Acumen Agent Perception Survey: Insights from Indian Education Agents
Evolving Trends and Strategic Directions in International Student Mobility
Education agents and associations play a pivotal role in connecting prospective international students from around the world with suitable study destinations and programmes.
As the primary point of contact for many students embarking on their educational journey abroad, agents are well positioned to provide cultural awareness and regional market intelligence to support both students and institutions. It is therefore important that agents maintain awareness of evolving student mobility trends, policy changes impacting cross-border education, areas of concern for international recruitment, and emerging growth opportunities.
To develop a deeper understanding in these areas, Acumen, part of Sannam S4 Group, recently conducted a comprehensive survey of education agents across India. More than 100 agents participated in an online questionnaire, with some agents also participating in follow-up interviews.
The survey explored agent perspectives on the current Indian higher education landscape, shifts in student demand trends pre- and postCOVID-19, the effects of visa and migration policy adjustments, and opportunities to further enhance student experiences.
The findings provide valuable insights grouped under three core themes: Student Mobility Trends, Impact of International Policy Changes, and Areas of Support for Education Agents. It is hoped that the perspectives and recommendations contained within will help inform strategic decision making by institutions, representatives and agencies seeking to support high-quality international education outcomes for students.
Current immigration policies of the UK, Australia, and Canada such as study permit caps and immigration risk ratings are aimed at stabilising the net student migration. We are observing a shift in student mobility due to these policies with these countries losing their share of the pie of the international students and countries such as US, Ireland, France etc benefitting from the same as students also seek other study destinations who are welcoming to them.
Pankaj Agrawal Co-Founder & CEO KC Overseas Education
The key factors influencing students to pursue higher education overseas include tuition fees and scholarship opportunities, favourable immigration policies, and prospective employment opportunities.
Additionally, rankings and reputation were cited as important drivers when considering global universities. Agents further highlighted the significance of university accreditations, location, efficient application procedures, prospects for practical experience, and faculty quality as other pivotal considerations for choosing international higher education.
The Acumen Agent Perception Survey highlights the shift in priorities for international student recruitment in the post-pandemic environment. Agents now prioritise clear value demonstrations and robust risk mitigation strategies, such as rigourous checks on student documentation and credentials, and ensuring strong English proficiency. Globally accredited institutions with streamlined visa processes
and comprehensive student support services are highly favoured by prospective students, according to agents. Additionally, agents stressed the importance of efficient admission processes with rapid offer generation and streamlined communication channels. They also underlined the increasing significance of strong internship and research opportunities as crucial factors for attracting top global talent.
Key Drivers of International Student Recruitment post Covid - 19
Over two-thirds of the agents surveyed stated that the US, UK, and Australia, are the top study destinations for Indian students seeking education abroad in 2023-24. The survey indicated over 60% of agents also felt Canada and Ireland to be among the top destinations being considered by Indian students for studying abroad.
The key developing destination markets for Indian students according to over 60% of agents surveyed are Germany and France. These are followed by United Arab Emirates (particularly Dubai), Finland and Singapore. The driving factors are considered to be the diverse educational prospects available, favourable immigration policies, and reputation of universities in these countries within the global higher education sphere.
The survey responses from agents show clear evidence that emerging destinations are gaining traction for international student recruitment. While traditional overseas study options like the ones mentioned above continue to remain important, locations such as Switzerland, Poland, Netherlands, Japan and South Korea are emerging as new options. Switzerland appears to be a particularly prominent destination, being mentioned multiple times in the responses. Agents have highlighted countries such as Malta, Spain,
Italy, Belgium, Lithuania, Portugal, and Malaysia as additional destinations garnering interest among students. This diversification indicates a shifting landscape where students are increasingly open to exploring lesser-known, but promising educational opportunities across various regions. Specifically noting the growing interest among Nepalese students in destinations like South Korea, Japan, and European countries being the established favourites.
Within India, Tier 3 cities such as Roorkee, Rohtak, Udaipur, and Salem are generating the most applications for studying overseas, as stated by 88% of the agents surveyed. Tier 1 cities such as Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Bangalore ranked second by 75% in generating applications for overseas study via agents, followed by Tier 2 cities such as Amritsar, Bhopal, Chandigarh, Raipur, and Kochi that generate a moderate number of applications by 50% of agents.
