Simple policy changes and support could be the key to unlocking the export potential of the UK’s FE colleges, a new survey by the AoC has shown.

Greater differentiation among colleges in the FE sector could be an avenue that AoC members are keen to explore. Frustrations around SELT rule changes and other new regulations that impact on the UK's appeal were vented at the AoC International Conference.

Onshore international students in the UK applying to study at UK higher education institutions are twice as likely to be accepted as those applying from overseas, new research from British consultancy, The Knowledge Partnership (TKP), has revealed.

In a combative exchange of views this week at the Association of Colleges (AoC) International Conference, Minister for Skills and Enterprise, Matthew Hancock MP, challenged the FE colleges present not to use difficulties with the visa system as an excuse for not being able to invest in delivery of education and training in-country.

It is frustrating, because we do have a world class FE system and international students want to take advantage of that. It would be very welcome if our border agency was more embracing of that.

The Association of Colleges (AoC), a UK organisation promoting colleges offering FE and HE, will open a permanent office in Delhi, India this month as part of an initiative to promote 30 UK colleges during a time of high demand for vocational skills in the country. It hopes to leverage a consortium-level approach to meeting India's skills needs.