UNESCO states that inter-regional inequalities in higher education remain

File: UNESCO

Higher education is expanding faster than ever worldwide. According to The Higher Education Global Trends Report from UNESCO, global enrollment in higher education has more than doubled in the last twenty years, hitting 269 million in 2024. International mobility has increased threefold during the same timeframe. Approximately 7.3 million students pursuing studies overseas, half of whom are choosing European and North American nations. Significant geographical disparities persist, resulting in decreased enrollment and graduation rates in areas like sub-Saharan Africa.

Based on the report, 80% of young people in Western Europe and Northern America are enrolled in higher education. However, the enrollment rate is 59% in Latin America and the Caribbean, 37% in the Arab States region, 30% in South and West Asia, and 9% in sub-Saharan Africa.

Seven nations (United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Germany, Canada, Russia, and France) still accommodate half of all international students. Nations like Türkiye and the United Arab Emirates are gaining popularity: their mobility figures are increasing by at least five times over the last ten years, now closely following France.

International students are now showing a growing preference for studying in their own regions. In Latin America and the Caribbean, the proportion of intra-regional mobility increased from 24% to 43% from 2000 to 2022, with Argentina being the most popular destination. Students from the Arab States who are internationally mobile are now more frequently found in the Gulf countries and Jordan, indicating a change from the previous dominance of Western Europe and North America a decade ago. 

The report showcases how inter-regional mobility affects higher education sector and how certain gaps may exist.