WHAT WE DO
Services for higher education institutions
Build strong relationships with international schools and identify contacts to recruit good fit international students for your programmes.
OUR EXPERTISE
Market experts for 25+ years
ISC Research is the leading provider of English-medium K-12 international school data, trends and intelligence. We have been collecting market intelligence and data on international schools throughout the world since 1994.
We identify international schools using these criteria:
- schools that deliver a curriculum to any combination of pre-school, primary or secondary students, wholly or partly in English outside an English-speaking country; or
- schools that offer an English-medium curriculum other than the country’s national curriculum and are international in their orientation, if based in a country where English is one of the official languages.
Regional breakdown of international schools
January 2022
- Asia 57%
- Europe 18%
- Americas 13%
- Africa 11%
- Oceania 1%
LIVE DATA PORTAL
Build relationships with international schools
ISC Outreach is the easiest way to enhance your knowledge of the international schools market. Our live data portal can help you identify influential organisations and contacts to recruit good fit international students, in terms of language and independent learning skills and mobility aspirations.
The portal provides access to a searchable database which includes data on over 12,000 international schools, contact details of 55,000 school staff including college and career counsellors, and details of school associations and accreditations, including their member schools. Find out more about ISC Outreach.
Already an ISC Outreach user? Click the button below to access the portal.
THE MARKET TODAY
International schools market growth
10 year comparison
SCHOOLS
%
8,067 in January 2012
12,853 in January 2022
STUDENTS
%
3.72m in January 2012
5.73m in January 2022
STAFF
%
345,972 in January 2012
557,723 in January 2022
FEE INCOME
%
$27.4bn in January 2012
$53.5bn in January 2022
INTELLIGENCE
International schools market reports
Whether you need global intelligence to inform your strategy, or country-specific commercial intelligence to adjust your plans, we offer a broad range of off-the-shelf reports based on in-depth research. Our specialist reports also share insights into current practices and market needs, covering topics including student pathways to higher education.
The brands and groups leading the world’s international schools sector
TitleAPRIL 2022
This white paper highlights the K-12 school groups and education brands that are emerging as major influencers within international education. Read more
Future of Assessment in International Schools
TitleMARCH 2022
This exclusive specialist report highlights the latest trends in K-12 international schools assessment and includes advice from experts and case studies highlighting opportunities and challenges. Read more
UAE Market Intelligence Summary
TitleCOMING IN 2022
Headline data and intelligence on the UAE international schools market to inform marketing and business development plans for education suppliers or higher education institutions. Read more
China Market Intelligence Summary
TitleCOMING IN 2022
Headline data and intelligence on the China international schools market to inform marketing and business development plans for education suppliers or higher education institutions. Read more
Switzerland Market Intelligence Summary
TitleCOMING IN 2022
Headline data and intelligence on the Switzerland international schools market to inform marketing and business development plans for education suppliers or higher education institutions. Read more
Philippines Market Intelligence Summary
TitleCOMING IN 2022
Headline data and intelligence on the Philippines international schools market to inform marketing and business development plans for education suppliers or higher education institutions. Read more
Cambodia Market Intelligence Summary
TitleCOMING IN 2022
Headline data and intelligence on the Cambodia international schools market to inform marketing and business development plans for education suppliers or higher education institutions. Read more
Egypt Market Intelligence Summary
TitleCOMING IN 2022
Headline data and intelligence on the Egypt international schools market to inform marketing and business development plans for education suppliers or higher education institutions. Read more
Pakistan Market Intelligence Summary
TitleCOMING IN 2022
Headline data and intelligence on the Pakistan international schools market to inform marketing and business development plans for education suppliers or higher education institutions. Read more
Nigeria Market Intelligence Summary
TitleCOMING IN 2022
Headline data and intelligence on the Nigeria international schools market to inform marketing and business development plans for education suppliers or higher education institutions. Read more
Kuwait Market Intelligence Summary
TitleCOMING IN 2022
Headline data and intelligence on the Kuwait international schools market to inform marketing and business development plans for education suppliers or higher education institutions. Read more
Japan Market Intelligence Summary
TitleCOMING IN 2022
Headline data and intelligence on the Japan international schools market to inform marketing and business development plans for education suppliers or higher education institutions. Read more
