Global Education Report

As globalization reshapes higher education ¹Globalization has significantly impacted higher education in the 21st century, driven by an interconnected global economy, advances in information and communication technology (ICT), the rise of international knowledge networks, and the dominance of English as a global language. While globalization refers to these broad, external forces, internationalization describes the specific actions that universities and governments take in response. This includes policies like sending students abroad, establishing branch campuses overseas, and forming inter-institutional partnerships to adapt to the globalized educational landscape. Altbach, P. G., Reisberg, L., & Rumbley, L. E. (2009). Trends in global higher education: Tracking an academic revolution. UNESCO., families increasingly consider relocating internationally to provide their children with enhanced educational opportunities and global exposure. This trend reflects a desire to leverage the benefits of prestigious institutions, cultural immersion, and strong career pathways that some countries offer. Factors such as academic reputation, employability, and excellent work conditions should be carefully evaluated to ensure that the chosen destination aligns with educational goals.

However, choosing where to pursue higher education goes far beyond simply academic considerations. Students and their families should evaluate factors such as quality of life, career prospects, financial implications, and cultural fit when exploring options. A holistic approach, supported by research and expert guidance, can help identify a destination that aligns with both academic aspirations and overall well-being. Ultimately, the goal is not just to find a top-tier institution, but a place that feels like a second home, ensuring a rewarding and enriching international educational journey.

The Global Education Report (GER) provides a unique and comprehensive analysis that blends traditional educational metrics with innovative considerations, offering a fresh perspective on the global education landscape. Covering 72 countries, the GER presents a  detailed assessment. It is structured into five key subindexes: education systems, education costs, work conditions, innovation and business friendliness, and quality of life, delivering a comprehensive analysis of critical factors influencing global education.

By integrating data on the best countries to study, top-ranked universities, higher quality of life standards, visa availability, investment migration programs, and economic and job market conditions, this report provides an original and holistic assessment of where students should consider relocating for higher education. The combination of these diverse factors sets this report apart, providing valuable insights not only for students but also for families and policymakers.

The Global Citizen Solutions Education Report comprises 14 targeted indicators organized into 5 thematic sub-indices.

To ensure comparability across all data points, each was normalized using the Min-Max Normalization formula, rescaling the range of features to scale within [0, 1]. This normalization process ensures that all indicators contribute equally to the final index, providing a balanced and fair comparison across different jurisdictions. This structured and systematic approach allows the Global Education Index to offer a comprehensive evaluation of the best locales for international students to relocate for higher education, reflecting various aspects of their lifestyle.

Weights were assigned to each indicator based on its relevance and impact on the decision-making process of students and their families. These weights were determined using publicly available data, as well as research on the needs and preferences of students, gathered from academic papers and insights from industry experts.

The Global Intelligence Unit at Global Citizen Solutions has developed the most comprehensive index and report on international student relocation. The Global Education Report evaluates and ranks 72 countries across five continents using a robust analytical framework comprising five subindexes, 17 key indicators, and over 1,000 data points.

By leveraging a data-driven methodology, the report identifies the most attractive destinations for international students while highlighting regional trends, policy landscapes, and unique advantages across different education hubs worldwide.

Key Take Aways

• Over 6 million students studied abroad in 2023, with projections indicating that the number will exceed 10 million by 2030. This growth is driven by the increasing demand for higher-quality education, career opportunities, and global cultural exchange.
• The United States (1st) and the United Kingdom (2nd) are leaders in high-quality universities, employability, and tech innovation. However, their high costs of living and university fees make them less affordable, despite their strong academic and professional offerings.
• Five out of the top ten countries for higher education are in Europe, including the United Kingdom (2nd), Germany(4th), France(6th), the Netherlands(7th), and Switzerland (8th).
• While traditionally English-speaking nations like the United States (1st) and the United Kingdom (2nd), Australia(3rd) and Canada(5th) remain dominant, countries in the Asia-Pacific region, such as China (9th), Singapore (10th), Taiwan (15th) and South Korea (16th), are emerging as major destinations for international students due to their growing educational infrastructure and investment in research.
• Northern Europe, Sweden (14th) , Finland (17th) and Denmark (20th) excel in quality of life, healthcare, and transparency. These regions also have competitive university rankings and employability rates, but offer lower living costs and more affordable education compared to the U.S. and the U.K.
• Italy, Spain (19th), and Portugal(25th) offer low-cost education and vibrant lifestyles, but high youth unemployment and lower wages can limit graduates’ career growth. However, these countries are making efforts to improve startup ecosystems and digital industries to attract talent.
• While universities in Chile (35th), Brazil (44th), Ecuador (40th) and Mexico (49th) are not on the top positions on global rankings, these countries attract students through affordable living and cultural richness. However, more limited post-graduation employment opportunities may deter students seeking long-term career prospects.
• Countries with flexible immigration and post-graduation work visa policies are becoming more attractive to international students. These policies not only support students’ career ambitions but also contribute to long-term talent retention and economic growth.
• Over 50% of the countries listed offer both student visa pathways and investment migration programs, providing families with a more streamlined and flexible relocation process.
• Africa’s representation in global university rankings remains limited, with South Africa leading the way. While affordability makes higher education accessible, challenges such as limited resources, employability gaps, and low research output hinder the region’s global competitiveness.

The Live Event on February 6, 2025, featured top experts discussing the findings of the Global Education Report 2025. The session explored the Top 10 Destinations for Education, providing insights on the best countries for international students, covering factors such as academic excellence, affordability, career opportunities, and quality of life.