London Higher welcomes the recently published report by the International Higher Education Commission (IHEC), which offers innovative ideas, comprehensive evidence-backed recommendations and makes a compelling case for a higher education international strategy.
The IHEC report aligns with several of London Higher’s strategic priorities. The Commission calls for the upholding of the Graduate Route visa, which London Higher has argued is crucial for ensuring London and the UK remain globally competitive. The graduate route visa’s two-year post-study work opportunity is vital for attracting talented international students to London and the wider UK. London Higher echos the report’s recommendation for better operationalisation and communication of its benefits to employers and is working with its international network and other partners on initiatives in this space.
London Higher especially welcomes the Commission’s recommendations on destination marketing, which directly support the recently relaunched Study London campaign. The report’s call for £5 million annual investment in strategic, commercially-focused destination marketing echoes London Higher’s own advocacy for dedicated resources to attract international students to London and the UK.
London Higher also strongly welcomes the report’s recommendation for improved coordination between government departments and greater consistency in international education policy and messaging. A more joined-up approach across departments such as the Home Office, Department for Education, and Department for Business and Trade would help build confidence among international partners and prospective students, and ensure the UK’s offer is clear, coherent and competitive.
The report specifically references London Higher’s Study London campaign as an exemplary platform through which mayors could encourage better service standards while promoting regional educational offerings. This recognition is a testament to London Higher’s proactive approach to addressing both student welfare and international competitiveness. With London celebrated as a ‘global magnet’ for international education in the recently published London Growth Plan, London Higher invites the Greater London Authority and partners to support the Study London campaign, to retain and develop London’s global competitiveness.
Furthermore, the IHEC report and the Study London campaign both prioritise graduate employability, with the report recommending stronger industry links and the Study London campaign showcasing London’s excellent career prospects.
The report’s emphasis on developing a distinct International Higher Education Strategy, rather than treating higher education as a subset of more general education exports, aligns with London Higher’s advocacy for focused higher education policy development and, if implemented, could serve the interests of our member organisations.
As the government prepares its immigration white paper and refreshes its International Education Strategy, London Higher stands ready to work with all stakeholders to implement these recommendations and ensure the UK maintains its position as a global leader in international education.
