To achieve this vision, the IAU will lead the global higher education community, including all stakeholders, towards this common understanding of internationalization, and will proactively engage its members in this endeavor.

Strategic objectives

To achieve this ultimate goal IAU has established three strategic objectives directed at different stakeholders:

• Higher education institutions around the world have a clear understanding of internationalization and are aware of the latest trends and developments;
• Higher education institutions around the world have the capacity to develop and implement a comprehensive internationalization strategy;
• Governments, international governmental and nongovernmental organizations share the vision of internationalization for society and the global common good and support it.

Lines of action

In order to achieve these strategic objectives IAU will perform four main types of actions:

• Think tank and Global hub: to provide fora in which the concept of an internationalization for all can be developed and to act as a focal point at global level for knowledge sharing and mutual learning in internationalization
• Research: to provide a critical analysis of the current trends in internationalization
• Advisory services: to provide support to HEIs in the implementation of an internationalization plan and action plan
• Advocacy: to engage governments and international governmental and nongovernmental organizations, university leadership and university associations in the promotion and implementation of internationalization for society and the global common good

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DEFINITION OF INTERNATIONALIZATION

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Over the years, the concept of internationalization has evolved and different definitions exist, IAU adopts the following: “[Internationalization of Higher Education is] the intentional process of integrating an international, intercultural or global dimension into the purpose, functions and delivery of post-secondary education, in order to enhance the quality of education and research for all students and staff, and to make a meaningful contribution to society.“ (De Wit, H., Hunter F., Howard L., Egron-Polak E. (Eds.) (2015) “Internationalization of Higher Education”, European Parliament, Brussels: EU).

This recently refined definition emphasizes the fact that internationalization is an intentional process, not a passive experience. It underscores that internationalization is not a goal in itself, but a means of enhancing quality and excellence of higher education and research. In addition, the definition notes that internationalization needs to serve societal needs, rather than focusing solely on economic rationales and returns. Although globalization affects all institutions, HEIs experience different pressures; they exist in different contexts, and have different needs. Therefore, there is no “one size fits all” model or approach for internationalization, rather, each HEI must find its own way of internationalizing. At the same time, all HEIs can benefit from the best thinking and good practice from other institutions around the world. This is why IAU developed the internationalization strategies advisory service: ISAS (2.0).

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Higher Education Internationalization Advisory Services (HEIAS)

The International Association of Universities is pleased to launch its newest programme of work under the internationalization thematic priority area: HEIAS. This programme expands on the foundation laid by the original IAU ISAS and ISAS 2.0 programmes, which were created to support higher education institutions (HEIs) in developing, reviewing, and enhancing their internationalization strategies.

Introducing HEIAS:

The HEIAS programme offers a broad array of distinct services designed for IAU Member institutions at various stages of internationalization. HEIAS aims to foster greater international collaboration, enhance institutional capacity, and inform global engagement strategies given evolving challenges and opportunities. Each service culminates with the award of an IAU internationalization and global engagement Learning Badge.

About the programme:

The HEIAS programme offers three distinct advisory services, each tailored to the specific stage of internationalization at higher education institutions HEIs:

 Planning and Strategy
 Assessing Strategy and Monitoring Achievements
 Achieving Comprehensive Internationalization and Global Engagement

Each advisory service is customized based on the institution’s history of internationalization and its current needs at a specific point in time. This customization ensures a targeted approach to supporting institutions in achieving their internationalization goals.

Click here to discover more details about the HEIAS programme.

Participation Requirements and Fees:

HEIAS is available to all IAU Member HEIs on an individual fee basis. It is also open to groups of Member HEIs to participate together.

The HEIAS programme provides support in the form of scholarships, grants, flexible or deferred payments for HEIs from regions with significant economic constraints.

Click here to review the HEIAS programme fees. Please also click here to review the Country Categories According to GNP.

Recognition and Alumni Network:

Upon completion of the HEIAS programme, HEIs may be awarded an HEIAS Learning Badge. These badges mark the achievement of milestones along the journey of internationalization and global engagement. They validate the time, effort, and resources that HEIs invest in the significant cultural change that internationalization and global engagement require, and recognize the institution’s accomplishments in enhancing teaching and learning, research and societal engagement through internationalization and global engagement.