According to the survey findings, agents have identified emerging source markets for international student recruitment within various states and smaller towns in India. States such as Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Kerala, Punjab, and Gujarat are experiencing a surge in overseas study applications. Additionally, smaller towns
including Vijayawada, Guntur, Visakhapatnam, Rohtak, Roorki, Jammu, Patiala, Indore, Bhopal, and Kaithal are also emerging as significant contributors to the pool of prospective international students. This trend underscores the expanding reach and diversification of the international study market within India, presenting new opportunities for educational institutions worldwide.
In terms of the academic level of studying abroad, 63%ofthesurveyedagentsstatedthat theyreceivedmostapplicationsfor postgraduate(PG)courses, while the remaining 33%statedthattheyreceivedapplicationsfor PGandundergraduate(UG)equally.Amere 4%oftheagentssurveyedstatedreceiving applicationsforUGonly.
All agents surveyed agreed Engineering, IT, and Business to be the top courses sought by students seeking higher education abroad. These were followed by health sciences and other science courses, with Nursing, Humanities, and Arts also accounting for a moderate share of applicants.
Other key courses sought by Indian students seeking higher education abroad include Law, Physical Science, Accounting, Architecture, Pharmacy, and Hospitality.
Source: Acumen Agent Survey 2024
With the establishment of several overseas institutions in India, including the Australian Deakin University campus at Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City)it is noted that nearly 33% ofagentsstatedthattherewasn’tanychangeinthestudentpreferencestowardsstudyingatthe foreigninstitutionsestablishedinIndia,before potentially transitioning to the university’s home country campus.
While 25%ofagents‘moderately’or‘strongly’agreedthat the students are showing interest in such a model, 42%‘moderately’or‘strongly’disagreedwithsuchatrend
82%oftheagentsnotedthatrecentchangesinimmigrationpolicieshaveinfluencedstudent preferencesforhighereducationabroad,withstudentsnowoptingforpublicinstitutionsoverprivate ones.This shift is particularly driven by the Canadian policies favouring public universities, while in Australia and the USA, it is attributed to significantly higher visa success rates for public institutions.
Do you agree that Indian students are showing interest in studying at foreign institutions established in India for a period, before transitioning to the university’s home country?
Strongly Agree
Moderately Agree
Neutral
Strongly Disagree
Moderately Disagree
Source:
The following section highlights agent sentiment and impact on student applications due to the higher education policy changes and updates announced for international students across key destination countries.
PolicyUpdate:In January 2024, a delegated legislation committee of the House of Commons approved the Immigration (Health Charge) (Amendment) Order 2023, which included a substantial 66% increase in the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), coming into effect on 6, February 2024. Additionally, on 1 January 2024, the UK student visa rules were amended such that students studying a non-research Master’s degree could no longer sponsor their dependents under the student visa route. For undergraduate students, only Bachelor students on a government-sponsored programme of at least six months duration are now able to bring their dependents to the UK.
According to 50% of agents surveyed, these updates to UK policy have led to a moderate decrease in international student applications to the country. 17% of agents stated the updates led to a significant decrease in applications from students seeking to study in the UK, while 8% of agents reported student applications shifted to other destinations. Most agents expected a drop of 20-30% in applications to the UK market due to the policy updates.
Some agents surveyed supported the UK updates, stating this would allow more students to gain part-time employment in the country. However, others noted the updates may lead to delayed visa processes and hold-ups with priority cases.
Based on agent survey responses, it is apparent that changes to dependent visa policies have brought both challenges and potential benefits regarding international student recruitment. Challenges include the impact on genuine married cases and hindered employability for postgraduate students. Additionally, the increased UK salary threshold is viewed as both a challenge and possible impediment for new labour market entrants, pending clarification of the specific provision. Conversely, agents note potential benefits such as enhanced employability for students through expanded part-time work opportunities and a prospect of more serious students entering the market. Nonetheless, the issue of delayed visa processes and priority case hold-ups persists, posing obstacles to international student mobility.
In March 2024, the UK Government’s Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) was commissioned to carry out a rapid review of the international student Graduate route.
This route, launched in July 2021, allows international students to remain in the UK for up to three years after graduation, depending on the level of their qualification.
The UK Government requested evidence in response to five key questions:
1. Evidence of any abuse of the Graduate Immigration Route (GIR), including whether it is fit for purpose.
2. Information on who is utilising the Graduate Immigration Route(GIR) and the universities from which they graduated.
3. Demographic data and trends regarding students who obtain study visas and subsequently enter the UK labour market through the Graduate route.
