The United Kingdom has announced a new International Education Strategy designed to expand the global reach of British universities by allowing UK degrees to be delivered overseas through partnerships with foreign institutions. Countries identified for these collaborations include Nigeria, India, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia and Vietnam. The government says the initiative is aimed at increasing education export earnings to £40 billion annually by 2030.
The strategy, released on January 20, 2026, represents a clear departure from the 2019 framework that prioritised attracting international students to study within the UK. While the previous policy focused on “onshore” recruitment and successfully surpassed its target of 600,000 international students years ahead of schedule, the new approach places greater emphasis on transnational education. This shift is intended to grow export revenue while aligning with domestic concerns about rising migration levels.
Under the new plan, no specific targets have been set for the number of international students studying in the UK. Instead, British institutions are encouraged to expand their presence abroad, offering UK qualifications without adding pressure to domestic infrastructure or increasing immigration figures. The move reflects public sentiment, as recent polls suggest continued support for skilled migration alongside a strong desire to reduce overall net migration.
The government confirmed that existing immigration measures affecting international students will remain in force. The graduate route will continue, although the previously announced reduction of post-study work rights to 18 months from 2027 will still be implemented. In addition, the restriction preventing most international students from bringing dependants to the UK remains a central element of the government’s migration management policy. The strategy emphasises the UK’s commitment to strengthening its global reputation in research, science and technology through deeper international collaboration.
To drive implementation, the government has established the Education Sector Action Group (ESAG), a ministerially chaired body that will include the government’s international education champion, Steve Smith, alongside representatives from the British Council and key industry stakeholders.
Beyond higher education, the strategy also highlights other areas of economic importance, including English-language training, which contributed an estimated £2 billion to the UK economy in 2024. Skills-based education and the rapidly growing education technology sector are also identified as key pillars in the UK’s broader international education ambitions.
