London, UK, January 20 (ANI): The United Kingdom has unveiled a new International Education Strategy aimed at expanding the global reach of UK education and growing education exports to GBP 40 billion annually by 2030. India has been identified as one of five key focus countries for the UK’s International Education Champion.
According to an official press release, the strategy seeks to support British education providers in delivering UK education overseas, targeting both new and expanding markets. India has been designated a priority country by Professor Sir Steve Smith, the UK’s International Education Champion, reflecting the increasing importance of educational cooperation between the two nations.
The strategy shifts focus from international student recruitment in the UK to expanding education exports overseas, including transnational education, international partnerships, digital learning, and overseas campuses. Education is already one of the UK’s largest export sectors, contributing GBP 32 billion to the economy annually.
Education cooperation is a central pillar of the UK-India partnership outlined in Vision 2035, agreed upon by the Prime Ministers of both countries last year. India is seeking to significantly expand its higher education capacity, aiming to cater to nearly 40 million students, with an estimated need for 30 million additional student places. Nine UK universities are expected to establish campuses in India.
UK Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said the strategy demonstrates the government’s commitment to driving economic growth while strengthening global partnerships. “UK education is one of our most valuable exports, and this strategy backs the sector to go even further—underlining our commitment to fuel UK growth. 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 while boosting growth at home,” she said.
Minister for Trade Chris Bryant added that the UK is well-positioned to expand its education footprint worldwide through innovation, digital learning, and skills development. “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,” he stated.
The strategy also aims to enhance the UK’s global soft power by deepening long-term international relationships through education. It includes measures to reduce regulatory barriers for providers expanding overseas and the creation of an Education Sector Action Group to help unlock new markets.
The UK government said the initiative will support jobs and investment at home while providing students worldwide, including in India, access to world-class UK education closer to home. The strategy also expands opportunities for UK students to study, work, and volunteer abroad, with confirmation of a sixth year of the Turing Scheme to support international placements.
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