2025-06-12
The new version of the Higher Education Policy Observatory (HEPO) now features international higher education data from the UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) and enhanced visualizations and comparisons. A “News” section has been added to highlight recent policy developments around the world.
International evidence
Data and statistics
HE Policy
On 16 June 2025, UNESCO IESALC launched the new version of its Higher Education Policy Observatory (HEPO) – expanding its features to offer more comprehensive insights and visualization into higher integrates systems and policies worldwide.
The new release integrates a new set of statistical indicators from the UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS), namely on personnel, enrollment, graduation, funding and expenditures, and student mobility. These are available through interactive, customizable charts and downloadable tables. A “News” section also highlights recent developments on higher education policies around the world.
By combining policy and statistical data, HEPO reinforces its capacity to deepen understanding of close to 150 higher education systems, serving as a powerful tool for contextual analysis and exploration and supporting the development of evidence-based policies.
Statistical indicators are available in two of the platform’s three main features: Country Profiles and Country Comparison. Integration into the third — World Overviews — is planned for the next release, along with improved links between policy and statistical indicators.
In the coming months, UNESCO IESALC will continue working with national authorities and partners to integrate new countries in the platform and update information on policies. It will also offer tailored capacity-development workshops for stakeholders interested in using HEPO for policymaking. Interested stakeholders can contact the HEPO team via the About page (link to new page to be added).
Building on the data gathered through the Observatory, UNESCO IESALC will launch the first edition of its flagship global report in 2025. Titled “Higher Education Trends”, this inaugural edition will give special attention to international student mobility.
