UK: Skills Minister Applauds the Success of International Education Strategy

Alex Burghart, UK Skills Minister, gave a speech about the importance of universities during the opening ceremony of the IHEF conference. He talked about their representation and reputation in the world as well as the ever-increasing number of students wishing to study abroad.

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The greatest strength of the country's higher education system is its freedom and academic excellence, which allows it to ‘flourish and persist’. The UK could be seen opposing dictatorship and putting great efforts to provide maximum support to Ukrainian students.

Reacting to the situation in Ukraine, the UK has permitted visa concessions to Ukrainian students to help their stay without leaving the country. This will also help the students to stretch their stay or switch visas. The minister praised the government and higher education sector for their commendable effort.

Read: UK Govt Steps up for Quality Education in the Universities

The Oxford International Education group promised to provide English language courses to Ukrainian students for free. In addition to this, Australia’s Independent Higher Education announced scholarship programs for Ukrainian students. Furthermore, the Irish government and its universities association declared that they would join hands to impart higher education to Ukrainian students in Ireland.

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Burghart also stated that the targets set for 2030 international education strategy are on track. Also, the aim to achieve 600,000 international students in 2020/21 is on schedule.

With 2019’s approx sales of GBP 25.2 Billion, the Education Export Industry’s goal to achieve GBP 35 Billion is well on target. The minister believes that the education sector has immense capability to grow. Value of transnational education has become twice in a decade.

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Burghart also urged UK’s universities to work with the department of trade to promote education in future FTAs that can now be signed by the UK.

In order to improve their academic excellence, Burghart wishes to see more international students studying in the UK. He is determined to collaborate with the higher education sector to support the journey of international students. In the wake of this, the government would focus on making the international application process more convenient for students.

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