The World of Higher Education

Join Alex Usher and Debbie McVitty, editor at Wonkhe, as they discuss the recent white paper on post-16 education released by the Labor Party in the UK. The episode delves into the current state of higher education, the financial challenges universities face, and the muted response to the proposed reforms. McVitty outlines the sector's strengths and weaknesses, the political tensions around university funding, and the potential impact of the white paper's proposals on the future of English higher education. Don't miss this detailed analysis of what lies ahead for UK universities.👉 Episode Links:Post-16 Education and Skills white paperWonkheFocus Friday: November 7 | Register for free

In this episode of the World of Higher Education Podcast, host Alex Usher is joined by Dr. Ruixue Jia, a professor of economics at UC San Diego and co-author of 'The Highest Exam: How The Gaokao Shapes China.' They discuss the historical and contemporary significance of the Gaokao, China's university entrance exam, and its profound impact on Chinese society. Topics include the exam's origins in the Tang Dynasty, how it influences social mobility, and its role in governance. They also compare the Chinese and American systems of university admissions and explore the future of the Gaokao given China's economic and demographic changes.👉 Episode Links:The Highest Exam: How The Gaokao Shapes China

Join Alex Usher and Luiz Augusto Campos on 'The World of Higher Education Podcast' as they delve into Brazil's journey from its history of slavery to addressing racial inequality through fixed numerical admissions quotas in higher education. Discover how these policies have transformed Brazil's public universities, making them more inclusive, and the ongoing challenges and future prospects for affirmative action in Brazil's academic landscape.👉 Episode Links:Book: "O impacto das cotas: Duas decadasde acao affirmativano Ensino superior brasileiro"

In this episode of the World of Higher Education Podcast, host Alex Usher delves into the intricate economics of higher education with guest Joshua Travis Brown from Johns Hopkins University. They discuss Brown's new book, 'Capitalizing on College,' which examines how private religious institutions navigate rising costs through various financial strategies. From traditional approaches to innovative entrepreneurial models, Brown provides a detailed analysis of how these institutions strive to remain sustainable. They explore four primary strategies: Traditional, Pioneer, Network, and Accelerated, and discuss their implications and challenges. Tune in to gain valuable insights on the financial dynamics shaping higher education today.👉 Episode Links:Capitalizing on College: How Higher Education Went from Mission Driven to Margin Obsessed

In this episode of The World of Higher Education Podcast with Alex Usher, the discussion focuses on the vast reconfiguration of Russian academic life following Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine. Scholar Dmitry Dubrovsky of Charles University shares insights into the slow-motion collapse of Russian higher education, tracing the changes from the dawn of the Putin era in 2000 to the present. Topics include the ideological control from the Kremlin, the international reforms of the Medvedev era, the conservative shift post-2012, the brain drain of faculty, and the recent shift away from the Bologna Process. Future prospects for Russian academia in a post-Putin world are also considered. Don't miss this detailed analysis of a system in flux.

In this episode of The World of Higher Education Podcast, host Alex Usher talks with Zachary Bleemer, Assistant Professor of Economics at Princeton University, about his recent paper co-authored with Sarah Quincy. Their research titled 'Changes in the College Mobility Pipeline Since 1900' reveals that higher education's role as a social elevator ceased to function nearly 80 years ago. The conversation digs into methodological aspects, data sources, and the dramatic shift observed post-1960. Together they explore why lower-income students are no longer receiving the same wage benefits from higher education as their wealthier peers, and discuss the policy implications of these findings. Join us for a deep dive into the systemic changes affecting social mobility through higher education.👉 Episode Links:WorldEd 1.18: Admissions, Affirmative Action, and SCOTUSChanges in the College Mobility Pipeline Since 1900

In this episode of The World of Higher Education podcast, host Alex Usher discusses the changes in Argentina's higher education system under President Javier Milei's administration with Marcelo Rabossi from Universidad Torcuato Di Tella. The conversation covers Milei's aggressive measures to reduce government spending, the subsequent impact on public universities, and the growing opposition to these policies. The episode also delves into the specifics of budget cuts, their effects on faculty and infrastructure, and the potential future of higher education in Argentina as political tensions rise. Join us for an in-depth look at how these economic policies are shaping the country's academic landscape.👉 Episode Links: WorldEd 2.14: Javier Milei and Argentinian Higher Education

In this episode of the World of Higher Education Podcast, Alex Usher welcomes back Andrew Norton to discuss developments since the drop of the Universities Accord report. They explore changes in student and institutional funding, the introduction of new regulations and a national student ombudsman, and challenges faced by universities due to increasing costs and financial strain. They also delve into the effects of international student caps on housing and rental prices, as well as the impact of wage theft allegations and vice chancellors' high salaries on the social license of universities. Lastly, the discussion touches on the Australian federal election, its unique focus on higher education, and the new Labor government's agenda for the next term.👉 Episode Links:WorldEd 1.1: Australian Universities Accord with Andrew NortonWorldEd 2.24: Australian Universities Accord — One Year Follow Up with Andrew Norton

In this episode, Alex Usher speaks with Pedro Teixeira—higher education scholar at the University of Porto and former Portuguese Secretary of State for Higher Education—about reforming university funding, navigating demographic pressures, and preparing for the impact of AI on the future of learning and work.

