Asia’s Rising Appeal: A New ‘Big 14’ in International Education
The global landscape of international education is undergoing a significant shift. Students are increasingly looking beyond traditional destinations like the US, UK and Australia, with Asia rapidly emerging as a compelling alternative. This “rebalancing” of the market, as described by Harry Anderson, Deputy Director at Universities UK International (UUKi), signals a more “multipolar” and “policy-sensitive” future for international student mobility.
The Rise of Intra-Regional Mobility
East and Southeast Asia are experiencing a surge in students choosing to study within the region. Sonia Wong, a regional research analyst at the British Council, notes that “Everything is in East Asia’s favour.” East Asian institutions consistently perform well in university rankings, offer more affordable tuition and living costs, and are geographically closer to home – all attractive factors for prospective students.
This trend is evidenced by several countries actively expanding their international student cohorts. South Korea, for example, reached its target of 300,000 international students two years ahead of schedule in late 2025. Japan is actively pursuing internationalization, and Malaysia is attracting a growing number of international students. Indonesia is also strategically positioning itself as a regional hub for transnational education, planning to open ten new STEM- and medical-focused campuses.
Indonesia’s Ambitions and UK Partnerships
Indonesia’s ambitions extend beyond simply attracting students. The country aims to become a “great research nation” and a thriving higher education ecosystem. Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology, Stella Christie, emphasized a commitment to partnerships, stating, “We are really open for business but it is not business as usual.”
The focus is on technology transfer and upskilling local lecturers through collaborations with international institutions. Indonesia is actively seeking partnerships with UK stakeholders to “bring the best of the best” to the country, signaling a continued value placed on international collaboration.
The UK’s Continued Value Proposition
Despite the growing appeal of Asian destinations, the UK remains a competitive choice for international students. According to Wong, the UK offers “value for money” compared to the US and Australia, largely due to shorter degree programs that can result in lower overall costs.
What Does This Imply for the Future?
The emergence of a ‘big 14’ – a group of increasingly prominent educational destinations beyond the traditional ‘big four’ – suggests a more diversified and competitive international education market. This shift will likely lead to increased investment in higher education infrastructure and quality across Asia, further enhancing its appeal to international students.
The emphasis on regional mobility also highlights the importance of cultural understanding and language skills. Universities and governments will necessitate to adapt their strategies to cater to the evolving needs and preferences of a more diverse student population.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is driving the shift towards studying in Asia?
A: Factors include the rising quality of Asian universities, lower tuition and living costs, and geographical proximity for students within the region.
Q: Is the UK losing its appeal as a study destination?
A: Even as competition is increasing, the UK still offers value for money, particularly with its shorter degree programs.
Q: What is Indonesia’s role in this changing landscape?
A: Indonesia is positioning itself as a regional hub for transnational education and aims to become a leading research nation.
Q: What does “multipolar” mean in the context of international education?
A: It means power and influence are becoming more distributed among multiple countries and regions, rather than concentrated in a few traditional hubs.
Pro Tip: When researching study abroad options, consider not only the university rankings but also the overall cost of living and the cultural experience offered by different destinations.
Did you know? South Korea achieved its international student enrollment goal two years ahead of schedule, demonstrating the growing demand for education in the region.
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