International Education Strategy Update

29 Jun 2025 | Committee report linked

The UK should explore with Japan the potential to widen the partnership to include digital and cyber technologies, to explore potential ties to the AUKUS programme, and to develop joint exports to allies across the region. 34 Furthermore, the Government should quickly deepen the economic security dialogues with Asia Pacific allies to enhance our mutual resilience and diversity of our supply chains. (Recommendation, Paragraph 35)

The UK should explore with Japan the potential to widen the partnership to include digital and cyber technologies, to explore potential ties to the AUKUS programme, and to develop joint exports to allies across the region. 34 Furthermore, the Government …

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29 Jun 2025 | Committee report linked

Education and higher education are critical export sectors in Asia-Pacific and strategic enablers of the best possible export environment in the region. The Government’s trade strategy should confirm that education is a priority sector and the Industrial Strategy Council should ensure there is a cross-Whitehall dialogue that helps maximise the potential of UK education exports. On the ground in export markets, UK embassies should ensure that universities feature in a five-year business plan f...

Education and higher education are critical export sectors in Asia-Pacific and strategic enablers of the best possible export environment in the region. The Government’s trade strategy should confirm that education is a priority sector and the Industrial Strategy Council should …

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10 Nov 2023 | Committee report linked

Education provides one of the most promising opportunities for the UK to be a force for good and to build soft influence in Central Asian countries—contributing to a generation of educated young people who know English and have had exposure to the UK. It is a strategy with potential long-term results but requires concerted and deliberate short- and medium-term action. If the Government is serious about its aspirations to take advantage of interest in the English language, it needs to ensure t...

Education provides one of the most promising opportunities for the UK to be a force for good and to build soft influence in Central Asian countries—contributing to a generation of educated young people who know English and have had exposure …

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13 Sep 2023 | Committee report linked

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) should publish a strategy, to be circulated across its international diplomatic network, which sets out guidance and expectations for embassies on holding events to mark Scotland’s key dates, St Andrew’s Day and Burns Night. This document should give clear direction on what current UK Departmental (e.g. FCDO, Office of the Secretary of State for Scotland and Department for Business and Trade) priorities are for promoting Scotland interna...

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) should publish a strategy, to be circulated across its international diplomatic network, which sets out guidance and expectations for embassies on holding events to mark Scotland’s key dates, St Andrew’s Day and Burns …

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13 Sep 2023 | Committee report linked

We heard that UK Government activity in relation to promoting Scotland internationally, for example through ministerial visits, could sometimes be perceived as lacking a bigger strategic picture. The Secretary of State for Scotland described the UK Government’s strategy for Scotland on the international stage as “one of bringing high-tech businesses to Scotland, which will bring high-earning, high-quality jobs”. Whilst this objective is itself commendable, it ought to be one of several, and f...

We heard that UK Government activity in relation to promoting Scotland internationally, for example through ministerial visits, could sometimes be perceived as lacking a bigger strategic picture. The Secretary of State for Scotland described the UK Government’s strategy for Scotland …

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13 Sep 2023 | Committee report linked

In response to this report, the Office of the Secretary of State for Scotland—in consultation with the FCDO—should provide a clear strategy containing its measurable priorities and objectives for promoting Scotland internationally alongside the actions it is undertaking—and will undertake in the future—to achieve these goals. This 30 Promoting Scotland Internationally work should be undertaken in conjunction with the Government’s response to the recommendation made in paragraph 18. To inform ...

In response to this report, the Office of the Secretary of State for Scotland—in consultation with the FCDO—should provide a clear strategy containing its measurable priorities and objectives for promoting Scotland internationally alongside the actions it is undertaking—and will undertake …

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13 Sep 2023 | Committee report linked

In response to this report, the UK Government should provide an annual written update to the committee on how the Hub is supporting the delivery of the UK Government’s trading outcomes and its priorities for Scotland. The UK Government should also provide more detail on how the Department of Business and Trade will provide greater access to UK Government export support, while working with SDI to avoid duplication. (Paragraph 57) 32 Promoting Scotland Internationally UK and Scottish government...

