fbpx
Market intelligence for international student recruitment from ICEF
5th Jun 2024

Number of English-taught degree programmes rises by 22% from 2021 to 2024

Short on time? Here are the highlights:
  • Between 2021 and 2024, the number of on-campus English-taught programmes rose by 22%
  • More ETPs outside of the “Big Four” anglophone destinations creates opportunities for students looking for alternatives to Australia, Canada, the US, or the UK due to policy settings or high visa refusal rates in those countries

A new report from British Council and Studyportals, “Mapping English-taught Programmes Worldwide,” reveals that in 2024, there are 22% more on-campus English-taught bachelor’s and master’s programmes (ETPs) being delivered globally than in 2021. Much of the growth has occurred in alternative (“non-traditional”) destinations.

Data for the report was primarily drawn from Studyportals’ database, which comprises more than 240,000 ETPs worldwide and encompasses over 3,500 higher education institutions.

The number of ETPs has, since 2014, tripled to 40,786 in countries outside of Australia, Canada, the UK, and US (aka the “Big Four” anglophone destinations), with most of these ETPs being offered at the master’s level (63%).

Growth of ETPs outside of the Big Four, 2019–2024. There are 48% more ETPs in alternative destinations in 2024 than in 2019. Source: Studyportals and British Council

Which alternative destinations offer the most ETPs?

The region commanding the highest share of ETPs outside the Big Four is the European Higher Education Area (50%). Germany, Ireland, and the Netherlands offer the most ETPs in Europe, but the fastest growth in English-taught programmes has occurred in Türkiye, Italy, and Portugal.

After Europe, East Asia offers the second-highest number of ETPs outside of the Big Four (12%.) Studyportals notes an important shift in the distribution of ETPs in Asia:

“It is valuable to highlight that the availability of ETPs in East Asia has far surpassed the supply of the Chinese region, which is a considerable shift from what was seen in the 2021 report. As a result, this puts East Asia in a new perspective as it expands on the internationalisation of programmes, in particular with programmes offered by Malaysian institutions.”

South Africa is another country that offers more ETPs than China.

ETPs by region. Most ETPs outside of Australia, Canada, the UK, and US are in Europe. Source: Studyportals and British Council

Market share declines for Big Four

As ETPs increase in alternative destinations, the market share of ETPs claimed by the Big Four has dropped from 82% in 2021 to 78% in 2024. While this is a notable drop, the Big Four do still offer the vast majority of ETPs.

Why ETP growth in non-traditional destinations is increasingly important

The implications of more ETPs being delivered in alternative destinations are quite significant. Edwin van Rest, co-founder and CEO of Studyportals, said:

"The surge in English-taught programmes outside traditional anglophone destinations marks a significant shift in global education. As universities across the globe rapidly adopt English as a medium of instruction this means more symmetrical talent flows as traditional student origin countries also become more compelling study destinations. This expansion provides students with more competitive and affordable opportunities, while also intensifying the competition for established institutions, particularly in light of stricter entry requirements and visa uncertainties.”

Alternative destinations are poised to win still greater market share of students seeking English-taught programmes given policy developments in Australia, Canada, and the UK that are making it more difficult for many students to obtain visas to study in those countries.

Studyportals elaborates:

“The expansion of on-campus English-taught programmes outside the traditional anglophone destinations has profound implications for global student mobility. This trend means that prospective students now have access to a broader array of academic programmes in a wider range of countries than ever before.”

Popular fields of study

The highest rate of growth for ETPs (from 2019 to 2024) is accounted for by Computer Science & IT (+63%) – a broad field that includes Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Software Engineering, and Data Analytics – as well as Natural Sciences & Mathematics and Agriculture & Forestry (both +62%). Notable increases also characterise Environmental Studies & Earth Sciences (+58%), Humanities (+58%), Medicine & Health (+57%), Engineering & Technology (+54%), and Education & Training (+50%).

ETPs by country

The following table from the report details the number of ETPs in various destination countries.

Distribution of ETPs across countries. Source: Studyportals and British Council

For additional background, please see:

Most Recent

  • ICEF Podcast: Together for transparency – Building global standards for ethical international student recruitment Read More
  • New analysis sounds a note of caution for UK immigration reforms Read More
  • The number of students in higher education abroad has more than tripled since the turn of the century Read More

Most Popular

  • Which countries will contribute the most to global student mobility in 2030? Read More
  • Research shows link between study abroad and poverty alleviation  Read More
  • Beyond the Big Four: How demand for study abroad is shifting to destinations in Asia and Europe Read More

Because you found this article interesting

New analysis sounds a note of caution for UK immigration reforms Within the UK’s higher education system, there are a group of institutions known as “Post-1992 universities”. The term...
Read more
The number of students in higher education abroad has more than tripled since the turn of the century The latest figures from UNESCO indicate continued strong growth in higher education enrolments globally. From the year 2000,...
Read more
UK: Study visa applications up by nearly a third year to date The early data we are seeing so far this year makes a couple of things clear. First, there...
Read more
Real-time insights on shifting international student interest in the US ICEF and NAFSA co-hosted a featured webinar on 11 June, and the session showcased some important data reflecting...
Read more
What are the latest developments for international students in the United States? An update like this needs a time stamp as the events reported are unfolding quickly. It was first...
Read more
Trump administration bars Harvard from enrolling international students; judge promptly issues restraining order to prevent the move Updated for 23 May 2025: The US government has suspended Harvard University’s ability to enrol foreign students, effective...
Read more
Plans afoot to stimulate UK–EU student mobility under new terms The UK government has opened negotiations with the European Union to restart a youth mobility scheme to and...
Read more
How likely are students to recommend your institution? Findings from the latest wave of the International Student Barometer (ISB) are out, and the survey found that...
Read more
What are you looking for?
Quick Links