India has been identified as a key focus country in Britain’s new 'International Education Strategy', released on Tuesday, as the UK aims to grow the value of its education exports to 40 billion pounds a year by 2030. The strategy sets out measures to expand the global reach of UK education and revise how overseas growth is pursued.
The UK government has formed a new Education Sector Action Group to work with the International Education Champion, universities, colleges and schools. The group will focus on removing trade barriers and expanding education and skills offerings in growth markets.
Under the revised approach, the UK has removed targets on the number of overseas students recruited by domestic institutions. The focus now shifts to growing education exports abroad, including through international campuses.
“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,” the strategy stated.
Brazil, Mexico and Pakistan have also been added to the list of emerging economies targeted to expand the global reach of UK education.
“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.
The strategy highlights the University of Southampton as the first foreign university to set up a campus in India under new University Grants Commission regulations. Its Gurugram campus is flagged as a centre for research, innovation and teaching and described as 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.
“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.
Alongside economic goals, the strategy aims to strengthen Britain’s global soft power through long-term education partnerships. The Department for Education said British universities count more than 50 current world leaders among their graduates, with official estimates showing international students contribute around 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.
The government said universities will be subject to tougher compliance standards, with action such as recruitment caps or licence revocation for those that fail to meet them. International student recruitment will continue to align with the UK’s migration and visa framework, and the strategy said the integrity of the Graduate Route will be maintained, with “firm action” against those who breach st...
Source Name : Economic Times