In response to this report, the UK Government should provide an annual written update to the committee on how the Hub is supporting the delivery of the UK Government’s trading outcomes and its priorities for Scotland. The UK Government should …

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30 Aug 2023 | Committee report linked

We recommend that the Government examine current visa procedures with a view to facilitating entry for those visiting the UK from Indo-Pacific partner countries for purposes such as studying, teaching or doing business. (Paragraph 132) Tilting horizons: the Integrated Review and the Indo-Pacific 71 ASEAN

We recommend that the Government examine current visa procedures with a view to facilitating entry for those visiting the UK from Indo-Pacific partner countries for purposes such as studying, teaching or doing business. (Paragraph 132) Tilting horizons: the Integrated Review …

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29 Jun 2023 | Committee report linked

The Department should publish an updated Careers Strategy, developed in consultation with other Departments and relevant stakeholders, by the end of 2024. This should include clear, measurable outcomes and dates by which these should be achieved, including targets for increasing the number of schools achieving the Gatsby benchmarks in full.

The Department should publish an updated Careers Strategy, developed in consultation with other Departments and relevant stakeholders, by the end of 2024. This should include clear, measurable outcomes and dates by which these should be achieved, including targets for increasing …

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26 Jun 2023 | Committee report Department for Education Department for the Economy (Northern Ireland) Department of Health (Northern Ireland) Scottish Government Welsh Government linked

UK Education Ministers Council Communiqué: 8 June 2023

In response to: Communiqués from the Interministerial Group for Education: January 2022 to June 2023

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15 Jun 2022 | Committee report linked

We are concerned that the financial sustainability of some providers is being put at risk by their heavy dependence on their ability to continue growing overseas student numbers. Many providers are already highly dependent on cross-subsidy to make up deficits in publicly funded teaching and research. Much of this subsidy comes from income from overseas students’ fees; in 2019–20, there were more than 340,000 overseas students at English providers, almost half of whom came from China or India....

We are concerned that the financial sustainability of some providers is being put at risk by their heavy dependence on their ability to continue growing overseas student numbers. Many providers are already highly dependent on cross-subsidy to make up deficits …

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15 Jun 2022 | Committee report linked

The OfS assured us that it consulted widely on changes to its regulatory framework and holds meetings and workshops with stakeholder groups. However, there is no routine way in which it captures structured stakeholder feedback through which it can gather the views of regulated bodies on its own performance. It told us that it planned to ask for more systematic feedback through a survey, which will provide comparable data against which it can benchmark itself each year.23 Providers’ financial ...

The OfS assured us that it consulted widely on changes to its regulatory framework and holds meetings and workshops with stakeholder groups. However, there is no routine way in which it captures structured stakeholder feedback through which it can gather …

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15 Jun 2022 | Committee report linked

The medium- and long-term financial sustainability of some providers is heavily dependent on continued growth in student numbers, particularly overseas students. In 2018, providers forecasted that the number of non-EU students would grow by 29% between the 2019/20 and 2024/25 academic years, compared with a 17% increase in UK student numbers and a 31% fall in the number of EU students. The OfS told us that it monitored providers’ student number projections closely to check whether they were c...

The medium- and long-term financial sustainability of some providers is heavily dependent on continued growth in student numbers, particularly overseas students. In 2018, providers forecasted that the number of non-EU students would grow by 29% between the 2019/20 and 2024/25 …

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15 Jun 2022 | Committee report linked

The Department described the responsibility for maximising international student participation as being a shared one between government as a whole and individual institutions. We expressed concern about potential tensions between the aims of the Department, along with the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, to see more students coming from overseas and the efforts of the Home Office to control migration. The Department told us that it worked closely with the Home Office o...

The Department described the responsibility for maximising international student participation as being a shared one between government as a whole and individual institutions. We expressed concern about potential tensions between the aims of the Department, along with the Department for …

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15 Jun 2022 | Written evidence linked

We received written evidence from the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS), which told us that it also projected growth in recruitment of both domestic 18-year-olds and international students between now and 2026. UCAS projected that the 2026 admissions cycle would have one million applicants compared with just over 700,000 in 2021. About 40% of this increase would be attributable to growth in demand from UK 18- year-olds (driven by increases in both application rates and the p...

We received written evidence from the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS), which told us that it also projected growth in recruitment of both domestic 18-year-olds and international students between now and 2026. UCAS projected that the 2026 admissions cycle …

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15 Jun 2022 | Written evidence linked

In 2019–20, more than 340,000 overseas students came from 204 countries worldwide (excluding the EU and UK): 35% of those came from China and 14% from India.30 We received written evidence from Universities UK that this income stream may be subject to pressure from wider concerns, with overreliance on certain countries that may leave UK universities vulnerable to competition and concerns about global affairs.31 The Department told us that it was seeking to encourage providers to diversify the...

