Partner with the UK for expert support with large scale education projects

Launch of the new International Education Strategy

We are proud to announce the launch of the International Education Strategy (IES). This took place on 20 January 2026 and was timed to coincide with our amazing week of activities in the week of Bett UK.

The strategy marks a renewed cross-government commitment to place education at the heart of the UK’s global partnerships, economic growth and soft power ambitions. The strategy continues to be co-owned by DBT with the Department for Education (DfE), but now with the addition of the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) as well – a positive development.

It builds on the UK’s globally recognised strengths and reaffirms our commitment to deep, trusted partnerships with governments, institutions and learners worldwide.

What is new and why it matters

The new IES sets out 3 strategic ambitions that will guide our work:

1. Increase the UK’s international standing through education. Deepening government to government partnerships, strengthening education systems globally, and using our embassies and high commissions and the British Council to unlock long term collaboration.
   
2. Sustainably recruit high quality international students. Recognising the huge contribution international students make across the UK, the strategy sets a direction for a high integrity, competitive and sustainable offer.
   
3. Grow UK education exports at every level. With DBT’s network at the forefront, the refreshed ambition is to grow education exports from £32 billion to £40 billion by 2030, supporting opportunities across all subsectors.

A genuinely cross-government effort

The launch reflects months of close collaboration across government, with invaluable input from our International Education Champion, Professor Sir Steve Smith, whose leadership continues to drive progress in India, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Nigeria and more. The strategy was shaped through extensive engagement and collaboration between our stakeholders and industry.

View our new strategyopens www.gov.uk in a new tab.

Global demand for UK education

UK education is world-leading and world-renowned. From EdTech to English Language Teaching, international demand for the UK’s innovative products and services continues to grow. 

In markets across the world, DBT is promoting the UK’s world-class education offer and driving demand overseas. Here in the UK, DBT is supporting businesses and providers in the sector to export their products, services and expertise.

Get support for UK businesses to expand globally

Get support with your export journey

UK businesses and providers can access expert guidance, tools and services 24/7 with online export support on business.gov.uk.

Additional support services

Find out more about selling overseas with market guides. Register for the UK Export Academy for free training if you're new to exporting or access financial support from UK Export Financeopens www.ukexportfinance.gov.uk in a new tab.

Further DBT Support - Free Trade Agreements

Bilateral Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) in non-EU countries aim to help UK businesses and providers trade more easily with those markets. Find out more about UK trade agreementsopens www.gov.uk in a new tab.

The education team at DBT is working to improve market access outside of FTAs. Contact DBT via email if you would like to share your views on market access barriers. You can also check and report a trade barrier.

Why not download the free PDF blogs from International Education Team experts. Designed to provide additional information and examples of international activity and the support that is available, these blogs are a useful addition to your horizon scanning.

• May 2025: Eastern Europe and Central Asia – by Sarah Chidgey.

Recent Events Highlight

Please view our Vox Pops showreel taken from our time at the BETT Global 2024 trade show