The success of UK higher education is built on a spirit of collaboration. The free flow of ideas and knowledge depends on it. Which is why we’ve been fostering close relationships between UK universities for more than a century.

Today, we’re the collective voice of 140 universities across the UK. Our universities have world-leading reputations for excellence in teaching and research, making a huge difference to people’s lives.

Together with our members, we aim to shape policy that allows universities to deliver the greatest impact possible for students, staff, the economy, and the communities they serve. By demonstrating these benefits, we’re helping UK universities build trust with policymakers and the public.

Universities Wales and Universities Scotland work autonomously as part of Universities UK, representing the interests of universities in Wales and Scotland. They campaign, influence and develop policy on behalf of the higher education sectors in the devolved nations.

Our vision for the future of the UK higher education sector focuses on five key areas. With our support, UUK members turn this vision into reality for the benefit of society and the world at large: Opportunity. Giving everyone with the will and potential to succeed access to outstanding learning experiences. Impact. Maintaining our world-leading reputation for producing and applying knowledge and skills. Trust. Promoting public trust and political support for UK universities by demonstrating the positive impact on students, the economy, public services and society. Global. Maintaining the position of UK universities as global leaders in international education and research. Autonomy. Protecting the freedom to make autonomous decisions according to a university’s diverse mission and the needs of their students and communities.

As the voice of universities across the UK, we must account for the diversity of policies and priorities in devolved nations.

Our recent achievements include: International students. Campaigning for greater recognition of the cultural and economic importance of international students. This resulted in a two-year post-study graduate work visa, increasing the popularity of the UK as an international study destination. Mental health. Improving wellbeing and mental health support for university students and staff through our Stepchange Framework. Lifelong learning. Successfully campaigning for changes to make it easier for people of all ages to learn and up-skill part time. Collective campaigning. Bringing universities together to tell inspirational stories. Our current Made at Uni campaign, called Creative Sparks, showcases the role of universities in creating healthier and more active places and supporting people’s health and wellbeing as we recover from the pandemic. Covid-19 support. Coordinating efforts on behalf of our members to provide information, and secure support for students and universities during the Covid-19 pandemic.