What Will Shape the Next Decade of Global Higher Education?

2. Employability is Becoming a Bigger Differentiator

A university degree continues to hold significant value, but students are increasingly focused on what comes next.

Turner highlighted a growing disconnect between the skills employers need and the skills graduates often leave university with, particularly in areas such as adaptability, self-motivation and human-centred leadership.

As a result, institutions face increasing pressure to show how their programs translate into real employment outcomes.

This is reflected in the QS International Student Survey 2026, which found that 44% of prospective international students consider high graduate employment rates important when choosing a course, up from 36% in 2020.

This is especially relevant in the US. Data presented during the session showed that the average ranked US university has dropped around 117 places in employer reputation relative to its global peers over the past decade.

That does not necessarily mean US institutions are viewed less favorably by employers. Rather, universities in other parts of the world are improving more quickly.

Institutions that can demonstrate strong graduate outcomes, build meaningful industry partnerships and provide practical, career-focused learning experiences are likely to stand out.

3. Universities Need AI Capability, Not Just AI Tools

Artificial intelligence is no longer something universities are preparing for. It is already shaping teaching, learning and institutional operations.

However, successful adoption depends on more than investing in technology. Drawing on QS research involving thousands of academics worldwide, Spies noted that a willingness to experiment was identified as the single most important factor in successful AI adoption, closely followed by technological capability.

The finding highlights a broader point: culture matters as much as infrastructure.

Students are also looking for more practical support. The QS Generative AI Student Pulse Survey 2025 found that 46% want universities to provide training on using AI tools professionally and ethically, while 35% want clearer guidance on responsible AI use.

Alongside new tools, universities need strong governance, high-quality data, staff training and a clear understanding of how AI can improve the student experience.

The institutions seeing the greatest benefit from AI are not necessarily those moving fastest, but those building the capability to use it effectively and responsibly at scale.

4. Digital Learning and Partnerships are Changing University Models

Student expectations continue to evolve as flexible and online learning become more mainstream.

Spies noted that more than half of US higher education students now engage with online learning in some form, while roughly a quarter study without attending campus. Among postgraduate students, almost half study fully online.

As a result, digital learning is increasingly becoming a core strategic priority rather than an additional offering.

Partnerships are evolving, too.

QS analysis of around 15,000 education partnerships over five and a half years found that collaborations between universities and companies account for roughly half of all partnerships. At the same time, university-to-university partnerships are becoming more common and now represent 22% of the total.

The focus of these collaborations is also shifting. While digital learning was once the dominant area of activity, institutions are increasingly partnering around AI, data, workforce development and research.

For university leaders, partnerships offer a way to expand access, strengthen capabilities and build closer connections with employers and industry.

5. AI Will Change the Skills Universities Need to Teach

As AI becomes more deeply embedded across the workplace, universities will need to rethink how they prepare students for future careers.

Brothers shared emerging QS research exploring AI's impact on jobs, skills and workplace tasks. The research identifies two key ways AI is transforming work:

• Automation: AI takes over specific tasks within a role.
• Augmentation: AI enhances human performance, helping people work more effectively and develop new capabilities.

The balance between these two forces will differ by industry and occupation, but understanding that distinction will be critical for universities.

Rather than preparing students for a fixed set of jobs, institutions will need to equip graduates with the skills and adaptability required to succeed as roles continue to evolve.

Connecting Education, Skills and Opportunity

One theme ran throughout the discussion: universities are operating in a period of rapid change, but also significant opportunity.

Whether responding to shifting student mobility patterns, embracing new learning models or preparing graduates for an AI-driven workforce, institutions will need to continually demonstrate their value to students, employers and society.

As Turner concluded, the universities best placed to thrive in the next decade will be those that successfully connect learning, skills and opportunity.

Explore more insights from QS Back to School 2026 and discover the trends shaping the future of higher education.