SXSW EDU spans four days in Austin and features 300+ sessions and workshops, more than 15 films and performances, two major competitions, 50+ interactive exhibits, and over 120 mentorship and networking opportunities, designed to spark creativity, inspiration, and new possibilities in education.
Higher education conferences remain essential hubs for connection, insight, and innovation, and 2026 is already shaping up to be an exciting year. As recruitment and marketing teams look ahead, now’s the perfect time to plan which events will help you stay ahead of the curve.
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!
Dates: February 16 - 19, 2026
Location: Washington, D.C., USA
The flagship conference of the Association of International Education Administrators (AIEA). In 2026, it will address global strategy, institutional agility, and emerging challenges for international education amid shifting geopolitics and technology.
Who should attend: Senior international offices, global partnerships directors, and leadership involved in international strategy.
APAIE 2026 Conference & Exhibition
Dates: February 23 - 27, 2026
Location: Hong Kong SAR, China
This higher ed conference, APAIE 2026, brings together global leaders in international education with a strong focus on Asia-Pacific partnerships and cross-border collaboration. Expect expert panels, networking, and insights into student mobility trends across the region.
Who should attend: International educators, policymakers, and higher education officials targeting Asia-Pacific markets.
CCID 2025 Annual Conference (50th anniversary!)
Dates: February 27 - March 1, 2026
Location: Tucson, Arizona
With perspectives from both within and beyond the Beltway, the speakers at this year's Community Colleges for International Development conference offer valuable insights from the heart of the nation's capital. The team looks forward to welcoming all conference attendees, fostering a sense of community as they explore new and familiar paths forward.
Who should attend: Higher education officials in community colleges.
Dates: March 9 - 12, 2026
Location: Austin, Texas
Who should attend: International educators, administrators, policymakers, and EdTech professionals.
Dates: March 24 - 25, 2026
Location: London, England
This higher ed conference, PIE LIVE 2026, brings together the global international education community to explore what’s next for the sector. Discover the latest trends, meet new collaborators, and imagine the future together, through dynamic sessions, expert speakers, interactive workshops, networking events, and our signature drinks reception and gala dinner.
Who should attend: Practitioners, educators, researchers, policymakers, and leaders throughout the international higher education sector.
Global Impact Conference 2026 | MENA
Dates: March 25 - 27, 2026
Location: Abu Dhabi, UAE
Set in the dynamic city of Abu Dhabi, Global Impact 2026 MENA brings together educators, policymakers, and innovators to explore how global learning drives student success, career readiness, and institutional impact. The conference offers professional learning across DA Global’s four key areas of practice, fostering collaboration, insights, and actionable strategies.
Who should attend: Higher education administrators, policy makers.
Dates: April 8 - 11, 2026
Location: Baltimore, Maryland, USA
NAGAP, the Association for Graduate Enrollment Management, stands as the sole professional organization devoted entirely to the interests of those working in the graduate enrollment management sector. This higher education conference provides valuable opportunities for networking, knowledge sharing, and expert guidance.
Who should attend: Graduate enrollment management professionals
Dates: April 13 - 15, 2026
Location: Seattle, Washington, USA
The AACSB International Annual Conference is the leading global business education event, focused on elevating the quality and influence of business schools. Experience keynote presentations, workshops, international exhibitors, and networking opportunities.
Who should attend: Corporate representatives, deans, associate deans, international directors, program directors, department chairs, and faculty.
AMBA & BGA Global Deans and Directors Conference 2026
Dates: May 10 - 13, 2026
Location: Madrid, Spain
This higher education conference in 2026 brings together influential leaders from top business schools to explore the key challenges and opportunities shaping the future of business education.
Who should attend: International deans and directors
Dates: May 11 -13, 2026
Location: Madrid, Spain
ICEF Spanish Education 2026 unites educators, institutions, and service providers from Spain and Latin America to discuss recruitment, partnerships, and trends, offering unmatched networking and growth opportunities in the Spanish-speaking education sector.
Who should attend: Student recruitment professionals, agents, and service providers focused on the Spanish-speaking market.
NAFSA 2026 Annual Conference & Expo
Dates: May 26 - 29, 2026
Location: Orlando, Florida, USA
The National Association of Foreign Student Advisors (NAFSA) could be one of the most useful higher education conferences in 2026, and it will address key issues affecting international students and global education programs. Join peers and experts to learn, network, and engage under this year’s theme: Resilience. Renewal. Community.
Who should attend: International educators and administrators, as well as policy experts.
Dates: September 29 - 30, 2026
Location: Orlando, Florida, USA
Immediately following NAFSA 2026, ICEF USA brings together North American educators and leading ICEF-accredited education agencies for networking, collaboration, and global insights.
Who should attend: Higher education institutions, admissions and recruitment officers, and international enrollment managers.
Dates: June 7-9, 2026
Location: Sevilla, Spain
The EFMD MBA Conference brings together the global community of MBA directors and staff to exchange best practices and initiatives. It fosters a profound understanding of the modern MBA environment and provides practical tools to navigate and position MBA programs in an increasingly competitive market.
Who should attend: International educators, policymakers, and higher education officials focused on MBA degrees.
Dates: June 24 - 26, 2026
Location: Nashville, Tennessee, USA
Dive into three days of inspiring sessions, where you’ll uncover cutting-edge strategies, proven best practices, and emerging trends shaping higher education. From Slate newcomers to seasoned users, this 2026 higher education conference offers valuable insights for all.
Who should attend: Educators and higher education experts currently using Slate CRM and those with interests in marketing automation & CRM innovation for higher education.
Dates: September 8 -11, 2026
Location: Glasgow, Scotland
The EAIE Annual Conference & Exhibition is Europe’s leading gathering for international higher education. Hosted by the European Association for International Education (EAIE), it brings together professionals, institutions, and organizations from around the world to connect, learn, and explore the latest trends.
Who should attend: International educators, administrators, and educators with a European target market.
Dates: September 14 - 16, 2026
Location: London, England
Returning to London, ICEF Higher Education 2026 connects ICEF-accredited international student recruitment agents with higher education providers worldwide. The event runs alongside the ICEF Monitor Global Summit, creating a hub for networking and collaboration.
Who should attend: Universities working with agencies, language schools, and service providers in the higher education industry.
THE World Academic Summit 2026
Dates: September 29 - October 1, 2026
Location: Cape Town, South Africa
This higher ed conference in 2026 explores how universities can use human, artificial, and collective intelligence to shape fairer, more sustainable, and future-ready societies, set against a backdrop of rapid technological, social, and environmental change.
Who should attend: Deans, directors, and policymakers at University programs from around the globe.
Dates: October 8, 2026
Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
The National Association for College Admissions Counseling (NACAC) Annual Conference is the premier higher education conference for college admission counseling professionals. It brings together experts in the field to share best practices, innovative ideas, cutting-edge research, and professional insights.
Who should attend: College admissions specialists and recruitment counselors.
Dates: October 27 - 29, 2026
Locations: Sydney, Australia
The AIEC is a cornerstone event for international education, connecting education, government, and industry leaders to share research, shape strategy, and collaborate. Over four decades, it has become a global hub reflecting the growth and resilience of the sector in Australia.
Who should attend: Deans, directors, and policymakers at University programs with an Australian and Asian-Pacific target market.
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