UK unveils international education strategy: a "diplomacy-led" path to £40bn in education exports

The UK government has unveiled its new International Education Strategy, titled "Excellence in Education, Partnerships for Growth," marking a significant shift toward a more integrated, diplomacy-led approach to global engagement.

One of the goals of this new strategy, which was unveiled on 20/01/2026, is the ambition to reach £40 billion (€45.97Bn) per year by 2030 in education exports. These include higher education, transnational education, English language training, education products and services, among other services.

Another standout is the education diplomacy approach. The policy, which is already in place in some regions, aims to drive collaboration with partner governments.

The UK government also intends to introduce an international student levy of £925 (€1,063) per student per year starting in the academic year 28-29, with the purpose of funding education for disadvantaged British students.

Developed jointly by the Department for Education (DfE), the Department for Business and Trade (DBT), and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), the strategy positions…