Liberalizing Cross-Border Trade in Higher Education: The Coming Revolution of Online Universities

Abstract

This paper argues that the coming revolution of cross-border trade in education has enormous benefits, and governments should resist protectionist demands that will slow progress. The emergence of more opportunities for trade in higher education should not be undermined by protectionist trade barriers. In this regard, international trade law can help to ensure that there is free trade in higher education: Governments should agree now on international rules to liberalize trade in online higher education services in order to prevent protection from rising up even before the online education industry has a chance to start.