Marketing International Higher Education in the UK

List of clearing vacancies abroad published

2011-08-12T10:42:00.000-07:00

From now until after A level results day we will be publishing a list of clearing vacancies at international universities. All of these courses are available in English and start in autumn 2011.

For further information and/or advice about applying to universities in Europe, Australia and the USA please email us: study@astarfuture.co.uk

List of Clearing Opportunities Abroad

There are opportunities to study in Holland, Czech Republic, Italy and other European countries. There are also many universities with vacancies for January 2012 where the admissions process is about to start.

How to get in to an international university during clearing

2011-08-05T06:18:00.000-07:00

Results day 2011 promises to be a particularly arduous experience for many British students. Up to 100,000 are expected to miss out on their place at university.

Many will be able to find a place at British universities within clearing but for those students who are willing to look abroad there are some fantastic opportunities out there. Here is a testimonial from Ritwik Swain, a British student who found himself in the same situation last year.

"Results Day 2010. Dreadful news. I hadn’t gotten into university. I missed my offer to study Psychology at Warwick. My plans were shattered. What was I going to do? How could I explain this to my friends, my family, my teachers?

"I quickly realised that it was time to stop griping about the past and figure out my plans for the future. Would I re-take my A-levels and reapply next year? Would I accept a clearing place at an institution that didn’t appeal to me? Would I go to uni at all?

"I went to see my Head of Sixth Form to discuss my options when my Headmaster, overhearing my grievances, half-jokingly suggested Maastricht University in the Netherlands; after he had read about it in a newspaper. He told me about the fact that they offer courses entirely in English, that fees were around €1700 and that they were quite keen on getting students from the UK.
From that moment on, the words: “the Netherlands” began ringing in my ears. The thought excited me. I opened my laptop as soon as I got home to find out more. I scrolled down their English-taught course list but couldn’t find Psychology. However, this did not deter me. I was sure that there must be other universities in the Netherlands that could offer Psychology in English. I was right. Groningen!

"University of Groningen is a large, well respected, research university in the north of the Netherlands that offers many courses in English language; and importantly for me, it also offers Psychology. The more I began learning about Groningen, the more enticing it became for me. It is a very student-friendly city. It is the world’s cycling city. The university ranks well in international league tables. It has excellent sports facilities. What more could I have wanted?
Studying in the Netherlands has so many advantages: I’m learning languages, I’m saving a lot of money and I’m increasing my international profile – all at a young age; which I hope should bode well for the future when I start looking for a job.

"In my first year at University of Groningen, I could count on one hand how many British people I met in Groningen. But next year, this is set to change as the University has reported around 100 British applicants. "

University of Groningen is just one of many universities with places available for this academic year although its psychology degree is already full this year. Other universities in Europe with places for September 2011 include Prague College, John Cabot University, Hanze University of Applied Sciences Groningen, The Hague University of Applied Sciences, Stenden University of Applied Sciences, Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences, Florida State University (London campus) and Avans University of Applied Sciences in Breda. Nearly all of these options work out cheaper than British universities from 2012.

Students Respond to Lord Browne's Proposals

2010-10-19T03:40:00.000-07:00

Further to the publication of Lord Browne's report last week, there has been a lot of reflection on how this will impact upon future students' higher education choices. We have deliberately kept a low profile on this matter for the time being because the implications are far wider than increasing the likelihood of Brits going abroad.

The Student Room website has just published a survey of 1300 students (it is unclear how many of these students are still to enter university) and their assessment of Lord Browne's recommendations. While it is clear that the Lib Dems won't be winning many friends amongst the young, there are some other results which corroborate what we have been hearing from other sources.

73% of all students will look abroad when thinking about their higher education choices. Admittedly, for many English students abroad seems to mean Scotland but there are signs that a wide range of countries from USA to Netherlands could be about to benefit from increasing applications from British students.

We will see whether this materialises. However, it is clearer than ever that schools must offer advice about international higher education as one of the range of options open to their students.

Lord Browne's University Funding Review Published Today

2010-10-12T03:36:00.000-07:00

What does the tuition fee review mean for British students?

12th October 2010

Today Lord Browne's report in to university funding has been published.

There had been much speculation in to the precise recommendations he would make but there was never any doubt that higher education would become more expensive for British students.

It is too early to know when any changes to tuition fees will be made, not least because any change still has to be voted into law. At the moment, these are only recommendations. However, there has been so much discussion about graduate taxes, upper limits on fees etc in recent months that it seems fairly certain the government was trying to prepare the ground for the conclusions it was expecting. So while Lib Dem MPs might have some soul searching to do, it seems fairly clear that Lord Browne's recommendations will be accepted in their entirety. After all, it was the previous Labour government that set in motion this review (and postponed its reporting date until after the election because it knew the recommendations could only be unpalatable to many people).