In addition to receiving the Learning Badge, institutions that have completed an advisory service will be invited to join the HEIAS Alumni Network. This network is designed to foster peer learning and collaboration, enabling participants to share insights and engage in ongoing partnerships with fellow institutions.

To learn more about this programme and how to apply, please contact Giorgio Marinoni, IAU Manager, HE and Internationalization at [email protected].

HEIAS Annual Grant
Each year the IAU reserves a budget to cover one of the HEIAS programmes for one IAU Member HEI. The grant will cover the full fee of the service; the institution will only have to cover the travel and subsistence costs (accommodation and meals) of the members of the expert panel.

For 2025, the IAU is pleased to work with the University of Petra, Jordan under the framework of the HEIAS Annual Grant.

UNESCO participation Programme: Promoting Equitable and Inclusive Internationalization at Universities in Africa

Financed by the UNESCO Participation Programme, the Promoting Equitable and Inclusive Internationalization at Universities in Africa project aims at promoting equitable and inclusive internationalization of higher education both in terms of knowledge and people, paying special attention to women (at all levels from Leadership to students).

In collaboration with the Women’s University in Africa (Zimbabwe) and the University of Dar Es Salaam (Tanzania), the IAU will facilitate and undertake an in-depth assessment of both universities’ internationalization strategies and processes in order to create more inclusive and equitable internationalization strategies, which would leverage on African specificities and promote women’s engagement. This will be done by working with an institutional committee in each case and an international Panel of Experts.
The project will also share such experiences and debate how to make internationalization more equitable and inclusive in a final conference with the academic communities of the two interested African countries and beyond.

This project responds to the growing need and demand among African higher education institutions to strengthen their institutional capacity for internationalization policies and programmes which would not simply be a transposition of models copied from other regions of the world, but which would be suitable for the local African context; it would promote African culture and knowledge and would focus on equality and inclusion, especially but not only, of women.

The current application period is closed. We thank all of the applying institutions. The next application period will begin in January 2026.

Giorgio Marinoni

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THE 6TH GLOBAL SURVEY

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IAU officially launched the 6th edition of the Global Survey on Internationalization of Higher Education: The Future of Internationalization of Higher Education in January 2023. The IAU accepted responses for the survey until June 2023. The survey report was published on 2 April 2024 via a live webinar. The webinar recording is available on the IAU Youtube page.

The IAU 6th Global Survey on the Internationalization of Higher Education received responses from 722 higher education institutions (HEIs) in 110 countries and territories. The resulting survey report analyses the findings in order to present both global and regional trends. Furthermore, the report compares current findings with data from the IAU’s previous Global Surveys on Internationalization in order to explore long-term changes occurring in the internationalization field. Discover first results of the survey here.

The Global Surveys are IAU flagship publications for our strategic priority on Internationalization. IAU has produced five Global Surveys to date (2003, 2005, 2010, 2014, 2019), and the reports of the surveys are of seminal importance in the internationalization of higher education. The survey has grown in breadth and detail over the years and are often cited by researchers and experts in the field, and higher education media.

Read the Report

Read the Executive Summary

Translations:
 The IAU 6th Global Survey on Internationalization of Higher Education is now available in French. Download a copy here or read the executive summary here.
 La 6ème Enquête mondiale de l’AIU sur l’internationalisation de l’enseignement supérieur est maintenant disponible en français. Téléchargez une copie ici ou lisez le résumé ici.
Additional Resources:

Facts in Figures: Graphic booklets presenting the findings of the survey are also periodically made available. Discover the parts 1 and 2 here.

Interactive Dashboard: Data from the 6th IAU Global Survey on Internationalization: Victor J. Fuentes Fuentes at the Universidad Católica del Maule, Chile has recently developed a dynamic and interactive dashboard which allows users to explore survey data in an engaging and accessible way. Access the dashboard here.

For the latest edition of the survey, IAU draws on the expertise of an Advisory Committee.

