The UK Government has updated its international education strategy, reiterating their commitment to increase the numbers of international tertiary level of students studying within the UK to 600,000 and the 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 can 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 education agenda is more important than ever so we can start to build back better from the pandemic. Our world-class education is an important part of our economy and society, and we want to support schools, colleges, universities, and all other aspects of the education sector to thrive across the globe.”, University Minister Michelle Donelan said.
The strategy proposes multiple actions to be taken into 2021 to support the two key ambitions, which include
Reaching out to the world
The International education champion, Professor Sir Steve Smith, will open new international opportunities, develop global partnerships, and address barriers. Priority will be given to Indonesia, India Saudi Arabia, Nigeria, and Vietnam. The UK government has announced a new Turing Scheme for their global mobility and exchange in forging more international partnerships.
Free trade agreements
The teams of the Department for International and Trade (DIT) and the Department for Education (DfE) promote education in future Free trade agreements and ensure the sector’s views are represented properly.
Streamline application process for international students The Department for Education ensures that clearer, more accessible information will be 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 student’s experience
Along with sector bodies, the UK government is going to launch a new project to explore ‘what works’ for delivering a fulfilling academic experience within the UK.
Employability of international students
The strategy says that the UK Council for International Students, in collaboration with the Confederation of British Industry, Universities UK International, and other groups, will work towards increasing international students’ employability by educating them on the 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
Focus will be given to attracting and supporting the global UK alumni network as it brings value back to the UK by promoting the country for study, business and tourism 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.