Colleges call for policy support to strengthen international engagement and unlock potential

A new report released today by the Association of Colleges calls for urgent policy action to enable the further education (FE) sector to flourish on the global stage.

Despite the undeniable benefits of international engagement for both individuals and institutions, the International Survey Report 2023/24 finds that colleges face significant challenges that hinder the ability to fully unlock their potential to work internationally to welcome more international students, with 5% of colleges surveyed ceasing any global international engagement in the last year.

The report highlights the immense value of international work, which fosters diversity, enriches college culture, and provides students with life-changing opportunities for global mobility.

The report’s author, Nina Chorzelewski, Policy Manager at the Association of Colleges said: "International engagement is essential for colleges to remain places of opportunity, sanctuary, and social cohesion.

"Policy commitments and support frameworks are crucial in enabling colleges to strengthen global partnerships, offer transformative opportunities for students, as well as diversifying income stream

“With the right changes, the FE sector can play an even greater role on the world stage.”

The report finds that colleges remain enthusiastic about providing mobility opportunities for their students. However, a commitment to a longer-term strategy, with appropriate levels of funding to secure a range of mobilities and build even more secure global partnerships would be welcomed by the sector.

It also highlights several barriers preventing colleges from realising their full potential notably immigration policies which restrict the recruitment, integration and contribution of non-UK students in colleges. Bureaucratic processes and lack of funding also constrain colleges' ability to engage in education export activities.

Despite the challenges faced by the sector, colleges remain committed to global engagement and have a desire to grow international opportunities and provision.

International Survey Report Academic Year 2023 24