In 2019–20, more than 340,000 overseas students came from 204 countries worldwide (excluding the EU and UK): 35% of those came from China and 14% from India.30 We received written evidence from Universities UK that this income stream may be …

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28 May 2021 | Committee report linked

Public sector funding for higher education in Scotland has reduced by 12% in real terms in seven years. In addition, despite the policy of free tuition for Scottish students, and a cap on Scottish student numbers, only 90% of the costs of teaching Scottish students at Scottish universities are covered by the Scottish Government. We recognise that this leaves a 10% gap in funding that must be filled via alternative means. The main way Scottish universities fill this gap is through internationa...

Public sector funding for higher education in Scotland has reduced by 12% in real terms in seven years. In addition, despite the policy of free tuition for Scottish students, and a cap on Scottish student numbers, only 90% of the …

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28 May 2021 | Committee report linked

EU students paying international student rates can provide a new and potentially lucrative income stream for Scottish universities, though this new income stream may face the same risks posed to fees from international students. Although applications from EU students have dropped by about 40% for 2021–22 (that year being the first year that EU students will pay the new rates), this is a lower drop than many in the sector had feared, and Scottish universities will now receive four to five time...

EU students paying international student rates can provide a new and potentially lucrative income stream for Scottish universities, though this new income stream may face the same risks posed to fees from international students. Although applications from EU students have …

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28 May 2021 | Committee report linked

Scottish universities are dependent on immigration decisions made at UK-level but have limited opportunities to influence those decision-making processes. Given that the UK and Scottish Governments both recognise the importance of reflecting Scottish interests in UK immigration policies, the UK Government should submit a full formal response to our predecessor Committee’s Report of 4 July 2018 on Immigration and Scotland, which covered the immigration issues associated with international stud...

Scottish universities are dependent on immigration decisions made at UK-level but have limited opportunities to influence those decision-making processes. Given that the UK and Scottish Governments both recognise the importance of reflecting Scottish interests in UK immigration policies, the UK …

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28 May 2021 | Committee report linked

Scottish universities are inherently international institutions; international collaborations play a big part in their successes. In addition, Scottish universities act as much-valued international hubs in their local communities, bringing important cultural benefits. Scottish universities’ internationalisation agenda should therefore be supported. The UK Government has a major role to play in this in terms of how it develops its foreign and immigration policies. The UK Government should be p...

Scottish universities are inherently international institutions; international collaborations play a big part in their successes. In addition, Scottish universities act as much-valued international hubs in their local communities, bringing important cultural benefits. Scottish universities’ internat

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28 May 2021 | Committee report linked

Universities Scotland have noted that a strong component of Scottish universities’ internationalisation strategy has been their drive to increase the number of international students: each year more than 58,000 international students from 180 countries (including from the EU) study in Scotland.95 In 2018, this made up about a quarter of the total student population.96 The RSE Young Academy of Scotland informed us that, as a result, Scotland has a high proportion of international students rela...

Universities Scotland have noted that a strong component of Scottish universities’ internationalisation strategy has been their drive to increase the number of international students: each year more than 58,000 international students from 180 countries (including from the EU) study in …

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28 May 2021 | Committee report linked

The Scottish Funding Council says it is clear that universities in Scotland “need” international students as a source of income in order to remain financially sustainable and to support other areas of their operation.103 Throughout our inquiry we have heard similar messages from our witnesses. In the view of Professor Rebecca Lunn, Head of the Centre for Ground Engineering and Energy Geosciences, University of Strathclyde, cross- subsidy of teaching from international fees “leaves us in rathe...

The Scottish Funding Council says it is clear that universities in Scotland “need” international students as a source of income in order to remain financially sustainable and to support other areas of their operation.103 Throughout our inquiry we have heard …

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28 May 2021 | Committee report linked

Rt Hon Alister Jack MP, Secretary of State for Scotland, also recognised the reliance of Scottish universities on international students: Scotland’s education sector should, in the first instance, exist to support Scottish and [rest of the UK] domiciled students and the long-term contribution that they will make to economic growth. The sector still has much to do on widening access, yet is effectively selling places on the international market in order to sustain itself. International partici...

Rt Hon Alister Jack MP, Secretary of State for Scotland, also recognised the reliance of Scottish universities on international students: Scotland’s education sector should, in the first instance, exist to support Scottish and [rest of the UK] domiciled students and …

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28 May 2021 | Committee report linked

In early 2020 there were major fears that international students would stay away from UK universities due to the pandemic. In July 2020 there were forecasts that 12% to 61% of Chinese students (who make up the biggest single contingent of overseas students) could cancel their places at UK universities for the following academic year.112 Universities Scotland calculated that a 50% drop in Scottish universities’ intake of international (non- EU) students in would have resulted in Scottish unive...

