Internationalization
The IAU aspires to create a world where higher education transcends borders and embraces diversity, fostering a culture of global citizenship and social responsibility. In this world, students acquire skills and values to contribute to the common good of humanity, researchers forge diverse partnerships to tackle pressing global challenges, and institutions share their international experiences to develop solutions that address local needs and benefit their communities.
The IAU seeks to help make knowledge openly accessible and to embolden higher education institutions with a global perspective in their vision and actions. This type of internationalization is fundamental in building a global community for higher education and research which mitigates global asymmetries and contributes to openness, collaboration, social justice and equity. In pursuit of this vision, the IAU is a leading voice for a transformative and inclusive internationalization of higher education, an internationalization for society and the global common good.
Latest Internationalization Updates
What is Internationalization?
The IAU adopts the following definition of internationalization
“[The 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.”
The IAU’s vision is to be the facilitator and promoter of an internationalization for all, for society and the global common good. Activities and actions for Internationalization at the IAU are defined in the IAU 2030 Strategy and guided by the designated Working Group.
Research
Global Surveys on Internationalization
In 2024, the IAU published the report of the 6th Global Survey on the Internationalization of Higher Education: The Future of Internationalization of Higher Education. Global Surveys are flagship IAU publications for the strategic priority on Internationalization. The IAU has produced six Global Surveys on Internationalization to date (2003, 2005, 2010, 2014, 2019, 2024), 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 is often cited by researchers, experts in the field, and higher education media.
Other Internationalization Research
In addition to the Global Survey series, the IAU conducts a range of internationalization research through dedicated projects and programmes. These initiatives are often carried out in close collaboration with partners and focus on key trends, policies, and practices shaping higher education worldwide. Findings from this work contribute to informed dialogue and evidence-based policymaking at institutional, national, and international levels.
Capacity Building
Higher Education Internationalization Advisory Service (HEIAS)
The HEIAS programme aims to foster greater international collaboration, enhance institutional capacity, and inform global engagement strategies given evolving challenges and opportunities. HEIAS consists of several different but complementary services offered to IAU Member institutions. HEIAS takes a modular approach to internationalization and global engagement. Each participating institution receives independent and customised services formulated based on the institution’s needs and history of global engagement.
Other Internationalization Capacity Building
We offer a range of internationalization capacity-building services beyond HEIAS, tailored to meet diverse institutional needs. Our expertise extends to various facets of global engagement, assisting organizations in developing robust international strategies and programs. We provide comprehensive support to enhance internationalization efforts, ensuring sustainable growth and impactful worldwide collaborations.
Projects
UNESCO Participation Programme
Financed by the UNESCO Participation Programme, this project promotes equitable and inclusive internationalization of higher education both in terms of knowledge and people.
Past Projects
Past internationalization projects, carried out in collabroation with international partners, have addressed key themes in higher education internationalization, generating insights and resources to support policy and practice.
ENIS
The COST Action - European Network on International Student Mobility engages with and researches the need for systematic interdisciplinary and international exchange.
Network of International Education Associations
In its role as coordinator of NIEA, the IAU works closely with the Network Chair and member associations to advocate for the importance of international education as a vital avenue for addressing global challenges, which present themselves uniquely within local settings.
Global Advocacy
Policy Statements
The IAU moreover advocates for internationalization for the common good by developing positions and producing policy statements. To date, the IAU has published four policy statements on internationalization.