What's Ahead for International Higher Ed

in 2026?

Explore key student recruitment trends and insights shaping global higher education as 2026 approaches.
 

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What changes and opportunities will 2026 bring for your institution?

Our 2026 Higher Ed Predictions

We asked a range of experts across international higher education to share their views and predictions for 2026 during our 2026 Higher Ed Roundtable event...

Where the Next 100 Million Students Will Come From

"We expect almost 100 million more people in higher education, with much of this demand coming from Africa and Asia, where populations are young and growing rapidly. These regions represent major growth areas for the future.

We’re also seeing more student intermobility, supported by increasingly strong English skills that make studying abroad more accessible. Africa and Asia will drive the next wave of global higher-education growth."

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Fredrik Högemark, CEO,  Keystone Education Group

New eBook: Marketing Trends Report 2026

Download our newest ebook, packed with data and analysis on the forces transforming global student recruitment in 2026.

Want to take your recruitment in 2026 even further? Get in touch with our team

Most Watched Webinars of 2025 from around Keystone Education Group 

Check out our most popular webinars, where we chat about the topics that really matter!

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#1: State of Student Recruitment 2025

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#2: Recruiting Gen Alpha: Understanding Your Future Students

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#3 From Leads to Learners: An Email & AI Marketing Masterclass

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#4: Postgraduate Student Recruitment: Insights for 2026

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#5: Attracting Students to Your Community College

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See all On-Demand Webinars

Top Reports Published in 2025

Dive into the data-driven pieces that shaped conversations and strategies throughout 2025.

 
 
SoMe Guide

Actionable social media tactics, content ideas, and insights to help you attract and engage students.

Gen Map Matrix

Insight into how Millennials to Gen Alpha think and decide, helping you connect with each generation.

SSR 2025

Essential insights into the behaviors and motivations of prospective students worldwide.

Our Most Popular Podcasts of 2025

Take a look at the top podcast episodes that have captured the attention of our listeners in 2025

What Students Really Want (or Don't Want) from Your Marketing

Joanna Kumpula, Head of International at Tampere University, breaks down the key findings from our 2025 State of Student Recruitment report and shares what's really driving student decisions.

Recruiting International Students to Non-Traditional Destinations

Péter Árvai, Director for Internationalitzation at the University of Pécs, shares his insights on what draws international students to non-traditional study destinations and how emerging markets compete against established hubs.

Emerging Trends in International Student Recruitment in Africa

Amo Kubeyinje, Director of Graduate Admissions & International Recruitment at Canisius University, unpacks the emerging trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping higher education across Africa.

Best Higher Ed Blogs of 2025

Discover our top blogs from 2025, offering insights, trends, and perspectives about higher education.

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The first 8 seconds – capturing the attention of Gen Z students

Generation Z has an increasingly shorter attention span. How can universities effectively market their courses in such a short time frame?

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Understanding Your Future Students: Recruiting Gen Alpha

As Gen Z graduates into adulthood, a brand new generation is stepping into the spotlight: Generation Alpha—the youngest generation growing up in constant connectivity.

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Higher Ed Conferences Calendar 2026

Explore our updated list of top global higher ed conferences for 2026, including who attends and what to expect. Get ready to learn, connect, and level up your recruitment strategy in the year ahead!

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Which audiences are turning to the Asian Tigers - and why?

We saw that collective efforts to capitalize on global shifts in international education have led to growing search interest in South Korea, Singapore, Taiwan and Hong Kong, particularly from other Asian audiences.

Nominations are now open for the Keystone Awards

The Keystone Awards celebrate the remarkable contributions of students, educators, and institutions shaping the global education landscape. Nominate in categories including Higher Education Institute of the Year, Student of the Year, and Outstanding Education Marketing & Recruitment Campaign

Kickstart Your 2026 Student Recruitment Strategy 

Request a call with our student recruitment and marketing experts to discuss your 2026 enrollment goals and learn about strategies to improve student lead generation. 

I want to improve my student recruitment in 2026!