UK Drops International Student Enrolment Targets, Shifts Focus to £40 Billion Education Exports by 2030

According to a news report by The Guardian, “UK government replaces recruitment goal with plan to increase ‘education exports’ to £40 billion a year by 2030.”

The UK government has announced a big change in its international education strategy. The new education policy omits the numerical targets and alters the perspective on the expansion of its overseas presence. 

The policy is announced by the Department for Education (DfE). The officials highlighted that the main focus of this is to grow UK education exports to £40 billion by 2030. The reform will also pivot towards UK universities and colleges to encourage them to expand globally by establishing international campuses and academic partnerships. From now on, UK universities are directed not to rely on heavy student migration. Study in UK is now undergoing sharp changes.

Taking a slightly different direction, University of East Anglia announced International PG Merit Scholarship for the 2026-27 Intake.

UK Drops International Student Enrolment Targets

In 2019, Brittain set a target of admitting 600,000 international students annually by 2030. But as the new policy comes out of the pipeline, the UK has scrapped its earlier goal. It is noteworthy that this target was achieved in advance. 

It translates that the new UK international education strategy removes all benchmarks of international student enrolment. Why is it a high-stakes issue? Because, as the UK is no longer concerned with welcoming a higher number of international students in its education system, the uncertainty rises for those who seek admission in the UK, especially Indian students.

If we consider the overall context, it's a time in the Uk where the grip has tightened on immigration and political practices are trying to control it. Let's take a macro look and zoom out through the data. According to the recent UK Home Office, monthly international student visa applications have reduced to 30,000. So it's already indicating that the Whitehall has increased scrutiny and compliance rules.

If you are also appearing for the 2026 intake, read this carefully: Eligibility Criteria to Study in UK.

Education Exports to Reach £40 Billion by 2030

What does the latest data suggest about the UK Education system?

• Education remains one of the UK’s largest export sectors. 
• It contributes around £32 billion a year to the economy. 
• Approx. 75% of this revenue comes from higher education, from leading UK universities.

The new strategy aims to revamp the education exports to £40 billion per year by 2030. And what will be the means? 

• Not by increasing the number of international students in the UK.
• But by taking British education abroad.

“This approach removes targets on international student numbers in the UK and shifts the focus towards growing education exports overseas,” the DfE said.

University of Glasgow Scholarship 2026 for Indian Students

Focus Shifts to Overseas Delivery of UK Education

The revised UK education policy’s foundation is the global footprint of British educational institutions. They are urged to:

• Set up overseas campuses.
• Partner with foreign universities.
• Deliver UK degrees in new international markets.

The government plans these benefits:

• Diversify income streams
• Strengthen global partnerships
• Extend access to UK education to overseas learners who may never come to Britain.

Around 6,20,000 students are enrolled in UK university courses in 200 countries.

Top 5 US Universities with Fully Funded Scholarship Programs.

Stricter Compliance for International Student Admission

Regulation and accountability will play a bigger role in the UK’s education reform.

Under the new framework:

• Universities must meet compliance standards.
• If failed, they may face recruitment caps.
• Universities could lose their licence to sponsor international students in the UK if the rules are violated frequently.

The changes follow the introduction of a new £925 annual levy on international students. It was announced in last year’s autumn budget.

What This Means for Overseas Learners?

The new UK international education strategy brings opportunities and challenges for prospective students:

• Uncertainty due to no enrolment targets.
• Selective admissions at UK colleges.
• Increased UK degrees, delivered abroad.
• Cost will be lower.
• Less pressure to relocate. 

Outlook for International Students in the UK

Visa numbers are falling, but demand remains strong. UCAS data shows international UG applications rose 2.2% in 2025. Chinese students were at the top.

The evolved UK education policy asks one question to international students: What matters to them? 

• Traditional on-campus study or 
• The growing availability of UK education (closer to home).

But the message is crystal clear. The UK is still open, but the rules are changing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ques: What are the eligibility criteria to study in the UK?

Ans: The eligibility to study in UK are discussed briefly:

• Academic requirements for the chosen course
• English language proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL/PTE)
• Offer letter and CAS from a UK university
• Financial proof to cover tuition fees and living costs
• Student visa requirements
• A valid passport and health surcharge

Ques: What is the new education policy in the UK?

Ans: Some of the major changes are as follows:

• Tighter intakes in Uk universities.
• Overseas degrees offered by universities
• Citizenship compulsory 
• Media literacy 
• Financial literacy
• Learn law and rights, democracy and government
• Climate education

Ques: Is education free in UK?

Ans: Only primary and secondary education is free in UK (for residents). For higher education, the fees are significant.