UK issues guidance to counter foreign interference risks in higher education
The UK government has published guidance aimed at helping universities and higher education providers recognise, prevent and report foreign interference, as part of efforts to protect academic freedom, people and research.
Issued by the Department for Education on 9 February, the guidance has been developed in partnership with the National Protective Security Authority and is intended for senior leaders, academics, research offices, professional staff and students across the sector.
According to the guidance, the UK’s global reputation for education and research makes universities attractive targets for foreign states seeking to influence decision-making or censor activity. It defines foreign interference as attempts by a foreign state to interfere in university activities in ways that are “deceptive, corrupt, or coercive”, distinguishing this from legitimate and transparent international influence.
The document highlights a range of scenarios in which universities or individuals may be targeted, including influencing research outputs, staff appointments, student admissions, international collaborations or public debate. It also warns that individual academics and students may be subject to “transnational repression”, where foreign states attempt to monitor, control or punish people they perceive as a threat.
While stressing that most international engagement is legitimate and beneficial, the guidance urges institutions and individuals to remain alert to interactions that feel intimidating or deceptive, and to report concerns through institutional security channels.
The guidance also signposts practical support in three key areas: responding to transnational repression, managing risks to individuals, and protecting institutions from cyber threats. It draws on advice from the National Cyber Security Centre, particularly for high-risk individuals and institutional cyber resilience.
Alongside security advice, the document outlines regulatory expectations across the UK. In England, it references guidance from the Office for Students on balancing international arrangements with statutory free speech duties, and sets out reporting routes for staff and students. Separate sections cover oversight and complaints mechanisms in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
The guidance also explains how higher education providers may be affected by the Foreign Influence Registration Scheme (FIRS), a new two-tier system designed to increase transparency around political influence activities carried out on behalf of foreign powers. Under the enhanced tier, activities linked to Russia or Iran must be registered.
On research security, institutions are directed to the Research Collaboration Advice Team, run by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, for advice on national security risks associated with international research.
The Department for Education said the guidance is intended to support institutions in protecting openness and collaboration while ensuring that academic freedom and research integrity are not undermined by covert or coercive foreign activity.