A recent study conducted by Navitas’s Global Student Flows Modelling predicts that African students will make up one-eighth of the international student population by 2050. However, despite this promising forecast, visa rejections pose a significant obstacle to enrolling students from across the continent.
Jon Chew, Global Head of Insights & Analytics at Navitas, described the next decade as “The Africa Decade,” emphasizing the vast potential for universities, particularly those in Australia, to tap into this burgeoning market. Chew highlighted Africa’s enduring importance as a target market for Navitas, contributing significantly to the diversity of student cohorts.
Diversifying student cohorts and source countries lies at the heart of Australia’s international education strategy, launched in 2021. This strategy aims to expand educational offerings to capitalize on digital and offshore opportunities while broadening the recruitment base beyond traditional markets like China and India. Consequently, Africa and Southeast Asia are emerging as key regions of focus due to their burgeoning population growth.
According to Chew, there is a growing interest among university partners and the broader sector in exploring opportunities for student recruitment in Africa. However, certain destinations have established leads in key markets, as revealed by the May 2023 Navitas Agent Perception Survey.
While Australian universities have forged partnerships with key agents in countries like Nigeria and Kenya, other African nations have fewer agreements in place. For instance, Tanzanian students primarily rely on two key agents—Uniserv Limited and S3 Education—to facilitate their studies in Australia.
Data compiled by The PIE indicates variations in the number of agent partnerships across different African countries. For instance, while several agencies in Nigeria boast partnerships with numerous Australian universities, some countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo and Niger have yet to establish such agreements.
Adam Roberts, Senior Vice President of University Partnerships at SCU Ventures, noted that Australian universities have made significant investments in large African growth markets like Kenya and Nigeria. However, high visa refusal rates in these markets remain a major concern, deterring institutions from further investment.
Chew emphasized the need for a multi-pronged approach to tap into Africa’s potential, citing countries like Nigeria, Egypt, Morocco, and Kenya as key growth markets. However, he acknowledged that visa settings pose a significant barrier, with acceptance rates varying widely across African countries.
In conclusion, while Africa presents a promising opportunity for international student recruitment, overcoming visa-related challenges is crucial for institutions seeking to diversify their student base effectively. As countries and institutions explore strategies to navigate these complexities, a nuanced understanding of regional dynamics and tailored approaches will be essential for success.