So, there are still a number of unanswered questions regarding the change in tuition fees:

When will they be introduced? The consensus seems to be from 2012 but we have never heard anyone say it will not be from 2011. The funding crisis in university education is about to get a lot worse with the Comprehensive Spending Review later this month so we imagine that many universities will be pushing for higher fees to be introduced as soon as possible.
Will there be any guarantees offered by universities? If students are being asked to invest in their higher education on the basis of improved employment prospects will they have any recourse if these prospects fail to materialise, or if they have been misled by a university's claims. Will we see the introduction of a "gainful employment rule" such as the one under discussion in the USA.
Will the increased revenue from tuition fees be ringfenced for tuition? Will students' contribution to university funding be invested in the areas where they benefit directly or will it be used to subsidise research activity?

We have always argued that British students should go abroad for some or all of their undergraduate education for a variety of positive reasons. However, it now appears as if this will be a necessity for many people.

The introduction of higher fees will herald a new range of financial support for the least well-off in society. The most well-off clearly have the least to fear from increased interest rates on student loans as they are far less likely to need them. It is those students caught in the middle who are likely to find themselves squeezed the most. Lord Browne's report does offer assurances to students who will not go on to earn vast sums in their careers. The threshold under which students do not pay back their loans will rise as part of his recommendations. However, debt is still debt and there will be no escaping it particularly as students look to take on mortgages in the future. Student loans will no longer even have the attraction of being a cheap form of borrowing.

In the last week, following articles in The Observer and in an Independent supplement, we have experienced an unprecedented increase in the number of visitors to our site. We believe that vast numbers of the "squeezed middle" are looking to avoid the uncertainties of English higher education. Student debt is not a necessity; it is possible to gain a degree abroad without taking out huge loans. While it will never be possible to live free of financial obligations for three or four years, there is no reason why you should spend decades paying for them. We will be adding more opportunities of this nature to our site over the coming weeks.

What to do with the 150,000 students who missed out?

2010-10-05T09:41:00.000-07:00

Or rather, what can the estimated 150,000 students who missed out at university do? We addressed in an earlier post the inadequacy of government advice suggesting setting up a business or taking an unplanned gap year. A new publication through the Independent, Horizons 2010, has a few other suggestions. Naturally it includes our perspective on international higher education options but as a whole it is a good guide to some of the more constructive options out there.

Horizons 2010 has been published as an ezine, which looks great but does mean it is hard to link to. You will have to flick through the virtual pages to page 18 to find our contribution but the whole publication is worth a look.

More Options for Studying in the Netherlands

2010-08-18T01:35:00.000-07:00

We have recently been advised of courses available to British students at INHOLLAND University of Applied Science. All courses in English are taught at their Amsterdam (Diemen) campus. Courses are available in the following subjects:

International Business and Management
Information Technology with Engineering
International Leisure Management
Tourism & Recreation Management

We will be adding more detail to our website about these courses in the near future but it is perfectly feasible for British students to apply this week and be accepted to start next month.

You can find more information at the Inholland website.

Five reasons why taking a gap year is not the answer to university shortages and clearing

2010-08-11T10:46:00.000-07:00

Below follows the text of an article written for British students in response to press reports that students should take a gap year in order to alleviate the consequences of restrictions in UK higher education institutions.

In the right circumstances (and with the right planning) gap years can be an incredibly rewarding experience. However, as a short term solution to the problem of excess demand for university places, they may actually be worse than useless.

If you find yourself in the unfortunate position of not having a place at university this year and the only advice offered to you is to take a gap year, you would be well advised to ignore it. Here’s why:

1. Lots of your peers have been planning their gap year for months, if not years. Arranging relevant work placements or taking part in volunteer schemes that assist in developing your curriculum vitae can be hard at the best of times. If you are looking for an opportunity to start next month, you can be certain that there will be thousands of others in the same position as you. Looking even further on the gloomy side, this will give you excellent experience of the dispiriting process that this year’s graduates are going through when looking for that first job post-university, with up to 70 applications for every graduate vacancy. On the bright side, however, if you delay your start at university by one year, your chances of graduating in a recovered economy will probably have improved slightly.

2. Taking a year out is no guarantee that you will get a place at your chosen university next year. Yes, you will have your grades already which might make things slightly easier, but there will be intense pressure on university places next year (unless there is a massive increase in funding for undergraduate education – don’t hold your breath!) and who is to say you will be any luckier then. It is quite realistic that next year’s students will need even higher grades as universities start to see the impact of the new A* grade.

3. Is waiting a year to get on with your education a good idea? Why take a gap, particularly one that you haven’t planned and didn’t wish for. Maybe you will lose focus and end up deciding not to go to university or maybe you will end up writing the year off and sit around just waiting for your place to materialise. Both of these outcomes are possible if you do not have a clear plan and objective to your (at least) one year out. Both of them are worse than almost anything else you could do at this point in your life.

4. Money Part 1. Maybe you will find a job that pays a reasonable wage that enables you to put some money aside for going to university. Ordinarily this would be a sensible thing to do but, by taking a year out to save money you may end up losing money in the long run because...

