Overview
New horizons: Changing perspectives on international higher education and research
The International Higher Education Forum (IHEF) 2025 returns on 4-5 June at the University of Birmingham, bringing together over 300 higher education professionals for two days of insight, debate, and networking.
This year’s agenda will feature keynote addresses, multiple plenary sessions, four breakout tracks, and data-driven discussions, all designed to explore the evolving global landscape and its impact on UK universities.
Beyond the engaging sessions, IHEF 2025 offers valuable opportunities to connect with peers across the sector. Day one will conclude with a networking reception, providing the perfect setting to debrief, exchange ideas, and forge new collaborations in a relaxed and informal environment.
Who should come to IHEF 2025?
International higher education forum is open to all and welcomes the experiences and insights from a range of colleagues from across the sector. However, this conference would be particularly useful for staff with responsibilities for international activity across student recruitment, transnational education, research and student mobility – for example, but not limited to:
- Pro-Vice-Chancellor (International)
- Deputy Vice Principal/Director/Deputy Director of International/Europe/Recruitment
- Head or Assistant Head of Global Partnerships/Projects
- Director of Research Operations
- Director/Head of International Marketing & Student Recruitment
- Regional Director
- Head or Assistant Head of Study Abroad
- Research Development Manager
Group bookings
We are offering a group discount for delegates attending from one institution.
Group bookings for UUK/UUKi members:
- For three: £1,201.5
- (10% discount applied to £1,335)
- For four: £1,513
- (15% discount applied to £1,780)
- For five: £1,780
- (20% discount applied to £2,225)
- For more than five: will receive 20% discount
Not sure if you’re a member? Check the list on our webpage.
Group bookings for Not-for-profit:
- For three: £1,471.5
- For four: £1,853
- For five: £2,180
- For more than five: will receive 20% discount
Group bookings for Standard:
- For three: £1,876.5
- For four: £2,363
- For five: £2,780
- For more than five: will receive 20% discount
Please note, this event is exempt from VAT.
Plenaries
We are excited to announce our first two plenary sessions:
Global impact, national interests: What does the new UK International Education Strategy mean for universities?
Eleven months into a Labour government, how will a refreshed international education strategy shape the UK higher education sector? What challenges must institutions address, and how can we strengthen our position on the global stage? Our expert panel will unpack these critical questions and explore practical solutions for the future.
Join us at IHEF 2025 as we navigate the challenges and opportunities shaping international higher education and research.
Shifting sands: The changing face of international education in the 21st century
Evidence in recent years has shown that the dominance of the traditional ‘anglophone’ recruiting countries has begun to shift, with students preferring intra-regional mobility, with the rise of new centres of power and influence in international education and with the growth of research ambitions in newer systems.
This session will bring together representatives from some of those nations to hear about their priorities and drivers, what trends they are responding to, and will ultimately consider what the UK can learn.
Global engagement in a contested world: How do universities and foreign policy interact for impact?
The importance of universities for soft power has long been understood, but with the new government’s growth agenda, the UK’s foreign policy is being examined through a wider lens that includes an even broader impact, including through a recent series of FCDO reviews which have explored a range of related issues in detail.
This session will reflect on the latest findings and hear from those involved, drawing out lessons for how universities can maximise their influence and impact on the world stage.