The PIE: Are you concerned the UK could be losing its share of the global student market? How could we be better promoting British education overseas?

MH: The 9.6% increase in non-EEA university student applications in the latest UCAS figures (January) is further proof that the UK remains open to the brightest and the best international students. In particular, numbers from India and China have seen big increases. This shows that, despite stories to the contrary, students continue to want to come to the UK to study at our world class universities. We have tackled abuse of the student route head on — without affecting genuine students. By protecting the reputation of the British education system we will be able to compete in a global race.

“The government is currently developing an Education Sector Industrial Strategy”

The PIE: Which countries do you believe the UK is competing with in the international education marketplace and how should we compete? Can you talk about the new Education UK unit – what do you hope this will achieve?

MH: The government is currently developing an Education Sector Industrial Strategy (ESIS), to support growth in UK international education activity. The ‘Education UK Unit’ will help the sector to take advantage of high value overseas education opportunities. It will respond to large-scale opportunities which could range from a major campus to support for delivering a whole education system. Initially the unit will focus on Higher Education and vocational services, with the longer-term intention of supporting trade in all aspects of education.

The PIE: After overseeing a big change in policy and compliance culture, do you feel that your department has a better understanding now of the UK’s international education sector? Which associations do you see doing great work to promote the sector at home and overseas?

MH: The government supports the international activities of our Higher Education institutions, working closely with the education sector, for example through Ministerial engagement with overseas counterparts, and education agreements with countries like India, Brazil and China. The Home Office, UKBA, Department for Business Innovation and Skills, British Council and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office all work together to ensure prospective overseas students understand all the benefits which the present visa rules offer them, including the current visa opportunities for working in the UK after they graduate.