Study UK logo
Study UK logo

The Study UK: Discover You campaign is designed to promote the benefits of  UK education internationally and support the objectives of UK universities. The campaign is led and delivered by the British Council as a key element of the UK Government’s GREAT Britain Campaign to promote the UK as a destination for study, tourism and business.

Our aim is that a UK higher education becomes the first choice for international students. The campaign showcases a united, open, outward-looking UK higher education sector that is respected and thriving on the world stage, supporting jobs and the economy in the UK. In addition, by increasing access and opportunity to a world-class education in ODA countries, alumni of a UK education return home to transform lives, communities and countries and, provide the inspiration and motivation to vitalise the next generation of students.

Strategic priorities for 2018/19

  • To increase student awareness and engagement
  • To increase sector engagement
  • To increase alumni engagement
  • To increase agents and counsellors engagement
  • To develop new products to promote UK education i.e. MOOCs

Campaign achievements

A digitally-led campaign

Supported by face-to-face engagement that takes advantage of the vast network of British Council offices and their activity around the world. This integrated approach helps to build awareness and preference for a UK education and provides support for students and their parents throughout their journey from school to employment. High-performing stats include: 

  • 2.9 million unique visitors to the Study UK website 
  • 3.8 million social media actions 
  • 250k video views
  • 34k newsletter sign-ups 
  • 50 k referrals to UCAS and Prospect course search 

Brand recognition

Initial results show the campaign has been highly effective in reaching and engaging potential international students and has improved perceptions of the UK higher education offer.  A survey of potential international higher education students in April 2017 showed that:  

  • Sixty-eight per cent of potential international students in China, India, Malaysia, Nigeria and USA recalled seeing the social media advertising
  • Nine out of ten of those reported taking some action as a result of contact with the Study UK campaign. 

Supporting academic excellence

We will be supporting academic excellence with the GREAT Scholarship scheme. For 2018 intake, the following is planned:

  •   India - 52 participating HEIs with 251 post-graduate scholarships on offer
  •   China - 31 participating UK HEIs with 150 undergraduate and post-graduate scholarships on offer

Representation across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Showcasing the value of a UK education

The Study UK Alumni Awards is the GREAT/British Council’s flagship global alumni campaign, established in 2014 with UK higher education institutions, and reaching an audience of more than 100 million each year.

The Alumni Awards celebrate and showcase the value of a UK education, and its impact upon individuals, communities, industries and nations. The Alumni Awards are delivered in partnership with more than 140 UK universities and more than 120 countries

Digital innovation

In 2016 we launched #StudyUKLive Facebook series that brings the UK education experience to life and connects prospective students with UK higher education institutions.

The first three shows have reached more than 780, 000 people with over 220,000 video views and over 5,600 engagements.  

More information

If you are looking for information about our services for UK education providers please visit SIEM.

For all other information, news, opportunities around international higher education please sign up to our newsletter.