The UK government has announced a significant change in its international education policy, moving away from numerical targets for international student enrolment and instead prioritising the global expansion of British education through overseas hubs and partnerships.

Under the revised international education strategy, the government has set an ambitious goal of increasing the value of UK “education exports” to £40 billion annually by 2030. This replaces the previous objective, introduced in 2019, which aimed to attract 600,000 international students to study within the UK each year.

Rather than focusing on student numbers on UK campuses, the new approach encourages universities and education providers to expand their presence internationally. This includes establishing satellite campuses, forming cross-border partnerships, and delivering UK qualifications in new markets, enabling learners to access British education closer to home.

The strategy positions the UK as a trusted international partner in education, research, science, and technology. By deepening international collaboration and leveraging global networks, the government aims to enhance the UK’s academic reputation and long-term global influence.

To support implementation, a new Education Sector Action Group (ESAG) has been established. The ministerially chaired body will bring together government representatives, the UK’s international education leadership, the British Council, and key industry stakeholders to address barriers and accelerate international expansion.

The education secretary emphasised that overseas expansion offers universities an opportunity to diversify income streams, strengthen global partnerships, and extend access to UK quality education, while continuing to contribute to domestic economic growth. The government has also reaffirmed its commitment to welcoming international students to the UK, highlighting plans to rejoin the EU’s Erasmus+ programme in 2027.

While sector leaders have broadly welcomed the strategy, student representatives have cautioned that the international student experience remains central to the global reputation of UK higher education. They have called for consistent academic quality, student support, and campus experience across both domestic and overseas delivery locations.

Recent data shows a decline in sponsored study visas, reflecting tighter migration policies, even as international demand for UK education remains resilient. Applications from overseas students have continued to grow modestly, with particularly strong interest from key markets such as China. At the same time, UK universities already educate hundreds of thousands of students through international operations across nearly 200 countries.

Sector bodies have welcomed the government’s renewed emphasis on global engagement and have highlighted the importance of reducing regulatory barriers for institutions seeking to expand abroad. A newly established education sector action group will work closely with government and education providers to address obstacles and support sustainable international growth.

Beyond higher education, the strategy recognises the growing economic importance of English language training, which contributed an estimated £2 billion to the UK economy in 2024. Skills-based education and the rapidly expanding edtech sector are also highlighted as areas of strategic opportunity.

Sector leaders have broadly welcomed the clarity and direction offered by the new policy framework. University representatives have described it as a positive and comprehensive vision that acknowledges the interconnected roles of education, research, and international engagement in strengthening the UK’s global standing.

For executive education providers and business schools, the strategy signals expanded opportunities for cross-border partnerships, transnational programme delivery, and sustainable international growth in an evolving global education landscape.

Source: Theguardian