In this episode of the World of Higher Education Podcast, co-producer, Tiffany MacLennan is our host and Alex Usher takes a turn in the question seat. Together, they review the most significant global higher education stories of the year, discussing topics such as the impacts of Trump's policies on international education, massification, the role of private higher education, and the financial challenges faced by universities worldwide. The conversation highlights examples from various countries, including Ireland, Uzbekistan, Dubai, Nigeria, Egypt, and more, while also examining the potential effects of funding cuts to American science on global research.👉 Episode Links: WorldEd 3.27: Innovation Without Borders: Galileo’s Networked Approach to Better Higher Education System with Nicolas BadréVietnam: Outrage at student height requirement (DW, Vietnam)Higher Education Strategy Associates: The FifteenPlease note, the views and opinions expressed in each episode are those of the individual contributors, and do not necessarily reflect those of the podcast host and team, or our sponsors.This episode is sponsored by KnowMeQ.ArchieCPL is the first AI-enabled tool that massively streamlines credit for prior learning evaluation. Toronto based KnowMeQ makes ethical AI tools that boost and bottom line, achieving new efficiencies in higher ed and workforce upskilling. 

In this episode of The World of Higher Education Podcast, Alex Usher discusses the Trump administration's unprecedented actions against science and universities. Billions of dollars in funding from the National Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Health have been stripped, international students are facing deportation, and low-income students are seeing cuts to loans and grants. Brendan Cantwell from Michigan State University returns to analyze these strategies and tactics, drawing on insights from the controversial Project 2025. They explore the administration's coercive measures, the sector's response, and the potential future of higher education under these policies. Please note, the views and opinions expressed in each episode are those of the individual contributors, and do not necessarily reflect those of the podcast host and team, or our sponsors.This episode is sponsored by KnowMeQ.ArchieCPL is the first AI-enabled tool that massively streamlines credit for prior learning evaluation. Toronto based KnowMeQ makes ethical AI tools that boost and bottom line, achieving new efficiencies in higher ed and workforce upskilling. 

In this episode of The World of Higher Education Podcast, host Alex Usher discusses the historic merger of two major Australian universities—the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia—set to be completed by January 2026. This merger will form Adelaide University, which will be one of the largest academic institutions in the country. Alex interviews David Lloyd, Vice Chancellor and President of the University of South Australia, and Co-Vice Chancellor of Adelaide University, who shares insights about the motivations, strategic planning, and potential impacts of this significant merger. David also elaborates on the potential benefits, challenges in maintaining distinct missions, and the broader implications for higher education internationally.Please note, the views and opinions expressed in each episode are those of the individual contributors, and do not necessarily reflect those of the podcast host and team, or our sponsors.This episode is sponsored by KnowMeQ.ArchieCPL is the first AI-enabled tool that massively streamlines credit for prior learning evaluation. Toronto based KnowMeQ makes ethical AI tools that boost and bottom line, achieving new efficiencies in higher ed and workforce upskilling. 

Join Alex Usher in the latest episode of the World of Higher Education Podcast as he discusses the hyperactive state of New Zealand's higher education policy with Roger Smyth, a former senior New Zealand public servant, now a consultant. The episode delves into the recent activities of the University Advisory Group, government decisions affecting institutional frameworks, the controversial halt in humanities and social sciences research funding, the financial challenges faced by universities, and the merger of polytechnics into one national institution. Roger provides insightful updates on the progress and impacts of these changes, shedding light on the broader implications for the sector. Tune in to stay informed on the evolving landscape of higher education in New Zealand.👉 Episode Links: WorldEd 2.16: The Failed Fees Free Policy in New ZealandPlease note, the views and opinions expressed in each episode are those of the individual contributors, and do not necessarily reflect those of the podcast host and team, or our sponsors.This episode is sponsored by KnowMeQ.ArchieCPL is the first AI-enabled tool that massively streamlines credit for prior learning evaluation. Toronto based KnowMeQ makes ethical AI tools that boost and bottom line, achieving new efficiencies in higher ed and workforce upskilling. 

In this episode of The World of Higher Education Podcast, Alex Usher is joined by Dr. Romulo Pinheiro, a professor at the University of Agder, Norway. They discuss the evolving role of universities in regional economic development, particularly in peripheral areas. Dr. Pinheiro shares insights on the challenges and strategies for universities in less densely populated regions, their global and local ambitions, and the vital role of trust. They also explore the balance between global excellence and regional relevance, the effect of institutional and disciplinary structures, and the importance of autonomy and diversity in ensuring institutional resilience. Tune in to understand how universities can realistically contribute to solving regional problems without being seen as the fixers of all societal issues.Please note, the views and opinions expressed in each episode are those of the individual contributors, and do not necessarily reflect those of the podcast host and team, or our sponsors.This episode is sponsored by KnowMeQ.ArchieCPL is the first AI-enabled tool that massively streamlines credit for prior learning evaluation. Toronto based KnowMeQ makes ethical AI tools that boost and bottom line, achieving new efficiencies in higher ed and workforce upskilling. 

Join Alex Usher on the World of Higher Education Podcast as he delves into the future of Canadian higher education amidst economic shifts with guest John Stackhouse, Senior Vice President at the Royal Bank of Canada. The discussion focuses on the necessity for post-secondary education reform, the vital role of human capital, and how universities can better align with evolving labor market needs. Learn about the complexities facing the sector, from outdated budget models to the integration of research and development, and the imperative steps needed to create a more resilient and innovative higher education system in Canada.👉 Episode Links: RBC Thought LeadershipReport: A Smarter Path: The case for postsecondary education reformPlease note, the views and opinions expressed in each episode are those of the individual contributors, and do not necessarily reflect those of the podcast host and team, or our sponsors.This episode is sponsored by KnowMeQ.ArchieCPL is the first AI-enabled tool that massively streamlines credit for prior learning evaluation. Toronto based KnowMeQ makes ethical AI tools that boost and bottom line, achieving new efficiencies in higher ed and workforce upskilling.