5. Money Part 2....As you will know there is a review of university funding taking place right now. You may have seen articles talking about a graduate tax in the news. This is just one of several possible changes to how you pay for your degree. There is not only uncertainty over what changes will come into effect but also when they will happen. If they start from October 2011, you might find that university will cost you a lot more if you defer entry for a year. One estimate is that if a graduate tax is introduced, your degree could cost you closer to £50,000 in tax than the current £30,000 in debt. Now, there is no guarantee that this will happen but there is certainly no guarantee that it won’t, either.

So, these are some reasons why you should think very seriously about following advice to take a gap year. In the right circumstances, with the right planning it could still be the best route for you.

But what else can you do if you find the worst happens?

Well, here are two suggestions – one from the government and one from me.

1. Start a business – There will inevitably be some stories of students leaving school this year who go on to found massively successful businesses. There will be very little press coverage of businesses that fail. Starting a business is a risk. It could be the best thing you ever do or it could be an alternative way of racking up extensive debts. I would argue that it is somewhat irresponsible to encourage school leavers or even recent graduates to set up a business unless that is part of their existing plan. It is also somewhat baffling that David Willetts, Minister for Universities (within the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills), seems to be implying that a degree is unnecessary preparation for setting up your own business as you can just as well do so without one. Where that leaves university business schools is unclear.

2. Study Abroad – We could list many reasons why you should think about studying abroad but the current situation means that you should investigate fully all options open to you. Even at this late stage we know of universities in Europe where you can study in English and get an excellent quality degree. There is no need to wait a year before entering higher education. Yes, your options are quite limited at this time of year and you may be better off waiting a while before going to do a full degree but there are lots of shorter courses that you could quite comfortably take instead of a typical gap year. For example, you might decide to learn Mandarin Chinese or take some courses at university in Canada while working in a ski resort. Rather than assume that a gap year has to mean a gap from education, have a look at some of the options abroad, ranging from getting straight on with your degree to doing something completely different yet still part of your higher education journey.

Can British students afford to wait for a place at a British university if they miss out during clearing this year?

2010-08-10T08:45:00.000-07:00

As universities announce that there will be very few, if any, places available during clearing this year, British students are advised to look abroad to continue their education. Many universities in Europe have places available this autumn and, farther afield, Australian and New Zealand universities welcome applications from British students in time for the 2011 academic year.

In recent years, studying overseas has become well established in subjects such as medicine, dentistry and veterinary medicine. In 2010 there has also been an increase in students looking abroad as a way of differentiating themselves from their peers and gaining experience vital to a successful career. The increased presence of EU students at British universities is a visible reminder that the graduate job market is highly international.

When government advice amounts to deferring entry or starting up a business, it is clear that there is no strategy to actively assist school leavers who miss out on a place at university this year. We advise any student who wishes to get on with their education without interruption to look at options abroad. These may often work out cheaper than studying in England even before a further rise in the cost of university education. In the long term, studying abroad could be the smartest way to avoid the imposition of a graduate tax but it will definitely be excellent preparation for an international career.

Clearing can be a frustrating process for students and teachers alike. When looking for the right move, the answer could simultaneously be further away and closer at hand.

10,000 Fewer Places at University This Year

2010-05-24T10:31:00.000-07:00

Today it was announced that only half of the additional places at universities expected in October 2010 will materialise. The new government has announced that it will be cutting £118m that Labour had made available to fund these extra students.

It was already clear that student demand far outstrips the places available for new undergraduates; now it seems that even more students will be disappointed in their search for a suitable university in 2010 and beyond.

As this topic continues to make headlines we anticipate that demand for international higher education will grow significantly.

Launch of 2010 Attitudes to International Education Survey

2010-05-12T04:04:00.000-07:00

Today sees the launch of the 2010 Attitudes to International Education Survey. You can take part in the survey here.

This is the third year that the survey has run and we use it primarily to gauge the effectiveness of communicating information about international higher education to future undergraduate students.

If you would like to learn more about the survey please feel free to get in touch.

Tomorrow the Election, Next Week the Tuition Fee Debate

2010-05-05T01:11:00.000-07:00

One subject has been studiously ignored by politicians in the UK general election: what will happen to tuition fees over the lifetime of the next parliament and beyond. While many individual MPs and candidates have signed pledges indicating that they will not support an increase in fees from the current £3,000 plus inflation this is unlikely to have any impact on reality.

Without an alternative plan for funding the expansion of higher education it is almost certain that the cap on fees will be first raised and then removed. Otherwise we are likely to see more universities experiencing financial difficulties. The University of Cumbria has already applied for emergency funding from HEFCE and has had to reduce the facilities it offers students; while the circumstances of this situation are unique to Cumbria it is likely that other universities will face similar shortfalls.

