Connecting education institutions and scholarship organisations to develop partnerships for funded international study.
A joint ICEF and NAFSA initiative
The inaugural Global Mobility Scholarship Summit brings universities and colleges together with government scholarship authorities, funding agencies, foundations and organisations managing sponsored study programmes worldwide.
Taking place immediately after the NAFSA 2027 Annual Conference & Expo, the Summit combines focused discussions, pre-scheduled one-to-one meetings and networking. Participants can explore how institutional programmes align with scholarship priorities, student needs and the objectives of funding organisations.
Jointly developed by ICEF and NAFSA, the Summit combines extensive international networks, expertise in international education and practical experience in scholarship partnership events.
Senior representatives responsible for international partnerships, sponsored students, admissions and international recruitment.
The Summit offers an opportunity to understand scholarship programmes’ requirements, introduce relevant academic provision and develop relationships with funding organisations.
Enquire about participationRepresentatives of government scholarship programmes, ministries, funding agencies, foundations and sponsored education or training programmes.
Participants can meet prospective institutional partners, discuss academic and student-support requirements, and explore suitable study opportunities for the people they fund.
Express your interestThe Summit opens on Saturday morning with sessions exploring scholarships and funded international mobility, followed by one-to-one meetings and a networking dinner. A further half day of meetings takes place on Sunday.
Education institutions can pre-schedule up to 20 one-to-one meetings. Participant profiles and meeting requests help both sides identify potential partners by academic discipline, study level, destination and programme requirements. Meetings are confirmed by mutual agreement. Refreshment breaks, lunches and the networking dinner are included.
The Summit takes place at the Sheraton Grand Los Angeles in downtown Los Angeles. Its location enables participants attending the NAFSA Annual Conference & Expo to continue their visit with two days dedicated to scholarship partnerships.
Together, ICEF and NAFSA combine extensive international networks, sector expertise and experience in convening education leaders to support scholarship partnerships worldwide.
NAFSA is the world’s largest nonprofit association dedicated to international education and exchange, serving more than 10,000 members and international educators in over 160 countries.
With more than 75 years of experience, NAFSA advances international higher education through professional development, research, advocacy and international collaboration. Its Annual Conference & Expo brings together educators, institutional leaders and partners from around the world to exchange knowledge and shape professional practice.
Founded in 1991, ICEF is a leading global organisation connecting the international education community through specialist events, professional training, quality standards and market intelligence.
In 2025, ICEF delivered 23 events, recording nearly 10,000 participations from more than 4,200 organisations across over 140 countries. Its activities bring education institutions, student recruitment agencies, scholarship organisations and other sector partners together to build relationships and develop international education opportunities.
ICEF has held three successful editions of its Middle East Scholarship and Partnership Summit, bringing international education institutions together with scholarship organisations, government representatives and regional universities.
Following the inaugural Summit in Dubai in 2023, the event moved to Muscat for its 2024 and 2025 editions. Both Muscat summits were developed and delivered in close cooperation with Oman’s Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation (MOHERI), combining discussions on education priorities and international collaboration with pre-scheduled meetings between institutions and scholarship partners.
The 2025 Summit brought together delegates from 22 countries and facilitated 1,105 pre-scheduled one-to-one meetings, connecting international institutions with regional universities and scholarship organisations to explore new partnerships and funded study opportunities.
The Global Mobility Scholarship Summit builds on this experience through a joint ICEF and NAFSA initiative with a worldwide focus.
For universities, colleges and other education providers interested in meeting scholarship organisations.
For government scholarship programmes, ministries, funding agencies, foundations and sponsored programmes.