UKCISA is the national charity committed to empowering international students and the institutions and organisations that serve them, providing essential guidance, advice, and support to promote the welfare and wellbeing of all international students studying in the UK. With over 50 years of experience, we're dedicated to promoting global education and helping students succeed in their academic journeys.
At UKCISA, we understand the unique challenges that international students face when studying in a foreign country. That's why we provide a wide range of services to help students adapt to life in the UK. Our services include guidance on visas and immigration, advice on funding and finance, and support with healthcare and accommodation.
We also work closely with universities and colleges across the UK to promote good practice in international student support. We provide training and development opportunities for staff, helping them to better understand the needs of international students and to provide the best possible support.
We are committed to ensuring that international students feel welcome, supported, and valued during their time in the UK. Our mission is to promote excellence in international student support and to make the UK a great place to study for students from all over the world. So whether you are a student, a member of staff, or an institution, UKCISA is here to help you.
Find out more about the work we do to support international students and the organisations that work with them
UKCISA’s three-year strategic plan will help us deliver our vision for a world class international student experience in the UK.
The #WeAreInternational Student Charter is a student-led document, written by UKCISA’s student ambassadors
The #WeAreInternational Grants scheme focuses on integrating the principles of the Student Charter in higher and further education institutions in the UK.
The #WeAreInternational Student Ambassador programme is UKCISA's student network of global future leaders.
We have two codes to encourage the highest possible standards of professionalism among our member institutions and their staff
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The UK Council for International Student Affairs was established in 1968 and has grown into a membership organisation and a community of interest which links universities, colleges and students’ unions with all those in Whitehall, Westminster, business and industry and local communities who recognise the value of international students to the UK and are committed to every individual having the very best possible experience.
Helped the UK to adjust to the imposition of full cost fees for those coming from outside the EU and, given major political changes, helped students with particular difficulties from Bangladesh, Rhodesia, Cyprus, Uganda, Libya and Iran
Pioneered good practice guides to ensure that institutions took an ethical and responsible approach to their marketing overseas; introduced extensive training and professional development programmes; and assisted, amongst others, students affected by the South East Asian currency crisis.
Played a major role in the ‘Prime Minister’s Initiative’ (to double the number of international students coming to the UK) by expanding its information and advice and proposing that, for the first time, international students should be entitled to take part-time jobs during their studies.
Proposed the first post-study work scheme – the ‘Science and Engineering Graduates Scheme’ - and supported the even wider ‘Fresh Talent’ scheme in Scotland - leading later to the International Graduates Scheme and in 2009, to the hugely popular Post-Study Work scheme.
Encouraged, enabled and funded over 50 projects innovating and introducing new and improved approaches to orientation and transition, integration and cross cultural understanding, aspects of teaching and learning, employment advice, volunteering and links with local communities.
We've compiled a list of frequently asked questions about UKCISA to help you better understand our organization and the resources available to you.
UKCISA works closely with universities and colleges to promote good practice in international student support. We provide guidance and advice on a wide range of issues related to international student support, and work with institutions to develop policies and procedures that promote the welfare of international students.
UKCISA advocates for the rights of international students by working with policymakers and stakeholders to raise awareness of the issues facing international students in the UK. We also provide support and advocacy for individual students who may be experiencing difficulties.
UKCISA undertakes a range of research projects to better understand the experiences and needs of international students in the UK. Our research covers a wide range of topics, including the impact of Brexit on international students, the experiences of international students during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the needs of specific groups of international students.
UKCISA stays up-to-date with the latest developments in international education by monitoring changes to policy and legislation, attending relevant conferences and events, and engaging with stakeholders and policymakers. We also undertake research projects to better understand the experiences and needs of international students in the UK.
Universities and colleges can work with UKCISA to improve their international student support services by becoming members of our organization. Membership provides access to a range of resources and services, including guidance and advice from our team of experts, training and development opportunities for staff members, and opportunities to network and share best practice with other institutions.
Stay in touch with UKCISA and get all of our updates before anyone else.
