The Universities of Birmingham and Glasgow are collaborating on a pioneering initiative to support international students in launching successful careers, both in the UK and their home countries.
Careers experts at both Russell Group universities have come together to pool knowledge, resources, and networks to develop in-country support for returning graduates starting with India and China.
The new scheme also plans to enhance career provision in the UK for international students, alongside advice and support for UK students. The programme will be available to students joining both universities from September 2025.
The universities will strengthen their presence in China and India by providing tailored activity that accounts for cultural and labour market differences between the two countries, as well as the differing career aspirations of graduates from those countries.
Working with partners in these countries, the universities will build on their existing strong links to top employers and exceptional alumni, supporting access to graduate opportunities, internships, and career coaching. Entrepreneurship support will be on offer helping support the aspirations of future business owners.
Professor Adam Tickell, Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of Birmingham, commented: “International students occupy a prominent place in our student community, and we are committed to helping them make the most of graduate opportunities – whether in their home countries or the UK.
“Working with the University of Glasgow, we aim to create an innovative, sector-leading approach to provide extra support that will help our graduates maximise the benefits of an education from a top British Russell Group university and accelerate their pathway into exciting and rewarding careers.”
Professor Sir Anton Muscatelli, Vice Chancellor and Principal of the University of Glasgow, commented: “This unique collaboration with Birmingham will strengthen our commitment to supporting students to achieve their career aspiration and enable us to establish new support for our international students. As two top 100 global universities, we will draw on our extensive networks and expertise in development of this exciting programme.
“Both universities have extensive alumni networks, employer connections and expertise in employability. The new joint programme aims to maximise opportunities for Glasgow and Birmingham graduates collectively by increasing their connections, access to up-to-date labour market information and support to excel in recruitment processes.”