One proposal put forward by Lord Browne,who chairs the cross party review, is that fees will be allowed to rise by £1,000 per annum until they reflect the cost of the relevant course. In this scenario we could end up with different level of fees to reflect the relative cost of teaching arts or sciences, for example. This would see British universities adopting the Australian finanical model.

This approach differs from lifting the upper limit to between £5,000 and £7,000 which had previously been thought the most likely outcome.

Uncertainty about tuition fees is likely to remain for some time. With all political parties having no immediate plans to reduce fees (any Lib Dem plan to phase out fees will take some time to introduce even in the event of their making substantial gains in tomorrow's election) the only certainty is that they will rise. The bigger issue in terms of access to higher education will be any change to the interest rate payable on student loans; this, too, it seems is likely to rise in the near future meaning that the overall cost of education will be even harder to judge.

What does this mean for international universities? Universities in Australia, New Zealand and, to a lesser extent, Canada and the USA will increasingly be seen as viable alternatives for those students who can finance their entire higher education from their own or their family's resources.

For European universities, we expect a continuing increase in interest not just to state universities but also to private universities. This trend is currently being driven by the shortage of places at British universities and many careers advisors in schools are actively looking to find places abroad for this year's school leavers. One of the unintended consequences of EU membership is that British students can find far more generous higher education opportunities in other countries. In that context perhaps the most important development in the last weeks has been the European Court of Justice's decision to allow some European countries to restrict the number of students coming from other EU member states.

Degree Exodus?

2010-03-29T02:35:00.001-07:00

Well, that is perhaps stretching a point but an article in yesterday's Sunday Times(scroll to bottom for relevant section) shows that European universities are seeing an increase in applications from British students.

Universities in Ireland, The Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden and Norway are probably the most likely beneficiaries but English-language education in other countries such as France, Spain and Italy could also see an increase in applications.

I would suggest that the increase in interest is motivated primarily by the shortage of places available at English universities because the "study now, pay later" financial model that tuition fees and student loans facilitate means that very few students are confronted with the financial reality of studying in this country; failing to find a place is a very different matter. As indicated in our previous post, when the only careers advice available is to defer university entry, students will start to look elsewhere for support.

We have now reached the Easter holidays but in the last two months I have spent almost every day in schools throughout England. Some of these schools have mentioned that their students are all placed (subject to grades) this year. However, there are an increasing number of schools who are worried about their Year 13 students and we are finding a greater willingness to consider international education.

Is this the best careers advice we can give British students?

2010-03-19T06:03:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday this week Mary Curnock Cook, the Chief Executive of UCAS confirmed that as many as 50,000 students with good A’ level grades will miss out on places at UK universities this year. This is the first acknowledgement that it is the “better” students who are likely to be unsuccessful in their application or disappointed in the type of university that will accept them.

The only advice offered by UCAS is to defer entry for at least one year before reapplying, or think about going to university later in life. Aside from the fact that the UK job market makes it almost impossible to enter many professions without a degree, does asking students to wait until universities are ‘ready’ for them qualify as sensible careers advice?

While this will undoubtedly prove a boon to the GAP year industry it is unlikely to assist students who are increasingly conscious of the financial impact of higher education or the difficulty of finding employment as a young person in today’s economy.

For many students there is another option: going to university abroad. Many high quality universities around the world are ready and able to accept applications from British students. While there is still likely to be a high level of competition for places at the best international universities, many students will find that they are able to get on with their life plans without an unintended and unwished-for hiatus.

British universities are not the only route open to British students. There are plenty of alternatives in countries as nearby as France, Ireland and the Netherlands or further afield in USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

A Star Future has been advising schools and students about such opportunities since 2006 and we anticipate a busy few months.

Return of the Top Universities Fair

2010-03-08T01:37:00.000-08:00

I will be visiting the Top Universities Fair in London on Friday 12th March to visit Universita Bocconi and University of Newcastle who are sending over representatives for the event. It is at Earls Court this year which means we are unlikely to see a repeat of the long waiting times when the fair was at the Science Museum last year. While at least half of the exhibitors are actually UK universities there is a fair representation of international universities so it promises to be worth a look.

As I have posted earlier on this blog, A Star Future remain unconvinced by the value of such events for promoting international education. However, as international education becomes a more attractive option for many British students this will change at some point.

If you are going to the fair and would like to meet up either send me an email or tweet me at astarfuture.

First Major Report in to British International Student Mobility

2010-01-25T03:52:00.001-08:00

Earlier this month the Department for Business Innovation & Skills Research Paper No. 8 was published. Entitled "Motivations and Experiences of UK Students Studying Abroad" this is the first analysis of the current situation relating to British students and international higher education prepared for the British government.

As recently as 1975, the United Kingdom was the sixth largest country in terms of the number of its students participating in international higher education. International higher education mobility has changed beyond all recognition over the last 35 years but it is worth remembering that British students were once one of the more numerous groupings at universities around the world.

