Access to international higher education is being reshaped by regulation, recruitment pressures, rising costs, and evolving English-language testing models.

While institutions increasingly commit to inclusion, access is still too often treated as a one-off intervention rather than a golden thread running through the entire student journey. As a result, many students remain excluded, or are admitted without the support and conditions needed to succeed.

What does “access” really mean in 2026, and where are expectations falling short?

Drawing on insights from The PIE Live Europe 2026, this webinar will challenge assumptions around access in international higher education, exploring how mismatches in understanding can lead to barriers, unmet expectations, and uneven student outcomes. From the role of English-language testing and pathway models to the broader trade-offs between access, quality, and academic standards, the discussion will examine how institutions and partners are navigating an increasingly complex landscape - and where progress is being made.

Hosted by The PIE's CEO Amy Baker, panellists include:
• Dr Leyla Karatay, Senior Research Manager, Cambridge University Press & Assessment
• George Hunt, Director of International Development, Teesside University
• Joep Annega, Founder & CEO, Uni-Life
• Rachel Kimber, Director, Alumni Engagement & University Placement Service, Kaplan International Pathways.