The UK Government has launched a new International Education Strategy targeting £40bn in education exports by 2030, with a focus on supporting jobs, investment, and global partnerships
The UK Government’s International Education Strategy aims to boost UK education exports to £40 billion by 2030 by enabling British schools, colleges, and universities to deliver UK-quality education overseas. The plan focuses on global partnerships, removing student number targets, and cutting red tape to unlock new markets and opportunities.
Government aims to boost UK education exports to £40bn by 2030
Education in the UK is one of the most valuable exports, bringing in £32 billion to the UK economy annually, making it worth more than the automotive and food and drink industries combined.
Education exports include UK schools, colleges, and universities delivering British education overseas, international students studying in the UK, and UK qualifications, training, and digital learning sold abroad.
The International Education Strategy calls on UK providers to capitalise on the UK’s education strengths and meet global demand for high-quality education. By removing restrictions on international student numbers, the strategy allows more students to benefit from UK education. It welcomes international students into the UK education system and supports providers in expanding overseas, giving top global students access to UK education and enhancing providers’ global reach.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said the strategy underlines the government’s support for the sector and UK growth.
“By expanding overseas, our universities, colleges, and education providers can diversify their income streams, strengthen global partnerships, and give millions more access to a world-class UK education on their doorstep, whilst boosting growth at home.
This strategy and our Plan for Change will drive growth that delivers for our economy and for communities across the UK, as well as our standing in the world.”
Global demand drives UK education growth
The £40 billion target reflects global demand for UK education, attracting international students and strengthening the UK’s reputation, while supporting the expansion of transnational education overseas to increase collaboration and access.
Minister for Trade Chris Bryant said: “Education exports are a major UK success story, and we’re on track to grow the sector to £40 billion by 2030, powered by world-leading providers driving digital learning, AI-enabled innovation and future skills development.
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.”
A new Education Sector Action Group will work with the International Education Champion, UK universities, colleges, and schools to help unblock barriers to trade and expand overseas.
Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office Minister Baroness Chapman said: “Our world-class universities and education providers are among the UK’s greatest assets, driving innovation, creating jobs, and attracting investment while forging strong connections across the globe.
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.”
Professor Malcolm Press CBE, President, Universities UK: “Universities UK warmly welcomes the UK Government’s new International Education Strategy.
It signals a renewed commitment to fostering the global reach, reputation and impact of our universities, and recognises the huge benefits this delivers to our global partners and to communities across the whole of the UK.
The new strategy provides a clear framework for growth and partnership that will benefit learners, the economy, and the UK’s international standing.”
