Identifying a Middle East location for a new satellite higher education campus

A global university needed guidance in evaluating eight potential markets in the Middle East for establishing a new satellite campus. The university needed to carefully consider a range of factors—ranging from financial and regulatory risks to social and political considerations—while identifying the most viable location for expansion. The challenge was to assess these markets strategically, balancing the university’s growth ambitions with the socio-economic and political dynamics of each region.

• Built a comprehensive risk assessment framework to benchmark each market against financial, political, social, safety, reputational, and regulatory factors, identifying both risks and opportunities in each market.
• Analyzed the profiles of potential students in each market by conducting global interviews, collecting market research on brand awareness, demand for the university’s services, key student preferences, and willingness to pay.
• Developed a ranking system to assess the attractiveness of each market based on the university’s objectives, integrating our comprehensive analysis to create a tailored evaluation model.
• Created a financial feasibility model to assess key revenue and cost factors, helping to determine the long-term viability of each potential campus location.

The university successfully opened a campus in the market we recommended, meeting its initial enrollment and revenue targets within the first year. The comprehensive analysis not only guided the university to a high-potential location, but also ensured that the campus quickly established itself as a key player in the local education and workforce development sectors. By aligning the university’s goals with the market’s specific needs and opportunities, the campus became a strategic asset, positioning the university as an influential partner in regional educational advancement. This move also strengthened the university’s brand globally, buttressing its long-term growth and sustainability prospects.