Key facts
- Western educational institutions are expanding into Asia.
- British schools are choosing Japan due to accessibility and safety.
- Japan is being considered as a potential educational hub for Asia.
Amid deepening geopolitical fragmentation and increasing difficulties for students seeking to study overseas, Western educational institutions are expanding their presence in Asia. This trend is driven by both the institutions' global ambitions and the challenges associated with international student mobility, including visa difficulties and currency concerns. Elite British schools such as Harrow have established affiliated campuses in Japan, attracting students from Japan, China, and other Asian countries. Japan is seen as an attractive location due to its accessibility and reputation for safety, leading some to suggest it could become an educational hub for the region. Other institutions, like Queen Elizabeth's School, Barnet, have opened campuses in India, and Australia's Monash University is investing in a new campus in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. This expansion reflects a recognition that a purely domestic business model may not be sustainable in the current global order. Regional cities in Japan, facing demographic decline, are also actively seeking to attract these educational institutions.