Facing a new era of managed international student numbers, university leaders continue to prioritise internationalisation but within the context of increasing financial pressures.

Findings from the second Global Survey of International Education Leaders (GSIEL) by international management consultancy Nous Group and leading global education provider Navitas, reflect the economic instability, notable geopolitical tensions, and unprecedented restrictive government polices challenging the sector. 

The latest report, Internationalisation in the midst of slowbalisation, launched by PIE News, explores the internationalisation agendas, priorities and opportunities of more than 200 senior operational and strategic leaders with responsibility for international education and global engagement at universities in Australia, the United Kingdom and Canada. It reveals how universities are responding to declines in global interconnectedness and multi-lateral cooperation, and managing the transition from a ‘market era’ to a ‘managed era’ where governments tightly control international student flows. 

In this environment of persistent uncertainty, internationalisation remains a high priority for universities and a strategic imperative for leaders but is increasingly influenced by government policy and financial pressures.

Despite renewed interest in international partnerships and transnational education, international student recruitment remains the most important area of focus for international leaders. Almost nine-in-ten survey respondents (88 per cent) indicated recruitment is very important or extremely important to their internationalisation strategy.  

The survey also showed international student recruitment is set to become even more competitive, with 89 per cent of respondents suggesting that recruitment will be very or extremely competitive in the next one to two years. 

Nous Principal, Matt Durnin, said: “Pressure to compete while reducing costs will lead to new approaches to internationalisation going forward. There will be a portion of the sector that reduces its dependence on international, while others will find opportunities within the constraints of this managed era. 

“There is a lot of focus on Transnational Education however the findings show that leaders are uncertain about their ability to execute successfully. It won’t be a quick fix for revenue.”

As competition intensifies, university leaders are increasingly focussed on international student revenue, with more than half expecting to increase fees in the next 1-2 years.

Navitas Chief Insights Officer, Jon Chew, said:  “Beyond the financial pressures in the immediate term, university leaders must contend with the possibility that the shift from the market era to the managed era will continue to deliver greater levels of government intervention and control, which will in turn have important implications for strategic planning.”

This second Global Survey of International Education Leaders shows just how quickly many universities are responding to the realities of delivering on their internationalisation ambitions in an environment where the tailwinds of globalisation have been replaced by the headwinds of ‘slowbalisation’. 

Download the full report here: https://nousgroup.com/gsiel-2025 

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About Nous

Nous Group is an international management consultancy with over 750 people working across Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Canada. 

Nous’ broad consulting capability spans strategy, organisational performance, leadership and capability, transformation and implementation, economics, public policy, data and analytics, digital, and design. By partnering with clients and complementing their strengths, Nous helps businesses, governments, and community organisations transform to realise a bigger idea of success.  Founded in Australia, Nous has been delivering positive influence that significantly improves people’s lives since 1999. For more information visit: nousgroup.com

About Navitas 

We work with universities, industry partners, and governments to transform lives through education. From pre-university and pathway programs to postgraduate and degree programs, English language and vocational training, we provide numerous study options across our global network of colleges and campuses to 50,000 aspirational learners each year. Our success is underpinned by our unparalleled international network and peerless commitment to student experience and outcomes. Our passion drives us to discover new teaching and learning models and technology to improve education, both now and in the future. For more information visit: navitas.com

About PIE News

The PIE is a leading voice in the international education sector, providing news, events, insights and more to a global audience. For more information visit: thepienews.com