • 40% say career opportunities after graduation are the single biggest influence on where they choose to study. • And yet, mobility remains resilient — 76% still intend to pursue their undergraduate degree overseas. That’s the signal. Students aren’t becoming less global. They’re becoming more intentional. The conversation is shifting from “Which university?” to “Which pathway gives me leverage?” This changes the strategic lens for institutions. Rankings still matter. Reputation still matters. Experience still matters. But increasingly, students are assessing: – Employment outcomes – Industry integration – Skills portability – Post-study work clarity – Long-term mobility pathways International education is evolving from a destination decision into a career capital decision. The institutions that recognise this shift — and articulate outcomes with clarity and credibility — won’t just attract students. They’ll earn trust in the next cycle of global mobility.