The government has abandoned its target for international student numbers in the UK, instead focusing on encouraging universities to set up hubs abroad. The new international education strategy aims to increase global “education exports” to £40bn a year by 2030, replacing the previous goal of recruiting 600,000 international students annually.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said the shift would allow universities to diversify income and strengthen global partnerships. “By expanding overseas, our universities can give millions more access to a world-class UK education on their doorstep, all whilst boosting growth at home,” she said. The Department for Education also announced tougher compliance standards for students coming to the UK, with potential caps and licence revocations for universities that fail to meet them.
However, the National Union of Students UK criticised the move. President Amira Campbell said students wanted to “learn alongside our peers rather than being on different continents”. She stressed that international students bring skills and experience beyond economic value, and urged the government to ensure high-quality teaching across all campuses, including those abroad.
The number of sponsored study visas granted fell 18% in the year to June 2025, to 431,725. Meanwhile, Ucas reported a 2.2% rise in international undergraduate applications, with a record number from China. About 620,000 students are currently registered with UK universities overseas.
Universities UK warmly welcomed the strategy, with President Prof Malcolm Press saying it “signals a renewed commitment to fostering the global reach, reputation and impact of our universities”. The government will establish an education sector action group to help institutions overcome barriers to overseas expansion.