In early 2020 there were major fears that international students would stay away from UK universities due to the pandemic. In July 2020 there were forecasts that 12% to 61% of Chinese students (who make up the biggest single contingent …

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28 May 2021 | Committee report linked

The current picture regarding international student numbers looks much more encouraging than it did in mid-2020. UCAS data117 from 18 February 2021 shows that applications to Scottish universities for the next academic year by non-EU international students has—despite many expectations in 2020—increased by 27% (to 6,100), which 110 Q232 111 Secretary of State at the Scotland Office (USC0011) 112 “Covid fears putting off Chinese students from UK”, BBC News, 15 July 2020 113 Universities Scotla...

The current picture regarding international student numbers looks much more encouraging than it did in mid-2020. UCAS data117 from 18 February 2021 shows that applications to Scottish universities for the next academic year by non-EU international students has—despite many expectations …

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28 May 2021 | Committee report linked

Although international students do not seem to be staying away from Scotland like many had feared, commenters have noted that the pandemic has demonstrated just how vulnerable the current model is.120 Richard Lochhead MSP told us that “it has been a bit of a wake-up call for the institutions”.121 Whereas usually the SFC are most concerned about income of Scotland’s modern universities, the pandemic caused a situation where some of the “larger, more established institutions are much more chall...

Although international students do not seem to be staying away from Scotland like many had feared, commenters have noted that the pandemic has demonstrated just how vulnerable the current model is.120 Richard Lochhead MSP told us that “it has been …

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28 May 2021 | Committee report linked

A further potential risk to international student numbers in Scotland is, as identified by the RSE Young Academy of Scotland, the impact of—and the perception abroad of— UK immigration policies. They view this risk as having already materialised, and give the example of Indian students, where the UK saw a 58% drop in numbers between 2010–11 and 2016–17.124 The RSE Young Academy of Scotland argue that: With a wide range of destinations available on the international education market, Scotland ...

A further potential risk to international student numbers in Scotland is, as identified by the RSE Young Academy of Scotland, the impact of—and the perception abroad of— UK immigration policies. They view this risk as having already materialised, and give …

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28 May 2021 | Committee report linked

Universities UK has outlined the steps they believe the UK Government should take in order to help stabilise EU/European Economic Area (EEA) student demand. These include: • “Improving and extending the Study UK campaign into key markets in Europe by coordinating existing campaigns currently in European markets and increasing investment in Study UK to £20 million a year.” • “Providing targeted financial support for EU students such as through an expanded or newly developed EU scholarship offe...

Universities UK has outlined the steps they believe the UK Government should take in order to help stabilise EU/European Economic Area (EEA) student demand. These include: • “Improving and extending the Study UK campaign into key markets in Europe by …

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28 May 2021 | Committee report linked

Each year more than 58,000 international students from 180 countries study in Scotland.167 In 2018, this made up about a quarter of the total student population.168 Professor Chris Pearce, University of Glasgow, told us that international students “enrich the diversity of our campuses”.169 Professor Nigel Seaton, Abertay University, was “determined to emphasise the value of interactions culturally, in terms of the shared experience of all our students”.170 Rachel Sandison, University of Glasg...

Each year more than 58,000 international students from 180 countries study in Scotland.167 In 2018, this made up about a quarter of the total student population.168 Professor Chris Pearce, University of Glasgow, told us that international students “enrich the diversity …

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28 May 2021 | Committee report linked

During our inquiry a number of witnesses, including Minister Lochhead, spoke to us about the importance to prospective international students of making sure that immigration policies—which are reserved to the UK Government—are as streamlined and as simple as possible.176 In addition, the RSE Young Academy of Scotland made the point to us that the perception—not just the reality—of UK immigration policies was also important and that factors like Brexit can play into those perceptions.177 As ba...

During our inquiry a number of witnesses, including Minister Lochhead, spoke to us about the importance to prospective international students of making sure that immigration policies—which are reserved to the UK Government—are as streamlined and as simple as possible.176 In …

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28 May 2021 | Committee report linked

Richard Lochhead MSP, Scottish Minister for Further Education, Higher Education and Science, told us that: We do work with the UK Government, and the UK Government have been speaking to us. There will be lots more discussions because these are the very early stages of post-Brexit Britain, so we will continue to work with the UK Government on what they can do to support us. [ … ] What is important to me is that the Scottish brand is protected, because we have a very powerful 184 Q45 185 Scotti...

