International Education Strategy Governance Group minutes: August 2026

Attendees and apologies

• (Chair) Adam Reid, Deputy Director, Skills Division, Directorate for Lifelong Learning and Skills
• Andy Witty, Director of Strategic Policy and Corporate Governance, Colleges Scotland
• Carla Gethin, International Committee, College Development Network
• Claire De Braekeleer, Director, British Council Scotland
• Professor Dame Sally Mapstone, Universities Scotland, International Network
• Sir Steve Smith, UK Government International Education Champion
• Professor Rachel Sandison OBE, Scottish Government Trade and Investment Envoy for International Education
• Professor Neville Wylie, Connected Scotland
• Dr David Donaldson, Universities Scotland
• Ela Kossakowska, Universities Scotland
• Harish Lokhun, British Council
• Sarah Chidgey, UK Government, Department for Business and Trade
• Tim Bisset, Scottish Government
• Frank Moeschler, Scottish Government

Apologies 

• Gareth Williams, Head of Policy, Prosper
• Professor Nicholas Forsyth, Vice-Convener, Research & Knowledge Exchange Committee, Universities Scotland

Items and actions

Opening remarks and introductions

Adam Reid (Chair) welcomed attendees to the tenth meeting and thanked City of Glasgow College for hosting.

The Chair reflected on the recent SUIG Conference, noting the tertiary sector’s strong commitment to international education and its economic, social and international benefits for Scotland.

Members’ expertise and leadership in responding to a changing international environment were recognised.

The proposed IES refresh was discussed in the context of declining international student numbers and opportunities to strengthen Scotland’s international position and support international learners.

Glasgow’s role in hosting major international events, including the forthcoming EAIE, was noted.

Members approved the minutes of the previous meeting, subject to correction of a clerical error.

Previous actions (June meeting)

The Chair invited comments on Erasmus+ sector readiness.

Members welcomed British Council support to help colleges re-engage with Erasmus+, noting that events, seminars and webinars were helping to rebuild expertise and capacity across the sector.

Erasmus+ readiness and timelines

Members highlighted the need for early guidance on Erasmus+ timelines, processes and programme changes, given capacity and experience constraints within colleges.

The British Council confirmed that engagement is underway across Scotland and acknowledged concerns about tight timescales. Support will focus on grants, applications and rebuilding institutional knowledge.

Officials confirmed there was no further update on programme timings, but recruitment to the Erasmus+ delivery team is progressing well, with several UK-wide sector leads to be based in Scotland.

International Education Champion update

Key updates

International demand for UK education remains strong, particularly in skills, transnational education (TNE), schools, early years and education technology.

Skills and TNE were highlighted as key areas for growth, with Scotland well placed to respond through its collaborative approach. Members noted, however, that TNE should not be viewed as a short-term solution to financial pressures.

The British Council’s in-country expertise, networks and market intelligence were recognised as important in supporting international engagement.

UK-level work continues to address challenges affecting international recruitment and institutional sustainability, including visas, migration policy, qualifications and recruitment practices.

Members were updated on recent and forthcoming international engagement, including the Education World Forum and missions to Saudi Arabia, Vietnam, India, Nigeria, Indonesia and potentially China.

Opportunities for partnerships with UK education providers and skills development initiatives were highlighted, alongside the importance of strong Scottish participation in international missions.

The UK Government’s ambition to increase education exports was noted, with skills and TNE expected to support future growth.

Discussion points

Members welcomed the update and the international engagement underway to support the sector.

Members discussed the growing importance of TNE, emphasising the need to maintain quality, select appropriate partners and avoid viewing it as a solution to short-term financial pressures.

Members expressed interest in greater Scottish participation in international missions and growth markets, supported by clear and timely communication of opportunities.

Increased engagement with Europe was welcomed, including potential future association with Erasmus+ and Horizon. Members emphasised the importance of maintaining momentum and ensuring a smooth transition to Erasmus+.

Members discussed potential EU tuition fee and youth mobility arrangements, noting implications for tuition income, student numbers and public funding. The importance of ensuring Scotland’s interests are represented was emphasised.

The growing international focus on skills was welcomed as an opportunity to expand the college sector’s international activity and contribution to education exports.

The British Council outlined ongoing work to strengthen international partnerships, support Scotland’s presence at Going Global and EAIE, and provide TNE and market intelligence.

Trade and Investment Envoy for International Education update

Key messages

Significant challenges remain around international student recruitment, with further declines expected across both higher and further education and particular concern around key markets including China.

Members noted concerns around UK visa processes, refusal rates and changes to compliance data, which are creating uncertainty for institutions and influencing recruitment decisions in some markets.

