English-taught programs are growing at an exponential rate, with almost 28,000 full degree study programs taught outside ‘big four’ destinations, according to a new report by Studyportals and the British Council.
A growth of over 77% was recorded compared to the beginning of 2017 – meaning almost one in five of English-taught programs are offered outside of Australia/NZ, UK, US and Canada.
On release of the report, Studyportals noted that the growth has “significant implications” for student mobility on an international level, with prospective students having “access to more programs than ever before” with more destinations to choose from.
Programs being taught outside the ‘big four’ are largely a “European Affair” – especially in Western Europe – however, this may not be the case for much longer, the research suggested.
“As countries in Western Europe reassess their internationalisation objectives focusing less on attracting larger numbers and more on providing academic excellence, the growth of ETPs is likely to slow down,” the report states.
“Data suggests that much of the growth of ETPs worldwide will materialise in Asia, in particular in the Chinese Region – bound to overtake Europe in overall size by the end of the 20s – and in East Asia,” it continues.
South African universities are assisting growth in Sub-Saharan Africa, but numbers “remain limited” – extensive portfolios offered are bolstering numbers for domestic students and those from across Africa.
Previous Studyportals research found that Europe had witnessed a boom in English-taught bachelor programs in the decade leading up to 2017.
The places with the slowest growth are currently Latin America and South Asia, still in the “early stages” of offering ETPs.
According to the report, those growing Chinese and Sub-Saharan African regions have “doubled” their number of programs since January 2017.
“The key thing for Sub-Saharan Africa is the price point, and the accessibility for students in Africa,” said Stuart Rennie, director of SJ Rennie Consulting.
The majority of ETPs offered in non-English speaking countries came from business & management pathways, engineering & technology and social sciences. These programs made up a “staggering 46%” of all programs taught in those non-English-native countries.
Most outside the ‘big four’ are still offered at masters level, but the number of undergraduate ETPs is growing at a faster rate – 85% compared to 74%.
Source: https://thepienews.com/news/77-growth-etps-outside-big-four-report/?utm_source=Bibblio