First forum for international students to speak about their experience in the country hailed a success, with charming student keynote on "love affair" with the UK.

Voices across the sector have reacted as the UK government unveiled details of its new international education strategy. Increasing international numbers to 600,000 by 2030 is part of the strategy, critics of which say does not go far enough in terms of measures to achieve outlined growth.

Integration is an issue among international cohorts, while the uncertainty surrounding Brexit is a key sticking point, delegates heard at UKCISA's and UUKi's conference in London.

The APPG for International Students in the UK has launched an inquiry report calling for a "clear and ambitious target" to grow international student numbers.

UKVI is trialling a digital Tier 4 visa service whereby international students in the country will no longer have to leave their passport with a visa issuing office and risk the loss of sensitive documents.

Speakers at StudyWorld in London have reiterated the importance of welcoming international students "with open arms" in the lead up to Brexit, while other stakeholders complained of GDPR-related issues.

The UK has expanded the list of nations from which student visa applicants will have to provide a "reduced level of documentation", but Indian misses out, angering stakeholders and officials.

The Russian government has launched a plan to attract Russian students in nations seen as "unfriendly" back home, as the global political environment has become tense.