The UK signed the legal text in Brussels in April. From 2027 we are back inside Erasmus+ on the same footing as EU member states and other associated countries, with the British Council confirmed as National Agency. The 2027 Call for Proposals is expected in November, with most partnership deadlines falling around February and March 2027, and funded projects starting in the second half of the year.

Where an International Branch Campus (IBC) is established through a long-term strategic delivery partnership between a university and an operating partner, discussions about risk often begin—and end—with one concern: the university’s reputational risk.

Too many universities approach an international branch campus as a property project, an academic project or simply another international partnership. In reality, it requires the university to rethink governance, decision-making, risk management, quality assurance, finance and organisational capability.

Federal funding is being squeezed. Political hostility towards universities is no longer subtle. Research budgets are under attack, and some of the most prestigious institutions in the country have found themselves publicly targeted.

The Study Team at the Home Office reached out to UK Universities last week to clarify the requirements for official financial sponsorship. This comes amidst increased numbers of student visa applications relying on funding provided by non-national government bodies to demonstrate the required level of funds.

It is neither surprising nor revolutionary to point out that higher education, particularly international higher education, is facing a reckoning. One need only cite the U.S. F-1 visa refusal rate at a decade high of 35% globally, with industry leaders warning of the compounding enrollment losses, or the news of the “Duration of Status” proposal, to see the chaos facing the United States.  

On the one hand, Horizon Europe is the largest research and innovation programme in the world — well funded, open to the UK again, and actively seeking international collaboration. On the other hand, many UK universities still treat it as something optional, peripheral, or simply too difficult.

Dyslexia affects around 10% of the population, yet many children and adults continue to face barriers to early identification and support despite clear evidence that timely intervention transforms outcomes. Through strategic partnerships and community initiatives, we are committed to raising awareness, improving access to assessment, and supporting evidence-based practices that help individuals with dyslexia thrive.

Transnational Education (TNE) is no longer a peripheral activity—it has become central to the future of global higher education. By integrating research, employability, and digital delivery, TNE can enrich student experiences both abroad and at home, while ensuring the UK remains a global leader in education innovation. The challenge is clear: move from rhetoric to reality, seizing bold, sustainable opportunities that transform lives worldwide.

UK universities face a unique strategic opportunity as global competitors tighten restrictions on international students, creating space for the UK to strengthen its position through long-term partnerships. While agent networks remain essential, sustainable competitive advantage will come from investing in robust institutional collaborations that build resilience, mutual value, and lasting global impact.

This piece explores why transnational education must move beyond short-term, recruitment-driven models to embrace truly transformational partnerships built on equity, shared investment, and long-term impact.

Despite the challenges facing U.S. universities in 2025—tightened visa policies, funding cuts, and political uncertainty—there is a clear precedent for transformation through disruption. Drawing on lessons from Australia and the UK, where crises catalyzed record growth and innovation, American institutions have a unique opportunity to emerge stronger by embracing global partnerships and hybrid delivery models. Strategic reinvention, not retrenchment, is the key to shaping the future of U.S. higher education.

Since the pandemic, the workplace has undergone a dramatic transformation—remote and hybrid roles are now the norm, especially in fast-growing sectors like tech. To thrive in this new environment, graduates need more than academic knowledge; they need Virtual Intelligence (VI)—the ability to communicate, collaborate, and work professionally from anywhere. Localized’s new Anywherepro assessment equips students with these essential skills, helping them stand out in a global job market.

As part of our blog series, Global Perspectives in Higher Education, we asked higher education professionals a series of questions to gain insights on the evolving landscape.

This month we hear from Antonius Raghubansie, Pro-Vice Chancellor International, Keele University.

As part of our blog series, Global Perspectives in Higher Education, we asked higher education professionals a series of questions to gain insights on the evolving landscape.

This month we hear from Mike Ferguson, Pro Vice Chancellor (International), Charles Sturt University.

The partnership between the University of the West of England (UWE), Bristol, UK, and Presidency University (PU), Bangalore, India, facilitated by Cormack Consultancy Group, exemplifies equitable international collaboration aimed at enhancing institutional capacity and fostering transformative student opportunities. With initiatives such as dual-degree programs, student and staff exchanges, and an equitable fund supporting shared educational priorities, this collaboration is committed to sustainability, inclusivity, and long-term global impact.

Donald Trump’s re-election raises significant concerns and uncertainties for the U.S. higher education sector, particularly around policy changes, federal funding, and international engagement. Institutions are bracing for potential shifts in regulatory oversight, academic freedom, and diversity initiatives, prompting strategic adaptations to safeguard their missions and students' needs.

The UK-Ukraine Twinning Initiative was launched in response to the 2022 Russian invasion, facilitating tailored partnerships between British and Ukrainian universities to address diverse needs such as academic support, staff development, and infrastructure rebuilding. Over two years, the initiative has established over 100 partnerships, supported 620+ projects, and engaged 15,000+ students, proving its impact while navigating challenges like system differences and language barriers.

The unpredictable landscape of international student recruitment, worsened by restrictive immigration policies in major markets, poses challenges for universities, particularly smaller institutions with limited resources. Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) offer a flexible, scalable solution, providing expertise, streamlined processes, and financial support to enhance recruitment efforts while fostering diversity and improving applicant experiences.