In this episode of the World of Higher Education Podcast, host Alex Usher speaks with Georgi Stoytchev about the structure and future of higher education in Bulgaria.

They discuss how the system evolved after the fall of socialism, the role of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences as the country’s main research hub, and Bulgaria’s distinctive national university ranking system, which uses administrative and graduate earnings data and is linked to performance-based funding.

The conversation also touches on a recent tuition fee controversy, the involvement of Gen Z in anti-corruption protests, and the demographic pressures that are likely to shape the future of Bulgarian higher education.

👉 Episode Links:

• Open Society Institute
• Register for free: Focus Friday March 13 | Using AI Across an Institution
• HESA Transnational Education Strategy Project | Learn More

In this episode of the World of Higher Education Podcast, host Alex Usher speaks with Donatella della Porta, Professor of Political Science at the Scuola Normale Superiore in Florence, about the global rise of youth- and Gen Z-led protest movements.

From Serbia and Bangladesh to Italy and beyond, they explore why today’s movements are increasingly described as “Gen Z protests” rather than traditional student uprisings. Donatella argues that this generation has come of age during a period of “polycrisis”—climate change, economic instability, war, democratic backsliding, and corruption—which has shaped a distinctive form of activism rooted in injustice, inequality, and uncertainty about the future.

The conversation examines how social media enables rapid, leader-light mobilization across borders, why universities may be losing their historic role as hubs of political socialization, and how online and offline organizing now work together. They also discuss the Gaza protests, differences between North America and Europe, and the evolving relationship between campuses, repression, and broader civil society movements.

👉 Episode Links:

• Register for free: Focus Friday February 20 | Academic Program Costing
• HESA Transnational Education Strategy Project | Learn More

In this episode of the World of Higher Education Podcast, host Alex Usher is joined by Simon Marginson, Emeritus Professor of Higher Education at Oxford University, to discuss his new book 'Global Higher Education in Times of Upheaval: On Common Goods, Geopolitics and Decolonization.' They cover a range of topics, including the rise of right-wing nationalism, China's scientific advancement, and the challenges posed by neoliberalism and neocolonialism to the higher education sector. Simon emphasizes the need for higher education to be oriented towards the common good and discusses the distinctions between public goods and common goods in this context. The conversation explores the differences between higher education systems in the Anglosphere and other parts of the world, as well as the implications of internationalization versus globalization.

👉 Episode Links:

• Global Higher Education in Times of Upheaval: https://www.bloomsbury.com/ca/global-higher-education-in-times-of-upheaval-9781350540064/
• The World of Higher Education Podcast S3 E1: Higher Education in a Polarized World with Simon Marginson: https://worlded.transistor.fm/episodes/higher-education-in-a-polarized-world-with-simon-marginson
• Focus Friday: Sign up to receive our daily newsletter and register for our biweekly webinars for free: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/rU6cAhC
• HESA Transnational Education Strategy Project: https://higheredstrategy.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/2026-01-25-TNE-Strategy-Project_web.pdf

In this episode of the World of Higher Education Podcast, host Alex Usher is joined by Bryan Alexander, the author of 'Peak Higher Ed: How to Survive the Looming Academic Crisis.' They discuss the challenges facing higher education in the United States including demographic shifts, public skepticism, and the impact of AI on education. Bryan elaborates on the peak of growth around 2012 and the subsequent decline, as well as potential strategies for institutions to adapt and survive this crisis. The conversation also touches on the political landscape, economic pressures, and the future of higher education. 

👉 Episode Links:

• Peak Higher Ed: How to Survive the Looming Academic Crisis by Bryan Alexander
• The World of Higher Education Podcast S1 E12: Universities on Fire with Bryan Alexander
• Register for free: Focus Friday February 6 | Degree Redesign

Join Alex Usher on The World of Higher Education Podcast as he dives into the remarkable transformation of Uzbekistan's higher education system over the past decade. Komiljon Karimov, Rector of Westminster International University in Tashkent, shares his unique perspective on the fivefold expansion, the role of foreign universities, and the challenges of maintaining quality amidst rapid growth. Discover how Uzbekistan's new leadership and demographic changes sparked a massive overhaul, transforming the country into a burgeoning hub for higher education. Don't miss this in-depth discussion on one of the most extraordinary educational reforms of recent times.

