Outlook 2027
Five papers from our editors on what will shape higher education worldwide in 2027. Data-led, sourced line by line, and written for the people who run universities.
OECD data for 2023 show that private and non-domestic sources fund around 12% of tertiary spending in Finland and Iceland but close to 80% in the UK. The most dependent systems are where recent visa and levy decisions are landing.
Close to 80% UK tertiary spending from private and non-domestic sources, 2023
Download the paper (PDF)New international intake is falling sharply in the UK and the US and is capped in Canada, while Australia eases cautiously and Japan has passed its 2033 target. Institutions reliant on a few source markets face hard choices before new UK rules arrive.
383,455 UK sponsored study visas, year to June 2026, 41% below 2023 peak
Download the paper (PDF)AI was the largest theme in the higher education news we tracked worldwide over the 28 days to late October 2026. International surveys show policy and strategy spreading and student use near-universal, but signs that institutions are funding AI, especially for teaching, remain thin.
6.6% AI share of tracked higher education news worldwide, 28 days to late October 2026
Download the paper (PDF)Government research budgets across the OECD fell 4.1% in real terms in 2024, and early 2025 data point lower. Inside tighter envelopes, governments are steering money towards AI, quantum, materials and defence, while protecting cores of health and basic science.
-4.1% Real-terms fall in OECD-area government R&D budgets in 2024
Download the paper (PDF)Artificial intelligence dominated the higher education news we tracked worldwide in the 28 days to 2026-10-27, while deficits and closures barely registered. English regulator forecasts suggest governing bodies should read that ranking upside down when they set their 2027 agendas.
6.6% AI share of tracked worldwide higher education news, 28 days to 2026-10-27
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