Sponsors and partners

IAU extends our gratitude to the institutions below who are the Global Survey sponsorship partners:

and the following organizations partnering with IAU for the Global Survey:

• Academy for Research and Higher Education (ARES)
• Association of African Universities (AAU)
• Center for International Higher Education (CIHE) - Boston College
• Erasmus Student Network (ESN)
• European University Association (EUA)
• German Centre for Higher Education Research and Science Studies (DZHW)
• Global Student Forum (GSF)
• Inter-American Organization for Higher Education (OUI-IOHE)
• National Interuniversity Council (CIN)
• Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE) - University of Toronto

6th Global Survey Timeline

IAU developed a first draft of the questionnaire for the 6th edition in June 2022 and identified a group of 14 universities from all regions of the world for the pilot phase that took place in October 2022. The survey was launched on 16 January 2023 and closed on 16 June 2023 collecting replies from 740 Higher Education Institutions from 110 countries and territories around the world. IAU aims to publish the 6th Global Survey report at the start of 2024.

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FORMER EDITIONS OF THE GLOBAL SURVEY

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The Global Surveys in numbers

The 2003 edition of the survey was completed by 176 IAU member HEIs from 66 different countries. 745 institutions in 115 countries completed the 2010 edition. The 2014 edition was completed by 1 336 institutions in 131 countries. The 2019 edition saw fewer institutions (907 in 126 countries) taking part; however, it has the best geographical distribution of all the surveys. IAU aims to continue to build on these successes in the future.

Since 2003, IAU has conducted regular Global Surveys, which have become an invaluable resource for anyone interested in the internationalization of higher education. They are used by researchers, as relevant data that stimulate further research and innovation in the field; by HEIs to benchmark themselves in the development of their internationalization processes at global and regional levels; and by policymakers to seek inspiration for policies affecting higher education.

 5th Global Survey (2019) - IAU 5th Global Survey on Internationalization of Higher Education.
Executive Summary
- Analysis of answers from francophone and francophile higher education institutions in French
 4th Global Survey (2014) - IAU 4th Global Survey on Internationalization of Higher Education.
Executive Summary
 IAU 3rd Global Survey (2010) - Internationalization of Higher Education: Global Trends, Regional Perspectives
Executive Summary
 IAU 2nd Global Survey (2005) - Internationalization of Higher Education - New Directions, New Challenges.
Highlights of findings
 IAU 1st Global Survey (2003) - Internationalization of Higher Education: Practices and Priorities
Highlights of findings


Contact: Giorgio Marinoni

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Future of Internationalization Partnership (FIP) Project

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The Future of Internationalization Partnership (FIP) is a three-year project, begun in May 2021, funded by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC) that brings together The Center for International Higher Education (CIHE) at Boston College, the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE) at the University of Toronto, and the IAU.

Led by Project Director Dr. Elizabeth Buckner, an Assistant Professor in Higher Education at the University of Toronto, the FIP aims to deepen theoretical understanding of how internationalization is changing in response to global pressures.

The outcome of the first year of the project, the report "The Internationalization of Higher Education in the Wake of COVID-19: A Rigorous Review of the Literature on Short-Term Impacts" is now available.

During the second year, through mixed methods research, the project will design a new survey module to be included in the sixth edition of the IAU Global Survey on Internationalization, which addresses external pressures to internationalization.

The project will also conduct case studies of institutional innovations and engage scholars and practitioners to discuss effective, equitable, and sustainable forms of internationalization in higher education. One of the most important aspects of the project will be to translate research findings into profiles of good practice and resources for institutional leaders.

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COST Action - European Network on International Student Mobility: Connecting Research and Practice

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Giorgio Marinoni, Manager HE and Int sits on the Management Committee of COST Action - European Network on International Student Mobility: Connecting Research and Practice.

This Action responds to the pressing need for systematic interdisciplinary and international exchange of knowledge on theoretical frameworks, research methodologies, findings, and best practice examples, and for translating scientific findings into recommendations for international student mobility ISM practice.

The Action brings together established researchers, early-career investigators (ECIs) and PhD students from different scientific disciplines, countries, and research communities as well as stakeholders from international offices, international student and study abroad organizations, and different policy levels. The Action will offer comparative and practical insights into ISM dynamics by bringing fragmented knowledge together, with the main aim of generating new interdisciplinary and innovative empirical perspectives on the phenomenon and translating these into tangible recommendations for stakeholders.

