UK launches review of international education strategy

The new Labour administration has launched a review of the UK’s international education strategy, in a move that could lead to the setting of new student enrolment targets.

The government said that the exercise led by officials would “ensure that [the strategy] continues to be an effective tool in increasing the value of education exports, promote policy dialogue and reflect the priorities of education stakeholders, businesses and ministers”.

The existing strategy, launched under the former Conservative government in 2019, set a goal of growing overseas student numbers to 600,000 by 2030 – with this actually being achieved as early as 2020-21. It also paved the way for the reintroduction of the graduate route, a two-year post-study work visa, and set an additional target to boost international education revenues to £35 billion by the end of this decade. They now stand at more than £28 billion.

However, in the later years of Tory rule and amid mounting concerns over immigration figures, the 600,000 target increasingly came to be regarded as a limit, and a series of policies that were less welcoming to overseas learners were adopted, including a ban on students outside postgraduate research courses bringing dependants with them, and a review of the graduate route – albeit one that ultimately led to its retention.

Latest data shows a 17 per cent drop in the number of overseas students applying for UK visas in the year to August compared to the same period in 2023. While Labour has changed the messaging by insisting that international students are welcome in the UK, it is likely to come under growing pressure to back this up with policy shifts.

One method to achieve this could be through the review of the international education strategy, which was announced on 27 September alongside confirmation that Sir Steve Smith, the former University of Exeter vice-chancellor, would continue in his role as the UK’s international education champion – a role that was created as a result of the 2019 strategy.

Sir Steve was originally appointed in 2020 for a four-year term and the government said that this posting had been extended for one further year from this October.

“I am absolutely delighted to be continuing in my role as the UK’s international education champion, working with the government, both at home and overseas, to ensure that the UK makes the very most of international opportunities, across the breadth of the UK’s world-leading education sector,” said Sir Steve, who has led 22 overseas visits during his tenure.

“It’s a critical time for the education sector and I look forward to building on the trusting relationships we have with our partners around the world.”

The announcement was made by the exports minister, Gareth Thomas, and the skills minister, Baroness Smith of Malvern.

“Sir Steve has a wealth of experience in showcasing our brilliant education sector, and I am thrilled that he will continue in this role for a further year,” Baroness Smith said.

“The UK is rightly regarded as an education powerhouse and Sir Steve’s vital work will continue to strengthen that reputation around the world, driving economic growth and boosting our global prestige.”

chris.havergal@timeshighereducation.com