UK announces new strategy to boost international education

The UK Government has updated its international education strategy, reiterating its commitment to increase the numbers of international tertiary level students studying in the UK to 600,000 and HE industry growth to £35bn annually by 2030.

Led by the Department for Education (DfE) and the Department for International Trade (DIT), the updated International Education Strategy will help the country's education sector recover from the pandemic by attracting more overseas students and boosting student exchange, and strengthening education tie-ups.

"In these unprecedented times, having a proactive global education agenda is more important than ever so we can build back better from the pandemic. Our world-class education is a vital part of our economy and society, and we want to support universities, schools, colleges and all aspects of the education sector to thrive across the globe.", University Minister Michelle Donelan said.

The strategy proposes several actions to be taken in 2021 to support the two key ambitions, which include

Reaching out to the world

The International education champion, Professor Sir Steve Smith, will open up new international opportunities, develop global partnerships, and address barriers. Priority will be given to India, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Vietnam, and Nigeria. The UK government has also announced a new Turing Scheme for global mobility and exchange in forging international partnerships.

Free trade agreements

The teams of the Department for International and Trade (DIT) and the Department for Education (DfE) will promote education in future Free trade agreements and ensure the sector's views are represented.

Streamline application process for international students

The Department for Education will ensure that clearer, more accessible information is available to prospective international students.

Financial options for international students

The strategy says that the Universities UK, which represents the voice of universities in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, along with the parties involved, will raise awareness of financial options and improve them.

Improve international students experience

Along with sector bodies, the UK government will launch a new project to explore 'what works' for delivering a fulfilling academic experience in the UK.

Employability of international students

The strategy says the UK Council for International Students, in collaboration with the Confederation of British Industry, Universities UK International, and other key groups, will work towards increasing international students' employability by educating them about UK's skills needs, best practices across the sector and other aspects.

System-to-system engagement

The Department for International Trade and other bodies will engage with overseas governments that are interested in the UK education system for domestic education reforms.

International Qualified Teacher Status

The Department for Education will develop a new international teaching qualification, 'International Qualified Teacher Status', for teachers around the world so that they can be benefited from UK's methods of teacher training and development.

Supporting the growth of transnational education

The UK will work towards resolving barriers to deliver transnational education, which is provisions that allow international students to access UK education directly from their home countries may include blended learning, known as TNE.

Alumni activity

More focus will be given to attracting and supporting a global UK alumni network as it brings value back to the UK by promoting the country for study, tourism and business opportunities.

UK Export Finance offer to the education sector

UK export Finance, which is the UK's export credit agency, will work towards boosting awareness and understanding of the sector's access to UKEF products.

Opportunities for UK chartered professional bodies

The Department for International Trade will explore opportunities for tie-ups and export for UK chartered professional bodies.

Exporting UK SEND services

DIT will identify high-value export opportunities for UK SEND providers. SEND stands for Special Education Needs and disabilities.

Developing investment opportunities in the UK education sector

DIT will also develop its investment offer and identify opportunities for the education sector, beyond EdTech.

Despite the challenging time, the UK government has been continually working towards safeguarding international students' interest, which has helped the country strengthen its image as a popular study abroad destination. Students aspiring to study in the UK can call 92563-9253 to get guidance for their UK study visa.