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insights

Welcome to the Insights section, where I provide links to resources and thought leadership on international education strategies. Here, you will find a collection of self-assessment tools, key publications, and media engagements, all reflecting my work and expertise in higher education consultancy. Whether you're looking to evaluate your institution's recruitment practices, explore thought-provoking research, or see recent contributions to media discussions, these insights are designed to support and inform your strategies.

guides

Student Recruitment Success Factors

The article outlines key strategies for successful international student recruitment in the UK amidst shifting political and financial challenges and highlights critical success factors. The accompanying self-assessment questionnaire enables universities to evaluate their performance in these areas and refine their international recruitment strategies for long-term success.

Transnational Education Success Scorecard

The article introduces the Transnational Education (TNE) Success Scorecard, a strategic tool designed to help universities assess and enhance their TNE initiatives and align their TNE programmes with broader internationalisation goals. The scorecard aids in identifying both opportunities and risks, helping institutions make informed decisions and ensuring long-term success in global engagement.

Agent Quality Framework Compliance

The article emphasises the importance of universities complying with the Agent Quality Framework (AQF) to improve transparency and integrity in international student recruitment. It introduces a compliance checklist for universities to assess their current agent management practices, ensuring ethical standards and accountability. 

International Student Recruitment Strategy:
A Guide to the Archetypes Framework
 

 

International student recruitment is often assumed to be a financial lifeline, but for some universities, it can become a financial liability. As recruitment costs rise and competition intensifies, it is crucial for institutions to critically assess their strategies and ensure they are aligned with long-term sustainability.

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This guide provides a framework based on five University International Student Recruitment Archetypes, helping institutions understand where they currently fit, what strategies they are following, and the consequences of their approach.

By using this guide, universities can:

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  • Identify their dominant recruitment strategy.

  • Assess whether their approach aligns with their institutional priorities.

  • Evaluate the financial sustainability of their recruitment efforts.

  • Explore alternative models to optimise outcomes.

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publications

Welcome to the Publications section, where I share a selection of my work on key themes in international education. Over the years, I have explored international student recruitment strategies, the evolving role of recruitment agents, governance in transnational education, and the broader impacts of global engagement. My research and commentary emphasise ethical standards, best practices, and sustainable models for the sector.

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Below is a curated selection of open-access articles, grouped by theme. For a full chronological list of my publications, click here.

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1. International Student Recruitment Agents

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2. Transnational Education (TNE) 

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3. Sustainability, Strategy & Risk in International Education

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(i) Strategic Approaches to Internationalisation

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(ii) International Student Recruitment & Risk Management

 

(iii) Global Engagement & Policy Considerations

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media mentions

Welcome to the Media section, where I share a selection of articles and interviews in which I have been quoted. Over the years, I have contributed insights to a wide range of topics, including international student recruitment, transnational education, the challenges and opportunities in higher education policy, and the role of agents in shaping global academic mobility. These media features highlight key issues facing the sector today and reflect the expertise I have developed through years of engagement with institutions and policymakers. Feel free to explore these pieces for further perspectives on the evolving landscape of international education.

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Could India branch campuses bail out struggling Western universities? Times Higher Education February 24, 2025

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Positive signals’ for UK international recruitment in September Times Higher Education February 3, 2025

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​University chiefs partly to blame for funding woes – Experts University World News November 1, 2024

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Review finds no systemic issues in UK’s pathway programmes University World News July 17, 2024

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Chinese pay lion’s share of master’s fees at top UK universities Times Higher Education May 8, 2024

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UK universities’ Chinese student recruitment ‘getting harder’ Times Higher Education February 19, 2024​

 

Uproar over foreign students admitted with lower grades University World News February 09, 2024

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Black Friday’ pressure-sales tactics in the sector The PIE December 1 2023

 

ApplyBoard publishes rogue agent blocklist The PIE September 28 2023

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Inside the murkey and ‘unchecked’ £500m industry changing the shape of UK universities Big Issue September 20, 2023

 

Universities and students recalibrate after A-level results University World News August 19, 2023

 

International students ‘less satisfied’ in branch campuses University World News October 19, 2022

 

Shady agents, forged documents and disappearing acts: The business of serving Indian students bound for Europe NZZ June 14, 2022

 

Inside the university recruitment machine Financial Times March 11, 2021

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UK universities ‘increasingly reliant’ on agents for EU enrolment Times Higher Education March 4, 2021

 

Will international recruitment survive Covid19? Times Higher Education March 4, 2021

 

Flexible admissions could mitigate Covid-19 impact Times Higher Education March 18, 2020

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