UK Unveils Bold £40bn Strategy to Supercharge Global Education Exports by 2030

The UK government has launched an ambitious new International Education Strategy, positioning education at the heart of its plan for national renewal and long-term economic growth. With a target to grow education exports to £40 billion a year by 2030, the strategy signals a decisive shift in how the UK engages with global education markets, placing greater emphasis on overseas delivery, partnerships, and transnational education.

Education is already one of the UK’s most valuable export sectors, contributing £32 billion annually to the economy, outperforming industries such as automotive manufacturing and the food and drink sector. Ministers now believe the sector can grow substantially further, driven by rising global demand for high-quality education, skills training, and digital learning.

A Strategic Shift from Domestic Recruitment to Global Expansion

Unlike the previous International Education Strategy published in 2019, the new approach removes numerical targets for international students coming to the UK. While the government has reiterated that international students remain welcome, the emphasis has shifted toward exporting UK education overseas.

This includes:

• UK universities, colleges, and schools delivering education abroad
• Expansion of transnational education (TNE), including branch campuses and joint programmes
• Growth in UK qualifications, professional training, and digital learning is being sold internationally

By focusing on overseas delivery, the strategy aims to ensure that students around the world can access a world-class UK education closer to home, while UK providers benefit from more diversified and resilient income streams.

Education as an Engine of Economic Growth

As part of the government’s wider Plan for Change, education is being positioned as a key driver of jobs, investment, and innovation. Ministers argue that expanding education exports will:

• Support employment across the UK
  
  
• Strengthen university and college finances
• Increase inward investment linked to education and skills
• Enhance the UK’s global competitiveness

International students studying in the UK already contribute the equivalent of around £560 per UK citizen, highlighting the sector’s direct and indirect economic impact.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson described the strategy as a decisive step to “fuel UK growth,” enabling providers to diversify income, strengthen global partnerships, and extend access to UK education worldwide, while still delivering economic benefits at home.

Removing Barriers and Cutting Red Tape

A central pillar of the strategy is reducing regulatory and administrative barriers that can limit overseas expansion. The government has committed to:

• Supporting providers to navigate local regulations abroad
• Cutting red tape that restricts international delivery
• Identifying priority growth markets through diplomatic channels

UK ambassadors overseas will act as Local Education Champions, helping to identify partnership opportunities and promote UK education systems in key regions.

A new Education Sector Action Group, working alongside the International Education Champion and education providers, will address barriers to trade and support institutions seeking to expand internationally.

Strengthening Global Influence Through Education

Beyond economic impact, the strategy places strong emphasis on education as a source of global soft power. UK universities count more than 50 current world leaders among their alumni, underlining the long-term diplomatic and cultural influence of UK education.

By expanding education partnerships overseas, the UK aims to:

• Build long-lasting international relationships
• Strengthen education systems globally
• Enhance its reputation as a trusted provider of high-quality learning

Foreign Office Minister Baroness Chapman highlighted the role of education in driving innovation, attracting investment, and forging deep international connections, supported by the UK’s diplomatic network and the British Council.

Backing Universities, Colleges, and Skills Providers

The strategy also marks a significant expansion in ambition for skills and technical education, recognising accelerating global demand for workforce training and future skills. By backing colleges and training providers to expand overseas, the government aims to position the UK as a global leader in skills development.

Trade Minister Chris Bryant emphasised that digital learning, AI-enabled education, and innovation in future skills will play a central role in achieving the £40bn target.

Currently, around 620,000 students are registered with UK universities overseas, across campuses and distance-learning programmes in nearly 200 countries and territories, a figure the government expects to grow substantially.

Compliance, Integrity, and Migration Control

Alongside expansion, the government has reinforced its commitment to maintaining the integrity of the international education system. New measures include:

• Toughened compliance standards for education providers
• Stronger oversight of student recruitment
• Sanctions for institutions that fail to meet regulatory requirements, including recruitment caps and license revocation

Ministers have linked these measures to broader migration reforms, noting that net migration has fallen to its lowest level in five years.

Opportunities for UK Students Abroad

The strategy also strengthens outbound mobility for UK students. A sixth year of the Turing Scheme has been confirmed, supporting opportunities for UK students to study, work, and volunteer overseas. In addition, the government has announced that the UK will rejoin the Erasmus+ programme in 2027, restoring access to one of Europe’s largest student exchange networks.

Sector Response and Outlook

Universities UK has welcomed the strategy, describing it as a clear framework for growth that enhances global reach, reputation, and impact. Sector leaders argue that international expansion will help universities diversify income, strengthen resilience, and maintain academic excellence amid financial pressures.

Conclusion

The UK’s new International Education Strategy represents a significant recalibration of how the country approaches global education. By shifting focus from domestic recruitment targets to overseas delivery, partnerships, and skills exports, the government aims to unlock £40 billion a year in education exports by 2030.

If successful, the strategy could strengthen the UK’s economy, global influence, and education sector resilience, ensuring that British education continues to set the standard worldwide in an increasingly competitive global market.