Trends and Patterns of Research on Transnational Education: A Bibliometric Analysis with Scopus Data, 1972–2023

Transnational Education has experienced rapid global expansion over the past three decades, yet there are many underresearched aspects. This study presents the first bibliometric analysis that that covers not only higher education but also other levels of education, including K-12. Drawing on 1,627 Scopus-indexed publications from 1972 to 2023, the findings show significant growth in TNE research, particularly since the 2010s. The UK, Australia, and the US are leading contributors, while Asian countries such as China, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, and Vietnam are emerging as key players. Thematic patterns vary by sector: internationalisation and institutional concerns dominate in HE, while socio-cultural and language acquisition issues feature prominently in K–12. The study highlights the significance of situating research on international schools in the broader TNE landscape, and identifies research gaps with implications for policymakers, practitioners, and researchers.