4. Details on what individuals do during and after their time on the Graduate route, including whether these graduates contribute to the economy.
5. An analysis of whether the Graduate route undermines the integrity and quality of the UK higher education system. This includes evaluating how effectively the Graduate route controls the quality of international students, supports the UK’s goal to attract and retain “the brightest and best,” contributes to economic growth, and benefits British higher education and soft power, all within the context of the Government’s broader International Education Strategy.
The report’s analysis and findings was published on 14 May 2024.
Key recommendation of the report are as follows:
1. A mandatory registration system for international recruitment agents and sub agents should be created by the Government.
2. Universities should be required to publish data on their spend on recruitment agents and the number of international students recruited through such means annually
3. The Government should only open new migration routes or make significant policy changes when it has a clear plan for how it will collect and monitor data to assess the effectiveness of the route against its objectives
4. The Home Office should introduce a requirement for universities to provide it with confirmation of the course outcome (for example, class of degree) on the student route, in addition to confirmation that a course has been successfully completed.
On 23 May 2024, the Home Office confirmed it is following MAC’s advice and not restricting the graduate route in its current form.
A “stringent framework” for agents has been announced which is thought to be mandatory adoption of the Agent Quality Framework (AQF). Universities will have to sign up if they are using agents to recruit.
Tougher compliance standards for universities are also set to be introduced. Those who accept international students that then don’t pass visa checks, or don’t “enrol or complete their courses” would risk having their sponsor licence revoked, the Home Office said.
The financial maintenance requirements will also go up for international students (although this was not detailed in the current plan) and a review of the English language assessments –including looking at standardising what it called “independent assessments” is expected to be implemented
The Government says it remains concerned that the route is not attracting the highest earners who contribute to our economy. This gives an indication that the average graduate income may be reviewed.
There will also be restrictions on remote delivery of programmes to ensure all international students are predominantly undertaking face to face courses.
The Government’s response is widely celebrated amongst UK universities and sector stakeholders. Tighter compliance surrounding agent partnerships will ensure students and universities are safeguarded from unscrupulous agents.
International student mobility trends have undergone recent adjustments due to evolving immigration policies in major destinations. Countries such as the UK, Australia and Canada have traditionally welcomed global learners to support economic growth and cultural exchange.
Factors including expanded post-study work options, increased accessibility of financing and broader exposure to international perspectives have previously contributed to significant increases in cross-border enrolment. While movement has faced some disruption in the short term, most destinations remain committed to the academic and social benefits of diversity on campuses.
With attention to clear guidelines and ethical advising, institutions can continue enhancing the student experience. As policies adapt, focus on communication and realistic expectations helps learners make informed decisions. By reducing the lag between official policy announcement and communicating in a timely way to students and agents can help both the student and the industry positively. Overall the opportunities of international education build understanding between societies.
Syed Nadeem Naiyyer Director of Partnerships UniScholars
PolicyUpdate:On 11 December 2023, the Australian Government released the new migration strategy, targeting various visa categories and migration policies, with the implementation of new visa subclasses. The updates included the reduction of some post-study work rights and raising the financial requirement for visa applicants by 17% to AUD $24,505. The new Australian Migration Strategy also includes the introduction of a new “Genuine Student Test” for all international students and an increase in the minimum English language requirements for student and graduate visas.
55% of the agents surveyed, stated that the updates had led to a ‘moderate’ or ‘strong’ decrease in international student applications for the country.
While 29% of the agents stated there has been no change in student applications for Australia, 8% stated that the updates led to student applications shifting to other destinations.
Most agents felt that a drop of 10%-40% could be expected for the Australian market due to the policy updates.
Some of the agents surveyed stated that the lack of clarity on the definition of “authencity” was a challenge in processing applications for Australia. Increased strictness around the
evaluation of funds and Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) processes, and visa rejections without proper cause have made it challenging for agents to promote Australia as a study destination among Indian students.
Based on the agent survey, it is clear there is frustration over the lack of clarity in policies and the inconsistency in visa application outcomes. On the other hand, perceived benefits include opportunities opening up for genuine students, such as post-study work visas in Australia, which are seen as attractive incentives. However, these benefits are often overshadowed by the challenges posed by financial requirements, visa processing delays, and unclear policies.
