Open AccessEconomic Models of Higher Education: An International Perspective
Author(s) -
Pierre-Bruno Ruffini
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
international dialogues on education
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2198-5944
DOI - 10.53308/ide.v2i2.184
Subject(s) - internationalization , perspective (graphical) , intervention (counseling) , higher education , face (sociological concept) , developing country , cost sharing , economic model , economic growth , business , political science , economics , development economics , sociology , international trade , psychology , social science , macroeconomics , psychiatry , law , artificial intelligence , computer science
As other sectors, higher education can be characterized by the combination of market mechanisms and state intervention in its funding and organization. Although higher education systems of developed countries pursue similar goals (provide high-level manpower, meet individual and social demands, etc.) and face similar challenges (massive expansion, internationalization, MOOCs, etc.) their economic models differ significantly. In some countries, universities are public and charge no or very low tuition fees, whereas in other countries, the cost-sharing with parents and students is much more demanding. The paper will try to underscore and explain these differences by drawing on the lessons of economic analysis and on the historical and cultural background of countries.