Richard Lochhead MSP, Scottish Minister for Further Education, Higher Education and Science, told us that: We do work with the UK Government, and the UK Government have been speaking to us. There will be lots more discussions because these are …

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28 May 2021 | Committee report linked

Scottish universities are dependent on immigration decisions made at UK-level but have limited opportunities to influence those decision-making processes. Given that the UK and Scottish Governments both recognise the importance of reflecting Scottish interests in UK immigration policies, the UK Government should submit a full formal response to our predecessor Committee’s Report of 4 July 2018 on Immigration and Scotland, which covered the immigration issues associated with international stud...

Scottish universities are dependent on immigration decisions made at UK-level but have limited opportunities to influence those decision-making processes. Given that the UK and Scottish Governments both recognise the importance of reflecting Scottish interests in UK immigration policies, the UK …

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28 May 2021 | Committee report linked

On 26 December 2020, two days after the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement was reached, the UK Government announced a new scheme for students to study and work abroad that would “replace the UK’s participation in Erasmus+”.202 Along with the announcement, the Government said: • The scheme will provide funding [£110 million203] for around 35,000 students in universities, colleges and schools to go on placements and exchanges overseas, starting in September 2021. • The scheme will target stu...

On 26 December 2020, two days after the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement was reached, the UK Government announced a new scheme for students to study and work abroad that would “replace the UK’s participation in Erasmus+”.202 Along with the …

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28 May 2021 | Committee report linked

In the Government’s view the UK “could achieve the same benefits [as Erasmus+] with Turing”, but could also improve upon it by “looking at the global reach of it to widen participation”.226 Minister Stewart told us that it was about: [ … ] how we extend the benefits, reaching Commonwealth countries, the Americas, the Far East, which Erasmus did not cover, widening the participation and having a nimbler scheme. [ … ] We also need that greater flexibility to underpin many of the links that univ...

In the Government’s view the UK “could achieve the same benefits [as Erasmus+] with Turing”, but could also improve upon it by “looking at the global reach of it to widen participation”.226 Minister Stewart told us that it was about: …

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28 May 2021 | Committee report linked

In relation to the importance of inward, rather than just outward exchanges, Minister Stewart said, “I absolutely get the value of these exchanges in both directions”228 and: In terms of students coming here, what we are also working on—and Scottish universities have a representation in this—is the International Education Strategy, which will conclude in the summer. That is looking at deepening the various partnerships that come in both directions.229 He also said that the International Educa...

In relation to the importance of inward, rather than just outward exchanges, Minister Stewart said, “I absolutely get the value of these exchanges in both directions”228 and: In terms of students coming here, what we are also working on—and Scottish …

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28 May 2021 | Committee report linked

Professor Nigel Seaton, Abertay University, told us that higher education is “fundamentally international”.324 Universities Scotland have also stated that “internationalisation is top of the agenda for Scottish universities”325 and, in July 2020, they published a report on the importance of internationalisation for Scottish universities.326 The RSE Young Academy of Scotland point out that one of the key reasons behind Scotland’s internalisation agenda is that “with a population growth rate be...

Professor Nigel Seaton, Abertay University, told us that higher education is “fundamentally international”.324 Universities Scotland have also stated that “internationalisation is top of the agenda for Scottish universities”325 and, in July 2020, they published a report on the importance of …

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28 May 2021 | Committee report linked

In terms of ensuring that the UK remains an attractive place to work in for international academics, Iain Stewart MP, Minister for Scotland, highlighted to us that the Government is working on an International Education Strategy, headed up by Sir Steve Smith, “that is looking at the whole piece of making the UK academically a hugely attractive place to come and work and study” (and is due to conclude in the summer of 2021).337

In terms of ensuring that the UK remains an attractive place to work in for international academics, Iain Stewart MP, Minister for Scotland, highlighted to us that the Government is working on an International Education Strategy, headed up by Sir …

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28 May 2021 | Committee report linked

Scottish universities are inherently international institutions; international collaborations play a big part in their successes. In addition, Scottish universities act as much-valued international hubs in their local communities, bringing important cultural benefits. Scottish universities’ internationalisation agenda should therefore be supported. The UK Government has a major role to play in this in terms of how it develops its foreign and immigration policies. The UK Government should be p...

Scottish universities are inherently international institutions; international collaborations play a big part in their successes. In addition, Scottish universities act as much-valued international hubs in their local communities, bringing important cultural benefits. Scottish universities’ internat

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