Explore key trends, insights, and strategies in international student recruitment through global education fairs. Stay informed and ahead in the evolving landscape of higher education.
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Tunisia's strategic location between Europe, the Middle East, and Africa makes it an ideal place for international institutions looking to expand their goals.
Finding effective ways to recruit students has become a top goal as institutions try to broaden their international reach. Many institutions tend to focus on larger markets with high a number of outbound students, in fact, there’s a lot to be gained from looking at other promising regions. These places often offer genuine opportunities to build long-term relationships with students who are motivated, curious, and actively exploring their options abroad. Tunisia is a country that has such a valuable yet relatively unexplored market.
The country’s strategic location between Europe, the Middle East, and Africa makes it an ideal place for international institutions looking to expand their goals. Not only their strategic location, Tunisian students are also appealing. They are often well-educated, speak multiple languages, and are open to studying in international settings. For this reason, the country represents a great and sustainable recruitment opportunity.
While Tunisia may not rank among the highest in outbound student mobility, it still offers universities valuable opportunities to meet motivated, multilingual students looking to study abroad. By participating in an education expo in Tunisia, educational institutions may build genuine connections with these students based on common academic interests. These facts are supported by numerous data that we will explore below.
Tunisia’s higher education system is modest in size but steadily growing and becoming more varied. Ever since their independence in 1956, the government placed a special focus on the development of the education sector. Education became a national investment and key determinant of the nation’s economic growth. Tunisia's Ministry of Education presents a budget project of 8,044 billion Tunisian dinars (about 2,38 billion euros) for 2025, an increase of 126 million dinars (37 million euros) compared to the current year. Tunisian Agency for Technical Cooperation (ATCT) found that the country has around 260,000 students enrolled in public universities and about 45,000 in private ones.
The problem lies in implementing effective education policies and programs. Arab Barometer Wave 6 data shows Tunisian satisfaction with the education system in the country is quite low. Only 29 percent of the respondents are satisfied, while the rest 70 percent are dissatisfied. For this reason, many Tunisian students actively pursue international education to access specialized programs and global exposure. UNESCO reported that in 2018, over 23,730 Tunisian students studied abroad, making up nearly 9% of all university students in the country. This number is relatively high for the region and shows a clear interest among Tunisian students in international education.
More data from UNESCO IESALC, in 2023, Tunisia’s gross enrollment ratio (GER) for higher education reached 38.1%. This shows a steady rise in students entering universities and highlights Tunisia as a promising market for international universities looking to diversify their student recruitment. Tunisian students are academically prepared, multilingual, and have a global mindset. By participating in education fairs in Tunisia, universities can directly reach students at critical decision-making stages, providing clear information and building trust in a market that has significant potential.
Students from Tunisia are known for their ability to speak at least three languages and their broad perspective due to their historical and educational background. Most are fluent in Arabic and French, and many possess a solid command of English as well. This combination of language skills enables them to adapt effectively to a variety of academic environments, particularly at institutions offering English or French-taught programs. Their language skills might help them succeed in their studies and adjust easily to life inside and outside the classroom.
In addition to their ability to speak multiple languages, Tunisian students are often highly motivated. They would appreciate open communication with university representatives and do extensive research on their academic options. By enabling institutions to interact with students who are genuinely interested in studying abroad, such direct communication improves student recruitment strategies.
Personal connections and trust significantly influence educational decisions. Education fairs present universities with valuable opportunities to meet prospective students, their families, teachers, and counselors in person. This direct interaction is more effective because it allows universities to build credibility, provide customized advice, and reassure families unfamiliar with the complexities of international admissions.
Conversations held in person frequently have a greater effect than outreach conducted only online. Meeting university personnel face-to-face and getting straightforward information builds trust and a favorable perception of the school. These one-on-one conversations can result in recommendations or subsequent applications as students continue to consider their options, even if they do not apply immediately.
Tunisia offers more value when universities take a long-term approach to student recruitment. Consistent participation in local education fairs allows institutions to maintain ongoing visibility and progressively build trust among students, families, and school counselors.
Moreover, universities that recruit and support Tunisian students can build strong alumni networks and benefit from word-of-mouth recommendations. These play an important role in attracting more students in the future. This approach also helps universities increase diversity and reach their international goals, while creating a steady flow of talented students from a region with great potential.
In short, Tunisia presents opportunities for institutions seeking to expand their international presence. By actively participating in education fairs, engaging with students, and offering clear, honest guidance, institutions can implement student recruitment strategies that are both strategic and relationship-driven. Through thoughtful and consistent engagement, universities can attract and support capable, globally minded students who are well-prepared to contribute to a diverse and dynamic international learning environment.
While Tunisian students are ready to explore international education, a2 Fairs can help you to connect with them—this is a valuable opportunity to expand your student recruitment strategy. Our events offer more than just exposure, we also provide a platform for your institutions to engage with students, understand their needs and present your programs in a way that fits your goals.
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