In the first part of the report, the authors of the research paper have collated a wide range of data sources in an attempt to find an accurate indication of the number of outbound "diploma seeking" students. I have previously tried to find the same information and have found it to be an extremely frustrating process; there is no central indication from the UK government as to the numbers of students abroad and indeed the government is rarely involved in the process of assisting diploma seeking students as opposed to credit seeking (exchange) students who regularly take part in officially supported programmes, such as Erasmus. In spite of these difficulties the estimate of British students abroad tallies with my own knowledge; around 1.5-2% of British students seek to gain their degree at international universities. This figure does not include British citizens who have been ordinarily resident in the country where they are studying prior to commencing their studies.

The final part of the report addresses the experiences of British students currently enrolled in international universities. This gives some interesting insights in to the motives and experiences of those students and is worth reading in its entirety. The only comment I would pass on the 560 students interviewed (and it is one mentioned in the report) is that they are mostly studying at elite universities, thus potentially overstating the importance of a university's ranking in the decision-making process of the internationally mobile student. Perhaps unsurprisingly the students interviewed seem to benchmark their choice of international university against a UK equivalent (for example, Trinity College Dublin = Durham or Edinburgh). Our own research still suggests that quality is the single most important factor in choosing an international university.

Where I do feel more capable of passing comment on this report is the second section addressing the intentions of current British students towards applying to international universities. Since 2006 I have prepared an annual survey* of student intentions in the United Kingdom so this aspect of the new report is not unique as its authors claim. The students interviewed for the report are Year 13 students and therefore in their last year at school. The report does not make clear at what time of the school year the students were interviewed but presumably it was after applications had been made to British universities. Our own research concentrates mostly on Year 12 students' intentions because we have found that Year 13 students are far more likely to have overstated their intentions, particularly when asked questions such as whether they had thought about applying to international universities. Previous studies into study abroad intentions amongst undergraduates have also suffered from this bias. With Year 12 students it is easier to ascertain whether they are actually thinking about applying.

The difficulty in interpreting statistics that suggest that approximately 3% of British students have applied to study abroad and that a further 10.7% may have thought about it is that most of these students will not have had access to any information about international education (about 56.5% of respondents indicated this. In our own research, 50% of respondents received no information other than through A Star Future). With access to greater information it is possible that the number of students thinking about international education will increase but the number actually applying may not change at all. It would certainly increase the range of opportunities attracting interest. Students with no further information will naturally tend to consider the USA as the most available alternative. However, we have identified significant interest in countries such as the Netherlands which is only awakened once students are aware that is possible to study in English there and at a greatly reduced cost. I would certainly agree with the authors of the report in saying that the level of interest in international higher education opportunities is higher than many schools career and guidance teachers would expect.

I agree with the overwhelming conclusion of the report that high quality international universities are the most likely to attract British students. As a result the students who are most likely to study abroad are the highest achievers, although the single most important indicator is prior international experience in the family.

The report also addresses concerns of "brain drain" but these are beyond our scope for comment. We are far more interested in the implications on how international universities should promote themselves to British students. We have long been aware that quality is a major factor that international universities cannot ignore in their marketing in the United Kingdom. However, we believe that quality should be seen far more broadly than simple rankings and positions in league tables. Although our market research and the interviews in the report both reveal quality to be the single most important factor, we have also discovered that league tables are very unpopular with British students; perhaps this is a result of their having been measured and ranked from a very young age. There is scope for quality to be presented other than as a simple number in a table.

In conclusion, it is encouraging to see that the British government is now willing to look beyond credit mobility in terms of supporting outbound student mobility. In our opinion there has never been a contradiction between British excellence in higher education and British students seeking their degree abroad; it is fair to say we have encountered other interpretations.

In the current economic climate it seems unlikely that any funding will be made available to make a positive impact on the numbers studying abroad. It would seem far more likely that the unintended consequences of government education policy (for example, shortage of places on popular courses, a further increase in tuition fees, any perceived drop in quality of UK universities resulting from underfunding or overcrowding) will be the main drivers of British outbound student mobility in the short term.

For further information about A Star Future research please contact us.

Accentuating The Positive

2009-12-18T03:57:00.000-08:00

In this post, which is likely to be the last of the year, I just wanted to draw attention to what seems to have been the prevailing trend in the promotion of international education to British students.

This year has seen an almost unrelenting stream of bad news and negative reports about the value and purpose of university education. With cuts likely to be on the agenda for the following years, universities in the UK will face a major struggle to satisfy student demand and deliver the outcomes that they have been led to expect. We are already seeing that students are increasingly cynical about the "cookie-cutter" claims and testimonials which populate most university prospectuses because they know the resources just aren't there to make this a reality.

Restrictions on university places will certainly continue although this is likely only to be an issue for those applying to the "best" universities. Many students will now consider putting their lives on hold until the "right" opportunity comes along even if ideal alternatives are presented to them.

With the rising cost of education in England, student mobility as a whole is actually declining, with students choosing local universities over centres of excellence. The consequences of such a trend are all too obvious. The continued expectation that tuition fees will rise just as soon as the general election is out of the way also gives grounds for pessimism.

