UK replaces 600,000 student goal with £40B education export plan by 2030, focusing on quality, compliance, and global hubs.

The UK government has changed its approach to international education, dropping the target of 600,000 foreign students per year in favor of increasing education exports to £40 billion by 2030 through expanded overseas campuses and transnational education. Stricter visa compliance regulations, which call for 95% course start rates and 90% completion, may encourage universities to create global hubs, especially in India, Indonesia, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, and Vietnam. Chinese students, who exhibit strong compliance, may be recruited in greater numbers. Following an 18% decline in study visas since 2023 and an annual fee of £925 for international students, the government is prioritizing quality, international partnerships, and economic growth over enrollment figures.