Every year, millions of students dream of earning a world-class university education abroad. They aspire to gain global exposure, access better career opportunities, and build networks that stretch across continents. Yet for the vast majority, that dream remains out of reach.
Today, just over 6 million students globally are studying outside their home country (UNESCO, 2022). That’s less than 3% of all higher education students worldwide. But new data shows the true demand for international education is far greater.
According to the QS International Student Survey 2022, as many as 80% of prospective students express interest in studying abroad. Meanwhile, HolonIQ projects that global higher education enrollment will nearly double to 470 million students by 2035. If even a conservative 20% of those students aspire to international study, it suggests that over 100 million students will seek an international education experience — far beyond the capacity of existing systems.
The barriers are clear: affordability, visa restrictions, and limited places at top universities. But the ambition remains strong. As emerging economies grow and technology makes the world more connected, the desire for global education opportunities will only accelerate.
At Nurture Higher Education, we believe it’s time to rethink how international education is delivered. By building innovative, accessible programs in partnership with world-leading universities and forward-thinking employers, we aim to unlock opportunities for the millions who have been left out.
The global higher education system is standing at a crossroads. Meeting the needs of the next generation won’t just mean expanding campuses — it will require reimagining the entire model.
Sources:
- UNESCO Global Flow of Tertiary Students, 2022
- QS International Student Survey 2022 (Read the full report)
- HolonIQ Global Education 2035 Outlook
