Global Education at a Crossroads: UK Universities Face an International Student Squeeze as Saudi Arabia Builds a New Creative-Education Hub
Global higher education is shifting as established and emerging education hubs face contrasting realities. UK business schools are experiencing declining international enrolments, increasing financial pressure and concerns over competitiveness. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia is strengthening its creative education ecosystem, with Effat University becoming the Gulf’s first film school to gain full CILECT membership. Together, these developments highlight how international mobility, economic strategy and specialist education are reshaping the global competition for students, skills and talent.