Education is being positioned as a major engine of economic growth as ministers launch a new International Education Strategy aimed at exporting the UK’s world‑class education and skills offer across the globe.
As part of the Government’s plan for national renewal, the strategy sets a clear ambition to grow the value of UK education exports to £40 billion a year by 2030, backing schools, colleges, universities, and training providers to deliver British education overseas in both established and emerging markets.
Education is already one of the UK’s most valuable export sectors, generating around £32 billion annually for the economy and outperforming industries such as automotive manufacturing and food and drink. Education exports include overseas delivery of UK qualifications, British schools and universities operating abroad, international students studying in the UK, and the sale of UK training and digital learning products worldwide.
Unlike the previous strategy published in 2019, the new approach removes numerical targets on international student recruitment in the UK. While reaffirming that international students remain welcome, the strategy shifts focus towards expanding transnational education overseas, enabling top students globally to access a UK education closer to home.
To support this expansion, ministers say the Government will cut red tape that can limit international growth and back providers in forming new partnerships, building campuses abroad and exporting skills training. Supporting overseas education delivery will help institutions diversify income, strengthen financial resilience, widen access to UK qualifications, and support jobs and investment in the UK.
The strategy builds on strong recent growth across the sector, reflecting rising global demand, expanding transnational education, sustained international enrolments and expected growth in digital education exports. Around 620,000 students are already registered with UK universities overseas, with campuses and distance‑learning provision spanning nearly 200 countries and territories.
As well as boosting the economy, ministers say the strategy will strengthen the UK’s global soft power by deepening long‑term relationships through education. UK universities count more than 50 current world leaders among their alumni, underlining the lasting international influence of British education.
To accelerate growth, UK Ambassadors will act as Local Education Champions, identifying opportunities to expand UK education in key markets. A new Education Sector Action Group will work alongside the International Education Champion and education providers to remove barriers to overseas trade and investment.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson commented:
“UK education is one of our most valuable exports and this strategy backs the sector to go even further - underlining our commitment to fuel UK growth.
“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.
“This strategy and our Plan for Change, will drive growth that delivers for our economy and for communities across the UK, as well as our standing in the world.”
The strategy also confirms continued action to ensure the integrity of UK education. Universities will be subject to toughened compliance standards, with enforcement action – including recruitment caps or licence revocation – for institutions that fail to meet their responsibilities. Ministers say this approach has contributed to net migration falling by more than two‑thirds, now at its lowest level in five years.
Alongside higher education, the strategy marks a step‑up in ambition for skills and technical education, backing colleges to expand internationally and ensuring the UK remains competitive as global demand for high‑quality training grows. Work with education providers and businesses will develop targeted action plans to increase the export value of UK skills.
The strategy also expands opportunities for UK students. A sixth year of the Turing Scheme has been confirmed to support international study and work placements, while the Government has announced the UK will rejoin the Erasmus+ programme from 2027, widening mobility and collaboration for young people.
Image credit: iStock
