The IDP Global Education Fair 2026 concluded successfully over two days in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. The event brought together international universities, scholarship providers and alumni to support Cambodian students as they explored global education pathways.
The fair opened on March 14 in Phnom Penh, at the Koh Pich Exhibition Halls.
In his welcome address, Sreng Mao, country director of IDP Education Cambodia and the Australian Centre for Education (ACE), highlighted the increasing demand for international education among Cambodian students.
“The strong participation we are seeing reflects the growing aspirations of Cambodian students to pursue global education opportunities,” he said.
“Our role is to provide trusted guidance and connect students with the right pathways,” he added.
Tennealle O’Shannessy, chief executive officer of IDP Education, also addressed the audience, noting the importance of global education exposure.
“It is inspiring to see the ambition and curiosity of students here in Cambodia,” she said.
“International education helps young people build the skills and perspectives needed to succeed in a global environment,” she added.
The fair was officially opened by British ambassador Dominic Williams, Canadian ambassador Christian DesRoches and Bridget Collier, chargé d’affaires of the Australian Embassy, all of whom emphasised the importance of education in strengthening international partnerships and people-to-people connections.
The event featured over 80 universities and institutions from Australia, New Zealand, the US, Canada, the UK and Ireland, offering a wide range of academic programmes and progression pathways.
The Australian Centre for Education (ACE) and IELTS teams were also present to provide students and parents with information on English language preparation, testing and academic readiness for international study.
A second day of the fair was held in Siem Reap on March 15, extending access to students in the province and surrounding regions.
Throughout both days, students and parents engaged directly with university representatives and received free professional counselling on course selection, application processes, visa requirements and scholarship opportunities.
The fair also highlighted a range of prestigious international scholarship programmes, including the Australia Awards Scholarships, Chevening Scholarships (UK), Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships and Japanese scholarship programmes, among others.
In addition to institutional representatives, alumni from various countries participated in the event, sharing their personal experiences of studying abroad, as well as insights on global labour market trends, in-demand skills and career opportunities.
Education experts noted that such interactions provide valuable real-world perspectives for students considering international study.
As Cambodia continues to invest in human capital development, the IDP Global Education Fair reflects a growing national focus on equipping students with internationally relevant skills and qualifications.
The event remains one of the largest international education fairs in Cambodia, providing a key platform for students to explore global opportunities and take the first step toward their future careers.
