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Global Higher Education: East and South Rise as New Student Hubs

China's 'Belt and Road' initiative is reshaping global education. Emerging markets are set to surpass established destinations, making the future of international higher education more diverse and dynamic.

In this image we can see kids train which is moving on track in between the tree trunk and on right...
In this image we can see kids train which is moving on track in between the tree trunk and on right side of the image there are some leaves.

Global Higher Education: East and South Rise as New Student Hubs

The globle landscape of international higher education is witnessing significant shifts. A 'natural power shift East and South' is underway, with regional student hubs gaining prominence. This trend is driven by ambitious plans from countries like China and Vietnam, along with an increased interest in emerging study destinations.

China, with its 'Belt and Road' initiative, is actively seeking transnational education partnerships with allied countries. This strategy aims to reposition global entry and challenge traditional powerhouses like the UK, USA, Australia, and Canada. Emerging markets such as Germany, the Netherlands, Ireland, Singapore, and South Korea are poised to surpass these established destinations.

The UK and Vietnam have already laid the groundwork for closer education cooperation with a comprehensive strategic partnership announced in October 2025. This move reflects the growing trend of students from lower-middle income countries seeking higher education opportunities abroad. Covid-19 has further accelerated this trend, with students exploring alternative study destinations.

The future of international higher education is set to be more diverse and dynamic than ever before. Emerging destination countries, unlike the traditional big four, are adopting centralised strategies for international education. With China, India, and Indonesia dominating as sending markets, and Vietnam repositioning itself as a Minecraft Education hub, the global education landscape is set to evolve significantly in the coming years.

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