In our work promoting international education the temptation is to focus on the consequences (intended or otherwise) of British government policy on higher education. Indeed, it is all too easy to do this. However, we believe that negative motivation to study abroad is far less powerful than might be expected; the fact that tuition may be available elsewhere at a much cheaper cost or that other countries may provide student finance at better rates of interest, is not going to make up students' minds. The positive messages about a better lifestyle, making international friends for life and broadening horizons in a way that does not smack of cultural imperialism, these are just some of the reasons why students will think about international education rather than more general international experience.

The British government is making the negative case for an increase in outbound student mobility; it doesn't need the help of us or anyone else operating in this sphere. Our early New Year's resolution is to ensure that next year, our voice will promote the life- (and career-) enhancing benefits of international higher education.

Are Education Fairs a Good Way to Reach British Students?

2009-11-26T02:01:00.000-08:00

In response to regular enquiries from our clients and contacts, I would like to outline our thoughts regarding the usefulness of fairs and exhibitions for attracting British students in to international education.

Fairs are a major part of the international student recruitment marketing mix and they can generate excellent results in many countries. However, in our opinion they are not the right method to attract students from the United Kingdom. I have attended two such events in London this year and while both have been very successful in terms of attracting visitors, this is still a long way from saying that they will generate the desired results.

For most universities the first challenge to be overcome is building some kind of name recognition in the United Kingdom. Many exhibitors at UK events have commented to me that most students have no idea who they are and which strengths their institution possesses. Students are a long way from identifying the "unique selling points" of a university and they are a long way from actually caring; what students are looking for first and foremost is fairly general information about international education. For example, they need to learn about Australian higher education before they can even consider going to university in Australia. Most students attending fairs have not had the chance to learn even the basics. As a result, university staff attending fairs often find they have to offer general advice to visitors and have very little time and opportunity to "sell" their institution itself. While this is not necessarily a bad thing and may to some extent reflect the experience in other countries , it does mean that the results which exhibitors are likely to achieve may be very disappointing in comparison with their expectations.

Having a presence in any market is vitally important, however; particularly in a country such as the United Kingdom where we are likely to learn a lot about price elasticity and maintaining excellence in higher education during the lifetime of the next parliament.

I spent over a decade working in the exhibition industry in many countries around the world. In that time I launched many new events in markets and countries which had never had such events previously with varying degrees of success. One of the key lessons I learned is that it is not enough to have a pool of exhibitors who are looking to enter a market. There absolutely has to be an audience that is interested in the products on display and knows why it wants to buy them. While there is definitely interest at this stage in international higher education and the numbers attending events are growing, we are still some way from having an audience that has all the information it needs to make an informed choice.

When A Star Future was established in 2006 the initial idea was to organise a road show around the United Kingdom. We quickly rejected this approach as we felt it was the wrong marketing method at the wrong time. There is first and foremost a requirement to educate the marketplace before the results will warrant extensive investment in UK outbound recruitment. We took the decision that it is better to go to the potential market and help shape its awareness and interest rather than to organise an exhibition and see what happens. There are signs that the situation is developing but I do not believe that the time is yet right for universities to make a large scale investment in attending exhibitions in the United Kingdom. Our approach allows for universities to reach students and their advisors in around 100 schools in England for roughly the same overall cost as attending one two-day event in London.

But what about general student recruitment fairs in the United Kingdom? UCAS with its effective monopoly on student application data organises a wide range of fairs in this country and most universities participate in some if not all of these. Clearly these are effective ways for British universities to reach British students. It is true that most Year 12 students in the United Kingdom will have the opportunity to attend one of these events. However, it is perhaps worth investigating how students prepare for these events. Most schools careers staff will advise students to come up with a list of questions to ask universities and suggest that students think about universities that offer the courses they are interested in or, increasingly, are located within travelling distance of their homes. Students at these events tend to arrive at A and work their way around to Z asking their prepared questions and collecting prospectuses as they go. These events are very effective for students looking to achieve the outcomes for which they have prepared. However, they are very difficult environments to introduce new concepts or different ideas, such as studying abroad. We have been monitoring these events for some time for signs of change and will continue to do so. However, it is fair to assume that if a large scale international student fair were to take place in the United Kingdom it would generate similar results.

We believe that the place to start a discussion about international education is in the classroom and that is why we invest in building links with schools and being visible to students throughout the school year. We then use online resources such as email newsletters , twitter and facebook to continue the education process. Additionally, and perhaps most importantly, we also enable our clients to contact students who have expressed an interest in studying in their country or subjects in which they specialise.

