The UK government has announced and officially reappointed Sir Steve Smith as the International Education Champion, leading a review into the government’s International Education Strategy. This was conducted by the Department of Business and Trade in collaboration with the Department of Education to check on the effectiveness of the IES launched with the target of hosting 600,000 international higher education students by 2030—a target already surpassed by the 2020/21 academic year.
In a statement to the ministry, the government noted that with the recent change of administration, it would see that the review ensured the strategy remained a vital tool for upping education exports and opening a dialogue among stakeholders, businesses, and policymakers.
Sir Steve Smith, who will continue his four-year appointment as International Education Champion for another year. He was appointed in June 2020 and will renew his efforts to promote UK education on October 1. He was previously the Vice Chancellor of the University of Exeter, actively engaging with international education initiatives through more than 500 meetings and 22 overseas visits, the majority of which were involved in partnerships, especially in Saudi Arabia, Nigeria, and India.
The original IES aimed to get to £35 billion in education exports by 2030. The government pointed out how Sir Steve had seen the value of its education exports rise to £27.9 billion by the end of 2021 – the last year for which this data is available. I am absolutely delighted to continue as the UK’s International Education Champion, working alongside the government to maximize international opportunities across our world-leading education sector,” Sir Steve said. “It’s an important time for the sector, and I look forward to further developing the trusting relationships we have with partners worldwide.”.
Exports minister echoed the same by stating it has been well-positioned in terms of exporting educational services abroad. Sir Steve, indeed plays a crucial role in promoting UK educational services at international levels. Gareth Thomas said, “I want to see more UK educators exporting their brilliant services and promoting our high standards, which is why Sir Steve’s work is so crucial.”.
Despite these bright spots, the government has said that a ban on bringing dependents to the UK with master’s students will be maintained-a measure started by the previous administration, which cut student visa applications by 20%. The review of agent-based recruitment, which was previously announced, will continue, reflecting further evolution within the international education environment.
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