On 11 December 2023, changes were made to the Australian immigration policies including a reduction of post-study work rights, raising the cost of living by 17% to AUD $24,505, introducing the Genuine Student Test and increasing the minimum English language requirement for students.
23 March 2024: The Genuine Student Test replaced the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement for student visas. Also, applications lodged for students are now being assessed under the New English Language Requirement. Genuine Student (GS): To meet this requirement, students must demonstrate their genuine intent to study in Australia. This involves answering questions like explaining their course choice, outlining benefits, and providing additional Information on their profile.
2 May 2024: The cost of living was again raised from AUD $24,505 to AUD $29,710 within a span of six months, with speculation of an increase in the visa application fee.
3 May 2024: The cost of living was rolled back overnight to AUD $24,505. This is welcome news for the universities, agents and students.
10 May 2024: The financial capacity requirement was raised from AUD $24,505 to AUD $29,710 again, but this time to stay and for students to adhere to.
With high visa rejection rates currently affecting the sentiments of agents and students, Australia has become relatively expensive for students, attributed to the high costs associated with visa applications, living expenses per annum, and university tuition fees compared to other global destinations. Universities and agents are eagerly awaiting clarity on GS and its implications for visa applications. The shift in age requirements and rising living expenses has generated uncertainty, potentially driving international students to consider other study destinations with more affordable living costs. Australia risks losing the advantages of its diverse international student community, particularly from Asia.
Traditional destinations are tightening visa regulations to find genuine students, as many disappear after the first semester or switch colleges. Requiring annual fees could help reduce this chaos in universities. Students must also recognise economic needs to tackle skills shortages. The UK particularly demands health professionals, computing/IT specialists, scientists, science teachers, data analysts and those in business programmes like project management. Thus, studying these subjects greatly benefits those wishing to contribute.
Natasha Chopra Co-Founder and DirectorPolicyUpdate:Following the most recent New Zealand election in late 2023, the incoming government has promised a raft of changes to make New Zealand a more competitive market to attract international students globally and accelerate its rebuild to pre-COVID numbers, including:
•Fast tracking visa processing for international students who pay an additional fee.
• An increase to the hours international students are able to work each week from 20 to 24.
•Expansion of worker's rights for international students and their partners to make New Zealand a more attractive destination.
•Diversifying the countries Education New Zealand recruits international students from.
New Zealand is renowned for its high-quality education, with stringent university admission standards ensuring top-tier student quality.
New Zealand reopened its borders to international students in late 2023, the final significant destination for international students to do so, which has resulted in a slower rebound to pre-COVID numbers than other markets. However, with the recent policy changes in the UK, Australia, and Canada there has been an increase in demand for New Zealand. Recent reports from AECC Global, a leading education agent, are showing an 86% increase in student sentiment towards New Zealand in its offices globally. In India, 30% of Acumen's agent partner network has indicated a signficant increase in New Zealand requests from students. New Zealand is poised to return to pre-COVID enrolments in the near future, assuming favourable visa and migration settings for international students.
For all the positive sentiment, challenges remain. Agent partners suggest two primary drawbacks affecting New Zealand’s appeal in the Indian market:
1. Turnaround Times: New Zealand universities take 4-8 weeks to process applications,
with Polytechnics often being quicker. In a competitive landscape such as India, students will often accept the first offer they receive to maximise their visa processing times.
2. Visa Processing: According to agents, over 50% of student visa applications now exceed an 8-week processing period. With no direct means to check application status, this delayis causing considerable confusion and concern.
Despite these issues, New Zealand presents a strong opportunity. By enhancing collaboration with the Indian market, educational institutions can potentially increase their enrolments, capitalise on the favourable post-study work visa settings and leverage the scholarships available in the market from providers.
Policy Update: In November 2023, the US Embassy in India announced the implementation of a US policy change for all applicants for F, M, and J student visas, where they would need to create a profile and schedule their visa appointment using the information from their passports, to improve security against fraudulent activity. Additionally, a sponsor from a department of state-approved organisation would be required for anyone seeking a category J visa.
In the Acumen Agent Perception Survey, 42% of agents stated that the updates had led to no change in student application numbers to the US. However, 32% of the agents stated that there has been a ‘moderate’ or ‘strong’ decrease in international student applications for the country due to the policy update.
20% of agents stated that there has been a ‘moderate’ or ‘strong’ increase in international student applications for the US, while 6% stated that the updates led to student applications shifting to other destinations.
