International Student Obstacles Could Erode the UK’s Education Export Model

Hepi–Kaplan Index Reveals UK’s Soft Power Strength and Strategic Vulnerability

According to the latest analysis from the Higher Education Policy Institute (HEPI) and Kaplan, Britain's time-honoured image as a global education influence may be under threat. The country still performed excellently in the current 2025 Soft Power Index, but experts warn that new policy changes introduced by the new government could undermine Britain's soft power educational advantage in the future. The index, released on 23 October, showed that five UK universities have placed among the top six institutions worldwide for educating and serving world leaders. Harvard University in the United States continues to be in first place, closely followed by the University of Oxford. The other institutes also have strong measures in this aspect - namely, Sandhurst, Manchester, Cambridge, and the London School of Economics.

It was observed that of 59 senior leaders currently serving, the UK had educated all but seven in the United States, the top-ranking country since 2018. This was an indicator of the strength of the UK's educational model in terms of export and the plan's strategic positioning to shape leadership internationally. Concerns, however, are being raised by commentators over possible jeopardy to this position due to recent changes in immigration and visa policies. Increased costs and restrictions were other senior officials in the sector who have suggested that the prestige enjoyed by UK education is now compromised. Indeed, income from international student fees in the UK remains a bulwark for research and teaching, but it is understood that the announcement of a new levy, increased visa costs, and unrelenting negative rhetoric have affected many aspiring applicants.

Nick Hillman, director of Hepi, thankfully admitted the UK government had formed what is known as the Soft-Power Council this year, with representatives of universities as members. He said, however, that such efforts might not be possible to counterbalance against the practical barriers now facing international students in 2025: the enormous costs, complicated visa procedures, and a perceived absence of welcome. Hillman further pointed out how such instability in other leading nations, namely Australia, Canada, and the US, might have offered the UK a unique opportunity to enhance this education export strategy. However, he warned that this opportunity could be lost if the prevailing obstacles were not addressed.

University leaders reiterated this position. Irene Tracey, vice-chancellor of Oxford, contended that the high-profile alumni from such universities across the globe prove the transformative power of soft power education in the UK. Duncan Ivison from Manchester, meanwhile, emphasised that international students would frequently remember and feel attached to the UK, which is a huge boost in making it an elevated country globally. Duncan Ivison, vice-chancellor of the University of Manchester, expressed concern that the government’s current approach could discourage future international talent. He noted that the UK had a rare opportunity to position itself as the leading destination for the world’s most gifted students, especially in light of the difficulties facing other major education providers. However, he warned that this opportunity might be lost if further barriers were introduced.

More broadly, questions have been raised about whether UK universities can continue to exert global influence given the rising costs and tightening visa regulations. Many within the sector have pointed out that international student recruitment is closely tied to the UK’s soft power projection. Welcoming diverse talent not only strengthens academic excellence but also fosters long-term diplomatic and cultural connections. Hence, while calling for a more structural and balanced approach to UK education exports, the stakeholders contend that policies should be instituted to preserve this soft power differential of the UK, as far as accessibility, affordability, and durational engagement with international students are concerned.

Editor's note

The UK has carved its position as an emerging global leader in soft power education, uncertain but most importantly, hard-earned. The latest Hepi-Kaplan index confirms what many in the sector already know. British universities are still major players in shaping global leadership. Five of them occupy the world's top six positions for educating sitting world leaders. The British higher education system doesn't flinch in punching above its weight. Such influence is not self-sustaining, though. It depends on openness, investment, and a coherent education exports strategy, which is neither guaranteed in the current policy climate. Analysts have noted that while the UK and US remain nearly equal in educating foreign heads of state, recent UK policy changes, such as increased visa fees and proposed levies on international students, are creating real barriers. These measures are seen as damaging to the UK’s reputation as a top destination for global talent. In 2025, the concern is not just about pressure on the UK’s education export model, but whether its universities can sustain global influence amid rising costs and restrictive policies. The UK must act now to maintain its soft power advantage, recognising international students as long-term partners in diplomacy, innovation, and global leadership, not just revenue. These returning students, with their deep connections to British values and institutions, represent an irreplaceable form of soft power.

As per Skoobuzz, the UK has a unique chance to lead, but it needs clear purpose and consistent messaging to attract future world leaders. It must remove current barriers for these students.

FAQs

1.What is the UK Soft Power Education Index?

The UK Soft Power Education Index is part of a global ranking compiled by the Higher Education Policy Institute (HEPI) and Kaplan. It measures the number of serving world leaders who received higher education outside their home country, highlighting the influence of universities in shaping global leadership.

2.Which UK universities rank highest for educating world leaders?

According to the 2025 index, five UK institutions are among the top six globally:

• University of Oxford (13 leaders)

• Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (8 leaders)

• University of Manchester (6 leaders)

• University of Cambridge (5 leaders)

• London School of Economics (4 leaders)

These rankings reflect the UK’s continued strength in soft power education.

3.Why is the UK’s education export model under threat?

The UK’s education export model faces pressure due to rising visa costs, proposed levies on international student fees, and restrictive immigration policies. These changes risk deterring international applicants and undermining the UK’s global influence in higher education.

4.What barriers are international students facing in the UK in 2025?

International students in 2025 are encountering several challenges:

• Increased visa application fees

• A new levy on international student tuition

• Negative political rhetoric around migration

• Limited post-study work opportunities

• These factors may reduce the UK’s competitiveness in attracting global talent.

5.How does international student recruitment impact UK soft power?

International student recruitment plays a vital role in strengthening UK soft power. Students who study in the UK often return to leadership roles in their home countries, fostering long-term diplomatic, cultural, and economic ties. Their experience contributes to the UK’s reputation and influence abroad.

6.Can UK universities maintain global influence amid visa and cost obstacles?

UK universities can maintain global influence if supported by a coherent government policy. This includes reducing financial and administrative barriers, promoting inclusive messaging, and investing in international engagement. Without such measures, the UK risks losing its competitive edge.

7.What role do international students play in preserving the UK’s soft power?

International students are central to the UK’s soft power strategy. They act as cultural ambassadors, build lasting connections with British institutions, and contribute to the UK’s global reputation. Their presence enhances diversity, innovation, and international collaboration across sectors.

8.What is the Soft Power Council and how does it relate to UK universities?

The Soft Power Council, established by the UK government in 2025, includes representatives from universities and aims to strengthen the UK’s global influence through education, culture, and diplomacy. However, experts warn that its impact may be limited unless matched by supportive policies for international students.