The internationalisation of higher education has been, for decades, a key vehicle for fostering global understanding and cultural exchange. Student mobility programmes, international talent recruitment and cross-country research collaboration have contributed to an innovative and connected global educational ecosystem.

However, in recent years, geopolitical tensions, coupled with economic and security challenges, are fragmenting this common learning space.

Impact of the new geopolitics

The current geopolitical landscape poses risks for academic cooperation. Tensions between the United States and China have brought issues such as intellectual property theft, technological espionage and national security into focus.

In Europe, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and Russia’s estrangement from the West have caused agreements with Russian universities to be suspended , hampering exchanges and creating greater obstacles for Russian students. The reconfiguration of international alliances is directly affecting educational diplomacy and its communities.

Adding to these tensions is the rise of nationalism and the decline of multilateralism, which have tightened visa regulations in countries such as the United States , the United Kingdom , Australia and Canada .

For example, in 2020, the US government revoked more than 1,000 Chinese student visas in just three months, citing national security reasons. Another example: in Australia, in 2024, the government tightened entry requirements and increased student visa fees from 710 Australian dollars to 1,600 Australian dollars (about 425 and 960 euros respectively).

These barriers hinder both student exchanges and research collaborations, favouring the regionalisation of academic alliances.

More barriers to educational internationalization

The geopolitics of technology also play a central role in this context. Concerns about the transfer of strategic know-how have led to tighter restrictions on joint research projects, especially in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing and biotechnology. These measures, while understandable, limit the scope for global collaboration.

But the economic question also counts. The global housing crisis has meant that in many university cities the cost of housing limits student exchanges and the arrival of foreign students. In Dublin, for example, the average student rent increased by more than 30% between 2020 and 2023. This has prompted universities and governments to develop strategies to facilitate access to accommodation for foreign students.

On the other hand, many universities face increasing pressure from populist movements that seek to politicize university campuses , undermining their academic independence and accusing them of promoting ideological indoctrination.

The value of internationalization

Despite everything, internationalisation remains an indispensable tool for universities, institutions and society. Studying and living with people from other countries allows us to acquire different perspectives on how the world is seen . The diversity of languages, opinions and cultures fosters communication, tolerance and empathy.

The Erasmus programme has allowed European students to see everything that unites them, strengthening their European identity.

Moreover, these experiences promote autonomy, resilience and intercultural skills, which are highly valued in the labour market . A study by the European Commission revealed that, five years after graduating, graduates with international experience have a 23% lower unemployment rate than those who did not participate in mobility or training programmes abroad.

Strengthening university internationalization enhances the transfer of knowledge, promotes projects with greater resources and impact, and encourages the adoption of innovative teaching methods.

Social benefits

There is also a positive economic impact in this process. In Australia, international students generated more than 40 billion Australian dollars (about 24 billion euros) in 2022. That is 18% of the country’s services exports.

It also promotes the exchange of ideas, stimulates innovation and facilitates the search for joint solutions to global challenges such as climate change, pandemics and technological advances. Academic diplomacy strengthens trust in international cooperation and contributes to sustainable development, social justice and global collaboration.

Protecting academic internationalization

Diversifying international alliances has become a strategic necessity. A prominent example is Australia, which, in response to tensions with China, has consolidated academic ties with Southeast Asia and Latin America.

The Australian Government has launched the New Colombo Plan to foster knowledge of the Indo-Pacific region through scholarships, internships and language training, significantly supporting student mobility in the region.

Practical issues

To facilitate access to affordable housing for its international students, Utrecht University has developed housing programmes through housing providers to reduce the pressure on the city’s rental market.

It is also crucial to simplify administrative processes and create programs that reduce entry barriers for international students. For example, Germany facilitates academic mobility for international students and researchers through the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) .

A transformative force

It is essential to safeguard academic freedom and strengthen the role of universities as spaces for dialogue, innovation and international cooperation so that teachers, researchers and students can develop and debate ideas without fear or external restrictions. The production of critical and diverse knowledge is essential to face global challenges such as climate change, social justice and technological progress.

University internationalisation must be a transformative force in an interconnected world. Strengthening education drives social progress and reinforces global cooperation. We must promote and protect global education, which will enable us to address the challenges of the 21st century and strengthen the foundations of a more just and collaborative future.

Author Bio: Borja Santos Porras is Vice Dean and Professor of Practice – IE School of politics, economics and global affairs at IE University