Higher education conferences are the ultimate hubs for networking, innovation, and learning in 2025! As we gear up for the new year, it’s the perfect time to start planning your conference calendar for the upcoming 2025 student recruitment cycle.
Explore our curated list of must-attend global higher education conferences for 2025, complete with insights on who’s attending and what exciting highlights to look forward to. Get ready to connect, learn, and grow in the year ahead!
CCID 2025 Annual Conference
https://www.ccidinc.org/2025-ccid-annual-conference/
Dates: February 14-17, 2025
Location: Washington, D.C.
With perspectives from both within and beyond the Beltway, the speakers at this year's Community Colleges for International Development conference offer valuable insights from the heart of the nation's capital. The team looks forward to welcoming all conference attendees, fostering a sense of community as they explore new and familiar paths forward.
Who should attend: Higher education officials in community colleges
SXSW EDU 2025
https://www.sxswedu.com/
Dates: March 3-6, 2025
Location: Austin, Texas
SXSW EDU 2025 will bring together educators, innovators, and thought leaders to explore the future of education. The event will feature sessions on key topics like technology integration, equity, and innovative teaching methods. Attendees can expect to gain insights, discover new tools, and collaborate on solutions to improve education at all levels. It’s the place to be for anyone shaping the future of learning.
Who should attend: International educators, administrators, policymakers, and EdTech professionals.
The PIE Live Europe 2025
www.thepielive.com
Dates: March 11-12, 2025
Location: London, England
The PIE LIVE 2025 is a conference to discuss the future of international education. A perfect opportunity to discover the latest trends in the sector, create new connections, and envision what the path forward looks like. Stay updated through sessions and workshops, international speakers, networking spaces, drinks reception, and gala dinner.
Who should attend: Practitioners, educators, researchers, policymakers, and leaders throughout the international higher education sector.
2025 EFMD MBA Conference
https://events.efmdglobal.org/events/2025-efmd-mba-conference/
Dates: March 19-21, 2025
Location: London, United Kingdom
The EFMD MBA Conference brings together the global community of MBA directors and staff to exchange best practices and initiatives. It fosters a profound understanding of the modern MBA environment and provides practical tools to navigate and position MBA programs in an increasingly competitive market.
Who should attend: International educators, policymakers, and higher education officials focused on MBA degrees.
Meet us at APAIE
APAIE 2025 Conference & Exhibition
www.apaieconference.net
Dates: March 24-28, 2025
Location: Delhi, India
The Asia Pacific Association for International Education Conference & Exhibition unites global experts to discuss international education in the region. Alongside presentations, the Exhibition offers 'regional reports,' networking, and information on programs, study tours, and services for university internationalization. The focus of the conference is to encourage mutual sharing of ideas under the theme, “Collaborating for sustainable impact: partnerships across the Asia Pacific.”
Who should attend: International educators, policymakers, and higher education officials with an Asian-Pacific target market.
Meet us at APAIE
ICAM 2025
https://www.aacsb.edu/events/2025
Dates: April 7-9, 2025
Location: Vienna, Austria
The international annual conference of the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. The world’s largest business education conference, with the main goal of elevating the quality and impact of business schools globally. Experience keynote speakers, international exhibitors, workshops, networking events, and drinks reception.
Who should attend: Corporate representatives, deans, associate deans, international directors, program directors, department chairs, and faculty.
NAGAP 2025 Annual Conference
https://www.nagap.org/2025-summit-graduate-enrollment-management-summit
Dates: April 23-26, 2025
Location: San Francisco, California
NAGAP, the Association for Graduate Enrollment Management, is the only professional organization devoted exclusively to the concerns of individuals working in the graduate enrollment management environment. Network, gain insight and knowledge from GEM peers and experts in the field.
Who should attend: Graduate enrollment management professionals
AMBA & BGA Global Deans and Directors Conference 2025
https://www.amba-bga.com/events/global-conference-2025
Dates: May 18-21, 2025
Location: Berlin, Germany
This premier event gathers influential leaders from leading business schools to engage in insightful conversations about the key challenges and opportunities currently shaping the future of business education.
Who should attend: International deans and directors
ICEF Spanish Education
https://www.icef.com/events/icef-spanish-education/
Dates: May 19-21, 2025
Location: Madrid, Spain
ICEF Spanish Education 2025 is a key event for professionals in the Spanish-speaking education market. It connects educators, institutions, and service providers from Spain and Latin America to explore student recruitment, partnerships, and industry trends. Ideal for those seeking to expand their network and opportunities in the Spanish-speaking education sector.
