King's College London

Delivering the opening keynote address, Secretary of State for Education, the Rt Hon Bridget Phillipson MP, recognised the importance of international students to the UK higher education sector, and the value of international partnerships to the Government’s aims to create opportunity for all.

The Secretary of State said “Under this government, education is once again at the forefront of national life. Under this new government, universities are a public good, not a political battleground, and opportunity is for everyone. International partnerships are central to this drive to spread opportunity far and wide. The more we work together, the more progress we will see in the world.” 

The Secretary of State reflected not only on the positive impact of international students on the UK economy, with each overseas student adding around £100,000 economic boost, but to their wide-ranging contributions across art, culture, sport, and many other areas. 

The Secretary of State was joined by Professor Shitij Kapur, Vice Chancellor & President of King’s, who reflected on King’s rich history as a global university in the heart of London, and the achievements of our international community. Delegates also heard from Lord Karen Bilimoria of Chelsea CBE and Jamie Arrowsmith, Director of Universities UK International (UUKi).  

Following the opening plenary, delegates took part in a series of breakout sessions on topics including UK Student Migration Policy and Student Route, Accessing Higher Education, AI and Education, and International Student Wellbeing.

Organised by Embassy Magazine, the 2024 Education Embassy Conference was hosted in the Safra Lecture Theatre at King’s College London. The Event brought together over 150 diplomats from more than 100 countries, providing a platform for networking and sharing best practice.