Prime Highlights:
- The UK Home Office will join the action group for the international education strategy.
- The plan aims to boost education exports and improve global standing by 2030.
Key Facts:
- The strategy targets $40 billion in education exports each year by 2030.
- The plan is led by key UK departments including education, trade, and foreign affairs.
Background:
Sir Steve Smith has confirmed that the UK Home Office will be part of a key action group set up to deliver the country’s international education strategy. He shared this update while speaking at The PIE Live Europe 2026 event in London.
The updated strategy aims to grow education exports to $40 billion a year by 2030, ensure steady and responsible recruitment of international students, and strengthen the UK’s global position in education. It also plans to reduce paperwork for transnational education partnerships.
The strategy has been prepared by the Department for Business and Trade, the Department for Education, and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. Earlier, there were concerns about the Home Office not being involved. Smith confirmed that both the Home Office and Cabinet Office will now be part of ESAG, alongside other key departments and devolved administrations. This is expected to improve coordination across government and bring some relief to universities dealing with visa delays and tighter compliance rules.
Smith did caution, however, that visa restrictions could increase in the coming months as the government pushes ahead with migration controls. He added that more details on ESAG’s membership will be shared soon, with invitations going out to key stakeholders shortly.
Once the group is fully formed, action plans are expected within 100 days to give the education sector a clear direction and outline how universities and educators can play their part in delivering the strategy.