Marketing consultants are not necessarily the right people to promote international universities. We believe that Higher Education Institutions can do that best themselves, although clearly we are in a position to offer guidance and support when necessary. Marketing consultants should however be able to advise and offer the right marketing measures to reach a specific objective. If a university wishes to increase awareness in the United Kingdom with a view to increasing enrollments then we believe that there are currently better ways to achieve this than attending fairs. When this situation changes, as an old hand at organising such events, I will be delighted to help our clients make the most of what can be one of the most effective marketing methods ever invented. Until it does though, we will continue to use alternative ways of marketing international higher education in the UK.

Why will British Students Go Abroad?

2009-11-23T09:46:00.000-08:00

We have more or less completed the first round of presentations in 2009-2010. As part of the presentation we aim to give potential students some of the key reasons they should think about gaining international experience. Below we list some of the key reasons why we think students should go abroad. These are worded exactly how we communicate them to our audience of 16-17 year olds and we have only listed those which appear to resonate most strongly with this audience.

1. Compete in the Global Job Market: If you are planning on a career in international business. Employers are increasingly looking for mature, culturally aware graduate recruits.

2. Broaden Your Horizons: Living in another country will help see things from a different perspective. It will introduce you to new experiences and new people. Experiencing life in a different country is not something you can learn by reading about it or seeing it on TV. Countries which we perceive as being similar to the UK can also present their own cultural challenges.

3. Meet People From Many Different Countries: Students from other similar European countries are twice as likely to study abroad as British students. Many of them come to this country for part or all of their education. This opportunity is there for you if you want to take advantage of it.

4. Student Debt Will Shape Your Life: Wherever you study you are likely to be going in to debt to pay for it. This will inevitably have an impact on your life after you leave university. The level of debt is not, in itself, the most important consideration; how long it will take to pay it off is. Studying abroad can help you in two ways:
• it may improve your earning potential,
• it may be cheaper for you.

For more information on how to reach British students with international higher education opportunities please contact us.

More British Students Going to the USA

2009-11-17T03:08:00.000-08:00

Yesterday the US based Institute for International Education published its annual survey in to the number of international students studying at US universities. Open Doors 2009 shows that there has been an increase of 4% in the number of Brits in US higher education to 8,701. This includes students at all levels from diploma courses up to and including postgraduate study. The UK remains the 15th most important market for US Higher Education Institutions.

From our own research we can tell that the United States is still the most interesting destination for British students but many cannot take advantage of the opportunity to study there for their full undergraduate degree, primarily for financial reasons. This is unlikely to change in the midst of the current recession. The forthcoming increase in English tuition fees, however, could very easily narrow the gap in cost between British and US higher education, particularly at institutions where academic scholarships are available.

According to the Fulbright Commission's analysis of the Open Doors 2009 survey, there has been a moderate, 3% rise in students enrolled on full undergraduate courses in the USA but a 21% rise in non-degree programmes, including short term programmes such as summer schools and university exchanges.

The five most popular US institutions for British students are Harvard University, University of Central Florida, New York University, Columbia University and the University of Pennsylvania. As three of these universities are Ivy League schools it is clear that British students are mostly attracted to elite American higher education. The University of Central Florida and NYU are also highly respected universities in geographic locations likely to appeal to British students.

There is potential for a wider range of US universities to attract British students at undergraduate level; US efforts to recruit British students are only just scratching the surface at the moment. Because of the sheer number of US study abroad students who want to come to the UK (33,353 in 2007-08), US universities can benefit twice over from raising their profile in this country: firstly, through an increase in direct enrollments; and, secondly, by increasing demand amongst potential exchange students leading to an increase in the British-based partners they are able to offer their own students.

British students and their advisors currently have little awareness of the vast majority of US universities. While many are interested to attend events such as the recent USA College Day in London, very few arrive at such events with any knowledge of the institutions they will meet. We believe that a concerted approach throughout the year works better than a short term visit to these shores and that is the reason we developed the A Star Future promotional campaign. You are welcome to contact us if you would like to learn more about our initiatives.

Introducing CERAM-ESC Lille, Cote d'Azur

2009-10-14T03:25:00.001-07:00

One of the most frequently asked questions by British students is about the relative quality of international universities. League tables, whatever their strengths and failings, are a fact of life in the decision making process.

For this reason, we are always keen to work with higher education institutions that have a good, international standing. CERAM-ESC Lille offers British students the chance to gain a French Grande Ecole education, with all courses taught in the English language.

CERAM-ESC Lille offers courses in the following disciplines at undergraduate level:

Business
Communications
Engineering
Aerospace and Aeronautics
Environmental Science/Marine Biology

Most degrees are offered as dual degrees where students spend two years in the south of France before heading off to partner institutions in countries such as the USA, Canada and Australia. Alternatively students can study in the South of France for 7 out of 8 semesters.

We are learning more about CERAM-ESC Lille all the time. Further details are available on our website here.

Shortage of Places in UK Universities Set to Continue

2009-10-09T03:22:00.000-07:00

According to an article in The Guardian yesterday, students applying to start university next autumn face a battle for places that will be even tougher than in 2009. Universities have been ordered to cap the number of extra places at just 10,000. These places will not be evenly spread between all institutions. In fact, the majority will be allocated to non-traditional higher education institutions rather than elite universities.

