The unseen mental health pressures of studying away from home
12 March 2026
#WeAreInternational Student Ambassador Saba shares some of the unique challenges international students face to their mental health
Looking to work on your own professional self-development? Book onto our Skills for effective leadership training.
Welcome to UKCISA
We're here to help
We are an independent, UK-based charity and membership organisation committed to supporting international students and the educators, institutions, and organisations that work with them.
Through education and advocacy we aim to ensure that every international student in the UK enjoys a positive experience.
STUDENT ADVICE
We offer expert advice for every step of your journey
Our team of highly trained advisors offers accessible information and advice for international students about immigration rules, fees, employment and the wider student experience.
Whether you're already an international student or thinking of studying in the UK, we're here to help you on your journey, from application to graduation and beyond.
Membership
We support about 400 member institutions and organisations
We provide training, information and advice to about 400 members across universities, schools, colleges, students’ unions and wider organisations. Using our expertise in immigration advice, compliance and fee assessments, we give you the tools to provide a world class experience for international students.
Membership to UKCISA is per institution, so if you work at a university, school or college you may already has access to a whole wealth of benefits.
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Searchable, up-to-date guidance and information
Our unique Manual is a comprehensive knowledge base offering up-to-date information and analysis on student immigration, fees regulations and student support
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One-to-one expert support
Specialist advice, support and information on international student rules and regulations from our team of experts on our dedicated Members’ advice line.
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Discussion groups
Connect with specialists from organisations around the UK to discuss issues, share insights and latest developments.
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Influence change
Our members provide invaluable insights into the challenges faced by international students. They guide our advocacy efforts, enabling us to drive meaningful change for international students and those who support them.
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Be a part of the #WeAreInternational campaign
Join us in championing the #WeAreInternational campaign. Through our dedicated student ambassadors, student-led charter, and targeted grants for projects and research, we are empowering international students and all who work with them.
Make the most of our expert knowledge in 2026
We’re here to help this year with our programme of training that gives you and the staff you manage, the support, knowledge, skills and latest information to work effectively and responsibly across immigration, compliance and fees assessments.
Learn more about our training Join us at UKCISA Annual Conference 2026
OUR WORK
We advocate for a positive experience for every international student
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Advocating for policy change
Our recommendations aim to ensure that the UK’s global image remains positive and welcoming for prospective and current students and supports the continued success of the whole education sector.
Understand our policy recommendations -
Collating sector insights
Keep up to date with the changing landscape of the sector with our Annual policy review, including updates, statistics and reports relating to international students.
Access our insights -
Supporting student employability
We support the delivery of a strategic approach to international student employability through a cross-department working group (ISEG).
Find out more -
Partnering with student leaders
The #WeAreInternational Student Ambassador programme is UKCISA's student network of global future leaders.
Hear from our student ambassadors -
Promoting the Student charter
Providing guidance on the fundamental principles for delivering a world-class international student experience, from pre-arrival to post-graduation.
Explore the Student charter -
Enabling and sharing innovative ideas
Get ideas from the projects in the #WeAreInternational Grants scheme on integrating the principles of the Student Charter in higher and further education institutions in the UK.
Apply the Charter in your institution
News
Stay up-to date with all the latest
All the issues that affect you in the world of international education.
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Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine: creating a supportive environment for postgraduate students
11 March 2026
LSTM has created a proactive, inclusive support model rooted in research, data, and compassion for their diverse international student body.
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Student update: further observations about the recent Statement of Changes
11 March 2026
A few other things relevant to Students from the Statement of Changes released on 5 March 2026.
What is UKCISA?
Since 1968 the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) has worked to support international students and the institutions, students' unions and organisations who work closely with them.
We are committed to ensuring that international students feel welcome, supported, and valued. 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.
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