Some of the agents surveyed stated that the updates would be beneficial in the long run, leading to an increase in high-quality students being able to secure admission in the US.
The agent survey responses indicate that visa slot availability poses a major challenge in international student recruitment, with concerns raised about the difficulty in securing
interview slots. This issue is particularly impactful for students who have faced visa refusals and must wait for extended periods before reapplying. Despite these challenges, there is acknowledgment of potential benefits from policy changes, with agents foreseeing that stricter policies could deter fraudulent activities and result in a higher calibre of student applicants. This is expected to enhance visa success rates and foster a more transparent and efficient immigration process overall.
PolicyUpdate:In January 2024, Canada’s Immigration Minister Marc Miller announced a two-year cap on international student admissions to Canada. Additionally, effective 1 January, 2024, the cost of living requirement for international students was increased to CAD $20,635 (previously CAD $10,000), excluding tuition fees.
The Acumen Agent Perception Survey showed several key insights into how policy changes impact international recruitment.
The survey revealed that 37% of agents reported these updates to Canada’s immigration policies led to a moderate decrease in applications. 17% reported a increase at their agencies despite the updates.
Most agents anticipated a drop of 20-50% for the Canadian market due to the policy changes. While some agents viewed the admission cap as challenging for students and themselves, others felt province-level caps could help students obtain employment as a result of reduced student numbers, lessening competition.
Agents viewed beneits such as postgraduation work permits for master’s students positively and saw a potential increase in attractiveness in other provinces due to policy shifts. Overall, these perspectives underscore the complex interplay between policy changes, challenges, and benefits shaping international student recruitment.
Canada has made some significant changes to their student immigration policies which has impacted the sector.
1January2024- The cost of living for students increased from CAD $10,000 to CAD $20,635 to cover their living expenses.
22January2024- The federal cap on international student numbers is expected to result in approximately 360,000 approved study permits, a decrease of 35% from 2023. Individual provinces and territories will have caps on undergraduate students.
1September2024- Students in programmes under curriculum licensing arrangements won’t qualify for Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWP) upon graduation. Master’s programme graduates can apply for extended 3-year work permits. Open work permits will only be available to spouses of students in Master’s and doctoral programmes, aiming to balance highskilled immigration and benefit control.
Canada has traditionally been the most attractive destination for Indian students, however, recent changes in immigration policies have generated a mixed sentiment in the Indian market. Agents are observing a decline in applications for private institutions due to caps and increased living costs for students. Conversely, demand for public institutions is on the rise, driven by the availability of PGWPs for master’s programmes lasting 3 years, as well as open work permits for spouses of master’s students. These regulatory adjustments underscore Canada’s commitment to a fair and transparent immigration system while reinforcing its position as a welcoming destination for international students. Although these changes may present initial challenges, they aim to establish a secure and streamlined process for international students pursuing educational and career goals in Canada.
68% of agents felt that In-country Representatives (ICRs) should connect with them virtually (via calls/ online meetings) every month, while 48% felt that weekly engagement with ICRs is required to help meet agents recruitment goals.
For in-person engagement, 61% of agents felt that quarterly meetings were adequate, while 53% felt that bi-annual and 52% felt that even annual connections would be helpful.
61% of respondents feel a combined effort of ICRs engaging with students, reducing the turnaround time from universities, and regular training would help agents reach their recruitment goals.
In terms of support from universities, more than 70% of agents stated faster turnaround times and timely credibility or other vetting processes to be major areas where additional support would be beneficial for student recruitment. This was followed by in-country support (60%) that includes ICRs, admissions, and compliance support.
Prior coordination with the admissions team at the university, providing monthly application status reports to agents, and offering updates on available scholarships were also highlighted as key support areas by agents.
Source: Acumen Agent Survey 2024
Additionally, solutions such as offering timely updates, supporting agent engagement through events, and improving processing times can enhance the recruitment process. Regular visits, clear communication on application statuses, and marketing support further contribute to agent satisfaction and student enrollment success as mentioned by agents.
96% of the agents stated that having universities offering internships would enhance agent ability to secure university conversions and maximise yield.
Nearly 80% of agents also stated having a strong alumni network (82%) and universities offering job placements (80%) as being the other key factors that aid in ensuring university conversions.
