Sustainable international student recruitment from a UK-China perspective

Strategies for UK higher education institutions in a mature market

The UK has solidified its position as preferred study destination for Chinese students, recently overtaking the US thanks to its world-class reputation and the efficiency of its postgraduate models. However, Chinese families are becoming increasingly results-oriented, prioritising employability and return on investment over rankings alone, while the UK government’s International Education Strategy has shifted the focus toward “sustainable” growth. This creates a new landscape where value, student experience, and strict compliance are paramount.

In this mature market, simply being present is no longer sufficient. UK institutions must actively refine their strategies by curating agency networks through global standards such as ICEF Agency Status (IAS) and deepening partnerships that align with the UK’s Agent Quality Framework (AQF). Facing the dual challenge of maintaining intake numbers while managing compliance risks, universities must identify “best fit” partners to succeed. This webinar will guide institutions on navigating these complexities, offering practical insights on vetting and quality assurance to secure sustainable recruitment in the post-pandemic era.

Speakers:
Kiran Patel, CBBC
Dave Amor, Higher Insights Ltd.
Jian Li, British Council
Christina Ke, Uoffer Global
Cheryl Xu, University of Portsmouth
Tony Lee, ICEF

Host:
Martijn van de Veen, ICEF