Seminar Programme ICEF Dubai 2026

This introductory session is a perfect fit both for first timers wishing to learn more about forming partnerships; and for regular event attendees, who can share their valuable experience in the field. It provides practical tips and strategies for making the most out of any ICEF event, and ICEF Dubai in particular. 

The international education sector is built on close relationships, and is at its best when professionals are able to share best practice and learn from one another. This session represents a unique opportunity for attendees to pool their knowledge in a supportive environment, ensuring a more productive event experience for all. 

Topic areas include: 

• Making the most of your time during the event
• Developing effective post-event follow-up strategies and agent contracts
• Building a mutually beneficial relationship with providers and agents 
• Tips for breaking the ice in meetings 

In the immediate aftermath of COVID, the surge of recruitment that coincided with study destinations reopening led to a backlash among local communities. In many instances, this has opened up discussions around an institution’s social license to recruit and a demand for tighter regulation, especially in the most popular study destinations, with Australia, Canada, the UK, and the US establishing well documented restrictions and study caps.  

In this session, we explore the likely impact of increasing regulation, focusing on the direct impact that it will have on both agents and institutions. We consider the lessons that can be learned from the changes that have already taken place, consider what changes may be yet to come, and offer practical strategies to help offset the challenge these changes represent. 

A vast, diverse region, it is important not to adopt a one-size-fits-all approach when recruiting within the Middle East. In this session, we look at the common practices currently employed, assess their strengths and weaknesses, and then look into a range of practical tips that will help institutions to develop a more effective strategy. 

With input from successful educators and leading agents, the session will provide the necessary insight for institutions to differentiate their approach, standing out from the competition, and building sustainable recruitment pipelines across the Middle East.

The Middle East is not just a key source of international students but, with a number of countries investing heavily in their education, it is also fast becoming a popular study destination for international students. 

In this panel, panellists provide an overview of the countries leading the region’s growth.

Faced with rapid technological, social, and economic change, international student preferences are evolving to reflect the world in which they live. While an institution’s quality, often expressed in terms of rankings, remains important, it has taken a back seat to more practical concerns, including cost, access to accommodation, and employability. 

This panel discussion considers the key drivers of student mobility, the most important issues facing students today, and the impact this is having, and is likely to have, on institution recruitment practices.