The "Big Four" – the United States of America, the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia – are losing their positions in international education rankings. For example, they have already been surpassed by Asian and European universities in the latest QS World Uni Rankings 2026. Irish universities increased their position in seven out of eight cases, institutions in the Netherlands in nine out of thirteen cases rose in the ranking, and universities in Hong Kong in six out of seven. At the same time, 32% of higher education institutions of the "Big Four" worsened their positions.
Experts say that such changes clearly confirm that the educational elite is changing today: migration laws in a number of countries are being tightened, which is why other areas begin to look more promising and profitable.
