Global Wales III: Evaluation Highlights a Strong Legacy of International Collaboration and Impact
Article written by Tom Woodward, Assistant Director, Universities Wales.
An independent final evaluation of Global Wales III has confirmed the programme’s significant contribution to strengthening Wales’ position in the global education landscape. Delivered by Universities Wales and funded through Taith, the programme set out to enhance the visibility, reach, and impact of Wales’ higher and further education sectors in key international markets. Despite operating in a period marked by shifting immigration rules, Brexit‑related challenges, and financial pressures across the sector, the Wavehill evaluation found that Global Wales III demonstrated clear successes in expanding Wales’ global footprint and fostering meaningful international engagement.
Launched with four core objectives—growing international student numbers, strengthening partnerships, increasing export earnings, and enhancing the global awareness and reputation of Welsh institutions—the programme built on earlier phases but with a substantially expanded scope and ambition. Activities were delivered across priority areas including India, Vietnam, North America, and Europe.
Strategic Delivery in a Changing Global Context
The evaluation notes that Global Wales III was delivered during an exceptionally dynamic period for international higher education. Tougher UK immigration policies, restrictions on study‑dependants, and ongoing post‑Brexit implications created headwinds for student recruitment across the UK. For Wales, these challenges made coordinated international promotion even more essential.
The programme’s rationale was strongly validated by stakeholders across higher and further education. They highlighted the increasing importance of international engagement both for institutional sustainability and for Wales’s broader soft‑power ambitions. Many emphasised that a unified, Wales‑wide approach to international education has become not only valuable, but essential.
Key Achievements
Strengthening Wales’s International Profile
The Study in Wales brand emerged as one of Global Wales III’s most powerful assets. Through digital campaigns, events, marketing content, and targeted engagement, Study in Wales generated 1.4 billion impressions, 18.4 million website visits, and nearly 900,000 leads, illustrating the brand’s expanding international reach. Positive perceptions of Wales grew significantly, with brand familiarity and awareness doubling between 2022 and 2025.
Growing Partnerships and Collaboration
Partnership development was another standout success. More than 110 formal partnerships and 87 seed‑funded projects were brokered or facilitated across priority markets. These initiatives supported research links, teaching collaborations, system‑level engagement, and long‑term relationship‑building. Stakeholders consistently described Global Wales as a “key enabler” of international collaboration, helping institutions leverage strategic connections and convert them into sustained partnerships.
Supporting International Student Recruitment
Despite global volatility, the evaluation found notable growth trajectories in several markets. International enrolments from priority regions increased overall, with significant growth from India and the United States. Study in Wales marketing activities played an important role in raising awareness and influencing early‑stage decision‑making among prospective students globally.
A Strong Foundation for Wales’s Future Global Ambitions
Global Wales has shown what is possible when our universities, colleges, and partners work together with a shared international vision. The programme has strengthened Wales’ global reputation, operated in key markets, and created opportunities for students and institutions that will endure. At a time of intense global competition, Global Wales has demonstrated that Wales can punch well above its weight on the world stage.
Looking Ahead
The evaluation concludes with recommendations to sustain and build on the programme’s impact—highlighting the value of a national international education strategy, continued investment in the Study in Wales brand, and deeper integration across government and sectoral priorities.
As Global Wales III draws to a close, the evidence is clear: the programme has left a strong and positive legacy, positioning Wales as an outward‑looking, collaborative, and ambitious nation in global education.
The Global Wales programme has been extended from 1st August 2026 to 31st July 2027, funded directly by the Welsh Government. To learn more about programme, click here.
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