7 March 2025

This is the message from a new report by Universities Wales, which sets out a series of recommendations to unlock Wales' full potential in the global academic and innovation landscape. 

  • ‘Wales Beyond Borders: A future approach to international tertiary education and research’, sets out key recommendations for Medr, Welsh Government and post-16 institutions.
  • Recommendations include the development of an International Tertiary Education and Research Strategy for Wales, appointment of an International Education Champion, and closer engagement with UK Government to deliver an immigration policy that aligns with Wales’ needs.
  • The report has been informed by an Expert Panel, consisting of international education experts from across the UK and beyond.
  • International education and research supports Wales’ national interests by enhancing global reputation, driving economic growth, and addressing key societal challenges. Welsh institutions’ international activity generates over £1.26bn for the economy.
  • Universities Wales and ColegauCymru call on policymakers, educators, and industry leaders to support this ambitious approach and work together to secure a prosperous future for Wales. 

International education and research play a crucial role in supporting Wales’ national interests by enhancing its global reputation, driving economic growth, and addressing key societal challenges.  

Developed in collaboration with a panel of experts in international education, this new report highlights the critical importance of Wales’ international activity, and defines a clear pathway to strengthen the reputation and competitiveness of its tertiary institutions and develop a more sustainable approach to international education and research.  

Recommendations 

Developing a cohesive framework is at the heart of the recommendations, with a call for Medr to develop an International Tertiary Education and Research Strategy for Wales, along with a call for an International Education Champion for Wales, and a designated Medr Board member to lead on promoting a Global Outlook. 

The report also identifies opportunities for closer working between  the UK government and devolved governments on issues such as Erasmus+, Horizon association and immigration policy, to ensure that Welsh interests are adequately represented. 

Other recommendations include support for destination marketing and international partnerships to develop a wider awareness of Welsh institutions, and continued mobility funding to 2028 through the Taith programme. There are also specific calls around research, including the potential to revive the Sêr Cymru programme and ensure alignment with Medr’s strategic duty to promote research and innovation. 

Professor Rachael Langford, Chair of the Expert Panel, and President and Vice-Chancellor of Cardiff Metropolitan University said: 

“International education and research play a crucial role in supporting Wales’s national interests.  

“The establishment of Medr, Wales’s new Commission for Tertiary Education and Research, presents an exciting opportunity to set out a vision for Wales’s post-sixteen international education into the future. The recommendations featured in this report will help Medr in delivering this vision, while supporting the Welsh Government’s aim to raise the profile of Wales internationally and to grow Wales’s economy. 

 “By developing a cohesive framework, and leveraging Wales, UK and EU programmes, Wales can reinforce its role as a leader in addressing global challenges. 

 Simon Pirotte OBE, Chief Executive Officer of Medr, said: 

“We welcome the publication of Wales Beyond Borders and would like to thank Universities Wales and everyone who contributed their time and expertise to this work. We will carefully consider the recommendations in the report.

“This week we will be publishing our own Strategic Plan, where we outline how we plan to address our strategic duty to promote a global outlook. Tertiary education, research and innovation have a global impact, strengthen Wales's international reputation and make vital contributions to our society and economy. We want to promote opportunities for international collaboration and ensure that learners and staff are aware of the opportunities to study, train, and work globally.

“We look forward to working collaboratively with partners across the tertiary education sector to deliver a renewed vision for Wales’s ambitions for international tertiary education and research.”

Andrew Cornish, Chair, Colleges Wales International Group, and member of the Expert Panel, said:  

“Wales’ further education colleges contribute significantly to the nation’s international presence and we welcome the opportunity to develop, with key partners, a cohesive framework for future international engagement in the post-16 sector. 

“With the establishment of Medr, the tertiary education sector has a golden opportunity to raise its profile internationally, bringing benefits to Wales’ economy.  In addition, funded international mobilities through Taith are life-changing for many learners providing them with opportunities to broaden their horizons, improve their employability skills and deepen their inter-cultural understanding. Funding for these opportunities must continue particularly in such challenging times.”

Professor Paul Boyle, Chair of Universities Wales, said: 

“By promoting collaboration and by leveraging Wales’s unique strengths, the recommendations published today offer a clear pathway to strengthen Wales’s global standing in international education and research.  

“Wales' distinct priorities call for a tailored strategy and a firm push for policies that address the nation’s specific needs.

“We call on policymakers, educators, and industry leaders to support this ambitious approach and work together to secure a prosperous future for Wales."