Higher Education Policy Observatory

Welcome to the Higher Education Policy Observatory


Comparative data and information on higher education systems and policies around the world

Dive into national profiles with global and regional comparisons
Compare up to three countries on key indicators and policies
Visualize global and regional trends in higher education policy

 

Inside HEPO


The Higher Education Policy Observatory (HEPO) provides access to detailed information on diverse topics, from student enrolment and mobility to quality assurance frameworks and social justice programs.


All the information displayed in the HE policy observatory comes from public and official sources: government websites, international organizations and UNESCO Institute for Statistics. Learn more about HEPO's database and methology.

 

News:

Launch of the Higher Education Policy Observatory 2.0
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.

Higher education takes centre stage in China’s new Education Master Plan
2025-06-12

China’s 2024–2035 Education Master Plan puts higher education at the forefront, aiming to boost research universities, expand access, and foster global collaboration. It targets equity through regional investment and reforms aligning academic programmes with labor market needs.

Brazil’s Multi-Year Plan places emphasis on inclusion and equity in higher education
2025-06-12

Brazil’s 2024–2027 Multi-Year Plan prioritizes inclusion and equity in higher education. It aims to boost access and completion rates through expanded support programmes, strengthened quotas, and a target to raise enrollment in higher education from 43.4% to 50% by 2027.

More

 

Contribute to the future of HEPO

We are constantly improving the Higher Education Policy Observatory to keep it relevant, accurate, and useful for policymakers and stakeholders worldwide. Your collaboration helps ensure HEPO remains a trusted global resource for policy innovation and international cooperation in higher education.

Whether you're looking to use the platform for policymaking, requesting updates, or exploring ways to contribute: We’d love to hear from you!

  • Missing or outdated country information? Let us know, we regularly update policy data as higher education systems evolve.
  • Is your country not represented? We welcome collaboration with public authorities and researchers to integrate new countries.
  • Interested in capacity building? We offer tailored workshops and training, from brief country-focused demos to full-scale programs.
  • to co-develop new indicators or visualizations? We invite partnerships to expand HEPO’s scope and improve how higher education data is collected and shared.

Contact us at hepo@unesco.org

Note: Statistical data is updated annually by the UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS). For technical inquiries about statistical indicators, please contact UIS directly.