International activity

International activity is an area of growing importance for the Department in the context of an increasingly international labour market and increased competition for international students worldwide.

Our current international activity in HEPB Higher Education Policy Branch focuses primarily on:

providing support for outgoing Ministerial trade missions and study visits
hosting receptions for international visitors and IAESTE participants
developing collaborative partnerships with other countries through, for example, the signing of Memoranda of Understanding in the field of education
monitoring and contributing to the international dimensions of UK policy development

HEPB Higher Education Policy Branch currently funds and monitors the Department’s involvement in a range of international HE programmes and scholarships including:

The European Lifelong Learning Programme - Erasmus - Find out more about Erasmus
The International Association for the Exchange of Students for Technical Expertise (IAESTE) - visit IAESTE website
Study USA - Find out more about Study USA at the British Council website
UK-India Education Research Initiative (UKIERI) - Find out more about UKIERI
Study China - Find out more about Study China
Mitchell Scholarships - Find out more

We endeavour to bring effective influence to bear on the UK Government, other countries, regions and institutions on international policy issues affecting Northern Ireland through our membership on various national steering groups such as the Joint Education Taskforce and the Bologna Process European Coordinating Group; and through liaison with Whitehall colleagues.