University of Hertfordshire’s global engagement recognised by His Majesty The King

The University of Hertfordshire has been honoured with a King’s Award for Enterprise for its highly effective internationalisation strategy, it’s been officially announced today (Monday, 6 May).

Considered the country’s highest business accolade and approved by both the Prime Minister and The King, the University was recognised for its excellence in international trade, winning the King’s Award for International Trade for Outstanding Continuous Growth in overseas sales over the last six years.

The only university to be awarded a King’s Award for Enterprise this year, Herts was recognised for how it has developed and grown its internationalisation strategy, which has resulted in a booming international community at its Hertfordshire campus, and an extensive overseas partner network delivering the University’s education.

It was also commended for achieving continued growth during “challenging times for businesses,” in reference to significant global disruptions such as the COVID-19 pandemic and wider political and economic situations. Despite the challenges, the University achieved a 330% growth in overseas sales over the last six years.

Jo Stuart, Pro Vice Chancellor for International and Marketing Communications at the University of Hertfordshire, said:

“We are thrilled to receive this incredible award and to have both the Prime Minister and the King himself recognise and acknowledge the sector-leading work we are doing in this area. Our teams have spent two decades meticulously developing a global network of high-quality education agents, representatives and academic partners. The result is strong strategic partnerships, impactful research collaborations, once-in-a-lifetime global teaching and exchange opportunities for our staff and students and the flourishing, vibrant and diverse campus community that we have today.

“The fact that the University of Hertfordshire attracts people from all around the world is testament to the education we provide. We offer huge value in so many countries which is why our international students are so keen to access our education.

"It’s also great for our students and staff, who get an enriched learning, teaching and working experience from a global network of peers with many different insights and experiences. It helps to prepare all our students for a globally interconnected working world, supports the local economy, which benefits from the millions of pounds our international students bring, and enables the University to invest in our facilities and teaching and learning.

“Our ethos is that whatever your background wherever you are from, higher education has the power to transform your life. Our many international success stories are proof of how this potential is being developed for the benefit of those individuals, our university community and beyond.”

Herts’ international community currently amounts to more than 13,000 students from over 140 countries. They also currently have 135 study abroad partners and 19 active transnational education partners, including a branch campus in Egypt, and are the largest recruiter to the UK of students from India and Nigeria.

Professor Quintin McKellar, Vice Chancellor of the University of Hertfordshire, added:

“Our expansion in overseas student numbers was in support of the Government’s desire to increase total international student numbers to help boost the value of UK education exports. This has been notably successful, with overseas students now contributing £28.8 billion to the UK economy.

“While international students also ensure the ongoing financial stability of our institution at a time when there are severe funding pressures across the sector, their value goes well beyond money. Like all students, our international community draw upon their own unique experiences to generate new ideas and innovation that supports development, progress and levelling up both in the UK and across the globe. They also help to strengthen international relations, provide important diversity, and therefore cultural education, to our communities and key industry sectors, and are filling crucial UK skills gaps, particularly in STEM and healthcare sectors.

“This award is extremely encouraging and shows there is an appreciation beyond the sector of the immense value and need for our international community. The fact that our education is held in such high esteem around the world, making it a great export product, and that we are one of the most popular places to study is something to celebrate.”

Herts is one of just 252 UK organisations to be recognised with a prestigious King’s Award for Enterprise this year, which recognise outstanding achievement by UK businesses in the categories of innovation; international trade; sustainable development and promoting opportunity through social mobility. Valid for five years, they provide worldwide recognition to UK businesses.

More information about University of Hertfordshire’s international offering is available online.