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Abstract

The international dimension of higher education is now becoming a major issue of discussion in trade talks and negotiations around the world. Why? Because education is one of 12 service sectors covered bythe General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS). The current debate on the impact of GATS is rather polarized. Critics focus on the threat to the role of government, public good, and qualityaspects of higher education. Supporters highlight the benefits that more trade can bring in terms of innovation through new deliverysystems and providers and greater student access and economic value. This article aims to take a balanced approach and examines both the risks and opportunities that GATS can bring to the higher education sector and tries to identifyimplications and directions for higher education policy.

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References

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Trade Talk: An Analysis of the Impact of Trade Liberalization and the General Agreement on Trade in Services on Higher Education

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