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.
Campus Africa
UNESCO's Campus Africa initiative aims to equip all students - particularly young women and marginalized communities - with the skills needed for meaningful transitions into the workforce, entrepreneurship and lifelong learning.
Key figures
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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.
