Report shows UK learning exports 'worth £28bn'

Source: Exec Digital UK

Date :18/09/2007 10:06:34

According to a report by the British Council the export value of UK education and training is £28 billion.

The research carried out by Sheffield University includes the fees and living expenses of international students.

It also considered consultancy and training services and sales of educational materials including books, journals and software.

Global Business

The report based on the research, Global Value: The Value of UK Education and Training Exports, was part of the council’s in promoting worldwide appreciation of the UK.

The British Council said the UK needed to take education more seriously as a global business to avoid losing out.

Chief executive Martin Davidson said: "Unless we start taking education much more seriously as a global business, we will lose out to other countries who understand the value of education to their economy much better than we do."

The figures relate to 2003-04. The direct value of overseas students was said to be £8.5 billion, 39 percent higher than two years earlier.

The estimated total compared with £19 billion for financial services and £20 billion for the automotive industry, £14 billion for healthcare service exports £7 billion for construction exports and £9.4 billion for food and drink.

September 18 2007