Who should attend: Student recruitment professionals, agents, and service providers focused on the Spanish-speaking market.
NAFSA 2025 Annual Conference & Expo
www.nafsa.org/conferences/nafsa-2025-annual-conference-expo
Dates: May 27-30, 2025
Location: San Diego, California
The National Association of Foreign Student Advisors will gather once again in 2024 in the US to discuss issues related to foreign students and international education programs. Learn, network, and connect with peers and experts dedicated to "Resilience. Renewal. Community" at this year’s NAFSA conference. NAFSA: Association of International Educators is the world’s largest association dedicated to international education and exchange.
Keystone is planning to reprise its well-received presence at the event. Stay tuned for more details.
Who should attend: International educators and administrators, as well as policy experts.
Meet us at NAFSA
Slate Summit 2025
www.technolutions.com/slate-summit
Dates: June 25-27, 2025
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
Attendees can look forward to three days of dynamic sessions at the Slate Summit, showcasing innovative strategies and trends in higher education. Whether new to Slate or experienced, there’s something for everyone. This year, admissions professionals will also have the opportunity to connect with high school guidance counselors at the concurrent Slate.org Summit on June 26. A Summit badge provides access to all Slate.org Summit sessions.
Who should attend: Educators and higher education experts currently using Slate CRM and those with interests in marketing automation & CRM innovation for higher education.
EAIE Conference 2025
www.eaie.org/events/gothenburg.html
Dates: September 9-12, 2025
Location: Gothenburg, Sweden
The EAIE Annual Conference & Exhibition is one of the largest events focused on international higher education in Europe. Hosted by the European Association for International Education (EAIE), this event brings together higher education professionals, universities, and international education organizations from around the world.
Who should attend: International educators, administrators, and educators with a European target market.
Meet us at EAIE
NACAC 2025 Conference
www.nacacconference.org
Dates: September 18-20, 2024
Location: Columbus, Ohio
The premier event for college admission counseling professionals, the National Association for College Admissions Counseling annual conference, will take place in Ohio in 2025. This event brings together experts in the college admissions field to discuss and share best practices, inspirational ideas, cutting-edge research, and professional stories.
Who should attend: College admissions specialists and recruitment counselors in the United States.
Meet us at NACAC
THE World Academic Summit 2025
www.timeshighered-events.com/world-academic-summit-2025
Dates: October 7-9, 2025
Location: Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
This year's event will bring together leading thought leaders and change-makers to explore how higher education, industry, and policymakers can collaborate to make universities drivers of positive change in communities worldwide. Highlights include the exclusive release of the THE World University Rankings 2026 and a masterclass from THE’s data team, offering in-depth analysis and insights into key findings, trends, and stories from the rankings data.
Who should attend: Deans, directors, and policymakers at University programs from around the globe.
AIEC 2025
www.aiec.idp.com
Dates: October 14-17, 2025
Locations: Canberra, Australia
This conference is an opportunity to learn how international educators, professionals, and organizations can embrace change and uncertainty to their advantage. We'll explore strategies for developing resilience in the international education sector during these challenging times while also connecting with colleagues to share experiences and expand our professional networks.
Who should attend: Deans, directors, and policymakers at University programs with an Australian and Asian-Pacific target market.
Global Inclusion 2025
www.conference.diversitynetwork.org
Dates: October 28-31, 2025
Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota
Community, collaboration, learning and inspiration. For 12 years the annual Diversity Abroad conference has embodied these words. In fall 2025 the tradition continues in Minneapolis, Minnesota as Diversity Abroad celebrates its 13th annual conference. As in prior years Global Inclusion will embody Diversity Abroad and its member community’s holistic approach to addressing and accelerating systemic and equitable change in all aspects of global education and cultural exchange.
Who should attend: Directors and Advisors in International Students and Scholars Services, Education Abroad, Deans, Faculty & Academic Department Chairs
ICEF Global Higher Education Summit 2025
www.icef.com/events/the-icef-global-higher-education-summit
Dates: September 12-14, 2025
Location: London, England
ICEF Higher Education is a long-standing, annual event entirely focused on international higher education. In 2025, it returns to London’s InterContinental – the O2, to connect senior recruitment professionals from across the sector.
Who should attend: Universities working with agencies, language schools, and service providers in the higher education industry.
Meet us at ICEF