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UK Targets 40B Education Exports, Names India a Key Partner in New Strategy

The UK has launched an International Education Strategy aiming to increase the value of its education exports to £40 billion annually by 2030. India is a primary focus country, highlighted by plans for new British university campuses, including the University of Southampton in Gurugram. The strategy shifts focus from recruiting overseas student numbers to reducing trade barriers and expanding educational offerings in growth markets. Other targeted countries include Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Vietnam, Nigeria, Brazil, Mexico, and Pakistan.

Key Points: India Key Partner in UK's £40B Education Export Strategy

  • India is a top-five focus country
  • Strategy aims for £40B in education exports by 2030
  • New UK campuses planned in India, including Southampton
  • Shift from student number targets to reducing trade barriers
2 min read

India key partner in UK's 40-billion-pound International Education Strategy

UK's new International Education Strategy targets £40B in exports by 2030, with India as a focus country for campuses and partnerships.

"Education exports are a major UK success story, and we're on track to grow the sector to 40 billion pounds by 2030 - UK Minister for Trade Chris Bryant"

New Delhi, Jan 21

India is a focus country in the UK's new International Education Strategy, which aims to increase the value of Britain's educational exports to 40 billion pounds a year by 2030.

India is one of five focus countries for the UK's International Education Champion, Professor Sir Steve Smith, according to a statement by the British High Commission in New Delhi. The other four countries are Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Vietnam, and Nigeria.

With the new strategy, Britain looks to widen the global reach of UK education. The initiative is also part of the UK government's newly formed action group that is being set up to work with the International Education Champion, universities, colleges, and schools.

As part of the new approach, Britain has removed targets on the number of overseas students recruited by domestic institutions. The focus now shifts to cutting down trade barriers, expanding education, and offering skills in growth markets, including international campuses.

"By expanding overseas, our universities, colleges and education providers can diversify income, strengthen global partnerships and give millions more access to a world-class UK education on their doorstep, all whilst boosting growth at home," said UK Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson.

The strategy also pointed to nine new British university campuses, including the University of Southampton, as announced by Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Keir Starmer in October 2025, which are set to open campuses in India.

The University of Southampton will be the first foreign university to set up a campus in India under the new University Grants Commission regulations. Its Gurugram campus is flagged as a centre for research, innovation, and teaching and described as a "significant achievement."

"Education exports are a major UK success story, and we're on track to grow the sector to 40 billion pounds by 2030, powered by world-leading providers driving digital learning, AI-enabled innovation and future skills development," UK Minister for Trade Chris Bryant said.

In addition, Brazil, Mexico, and Pakistan have also been added to the list of emerging economies targeted to expand the global reach of UK education.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Good news, but I hope the fees are reasonable for Indian students. Sometimes these foreign campuses charge almost the same as abroad, defeating the purpose of having a local campus. The focus on research and innovation is promising though.
R
Rohit P
Finally! This is a win-win. UK gets its education exports, Indian students get quality education without leaving family and culture behind. Hope our IITs and IIMs also set up campuses in the UK for a true exchange.
S
Sarah B
As someone who studied in the UK, this is fantastic. The cultural adjustment was the hardest part. Having a UK campus here will make world-class education much more accessible. The strategy seems well thought out.
V
Vikram M
Respectfully, while this partnership is good, we must ensure it doesn't become a one-way street. We should also focus on strengthening our own universities and making them global destinations. Collaboration yes, but not over-dependence.
K
Kavya N
Great initiative! This will boost our research ecosystem and provide more options for students. The mention of AI and future skills is key. Hope they collaborate with Indian tech companies for practical exposure.

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