Yorkshire Universities (YU) and Professor Karen Bryan OBE, Vice-Chancellor of York St John University, Expert Commissioner on International Higher Education Commission (IHEC) and YU Board Member, welcomes the publication of IHEC’s recent report ‘Towards a future UK International Higher Education Strategy: Resilience, Purpose and Precision’.
“I welcome this report and its recommendations for setting out a comprehensive and collaborative vision of how international higher education can thrive in the UK. I am delighted that Yorkshire Universities contributed to the publication; we will continue to ensure that our universities are a destination of choice for international students who bring vital cultural, social and economic benefits to our region.”
Professor Karen Bryan, Vice-Chancellor of York St John University
The report presents a forward-looking, evidence-informed framework to support the sustainable growth of international education in the UK and offers practical recommendations to support joined-up action across government, education and industry. Yorkshire Universities especially welcomes the recommendation that the new strategy should encourage the formation of regional coalitions that will work together on international attraction and support, as this directly supports YU’s engagement with international higher education across the Yorkshire & Humber region — and encourages a continued effort to develop stronger regional networks.
In addition, the Commission acknowledges the need for regional bodies and local governance to connect international student growth with local economic plans and presents recommended actions in the report, such as linking students to local internships or graduate job schemes. YU is committed to addressing employer challenges and championing graduates across the region, with the goal of improving the university talent pipeline. Furthermore, the Commission calls for the Graduate Route Visa to be upheld. YU has continually provided public support for the UK Graduate Route Visa to remain in place, aligning with the Commision’s view, by arguing that removing it would be detrimental for higher education, especially students and staff, and it would damage local and regional economies. Notably, the report highlights YU’s work, stating that:
“Yorkshire Universities is a great example of one of the regional networks outside the capital. It has been working since 1987 to champion the specific knowledge and skills in the region and brokering and lead partnerships.“
IHEC Report, April 2025
The Commission recognises the importance of all UK regions benefiting from the international higher education strategy and respecting local priorities. We are pleased to have supported the work of the Commission by contributing to this report, to ensure that the importance of regional networks, local economies and graduate opportunities are considered during the development of a future strategy. Yorkshire Universities is committed to working alongside partners across the region to help deliver on these recommendations.
