Welcome to UKCISA
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
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 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.
Our unique Manual is a comprehensive knowledge base offering up-to-date information and analysis on student immigration, fees regulations and student support
Specialist advice, support and information on international student rules and regulations from our team of experts on our dedicated Members’ advice line.
Connect with specialists from organisations around the UK to discuss issues, share insights and latest developments.
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.
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.
Ensure you have the most up-to-date skills and knowledge to work effectively across immigration, compliance, and fee assessments.
Celebrate the people, teams and organisations creating exceptional international student experiences, enabling them to achieve their potential, at the 2026 #WeAreInternational Awards.
OUR WORK
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
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
We support the delivery of a strategic approach to international student employability through a cross-department working group (ISEG).
Find out more
The #WeAreInternational Student Ambassador programme is UKCISA's student network of global future leaders.
Hear from our student ambassadors
Providing guidance on the fundamental principles for delivering a world-class international student experience, from pre-arrival to post-graduation.
Explore the Student charter
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 institutionNews
All the issues that affect you in the world of international education.
28 September 2026
The award recognises the Engagement and Partnerships team’s innovation and leadership in creating the #WeAreInternational Awards and using the stories they generate to inform UKCISA’s policy and practice.
16 September 2026
Additional changes due to take place as a result of the UK re-joining the Erasmus+ programme.
10 September 2026
What you need to know about changes published by the Home Office on 3 September 2026
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.
Stay in touch with UKCISA and get all of our updates before anyone else.
