The new international education strategy is an indication of how the UK government positions its education system on the global stage.
The strategy replaces the previous 2019 plan, which targeted 600,000 international students in the UK by 2030, a goal that has been achieved early.
Instead, it emphasizes sustainable growth, overseas expansion, and boosting education exports to £40 billion annually by 2030.
Education is already one of the UK’s most valuable exports, contributing £32 billion annually—more than the automotive or food and drink sectors. Exports include UK institutions operating abroad, international students studying in the UK, and UK qualifications, training, and digital learning sold overseas.
Under the new international education strategy, universities, colleges, and schools will be encouraged to open overseas hubs and form international partnerships, allowing students to access UK education closer to home.
The UK Department for Education stated that the strategy removes numerical targets for international students in the UK while continuing to welcome them, and instead supports providers in entering new and expanding global markets.
This was contained in the official document posted on the official website of the UK.
Education secretary Bridget Phillipson said that supporting international partnerships would help institutions to “diversity and strengthen their business models”.
“By expanding overseas, our universities, colleges and education providers can diversify income, strengthen global partnerships and give millions more access to a world-class UK education on their doorstep, all whilst boosting growth at home,” she added.
Minister for Trade Chris Bryant branded education exports as a “major UK success story”.
“We’re on track grow the sector to £40 billion by 2030, powered by world leading providers driving digital learning, AI enabled innovation and future skills development,” he said.
Malcolm Press, president of Universities UK welcomed the new document, saying it “signals a renewed commitment to fostering the global reach, reputation and impact of our universities”.
Key Pillars of the New Strategy
The International Education Strategy 2026 outlines the following main priorities:
• Growing education exports to £40 billion per year by 2030: Currently valued at around £32 billion, education exports contribute significantly to the UK economy—more than industries like automotive or food and drink. The strategy aims to achieve this through diversification, including transnational education (TNE), English language training (ELT), skills programs, and edtech innovations.
• Sustainable and responsible recruitment of international students: While the UK will continue welcoming high-quality international students, the government has removed specific numerical targets for students studying in the UK. The focus is on “well-managed and responsible” recruitment, with tougher compliance standards for institutions. Universities failing to meet these requirements could face recruitment caps or license revocations.
• Amplifying the UK’s global standing through education: The plan promotes the UK as the partner of choice for education worldwide, leveraging soft power to build partnerships and influence. It includes cutting red tape for TNE partnerships abroad and encouraging UK providers to establish hubs and deliver education in new markets.
• Target “Priority Markets”: Dedicated support will be given to expansion in India, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Vietnam, and Nigeria.
Pan-Atlantic Kompass reports that the policy follows a sharp fall in study visas. In the year ending June 2025, 431,725 sponsored study visas were granted, down 18% year-on-year and 34% from a 2023 peak. The government also introduced a £925 annual levy per international student in last year’s autumn budget. At the same time, tougher compliance rules will be imposed to ensure overseas students are genuine, with universities facing recruitment caps or licence loss if standards are not met.