TNE is becoming increasingly important but should be approached as a long-term partnership model rather than a substitute for international student income. The IES refresh provides an opportunity to consider how TNE can be better supported.

Scotland’s international marketing activity continues to make progress, with the Come to Study in Scotland campaign being expanded and opportunities identified for closer alignment with Brand Scotland.

Progress on Erasmus+ and wider European engagement was welcomed, including opportunities to strengthen links through Scotland’s Brussels office.

Recent and forthcoming international events, including EAIE in Glasgow, provide opportunities to strengthen Scotland’s profile and promote a coordinated Team Scotland approach.

Members agreed that the changing international landscape reinforces the need for a refreshed IES, with priorities including partnerships, TNE, market diversification and Scotland’s international competitiveness.

Discussion points

Members discussed opportunities to strengthen engagement with education agents and suggested consideration of existing quality frameworks as part of the development of a dedicated agent toolkit.

An update was provided on growing engagement with Gujarat, India. This includes planned activity to support collaboration between Scottish and Gujarati education institutions, alongside ongoing discussions with regional government representatives.

It was noted that the British Council is exploring a potential coordinating role to support future education and cultural links between Scotland and Gujarat.

Members discussed opportunities to better align international student recruitment activity with wider Brand Scotland marketing campaigns. Improved integration was welcomed, particularly where it could amplify study-related messaging in key markets such as North America and India.

An update was provided on planning for the 2026-27 international marketing campaign, which will continue to focus on themes including employability and value for money, while benefiting from closer collaboration with Brand Scotland activity.

Members welcomed the potential for a more coordinated approach to international promotion, recognising the opportunity to increase reach and maximise impact through shared campaigns and messaging.

IES Refresh Strategy initial discussion

Key discussion points

Members agreed that the IES refresh should address international recruitment, market share, TNE and skills, with the role of Scotland’s colleges more explicitly reflected.

The refresh should be open, collaborative and informed by sector input.

Members highlighted support for learners affected by conflict, including students from Gaza facing visa uncertainty. Officials confirmed that these issues are being raised with the UK Government and could be considered through the refresh.

Members noted that the scale of current challenges may require a more substantial update to the IES rather than a simple refresh.

Actions

• Scottish Government officials to continue engagement with members and communicate next steps for the IES refresh
• officials to consider how support for learners affected by conflict, including those from Gaza, can be reflected in the refreshed strategy
• officials to consider how the role of Scotland’s colleges and skills provision can be more explicitly reflected
• officials to discuss with Ministers whether a broader revision of the IES is required, rather than a limited refresh

Connected Scotland: Commonwealth Games and EAIE Conference update

Commonwealth Games

Members received an update on Connected Scotland activity, including a Scotland House event showcasing Scotland’s strengths in sport, education and research. The event was positively received, although lower-than-expected international attendance will inform future activity.

EAIE Conference

Preparations are underway for a coordinated Scottish presence, including a Scotland pavilion, reception and engagement with international delegates. Members highlighted opportunities to promote partnerships, recruitment, mobility and Erasmus+ engagement, alongside the importance of effective follow-up.

Action

• Connected Scotland to provide an update on EAIE outcomes at the next IES Governance Group meeting

Any other business

British Council update

The British Council outlined its planned EAIE activity, including support for the Scotland and UK presence and events focused on European University Alliances and Erasmus+.

Members noted that the programme would provide opportunities to strengthen relationships with European partners and support future Erasmus+ engagement.

Action

• British Council to provide an update on EAIE engagement and outcomes at a future meeting

Summary of actions from meeting

• Scottish Government officials to continue engagement with members and communicate next steps for the International Education Strategy (IES) refresh
• Scottish Government officials to consider how support for learners affected by conflict, including those from Gaza, can be reflected in the refreshed strategy
• Scottish Government officials to consider how the role of Scotland’s colleges and skills provision can be more explicitly reflected in the refreshed strategy
• Scottish Government officials to discuss with Ministers whether a broader revision of the IES is required, rather than a limited refresh
• Connected Scotland/British Council to provide an update on EAIE engagement and outcomes at a future IES Governance Group meeting

Date of next meeting

Tuesday 24 November 2026, 9:30-11:00, Colleges Scotland, Stirling

Agenda to include:

• Erasmus+ readiness updates
• IES Refresh Strategy discussion

Closing remarks

The Chair noted that, despite ongoing challenges, Scotland’s strong partnership working and collaboration provide a solid foundation for responding to challenges and maximising future opportunities in international education.

The Chair thanked members for their contributions and continued support for Scotland’s international education ambitions.