The higher education 2025 forecast: A summary of predictions and insights from global leaders

Our 2024 interviews with university leaders put the spotlight on trends shaping the future of universities. Here are the recurring themes.

1. Equity and inclusivity

Globally, equity, access, and student support will be increasingly central in 2025. Geraldine Mackenzie (University of Southern Queensland) highlighted the importance of supporting disadvantaged and regional students. Duncan Bentley (Federation University) stresses creating pathways for regional students, particularly those from mature-age and first-in-family backgrounds. Alec Cameron (RMIT University) emphasises the need for broad skill sets and financial support to help students from less privileged backgrounds. Mohamed Salem Zein (University of Wollongong in Dubai) speaks to the strength and diversity of his institution’s student body, while Rufus Black (University of Tasmania) advocates for a focus on sustainability and inclusivity in education.

"Student success in the future has to kind of have swallowed or digested all of this and really integrated centring the data as the North Star, instead of just spotlighting and picking the data we want to focus on. The reason that this work is hard is, like I said, it was a, it's a system. It's a design problem. And our approach when we have seen historically low income, or first generation, or students of colour have, have not the same data outcomes as other students. Our historic approach has been to create a boutique solution for that one type of student. And that is a lot of extra work. That is exhausting if it is not sustained. It is also not particularly effective." - Dr. Bridget Burns, CEO, University Innovation Alliance (UIA)

2. The disruptive force of AI in education

Globally, AI technology will of course continue to reshape the sector, but in more nuanced ways locally and by institution. Alec Cameron (RMIT University) stresses the importance of balancing academic knowledge with practical experiences, while Chris Moran (University of New England) predicts increased use of AI in assessments and pedagogy. Diana Laurillard (UCL Knowledge Lab) suggests universities will focus on digital learning environments, and Rose Luckin (EDUCATE at UCL) foresees a broader range of educational resources accessible through technology.

“So I think it all starts with, what is the right relationship between the artificial and the human? What should the AI be allowed to do, is one of the sort of key components of this ethical piece, I think. And so we need to think about AI as a, you know, something where is the AI making a decision or is the AI offering advice?” - Prof Rose Luckin, Professor of Learner Centred Design at UCL Knowledge Lab

3. The evolving student experience

Universities will prioritise the holistic student experience and its broader connection to society and culture. Mark Scott (The University of Sydney) stresses the importance of a welcoming environment and community, while Lee Siok Ping and Rose Devaraj (Sunway University) discuss the need for career readiness programmes. Gillian Siddall (Lakehead University) highlights the role of liberal arts in developing well-rounded graduates who can tackle societal challenges.

"I would always want my students to understand that what they're studying, whatever, whatever discipline it is to just enjoy that and enjoy the intellectual stimulation of that and, and trust that the developed, the intellectual development, the curiosity you're going to develop as a student in any discipline is going to see you through, and you'll continue to, you'll use it and you'll continue to build on it throughout your life." - Dr. Gillian Siddall, President and Vice-Chancellor, Lakehead University

4. Diversity in leadership

University leadership will become more diverse. Professor Mouzughi (University of Birmingham, Dubai) highlights the role of women in leadership, especially in the Middle East. Rebecca Bunting (University of Bedfordshire) believes diverse leadership is crucial for universities to remain adaptive and socially engaged. Prof Dame Sally Mapstone (University of St Andrews) shares the challenges of navigating university leadership as a woman, and the role of sisterhood throughout her career.

"There's so much to do and it's a great opportunity, frankly. And we need more, we need more women. We need more diversity. It's a great opportunity to influence the course of education, the way people study, experience an institution, prepare themselves to go out into the world." -Prof Dame Sally Mapstone DBE FRSE, Principal and Vice-Chancellor, University of St Andrews

5. Hybrid learning models and lifelong learning

Hybrid learning will accelerate, with universities blending online and face-to-face education. Andrew Parfitt (University of Technology Sydney) sees a focus on both academic and student life experiences. Khaled Assaleh (Ajman University) stresses interdisciplinary learning to equip students with diverse skills. Dawn Freshwater (Auckland University) predicts a focus on lifelong learning to help individuals continuously reskill and upskill throughout their careers.

"I often remind graduates that the university undertakes a commitment to them, to strive for excellence and to do the right things so that, the, the degree that they take away continues to be recognised globally. And, and should be of a value to them in their future career and often with a reminder that this, you know, you don't stop learning. So keep engaged and all of those sorts of things. So there's that sort of connection with graduation, and, you know, an important role that we have at UTS, which is engaging with business in the community more widely, particularly in professional development and lifetime learning." - Prof Andrew Parfitt, Vice-Chancellor, University of Technology Sydney

6. Global collaboration and regional responsiveness

Universities will balance global collaborations with local responsiveness. Ghassan Aouad (Abu Dhabi University) and Mouzughi (University of Birmingham, Dubai) stress the need to address local challenges while fostering international partnerships. Joy Johnson (Simon Fraser University) believes universities will need to prepare students for an interconnected world. Pal Ahluwalia (The University of the South Pacific) emphasises the importance of serving local populations with culturally relevant education.

"I have a lot of exposure that we're not just a university. We also, you know, a regional organisation and, and, you know, we're responsible for the human resource development of the region that so many people will just pick up the phone because they knew each other at university. And it's the, you know, this is the, I think one of the most unique things about this university." - Prof Pal Ahluwalia, Vice-Chancellor and President, The University of the South Pacific (USP)

7. Sustainable and adaptive universities

By 2025, universities will focus on sustainability in both environmental and financial terms. Rufus Black (University of Tasmania) advocates for sustainable practices across university operations. Brian Rosenberg (Macalester College) envisions financially resilient universities that move beyond traditional tuition models. Stephen Parker (University of Canberra) highlights the need for adaptive leadership structures to navigate internal and external challenges.

“I think adaptability is actually a problem. And one, one reason and an excuse really is that universities have to be there for the long term. An academic isn't a journalist. They're meant to record the world at a deeper level and taking a longer view, irrespective of the politics of the day. And so you can't expect the university to do what a university is supposed to do and then jump around and, you know, transform its operating model all the time. You know, they, they're working on long lead times that survive many governments, particularly at the moment. So I think adaptability is an issue and this feeds into other difficult agendas, such as universities being really relevant to business and industry.” - Prof Stephen Parker AO, Vice-Chancellor and President, University of Canberra

So what are leaders predicting for higher education in 2025? 

The future of higher education will see the prioritisation of inclusivity, partnership, innovation, and global collaboration. Universities will focus on the holistic student experience, embrace technological advancements slowly with an eye to risk and cost-sustainable investment, and cultivate diverse, adaptive leadership. The HE landscape in 2025 will be student-centred, technology-enabled, and globally engaged, with a deeper commitment to equity and sustainability.

Thank you to all the university Presidents, Provosts, leaders in Chancellery, and CEOs around the world who shared their leadership experience this year, to help with the task of #reimagininghighereducation. Your candid, generous, and thoughtful conversations are invaluable in helping guide educators, students, and future leaders through the complexities of today's higher education landscape.

And to the members of our Academic Advisory Board, thank you for your time, support, and diligence in shaping such inspiring, compelling conversations.

🎧 To be the first to know when new episodes are available in 2025, follow the Reimagining Higher Education Podcast.