Learn more about COST Action

In early 2025, the article "Im/mobility in a disruptive time: the impact of Covid-19 on the size and directional flow of international student mobility” was published in Comparative Migration Studies and is available on open access here. This article is based upon the work from COST Action CA20115 ‘European Network on International Student Mobility: Connecting Research and Practice’, supported by COST (European Cooperation in Science and Technology).

ENIS COST Action Tweeter

ENIS COST Action LinkedIn

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COLLABORATION BETWEEN IAU AND BOSTON COLLEGE

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IAU and Boston College collaborated on a research project about the role of English language instruction in higher education institutions(HEIs) around the world. IAU and the Boston College Center for International Higher Education (CIHE) co-supervised research undertaken by Xinyan (Sissi) Liu, a student in CIHE’s Master of Arts program in International Higher Education. This program requires that all students participate in a course titled “Field Experience in International Higher Education.” The course combines practical experience at higher education organizations, such as the IAU, with an in-depth research project.

Sissi’s report explores the national policies and role of English language instruction at HEIs in Brazil, France, Malaysia, South Africa and Spain. This is a particularly timely topic at the time when English language has become dominant in many fields, including in highly cited research and scholarship more broadly.

Policy Statements - Network of International Education Associations (NIEA) - IAU Working Group

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POLICY STATEMENTS

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IAU has developed advocacy positions on internationalization of higher education:

• Affirming Academic Values in Internationalization of Higher Education: A Call for Action, 2012 (also in French and in Spanish)
• Sharing Quality Higher Education Across Borders: A Checklist for Good Practice, 2006
• Sharing Quality Higher Education Across Borders: A Statement on Behalf of Higher Education Institutions Worldwide, 2004
• Towards a Century of Cooperation: Internationalization of Higher Education, 2000
  
  

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NETWORK OF INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION ASSOCIATIONS (NIEA)

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IAU acts as the coordinator of the Network of International Education Associations, NIEA. NIEA members are non-profit, non-government associations which main stated purpose is to advance international higher education. The Network advances the global learning of post-secondary education organizations through the exchange of information and dialogue, advocacy for international education, professional development, and discovery of new approaches to international education.

NIEA members have two annual meetings, one alternating between EAIE and NAFSA conferences and the other at a conference organized by a member in the Global South.

In addition to IAU acting as a coordinator, one NIEA chair is elected from NIEA members. The chair for 2022 is Esther Brimmer, CEO, NAFSA.

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NIEA organised two Global Dialogues on Internationalization of higher education, the first Global Dialogue held in 2014 and hosted by International Education Association of South Africa (IEASA), led to the Nelson Mandela Bay declaration on the future of internationalization of higher education.

In 2020, in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, NIEA members published a statement reaffirming the importance of international higher education and research, which calls government and higher education institutions around the world for supporting international collaboration as an essential means to finding solutions to global problems, which manifest differently in local contexts.

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IAU WORKING GROUP

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Scope: The Working Group provides strategic advice and direction to the IAU. The WG suggests the overall direction IAU internationalization work should take while keeping in mind the synergies with the other IAU strategic priorities, specifically sustainable development and the digital transformation of higher education. Equally, its recommendations respect the overall vision, mission, values and strategic plan of IAU.

Chair:

• Inga Žalėnienė bio, Rector, Mykolas Romeris University, Lithuania

Members:

• Abdul-Rasheed Na’Allah bio, Vice-Chancellor, University of Abuja, Nigeria
• Wondwosen Tamrat bio, President, St Mary’s University, Ethiopia
• Sunungurai Dominica Chingarande bio, Vice-Chancellor, Women’s University in Africa, Zimbabwe
• Miquel Nicolau-Vila bio, Former Rector, Universitat d’Andorra, Andorra
• Shahin Bayramov bio, Former Rector, Mingachevir State University, Azerbaijan
• David Julien bio, Secretary-General, Inter-American Organization for Higher Education (IOHE)
• Fernando Leon-Garcia bio, President, CETYS University, Mexico

