Institution of the Year: what institutions can learn from Warwick’s award-winning approach
March 25, 2026
5 minute read:
Learn about the University of Warwick’s cross-institutionals approach to international student inclusion, its impact and their recommendations for similar initiatives in your own institution.
The University of Warwick celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2025. Rather than simply reflecting on past achievements, it used the moment to celebrate and build on its global ambition. The result has been sector-leading work, rooted in student voice and guided by our #WeAreInternational Student Charter, that contributed to winning Institution of the Year at our inaugural #WeAreInternational Awards.
Warwick’s international strategy places international students at the centre of institutional decision-making and has helped cultivate a global, inclusive community. One of the most impactful developments has been the introduction of their new International Student Experience Advisory Board, a cross-institutional collaborative model that delivers meaningful change.
Bringing together stakeholders from across the university; academics, professional services, Students’ Union representatives and international students themselves, the Board ensures students’ lived experiences inform practice from pre‑arrival through to post‑graduation.
It demonstrates what can happen when international student experience and inclusion is a shared institutional responsibility.
Five lessons from Warwick’s approach
We asked Warwick for their top recommendations for institutions wanting to strengthen their international student inclusion.
Echo Zhou, Deputy Director, International Student Support & Experience, University of Warwick said that their starting point was simple:
“By consistently asking, ‘what barriers might an international student face’, you can identify gaps, remove barriers and create a more equitable environment across all stages of their journey.”
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Start with listening
Large-scale surveys such as the National Student Survey provide valuable sector-level insights, but they cannot capture the full depth of the international student experience. Tailored, institution-specific insights and surveys surveys designed around the entire student lifecycle, can offer a clearer picture of how you are performing.
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Create spaces for open conversations
Focus groups such as International Student Roundtables offer richer, more nuanced data into motivations, barriers, challenges, and successes. These conversations can quickly identify where small, but targeted, improvements could have a big impact.
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Co-create with students
International students are experts in their own experience. Invite them to work with you, involve them directly in designing resources and co-creating their experience. Where possible, work to create the infrastructure to enable peer support.
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Build an advisory board
Bringing together staff members interested in supporting international students and who care about inclusion can act as a catalyst for creativity, problem-solving and shared practice. A formal advisory board ensures that student insights directly shape policy.
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Use the #WeAreInternational Student Charter as a benchmark
The Student Charter is a practical tool for assessing where international students may face hidden barriers and for evaluating whether services genuinely meet their needs. Invite colleagues across support services and academic departments to review and enhance their provision.
To explore Warwick’s work in more depth, download their full answers to our questions about their international student strategy.
Want to hear more about their award-winning approach? They'll be running a session at the UKCISA Annual Conference 2026, 23-25 June in Glasgow.