There was already extra pressure in the application procedure as a result of the approximately 50,000 students who failed to get a place at their chosen university this year. With so many students reapplying and already possessing the grades necessary for acceptance at good universities, those entering the Ucas process this year could find it even harder than usual to obtain a place. So far this autumn, there has already been a 15% increase in registrations with Ucas.

British universities will be unable to meet the demand for 2010 admissions, particularly as many expansion plans have been placed on hold as a result of the funding crisis in higher education. It is somewhat ironic that a government that campaigned on a mantra of “Education, Education, Education” will probably leave office unable to satisfy the demand that it created. The Conservatives main policy to address the funding crisis was announced this week at its party conference: discounts for the early repayment of student loans. This may very well increase funding for more than 10,000 places but it is unlikely to address the structural issues which restrict the expansion of higher education. As a result, there are likely to be admissions restrictions of one kind or another for much of the length of the next parliament.

So, what are the alternatives? We believe that young people should not be putting their lives on hold waiting for a place at a British university as a result of a financial situation that is beyond their control. We also believe that students should be looking at higher education with a harder focus. Whether it be a desire to advance in a particular profession, or a yearning to study a particular subject in depth, students need to be clear about why it is they wish to pursue higher education. Once this decision is made, however, we would suggest that students begin to look outside the United Kingdom for the solution.

Interest in the best US higher education has been growing in recent years. Awareness of universities in Europe is also increasing, particularly now that there is such a focus on the cost of tuition in this country. Countries such as the Netherlands (average fees c.€1,600) or Denmark (no fees) are starting to offer the kinds of courses that will attract international students. Other universities in Europe such as Universita Bocconi, CERAM Business School and Prague College offer education at a slightly lower or similar price to English universities. All of these institutions have their own areas of excellence and some of them measure up very favourably to the best British universities when comparing rankings.

Students wishing to pursue medicine and veterinary science have long been used to the extreme pressure for places at British universities. One Polish medical university indicated to me at the recent EAIE conference that applications from Britain have increased by 400% this year. As more subjects become restricted, we fully expect to see this trend expand to all areas of higher education.

We could very well be entering a period where not only is it sensible for students to know about international higher education opportunities, it is also essential.

About our School Presentations

2009-10-07T02:28:00.000-07:00

We are just about to start out on the road with our 2009-2010 presentation. Here is a summary of what it contains:

A Star Future delivers approximately 100 presentations each year in schools up and down the country. Every year, we aim to ensure that tomorrow's students have the information they need to consider international opportunities as part of their future. We often find that we are the only source of information for many of the schools that we visit.

Our presentation addresses some of the key reasons why students should consider going abroad. We look at the career benefits of international experience as well as the personal benefits to the individual.

Increasingly we address the financial implications of higher education. As going to university becomes more expensive, more British students are willing to look at universities in other countries. From free education in some European countries to world leading education in the USA, Australia and New Zealand (for a little more than staying at home), the options have never been greater.

International higher education is a global phenomenon, one which British students are in danger of missing out on. As universities in the United Kingdom increasingly attract students from all around the world, tomorrow's students need to be aware that they will be entering a job market containing not only their peers but global citizens who have already amassed considerable international experience. Too often, international study opportunities are offered to British students when it is too late for them to participate. For this reason, we aim our presentations at Year 12 (Lower VI) students.

As a result of our presentation, students should be aware of some of the main opportunities available to them such as:

summer schools
semesters abroad/exchanges
undergraduate degrees abroad
joint degrees in two countries
internship opportunities

Most of the opportunities we present are available in the English language. However, we would always recommend that students should learn the local language of the country they live in and we also offer advice on the best ways to learn.

After every presentation we provide email support to all students who are interested in learning more. We also provide each school that we visit with an information pack containing brochures and prospectuses of our partner institutions.

Because of our limited resources, it is difficult for us to be in more than one place at a time. Our presentation is typically free of charge to schools if it is booked within one of our scheduled visits to the right part of the country. For more information about our 2009-2010 schedule click here.

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We have a regular audience of schools that we get to every year but we are always interested in adding more to our list.

Introducing Think Education Group

2009-10-06T05:03:00.000-07:00

We are delighted to announce a new partnership with Think:Education Group, Australia's leading provider of specialist, vocational education.

Think:Education Group includes colleges which focus on marketing and communications, tourism and hospitality, design and health & wellbeing. In recent years they have achieved a 100% success rate in terms of their graduates finding a job in the industry they train for. So, if you are worried about investing in your future with no guarantee of a job at the end of your studies, you might want to take a look at Think:Education Group.

It is also possible to study for your degree in two years. This is hard work. You will complete three years' worth of courses in two years. It is not a short cut. But, if you are motivated to get in to the workplace as quickly as possible, this might be the way for you to go.

To learn more about other Australian universities please visit www.astarfuture.co.uk .