IAU Secretariat Staff:

• Giorgio Marinoni, Manager, HE and Internationalization policy and projects

Giorgio Marinoni

EAIE-IAU Internationalisation Leadership Dialogue
Meeting internationalisation leaders’ challenges

Internationalisation and global engagement in higher education are complex and constantly evolving phenomena, the approaches to which vary widely depending on institutional, national and regional contexts. What is similar across contexts, however, is the turbulent environment in which higher education institutions operate. Indeed, today’s unprecedented era of polycrisis presents significant challenges and opportunities for carrying forward effective and transformational internationalisation strategies. It thus requires energised and empowered senior internationalisation leaders.

However, those with seniormost responsibility for the internationalisation / global engagement portfolio at their institutions often operate without easy or regular access to peers facing the same complex circumstances. As such, they require substantive opportunities to connect with such peers in order to reflect, exchange ideas and explore creative solutions to achieve desired outcomes.

The EAIE-IAU Internationalisation Leadership Dialogue is specifically designed to address this need: providing a meaningful opportunity for participants to strengthen their peer networks and engage in candid conversation with colleagues who share similar high-level responsibilities.

Key information

Participants
The Dialogue is designed for individuals with seniormost responsibility for the internationalisation / global engagement portfolio for their entire HEI (ie at central level). Examples of roles with this type of profile include: Vice-Rector, Vice President, Deputy/Pro Vice-Chancelor, Deputy/Vice Provost, Strategy Director etc.

Registration
Before confirmation of admission to the Dialogue, applicants are invited to submit a brief description of their current role and responsibilities to ensure alignment with the participants’ profile.

Timing and duration

The Dialogue is conveniently scheduled to precede the EAIE’s 35th Annual Conference & Exhibition in Gothenburg (9-12 September 2025), on Tuesday, 09 September 2025, 09:30 – 14:30 (including lunch).

Content
The programme will be developed specifically around the interests of the confirmed participants. These interests will be gathered via a pre-event questionnaire designed to capture the core issues, challenges and concerns that the participants are keen to explore in the context of the Dialogue.

Format
The Dialogue will consist of facilitated peer-to-peer discussions and networking in a safe and confidential environment. A maximum of 25 participants will be welcomed to the Dialogue, in order to ensure high-relevance, in-depth conversation and engagement.

Anticipated outcomes

• Participants in the Dialogue can expect the following outcomes:
• Gain insights from peers in different contexts
• Receive input on professional dilemmas
• Build relations with colleagues with similar high-level responsibilities

Trusted partners

The International Association of Universities (IAU) and the European Association for International Education (EAIE) are globally recognised organisations with deep expertise in the field of higher education internationalisation. They share a common understanding of internationalisation of higher education as an intentional process undertaken by universities and other higher education institution to improve the quality of education and research and, ultimately, to achieve a better, more equitable world. The University of Gothenburg is one of the largest and most wide-ranging universities in Northern Europe. Situated in Sweden’s second-largest institution and with approximately 56,000 students and 6,600 employees, it offers a vibrant academic environment across seven faculties and 38 departments.

Cost
150€ per participant to cover local organisation costs

Download the programme description here.

Apply Now

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ONLINE DIPLOMA IN INTERNATIONALIZATION MANAGEMENT

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In collaboration with the UNESCO Chair "Internationalization of Higher Education and Global Citizenship" of the University of Guadalajara, the IAU is pleased to offer an online diploma in the Autumn of 2024 on the "Management of the Internationalization of Higher Education" specifically designed for the context of higher education institutions in Latin America and the Caribbean; Sub-Saharan Africa; and the Middle East, North Africa and Gulf Countries.

Throughout the course, the following themes are centrally discussed:

 Strategies for the design, planning and management of a comprehensive internationalization process
 Strategies and management of student mobility
 Internationalization of the curriculum
 Internationalization of research
 Promotion and management of international cooperation
 Promotion of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and global citizenship

To learn more about the Online Diploma in Internationalization Management in Higher Education, please visit the project website here.

Project Website here

The first edition of this project ran from September 2023 to December 2023. Courses were conducted completely online and in English and Spanish.