As per the survey, over 60% of agents felt that Acumen-hosted fairs and joint activities
withinstitutions,schools,andagentswould helpbuildamorecollaborativerelationship betweentheinstitutions.
Additionally, increasing universities abroad to allow more access for students, hosting counsellor training, and work on mutual proposals to organise recruitment activities were other key areas where agents seek support from Acumen to strengthen the partnership and achieve their recruitment goals.
International students across the world are witnessing massive immigration policy changes in the UK, Canada, and Australia. While markets indicated recovery post-COVID, the year 2023 saw exponential growth in international student numbers. Unfortunately, there were major compliance breaches surrounding documentation, student profiles and financials that became triggers for restrictions and higher vigilant processes. Policy changes such as Canada restricting study permits this year, Australia introducing stronger GTE guidelines and the UK considering changes to Post Study Work permits and other factors, can dampen student horizons and goals to study overseas. For those already in these countries, it could mean challenges securing deserved work and higher expenses. However, universities abroad thrive on international students. This phase is presumably temporary to balance irregularities that can jeopardise student quality, and could also indicate student interests losing countries and inclination building towards others not announcing changes. From my view, this corrects issues and protects integrity, otherwise leading to bigger roadblocks. It is a tough time, however scenarios change favouring students as flexibility rises in some and numbers in others. It is imperative that consultants adapt their knowledge and sentiment to ensure student clarity moving ahead with goals.
Sheenu Kathuria Founder & CEOThe Acumen Agent Perception Survey highlights the evolving landscape of international
student mobility in India.
The survey highlights the pivotal role of education agents in connecting aspiring students with global educational opportunities. With a focus on the nuanced shifts in student preferences following the pandemic, towards institutions that offer global accreditation coupled with tangible value and robust support systems, the findings outline a blueprint in international education recruitment.
The survey’s revelation of preferred destinations underscores a broadening horizon, with traditional strongholds of the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia now sharing prominence with emerging favourites such as Canada, Ireland, Germany, France, and New Zealand reflecting the rich tapestry of global educational aspirations among Indian students. This trend of diversification, mirrored in the burgeoning interest from India’s Tier 3 cities, heralds significant expansion in the study market, challenging educational institutions worldwide to broaden their engagement strategies and offerings. The survey sheds light
on the crucial influence of policy changes in destination countries, marking a watershed moment for international student mobility that necessitates agile and informed responses from all stakeholders.
As we find ourselves at this turning point, the way forward for educational institutions and agents is marked by an imperative to foster deeper, more strategic collaborations. By prioritising enhanced communication, support mechanisms, and enriching student experiences through internship and employment opportunities, the educational community can not only navigate the current flux but also elevate the quality and scope of international education. This strategic refocus, grounded in the insights gleaned from the Acumen Agent Perception Survey, promise to redefine the paradigms of international student recruitment.
India has historically been a significant exporter of human capital and skilled labour. A key consideration going forward is ensuring equitable assessment of educational standards on a common global platform. Indian education providers have successfully implemented several joint entrance examinations, such as JEE, CAT and NEET, which help ensure consistency and transparency. International education providers could benefit from adopting a similar approach, establishing shared entrance assessments like the GRE and GMAT to aid in recruiting only the most qualified students to their programmes. This would help mitigate many current challenges in evaluating and comparing the academic credentials of Indian and foreign-educated applicants in a fair and objective manner.
Rahul Gandhi Director & Founder Take off Education Consultant
Acumen is committed to helping globally-ambitious universities and education organisations enter, explore, and expand in South Asia, South East Asia, USA and beyond. We offer a dedicated range of services to drive student enrolment, develop strategic international education partnerships, and deliver global consulting services based on individual partner needs.
Acumen is also a formal advisor to the Governments of USA, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, and Australia on the Indian higher education and vocational sectors. It is also an Official Strategic Partner to the U.S. International Trade Administration (ITA), the U.S. Department of Commerce, and a close working collaborator with the State Department and multiple trade and sector organisations.
We have developed robust partnerships with stakeholders across the globe, including the US International Trade Administration, the US Department of Commerce, the UK Department of International Trade, as well as government agencies in Australia, India, Ireland, and New Zealand.
We operate in over 20 countries, with more than 250 industry practitioners with deep local knowledge and global expertise. We help our partners navigate a competitive education landscape from end to end, while always prioritising their success. Acumen currently supports 16 of the top 100 universities in the world and over 120 partner universities in India,
