June 2023
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This conference brought together key stakeholders and policymakers to examine next steps for international students in the UK, looking at recruitment and competitiveness, and providing the best experience, including employment opportunities.
It followed ongoing conversations in government on potential reforms to the student visa, against a backdrop of policy developments around meeting UK skills needs and addressing levels of net migration.
The conference was a timely opportunity to consider:
- the role of international students in UK higher education, including in funding and financial sustainability
- current trends and dynamics of international student recruitment
- priorities for the sector and government going forward
We are pleased to have been able to include a keynote session with Anne-Marie Graham, Chief Executive, UKCISA, on the changing trends in international student expectations and what this means for individual providers and the sector as a whole - as well as keynote contributions from Lord Jo Johnson, former Universities Minister 2015-2019; and Matthew Robb, Partner and Education Strategist, EY-Parthenon Strategy.
Sessions in the agenda included:
- international students in UK: their role in higher education going forward
- strategic and financial issues: HE sector dependence on international students - cross subsidisation - priorities for domestic funding
- recruitment strategies: international market trends, dynamics and emerging markets - UK competitive advantages - tailoring strategies to build on provider positioning, missions and strengths
- student experience: expectations and how they can be met - support - tackling harassment and isolation - priorities for teaching - international competitors - best practice
- careers and employability: visa changes and immigration rules - international students in UK skills strategy - internship and work experiences - improving careers information advice and guidance
The conference was an opportunity for stakeholders to consider the issues alongside key policy officials who attended from the DBT; Department for the Economy, NI; DfE; DLUHC; DWP; FCDO; Home Office; The Scottish Government; and the Welsh Government.
