The sixth iteration of Deep Dialogues - focused discussions between UK and international higher education stakeholders on the important themes shaping higher education - will take place in London between 5-7 May 2026, with delegates from over 22 countries attending. For this event, the British Council is working in partnership with Advance HE and Universities UK International. Participants include senior tertiary education leaders, academics, education policy makers and sector experts.
The theme of this Deep Dialogues is 'Business as unusual: leadership in international education transformation'. The event is happening at a time when internationalisation in tertiary education is at one of its highest levels in history - however conventions around what constitutes the mission of a university, their engagement in national development priorities, and their freedom and independence are being challenged, and the geographic poles of attraction for students and academics are shifting. Financial constraints and technological challenges remain, as does the need to address access, quality and affordability. It is highly likely that tertiary education leaders will need to revisit established models to address such challenges, with strong leadership more crucial than ever to successfully guide institutions through these transformations. This Deep Dialogues will explore how to implement transformation strategies in the internationalisation of education, with a focus on managing growth, upholding quality and standards, and diversifying portfolios.
Deep Dialogues delegates will also participate in the first day of Universities UK International’s flagship International Higher Education Forum (IHEF), taking place on Wednesday 6 May.