Sign In
By signing in or creating an account, you agree with Associated Broadcasting Company's Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.
By signing in or creating an account, you agree with Associated Broadcasting Company's Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.
New Delhi: India has emerged as a key partner in the United Kingdom’s newly released International Education Strategy, as Britain plans its education exports to 40 billion pounds annually by the year 2030. The strategy highlights how the UK plans to expand the global reach of its education sector and strengthen partnerships across top international markets.
Released recently on Tuesday, the strategy marks a shift in approach moving away from targets on overseas student numbers and instead focusing on education exports, international campuses and long-term global partnerships. India plays a major role in this revised vision.
The UK government has created a new Education Sector Action Group to work alongside the International Education Champion, universities, colleges and schools. The group will work to remove trade barriers and expand education and skills offerings in high-growth markets.
The International Education Strategy said, 'The International Education Champion, Professor Sir Steve Smith, will continue to remove barriers to education partnerships by engaging with his current focus countries of India, Indonesia, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia and Vietnam.'
Along with India, the UK has added Brazil, Mexico and Pakistan to its list of emerging economies where it aims to expand the global presence of British education.
Under the revised vision, the UK has eliminated targets on the number of international students studying within the country. Instead, the focus is on growing education exports abroad including through the establishment of international campuses.
'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,' UK Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said.
As per the strategy, the University of Southampton as the first foreign university to establish a campus in India under the new University Grants Commission regulations. Its Gurugram campus is highlighted as a centre for research, innovation and teaching and is called a 'significant achievement.' The document also points to nine new British university campuses announced by Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Keir Starmer in October 2025.
'Education exports are a major UK success story, and we're on track to grow the sector to 40 billion pounds by 2030, powered by world-leading providers driving digital learning, AI-enabled innovation and future skills development,' UK Minister for Trade Chris Bryant said.
While promoting global expansion, the UK government said universities will face tougher compliance standards including recruitment caps or licence revocation for those that fail to meet the requirements. International student recruitment will continue to align with the UK’s migration and visa framework.
'With a world-class system and deep international partnerships, the UK is exceptionally placed to expand its global footprint and ensure that this country's education continues to set the standard worldwide,' he said.
The strategy also aims to strengthen Britain’s global soft power. The Department for Education noted that British universities have educated more than 50 current world leaders and international students contribute an estimated 560 pounds in benefits to every UK citizen.
'Generations of world leaders, top scientists and great cultural figures have benefited from some form of UK education creating lasting partnerships and strengthening links between countries.
Through this ambitious strategy, we will grow education exports and work with our diplomatic network and the British Council to strengthen education systems around the world,' said Baroness Jennifer Chapman, a minister at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.
