The UK government has unveiled a sweeping new International Education Strategy aimed at turning British education into a £40 billion-a-year global export by the end of the decade,

positioning the sector as a central pillar of economic growth, jobs and global influence.

Published on 20 January 2026, the strategy forms part of the government’s wider plan for national renewal and marks a clear shift in how the UK promotes its world-leading education offer overseas. Ministers say the ambition is to help universities, colleges and schools expand internationally, reach new markets and meet rising global demand for high-quality education and skills.

Education is already one of the UK’s most valuable exports, contributing around £32 billion annually to the economy – more than the automotive or food and drink industries. It includes everything from international students studying in the UK to British schools and universities operating overseas, as well as UK qualifications, training programmes and digital learning sold abroad.

Under the new strategy, the government is dropping numerical targets for international students coming to the UK, instead placing greater emphasis on growing education exports overseas. Providers will be encouraged and supported to establish campuses abroad, build long-term partnerships, and deliver UK education in new and expanding markets.

Ministers say this approach will help institutions diversify their income, strengthen their business models and widen access to British qualifications – all while supporting jobs and investment at home.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said:  “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 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”.

The £40 billion target is based on strong recent growth, driven by rising international enrolments, expanding transnational education and the rapid growth of digital learning and future-skills training.

 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”.

Beyond economics, the strategy is also designed to strengthen the UK’s global soft power. More than 50 current world leaders are alumni of UK universities, underlining the long-term influence of British education worldwide.

To support expansion, UK ambassadors will act as local education champions overseas, while a new Education Sector Action Group will work with universities, colleges and schools to remove barriers to international trade and growth.

International students already contribute an estimated £560 per person to every UK citizen, according to government figures. At the same time, ministers stressed that standards will be tightened to ensure only genuine students come to the UK. Universities will face tougher compliance rules, with penalties including recruitment caps or loss of licences for those that fail to meet them.

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”.

The government estimates around 620,000 students are already enrolled in UK higher education overseas, across campuses and distance-learning programmes in nearly 200 countries and territories.

The strategy also signals a renewed push on skills and technical education, with colleges encouraged to expand internationally and work more closely with businesses to meet global demand for high-quality training.

Finally, the government confirmed a sixth year of the Turing Scheme to support UK students studying, working or volunteering abroad, alongside plans for the UK to rejoin the Erasmus+ programme in 2027.

Ministers say the message is clear: as global demand for education accelerates, the UK intends not just to keep pace, but to lead. Photo by ptwo from France and India, Wikimedia commons.