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title: "TED, ETS and Khan launch new $10k AI degree" url: "https://thepienews.com/ted-ets-and-khan-launch-new-10k-ai-degree/" author: "Polly Nash"

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ETS, TED and the Khan Academy have jointly launched a new AI degree model at a fraction of traditional college costs, vowing to create a globally accessible education pathway backed by global corporate giants.

Sir Nick praised Efekta's AI platform, built in Europe and developed in emerging markets. Photo: Unsplash.

Launched at the TED conference in Vancouver last month, the new Khan TED Institute was developed in partnership with the likes of Google, Microsoft and Accenture to ensure “deep relevance with the rapidly changing nature of work” said ETS.

The model leverages AI to deliver remote undergraduate degrees at $10,000, with founding partners vowing to expand access to learning pathways and AI education, without losing site of the human skills required in employment.

“The partners see the Khan TED Institute as a complement and alternative, designed for learners who want a different pathway – one that is more affordable, globally accessible, and closely aligned with the modern workforce,” ETS CEO Amit Sevak told The PIE News.

He emphasised the institute would be a “new addition to the ecosystem of higher education, not a replacement”.

Alongside those who can’t access or afford traditional university education, the new program is aimed at those with existing qualifications who want to re-skill in the AI age and supplement their education.

With applications set to open in 12 to 18 months, prospective students are currently being invited to express their interest to learn more, with educators, corporate firms and philanthropists also encouraged to reach out.

“For nearly 40 years, TED has been connecting people with powerful ideas – and in the process, quietly educating millions,” said TED CEO Logan McClure Davda, emphasising the need for learning to keep pace with the AI era.

This is an innovative new addition to the ecosystem of higher education, not a replacement

Amit Sevak, ETS

The inaugural program will be a bachelor’s degree in applied AI, designed to prepare students for careers across technology, consulting, finance, product management, and other knowledge‑intensive fields.

Unveiling the new model, Khan Academy CEO Sal Khan said each founding firm brought something different to the partnership, with his company specialising in “competency and mastery-based learning”.

TED, meanwhile, will bring the “’durable skills’ of communication, collaboration and creativity” and testing giant ETS will “pioneer new forms of assessment” for the AI world.

The partners are seeking American degree accreditation, with plans to quickly scale beyond the US.

Rather than learning from a traditional university faculty: “Students will participate in structured group work, live sessions with TED speakers and thought leaders, dialogue sessions, and collaborative projects”, Sevak explained.

He emphasised there would be “no wasted seat time” and students would engage in peer-based tutoring and competency based assessments, with access to AI-enabled learning support.

Recruitment & agents

Europe looks beyond the region in global student recruitment push

European countries are increasingly looking beyond their borders to recruit international students, signalling a shift in higher education strategy towards global competition, a report by the European Association for International Education (EAIE) and the Academic Cooperation Association (ACA) has found.

Youth mobility talks purportedly broke down over a cap on the number of people coming into the UK and tuition fees for EU students. Photo: iStock.

The study, Mapping the internationalisation strategy landscape across the European Higher Education Area (EHEA), published by the EAIE and the ACA, found that while regional collaboration remains strong, European governments are expanding their focus to attract students from non-EU markets.

“An increasing number of countries show interest in venturing beyond Europe,” the report notes, pointing to growing efforts to recruit students from regions such as Asia, Africa and the Americas.

China has long been a major source of international students, with thousands studying abroad each year. However, South Asian markets, particularly India, are also emerging as key recruitment targets.

An increasing number of countries show interest in venturing beyond Europe
Mapping the internationalisation strategy landscape across the EHEA

The shift is reflected in how individual countries are positioning themselves internationally.

In France, the government’s “Choose France” strategy aims to attract 500,000 international students by 2027, supported by measures such as simplified visa processes and expanded English-taught programs.

However, the country has recently announced that it will up fees for non-EU students as part of the strategy, as it moves to shape international recruitment. Critics have blasted the move as a “blow to university autonomy”.

Germany’s latest internationalisation strategy emphasises diversifying global partnerships and retaining international talent, particularly in a changing geopolitical climate.

Meanwhile, Ireland’s Global Citizens 2030 strategy focuses on building its reputation as a “ first-choice destination ” for international learners and researchers, with plans to expand its global presence through talent attachés and new mobility schemes. Ireland has also enjoyed a surge in interest from US and Indian students recently, with international enrolments reaching their highest point to date.

Norway is also targeting key markets outside Europe – including the US, India and China – through its Panorama strategy, which links higher education, research and innovation partnerships.

The report, which analyses policies across 47 countries in the EHEA, shows that internationalisation strategies have matured significantly. Just 13 countries – including Austria, the Czech Republic, Italy, Switzerland and the United Kingdom – currently have a dedicated international education strategy in place.

Others pursue internationalisation through broader education, research or economic policies, with the report stressing that the absence of a formal strategy does not necessarily indicate weaker performance.

A notable trend is the shift towards “internationalisation for all”, with countries placing greater emphasis on widening access and ensuring participation from underrepresented groups.

However, the report highlights persistent challenges, including visa restrictions and difficulties in recognising international qualifications – issues that continue to hinder global mobility. These challenges are compounded by a more volatile global environment, with geopolitical tensions and shifting political attitudes influencing national strategies.

As a result, future policies are expected to become more adaptive, with greater emphasis on flexibility, crisis management and long-term resilience.

Looking ahead, the report suggests that national strategies will become more evidence-driven and outward-facing, with a stronger focus on communicating the value of international education to governments and the public.