Portugal Market Intelligence Summary
TitleCOMING IN 2022
Headline data and intelligence on the Portugal international schools market to inform marketing and business development plans for education suppliers or higher education institutions. Read more
Netherlands Market Intelligence Summary
TitleCOMING IN 2022
Headline data and intelligence on the Netherlands international schools market to inform marketing and business development plans for education suppliers or higher education institutions. Read more
Indonesia Market Intelligence Summary
TitleCOMING IN 2022
Headline data and intelligence on the Indonesia international schools market to inform marketing and business development plans for education suppliers or higher education institutions. Read more
Germany Market Intelligence Summary
TitleCOMING IN 2022
Headline data and intelligence on the Germany international schools market to inform marketing and business development plans for education suppliers or higher education institutions. Read more
Edruptors 2021: the top international education influencers of the past year
TitleJANUARY 2022
Who are the opinion shapers within international education today? ISC Research has explored this question for the first time, identifying the key education influencers followed on social media platforms by people around the world. Read more
Spain Market Intelligence Summary
TitleAPRIL 2022
Headline data and intelligence on the Spain international schools market to inform marketing and business development plans for education suppliers or higher education institutions. Read more
Thailand Market Intelligence Summary
TitleJANUARY 2022
Headline data and intelligence on the Thailand international schools market to inform marketing and business development plans for education suppliers or higher education institutions. Read more
Bahrain Market Intelligence Summary
TitleCOMING IN 2022
Headline data and intelligence on the Bahrain international schools market to inform marketing and business development plans for education suppliers or higher education institutions. Read more
Saudi Arabia Market Intelligence Summary
TitleJANUARY 2022
Headline data and intelligence on the Saudi Arabia international schools market to inform marketing and business development plans for education suppliers or higher education institutions. Read more
Brazil Market Intelligence Summary
TitleCOMING IN 2022
Headline data and intelligence on the Brazil international schools market to inform marketing and business development plans for education suppliers or higher education institutions. Read more
Mexico Market Intelligence Summary
TitleCOMING IN 2022
Headline data and intelligence on the Mexico international schools market to inform marketing and business development plans for education suppliers or higher education institutions. Read more
France Market Intelligence Summary
TitleMARCH 2022
Headline data and intelligence on the France international schools market to inform marketing and business development plans for education suppliers or higher education institutions. Read more
South Korea Market Intelligence Summary
TitleNOVEMBER 2021
Headline data and intelligence on the South Korea international schools market to inform marketing and business development plans for education suppliers or higher education institutions. Read more
India Market Intelligence Summary
TitleCOMING IN 2022
Headline data and intelligence on the India international schools market to inform marketing and business development plans for education suppliers or higher education institutions. Read more
Malaysia Market Intelligence Summary
TitleNOVEMBER 2021
Headline data and intelligence on the Malaysia international schools market to inform marketing and business development plans for education suppliers or higher education institutions. Read more
Taiwan Market Intelligence Summary
TitleCOMING IN 2022
Headline data and intelligence on the Taiwan international schools market to inform marketing and business development plans for education suppliers or higher education institutions. Read more
Singapore Market Intelligence Summary
TitleNOVEMBER 2021
Headline data and intelligence on the Singapore international schools market to inform marketing and business development plans for education suppliers or higher education institutions. Read more
Vietnam Market Intelligence Summary
TitleJANUARY 2022
Headline data and intelligence on the Vietnam international schools market to inform marketing and business development plans for education suppliers or higher education institutions. Read more
Qatar Market Intelligence Summary
TitleNOVEMBER 2021
Headline data and intelligence on the Qatar international schools market to inform marketing and business development plans for education suppliers or higher education institutions. Read more
Hong Kong Market Intelligence Summary
TitleNOVEMBER 2021
Headline data and intelligence on the Hong Kong international schools market to inform marketing and business development plans for education suppliers or higher education institutions. Read more
Purchasing plans: the decisions international schools make and how
TitleNOVEMBER 2021
This white paper summarises the outcomes of our research into the ways international schools make purchasing decisions, and provides education suppliers with insights to develop a strategic approach. Read more
The International School Student Profile
TitleNOVEMBER 2021
