The Market Monitor Digest (week 39/2026)
We're glad to bring you the key highlights from this week’s industry news. Thanks to the research from the BONARD Market Monitor team, you’re always in step with the latest market trends.
International Education
China: Will universities flock to Hong Kong’s new metropolis?
By Times Higher Education, Sept 19, 2026
Hong Kong universities have welcomed freshly expedited plans to put higher education at the heart of the development of the crowded territory’s new Northern Metropolis, but say that government ambitions must be supported with funding to make the enterprise a true success.
Canada: ILAC co-founder and ex-CEO opens new Toronto language school
By The Pie News, Sept 21, 2026
ILAC announced that it would be stopping all of its programs with immediate effect in a shock move on Friday night, citing financial pressures caused by “significant regulatory changes”. With schools in Toronto and Montreal, it was considered the biggest player in Canada’s ELT space. The co-founder and former CEO of one-time ELT giant ILAC is opening a new language school in Toronto.
Australia: BREAKING: IDP rejects $494m private equity takeover bid
By The Pie News, Sept 22, 2026
IDP Education has batted away a "highly opportunistic" multi-million dollar takeover bid from Blackstone, accusing the private equity giant of significantly undervaluing the business.
Spain: IALC San Sebastián 2027 opens for applications, new offer for Felca agencies
By Study Travel Magazine, Sept 22, 2026
IALC has opened agent applications for its 2027 Workshop taking place in the Spanish city of San Sebastián and has introduced a new offer for agencies that are part of a national agency association in Felca.
Australia: Australia squeezes dependants as wider student migration questions emerge
By The Pie News, Sept 23, 2026
Australia is squeezing access to dependant visas as the government moves to reduce net overseas migration, with wider questions emerging over its student migration settings and 295,000 student intake target.
Europe: EU moves to restore Horizon Europe access for Hungary
By Times Higher Education, Sept 23, 2026
Hungarian universities blocked from receiving Horizon Europe funding are set to regain full access to the European Union’s flagship research programme if member states approve a European Commission proposal to end the restrictions.
UK: Paid employment ‘biggest barrier’ to rolling out work placements
By Times Higher Education, Sept 23, 2026
New survey data has added weight to concerns that students’ need to undertake paid employment could prove the biggest barrier to incorporating work experience into degrees.
Ireland: Irish uni chairs seek €190m as funding pressures mount
By The Pie News, Sept 24, 2026
Six governing body leaders say rising costs and student numbers have left the sector more than €250 million short each year.
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