UKCISA announce new leadership for Student Advisory Group in 2026
January 14, 2026
UKCISA is pleased to welcome Saida Alimdjanova as Chair and Alice (Tianjie) Liu as Vice Chair of its Student Advisory Group for 2026.
The Student Advisory Group, a subcommittee of UKCISA’s Board of Trustees, plays a vital role in shaping our strategic decisions, projects, and policies. It brings the voices and experience of current international students and recent graduates into all areas of UKCISA’s work, ensuring we’re advocating for the issues that are important to them.
The Group comprises our #WeAreInternational Student Ambassadors, who meet four times a year. As Chair, Saida will also join UKCISA’s Board of Trustees in 2026.
Saida Alimdjanova
Saida is pursuing an MSc in Predictive Modelling and Scientific Computing at the University of Warwick. She is passionate about advancing equity for international students from underrepresented backgrounds and fostering intercultural dialogue.
"2026 presents a pivotal year for addressing the challenges that recent academic and professional policy changes have posed to international students, and I am honoured to chair the Student Advisory Group of the UK Council for International Student Affairs in times that call for sustained advocacy.
While there are a multitude of goals to be reached in the current climate, my focus will be directed towards ensuring optimal support systems for those most affected by rising costs and labour market pressures, while continuing to push the international student voice to decision-making levels."
Alice (Tianjie) Liu
Alice is a PhD candidate at Birmingham Business School, University of Birmingham. After completing her master’s in international business, she served as International Officer at the Guild of Students for two years. A multilingual advocate, Alice focuses on language inclusivity, improving living conditions, and enhancing employability for international students.
"I am pleased to take on the role of Vice-Chair of UKCISA’s Student Advisory Group, and I look forward to working closely with Saida and the wider group.
My educational journey across four countries has made me particularly aware of how uneven access to information and support can be for international students, especially across different languages. As the Vice-Chair, I am keen to focus on improving guidance around visas and career development, contributing to evidence-based lobbying on issues affecting international students, and supporting the development of curated event ideas to help institutions deliver inclusive activities for international students."
UKCISA's Head of Engagement and Partnerships, Yinbo Yu, shared:
“UKCISA’s Student Advisory Group offers invaluable insight and guidance to our staff and trustees. They help us understand how policies—both proposed and implemented—impact students, and they hold us accountable. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to Pedram and Ana for their outstanding contributions over the past year, and warmly welcome Saida and Alice. I look forward to working together to make a real difference in the lives of international students in the UK this year.”
UKCISA extends its gratitude to outgoing Chair Pedram Bani Asadi and Vice Chair Anastasiia Guseva, whose terms ended on 31 December 2025. Their leadership drove impactful campaigns, including highlighting the importance of the Graduate route, and strengthened communication around the #WeAreInternational Student Ambassador Programme.
