We have entered the Transformative Age and, much like the Industrial Revolution before it, we can expect fundamental shifts in how we live, work and play. The Transformative Age will also change how we learn – and, along with it, the nature and role of the university. The higher education sector requires a fundamental rethink as students’ needs shift and digital ecosystems for learning and knowledge creation emerge. Universities must take a “future-back” approach to ensure that the priorities and actions of today will put them on a growth trajectory for the next decade. EY posits five “What if?” future scenarios to challenge universities to consider how to remain competitive.