Join Alex Usher on The World of Higher Education Podcast as he engages in a compelling discussion with Frank Ziegele, Executive Director of the Center for Higher Education in Germany. They delve into the intricacies of creating authentic missions for universities in a constantly evolving educational landscape. Ziegele sheds light on his book, 'Authentic Universities: Effective University Identities in Times of Transition,' discussing the importance of differentiation and authenticity. They explore the challenges and strategies for institutions to adopt distinctive missions, the role of government in encouraging diversity in education, and much more. Tune in to explore the complexities and opportunities of authentic university missions.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

00:32 Guest Introduction: Frank Ziegele

01:45 The Importance of Differentiation in Higher Education

02:10 Challenges and Opportunities in University Missions

04:17 Spotting Authentic Differentiation

05:15 Strategies for Authentic University Profiles

07:53 Government's Role in University Differentiation

09:12 Examples of Horizontal Differentiation

12:01 Implementing Differentiation Strategies

14:58 Overcoming Faculty Silos

17:47 Pitfalls in Developing Authentic Profiles

21:59 Global Perspectives on Differentiation

22:22 Reception and Impact of the Book

24:33 Conclusion and Farewell

👉 Episode Links:

• Focus Friday: Sign up to receive our daily newsletter and register for our biweekly webinars for free
• Authentic Universities – Effective university identities in times of transition

In this episode of The World of Higher Education Podcast, Alex Usher discusses the unconventional structure and innovative approaches of Royal Roads University in Greater Victoria, British Columbia, with its President, Philip Steenkamp. Celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, Royal Roads was originally a military college and has since evolved into a unique institution focusing on mid-career professionals, blending online and in-person education. Unlike traditional universities, it lacks a senate, does not offer conventional tenure, and operates with significant market orientation due to lower government funding. Philip elaborates on the university's response to financial challenges, initiatives in international education, and the recent opening of a new campus in Langford, aimed at undergraduate programs. He also shares valuable insights on their new transnational education venture in Dubai and strategies to maintain the university's competitiveness and sustainability.

👉 Episode Links:

• Focus Friday: Sign up to receive our daily newsletter and register for our biweekly webinars for free

Join Alex Usher in a compelling interview with Noah Sobe, UNESCO's Chief of Section for Higher Education, as they discuss UNESCO's historic and evolving role in global higher education. Explore the organization's foundational goals post-World War II, its normative and operational functions, and groundbreaking initiatives like the Global Convention on Higher Education. Discover how UNESCO balances public good with market realities, prioritizes inclusive education, and shapes international academic standards.

👉 Episode Links:

• Register for free: Focus Friday November 21 | AI in Action: Real-World Campus Experiments

In the final episode of 2025, host Alex Usher welcomes Robert Kelchen, a recurring favorite guest, to discuss the top 10 issues in American higher education over the past year. They cover a wide array of topics such as state funding for public higher education, efforts to dismantle the US Department of Education, rising athletic spending, DEI and admissions, the impact of artificial intelligence, international student enrollment trends, state-level DEI policies, and the challenges faced by university leadership. Additionally, they delve into the One Beautiful Bill Act and the Trump administration's higher education compact. Don't miss this comprehensive look into the major developments and challenges in the world of higher education in 2025.

👉 Episode Links:

• Focus Friday: Sign up to receive our daily newsletter and register for our biweekly webinars for free

Join Tiffany MacLennan on the World of Higher Education Podcast as she interviews Alex Usher, President and CEO of Higher Education Strategy Associates, about their comprehensive report: The World of Higher Education — Year in Review 2025. This episode delves into the major global forces affecting higher education, including politics, demography, technology, and policy neglect. Understand the impacts of U.S. political upheavals, demographic declines, and rising private education in Western Europe. Learn which countries are emerging as bright spots and the fault lines to watch for in 2026.

👉 Episode Links:

• Read the free report: The World of Higher Education — Year in Review 2025 by Higher Education Strategy Associates
• Register for free: Focus Friday December 5 | What is the Future of Work?