ICEF

Supporting trust, transparency, and professional standards in international education

International education operates at global scale, across diverse markets, regulatory environments, and institutional models. As student mobility grows more complex, institutions and partners increasingly rely on shared reference points, structured engagement, and credible insight to work together effectively. Founded in 1991, ICEF has worked across international education for more than three decades. Today, ICEF supports the sector in four complementary roles: as a convenor, assurer, observer, and professionaliser.

Trusted Global Connector

Convening the global education community

ICEF acts as a neutral convenor, bringing institutions, agencies, and sector stakeholders together through structured events and forums that enable responsible partnership-building across student source and destination markets. Participation is eligibility-based, allowing institutions to engage with agencies committed to transparency and recognised standards.

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Enabling Informed Governance

Supporting assurance and transparency

ICEF provides reference frameworks that help institutions understand who they are working with and how professional standards are evidenced across the sector. Through accreditation services, public directories, training evidence, and due diligence tools, ICEF supports institutional governance and partner decision-making.

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Delivering Market Intelligence

Observing markets and global trends

ICEF produces independent market intelligence focused on observation and analysis. Research, surveys, and expert commentary support informed understanding of how international education markets, policies, and recruitment models are evolving worldwide.

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Certified Professional Growth

Building professional capability

ICEF supports professional development across international education through structured learning and recognised training frameworks. Via ICEF Academy, professionals can build capability, strengthen practice, and document ongoing development as expectations evolve.

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A global role, locally relevant services

ICEF works across regions and education sectors, supporting higher education, language education, secondary education, vocational training, and pathways. By focusing on shared reference points, evidence, and professional standards, ICEF enables clearer, more confident engagement across markets and regulatory contexts.