Based on research conducted with international school students, alumni and staff over the summer, this report explores the profile of students that international schools attract and how this has resulted in market shifts. Read more
Recruitment and CPD in international schools
TitleOCTOBER 2021
ISC Research explored international school staff recruitment and continuous professional development through research conducted with international schools, recruiters and providers. Learn the outcomes in our exclusive specialist report. Read more
International school college counsellors share views on student pathways to higher education
TitleSEPTEMBER 2021
This white paper complements our latest research report on the pathway from international schools to higher education by sharing the views of international school college counsellors on the research results. Read more
The Pathway from International School to Higher Education
TitleSEPTEMBER 2021
Research on the impact of recent macro-environmental factors on the international school student pathway to higher education, exploring changes institutions have made to their undergraduate admissions processes. Read more
International Schools Annual Market Report 2021
TitleSEPTEMBER 2021
A trusted reference for data, trends and intelligence on the global international schools market in 2021. Read more
Teaching and learning in international schools
TitleJULY 2021
ISC Research has conducted research into teaching and learning practice within international schools to identify if it will experience noticeable shifts within the next two years due to the impact of COVID or other factors. Read more
Summary Report
TitleMAY 2021
Our ISC research team analyse data throughout the year to help track development opportunities in the international schools market. This global intelligence report, offers you more flexibility to adapt your plans. Read more
The growing demand for international schools within a mid-market fee point
TitleMAY 2021
Our team has done further research to help you better understand this growing segment of the global international schools market. Read more
Wellbeing in international schools
TitleMARCH 2021
A report highlighting the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the wellbeing of students and staff in international schools. Read more
Why parents select an international school and the impact of COVID-19 on school choice
TitleFEBRUARY 2021
This white paper explores the common reasons why parents select an international school for their child and the impact of COVID-19 on their selection. Read more
Why and how independent schools open sister schools overseas and what next for this education sector?
TitleNOVEMBER 2020
Independent schools in the UK and United States are looking at diversification for alternative sources of income, one of which is foreign development. Read more
Inclusion in International Schools
TitleAUGUST 2020
This report uncovers research into inclusion in international schools over a period of 4 years. It sheds light on current inclusion practices, and provides understanding of how the international schools market has been adapting to the needs of ... Read more
The impact of COVID-19 on Education Technology in International Schools
TitleAUGUST 2020
In June 2020, 82 international schools from 41 countries were researched about their use of technology during campus closures as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more
Analysis of the historic response of the international schools market to local and global crises
TitleAPRIL 2020
In the light of COVID-19, this white paper highlights how the international schools market responded in times of crisis. Read more
Governance in international schools
TitleNOVEMBER 2019
ISC Research collaborated with the Principals Training Center to produce this first research published in 2019 into governance practices within international schools. Read more
SPONSORSHIP
Raise further awareness of your brand
ISC Research offers sponsorship opportunities for higher education institutions wishing to improve the recognition of your brand within the international schools market. These may include advertising in International School Leader Magazine, sponsoring International School Awards or other ISC Research events, or supporting the production of specialist reports.
Diane Glass, Commercial Director, is available to discuss your needs.

CASE STUDIES
Our support for higher education institutions

Esade – global higher education institution
Esade is an international institution that offers undergraduate programmes in Business Administration, Global Governance, Economics & Politics, Artificial Intelligence for Business and also Business Leadership for Social Impact. Read more

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis
We’ve been working with ISC Outreach for many years. The up-to-date school information and market data have helped us identify trends within the sector and alerted us to potential new possibilities for student recruitment. Read more
GET IN TOUCH
Let's discuss your needs
We are dedicated and committed to supporting the broader international schools community by providing data, trends and intelligence. Since 1994, we have guided schools with their growth plans, informed investors on new school development, helped universities to engage with international schools, and advised education suppliers that are supporting the market.