Between November 2022 and February 2023, the British Council conducted research in Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, and Peru. The aim was to map the funding mechanisms for international student mobility, develop a regional guide for educational agents, and identify groups of UK alumni willing to share their experiences with future students. 

The results reveal key agreements between British universities and regional funding agencies, as well as challenges and opportunities in international mobility for Latin American students. In Colombia, the UK is the second most popular destination for beneficiaries of COLFUTURO, while ICETEX seeks to establish more partnerships with British institutions. In Mexico, British universities are important partners of CONAHCyT, FIDERH, and FUNED. In Brazil, although funding for mobility has decreased, there are expectations for recovery. In Peru, the UK remains a prominent destination for beneficiaries of PRONABEC and SERVIR. 

Explore key topics such as: 

Collaboration with funding agencies

  • Agreements with COLFUTURO in Colombia, CONAHCyT in Mexico, and PRONABEC in Peru. 
  • Brazil shows expectations of recovery in funding under the new government. 

Challenges for international mobility

  • Reduction of funds in Brazil and short application deadlines. 
  • High living costs and currency challenges in the region.

Growth opportunities for the UK

  • Strong presence in Mexico, with 5% of the international tertiary mobility market. 
  • Expansion in Brazil, Colombia, and Peru, despite competition from the USA, Canada, and Australia. 

Preferences of students and educational agents

  • Scholarships and tuition discounts are decisive for destination choice. 
  • Agents request more familiarization trips and better training on British universities.

Motivations of Latin American students

The educational reputation of the UK is globally recognized; 34% believe that studying there enhances their careers.

Challenges reported by alumni

  • Living costs and complexity of the visa process. 
  • Despite these challenges, 61% strongly recommend studying in the UK, highlighting personal and professional growth. 

Download our reports for more details on these findings and to explore collaboration opportunities in the region ⬇️
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