ICEF GmbH is a global organisation serving the international education sector.
Founded in 1991 and headquartered in Bonn, Germany, ICEF operates worldwide across major student source and destination markets.
ICEF’s role in the international education ecosystem is defined across four core functions.
Convenor
Bringing institutions, education agencies, and sector stakeholders together through structured, eligibility-controlled events.
Assurer
Providing independently governed reference frameworks that support transparency, eligibility, and professional standards in international student recruitment, including use within institutional and regulatory compliance contexts.
Observer
Producing objective market intelligence, analysis, and reporting on global student mobility and recruitment trends.
Professionaliser
Supporting professional development and capability-building across international education through structured learning and training activities.
ICEF’s activities include:
- Organisation of international B2B events connecting education institutions with screened international education agencies.
- Operation of reference frameworks and directories supporting agency identity, eligibility, and transparency.
- Publication of market intelligence, news, and analysis on international student mobility.
- Delivery of professional training, learning programmes, and capability evidence for education professionals.
