UK higher education institutions are international organisations with growing numbers of international staff and students and links with higher education institutions around the world, overseas governments and international agencies. In particular, international students make an increasingly important contribution to UK higher education, forming 14% of the full-time student population in the UK.

At the postgraduate level international students make a vital contribution to the UK's research base, as around 40% of postgraduate research students in the UK are international students.

Universities UK works to ensure that the good reputation of UK universities internationally is sustained and developed and also maintains strong links and influence with key external partners and stakeholders in international higher education.

International visitors

Universities UK welcomes a number of international visitors every year and provides information on UK higher education and the work of Universities UK. 

International Policy Network

The International Policy Network is chaired by Professor Colin Riordan, Vice Chancellor at The University of Essex and directs UUK’s thinking on increasing the international profile of UK universities, enhancing the competitiveness of UK higher education as an export industry, facilitating international and student mobility to the UK and fostering European engagement and partnerships.