TO BE PUBLISHED December 2026
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This conference will examine next steps for international students in UK higher education, with a focus on the implications of changes to immigration policy, recruitment and provider regulation for universities, students and the wider economy. Areas for discussion include the International Student Levy and institutional sustainability, student sponsor compliance and recruitment practice, the international student experience and protections, graduate employment and skills, and priorities for international partnerships and the UK's competitiveness as a study destination.
It will bring together stakeholders and policymakers to assess implications of the Government's International Education Strategy published in January 2026, alongside the introduction of strengthened student sponsor requirements in June, and the publication of draft legislation for the International Student Levy in July. Delegates will also discuss the forthcoming reduction of the Graduate Route to 18 months from January 2027, and examine the relationship between immigration policy, the Government's ambitions for education exports and the financial position of higher education institutions.
The potential impact on international student demand will be considered, alongside the viability of different recruitment models and universities' longer-term planning, as well as what this could mean for prospective and current students. The agenda will also explore how changes to the UK's international offer may affect graduate employment, research and academic collaboration, and the contribution of universities and international students to regional economies and local communities.
Further sessions will examine priorities for student protection and regulatory oversight, including the Office for Students' proposed Condition C6 on treating students fairly, and the development of international partnerships and transnational education. Discussion will consider the respective responsibilities of government, regulators and providers, alongside the interests of students, employers and other stakeholders in the UK's international higher education activities.
Finances, recruitment & institutional sustainability
The conference will examine implications of the proposed International Student Levy for universities in England, alongside wider pressures on international recruitment and institutional finances across the UK. Discussion will consider how providers are responding to changing demand and costs, and the choices facing institutions with differing student populations, financial positions and international activities.
Areas for discussion include:
- levy arrangements:
- the proposed £925 annual charge from August 2028 - the first 220 international students allowance
- scope and exemptions - OfS administration and trial calculations ahead of introduction
- financial implications:
- estimated liabilities and exposure across different institutions - effects on course provision, investment and financial planning
- the future contribution of international fee income
- market demand: affordability and price sensitivity - changing recruitment patterns, including postgraduate taught courses - competition from other study destinations
- recruitment strategies: diversification of source countries - course and country mix - admissions forecasting and recruitment costs - responsible use of education agents
- sector differences: implications for smaller and specialist providers - institutions and regions with high dependence on particular overseas markets - institutional capacity to adapt
- funding priorities: use of levy proceeds for maintenance grants and wider higher education and skills provision - cumulative costs of policy changes - longer-term financial sustainability
Student sponsor compliance & institutional accountability
Sessions will assess the operation of the revised student sponsor framework introduced in June 2026 and its implications for recruitment, admissions and institutional management. Delegates will consider the effectiveness and proportionality of the new arrangements, including the responsibilities of universities and other providers, the Home Office and education agents.
Areas for discussion include:
- compliance thresholds: tighter visa refusal and enrolment requirements - increase in the course completion threshold from June 2027 - implications for different provider and student profiles
- assessment & intervention:
- operation of red-amber-green ratings - use of improvement plans and restrictions on Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies allocations
- discretion, appeals and consistency of decision-making
- admissions practice: entry standards and application scrutiny - managing recruitment risk - implications for access and student choice
- agent oversight: application of the Agent Quality Framework - accountability for recruitment partners and sub-agents - information, transparency and ethical recruitment
- institutional responsibilities: data quality and monitoring - staff and administrative capacity - managing compliance without unnecessarily discouraging legitimate recruitment
- student consequences: effects of sponsor restrictions or licence withdrawal - communication, continuity of study and arrangements for students affected
Student protection & the international student experience
The experience of international students will be considered, from initial recruitment and arrival through to completion of their studies. The agenda will examine the responsibilities of providers and the effectiveness of student support and protection arrangements, taking account of the different circumstances and needs of students across the sector.
Areas for discussion include:
- information & expectations: clarity on course content, costs, accommodation and visa conditions - accuracy of pre-arrival advice - understanding of rights and responsibilities
- affordability & welfare: living costs and maintenance requirements - housing availability and standards - access to financial, wellbeing and pastoral support
- academic experience: integration into university life - teaching and language support - participation, belonging and student representation - differences between student cohorts
- fair treatment: implications of the OfS's proposed Condition C6 in England - student protection arrangements - complaints, redress and continuity of study
- quality & outcomes: retention and completion - academic standards and student expectations - identifying and responding to difficulties during study
- partnership provision: responsibilities for students taught through franchise and other delivery arrangements - oversight of provision and protections where courses or institutions change
International engagement, partnerships & competitiveness
The conference will also examine the UK's position in international higher education following the 2026 International Education Strategy, including its ambition to increase education exports to £40bn annually by 2030. Delegates will consider priorities for developing sustainable international relationships, the contribution of overseas provision, and the implications of policy and market developments for the UK's international standing.
Areas for discussion include:
- international competitiveness: attractiveness of the UK offer - fees, visa arrangements and student expectations - approaches taken by competing destinations
- global partnerships: developing and maintaining institutional relationships - academic collaboration and research links - opportunities in established and emerging markets
- transnational education: overseas campuses, partnerships and other delivery models - commercial viability, academic quality and institutional oversight
- education exports: priorities for growth under the International Education Strategy - diversification beyond student recruitment to the UK - contribution to institutions and the wider economy
- European cooperation: UK's return to Erasmus+ in 2027 - student and staff mobility - continued participation in Horizon Europe and research partnerships
- international reputation: confidence among prospective students and overseas partners - consistency of the UK's policy offer - maintaining long-term relationships
Graduate outcomes, skills & economic contribution
Further sessions assess implications of Graduate Route reform for international graduates, employers and universities, including the reduction to 18 months for most new applicants from January 2027. Sessions will consider the relationship between study, graduate employment and immigration requirements, alongside the economic and social contribution of international students during and after their studies.
Areas for discussion include:
- post-study opportunities: the shorter Graduate Route period - implications for student decisions and career planning - transitions into sponsored employment
- employer requirements: recruitment practices and sponsorship costs - access to international graduate talent - differing needs across sectors, occupations and regions
- graduate preparedness: careers guidance, work experience and employer engagement - understanding immigration requirements - supporting effective transitions into employment
- skills & research: international graduates' contribution to workforce needs, research and innovation - opportunities for retaining specialist expertise
- regional contribution: effects of international student expenditure and university activity on local economies - relationships with businesses, public services and communities
- long-term connections: alumni networks, international business and research relationships - the contribution of graduates returning overseas - links to trade and international cooperation
All delegates will be able to contribute to the output of the conference, which will be shared with parliamentary, ministerial, departmental and regulatory offices, and more widely. This includes the full proceedings and additional articles submitted by delegates. As well as key stakeholders, those already due to attend include officials from the Department for Education; Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade; Department for the Economy, NI; Intellectual Property Office; Government Legal Department; Home Office; and the Welsh Government.
