Group of students working together

Higher education

There are around 254 million students enrolled in universities around the world. Yet despite the boom in demand, the overall enrollment ratio is 42% with large differences between countries and regions. UNESCO is the only United Nations agency with a mandate in higher education and works with countries to ensure high quality higher education opportunities are available to everyone. It places a special focus on inclusion, the recognition of qualifications and quality assurance, particularly in developing countries. 

UNESCO works to increase students’ opportunities and mobility through the Global Convention on the Recognition of Qualifications concerning Higher Education and the UNESCO Qualifications Passport for Refugees and Vulnerable Migrants among other instruments. It helps countries develop their own quality assurance agencies and networks.   
 

Watch what happens when we #UnleashTheTalent of every learner

The number of students in universities has more than doubled globally in the last two decades to 235 million. And it’s expected to double again in the next decade, along with international student mobility.

Higher education conversations

UNESCO’s Higher Education Conversation series is back, with a second round of conversations in the leadup to the entry into force of the Global Convention on the Recognition of Qualifications concerning Higher Education.

higher education conversations
UNESCO Chairs and UNITWIN Networks

Building bridges between universities globally

Higher technical education in Africa

Matching skills with the labour market

Higher Education: figures at a glance
2024
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Internationalizing higher education: findings from the fifth consultation the implementation of the Recommendation on the Recognition of Studies and Qualifications in Higher Education (1993)
UNESCO
2024
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Institutional practices of implementing lifelong learning in higher education: research report
UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning
Shanghai Open University
2023
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International trends of lifelong learning in higher education: research report
UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning
Shanghai Open University
2023
UNESCO
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ChatGPT and artificial intelligence in higher education: quick start guide
IESALC
UNESCO
2023
UNESCO
0000385146
Right to higher education: unpacking the international normative framework in light of current trends and challenges
UNESCO
Right to Education Initiative
2022
UNESCO
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Monitoring the implementation of the Lisbon recognition Convention: monitoring report, Paris/Strasbourg 2022
UNESCO
Council of Europe
2022
UNESCO
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Knowledge-driven actions: transforming higher education for global sustainability
UNESCO
2022
UNESCO
0000380519

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