Internationalisation in the Context of Demographic Changes

Ongoing depopulation trends, rapid ageing, and birth-rate decline in Europe (and the European Union) represent powerful threats in some countries. They also influence higher education (HE), especially through the decrease of student population. This paper explores internationalisation in HE as a tool for addressing demographic challenges in Europe. In this context, rethinking internationalisation policies at all levels becomes important, especially for the regions and countries where depopulation trends are more severe. In addition to other measures and activities, migration could also be a part of the solution to demographic challenges.

Keywords: demographic shift, demographic challenges, Europe, internationalisation, higher education, migration

DOI: https://doi.org/10.36197/INT.1-2021.01