# **2024–25**
**----- Start of picture text -----**
5 © =
|
ii e ie ey S74
or
wig
é
' ‘
me C1021 00S)
(So oC oS
20 Over 20 volunteers on our advisory committees
Over #WeAreInternational Student Ambassadors from around the world trustees (two new in 2024/25)
40 15
Further education institutions 30 Corporate/Education sector organisations/ Other
125
We are UKCISA 408 members, including all public universities in the UK, a number of public and private colleges, schools, students’ unions, and other specialised organisations
UKCISA in 2024–2025
Higher education institutions Students’ unions
188 125
**----- End of picture text -----**
**----- Start of picture text -----**
=
N
iS)
SY
N
N
iS)
N
&
;
8<| as
a
oO
a be 2 SY Sa
events
sessions government and sector agencies in the UK and from around the world
projects explored what it means to implement the #WeAreInternational Student Charter
We amplify international student voices #WeAreInternational Our Student Ambassadors attended 22 spoke at 27 with 13 8 Over £28,000 funding in #WeAreInternational Grants Scheme
pages
We provide trusted information and guidance million views of our website
4,532 Total number of calls 2,969 Calls to our free public advice line Calls to the member advice line Launch of a new website, with over 500 Over 2.7
1,563
We deliver world-leading advice and training
34 training sessions to 788 attendees
We advocate for a positive experience for all international students
Nearly 3,000 page views of Equity, Inclusion and Innovation: a sustainable international student policy in advocating for the Graduate route during the Migration Advisory Committee Review
Success
**----- End of picture text -----**
2 r 8 6 fe) = a4 rat 2 5 ao oO fo?) - a) x Q2 Cc o xe) ® i) 38 ® is c o ne} a 8 a 5 © = ® oO © a 2) & = @\ DOosRo oad <® £S© i=EE Nw) ca x ts) xe} DS fe} oO 2 7 8 oo a £ o 5 res £s& 3 ° is 8 2 o ® O 5 § ® ° oo + oO Ss a n 5 3 8 s g 6g coi) 3 g 5 2 3B Se al a aC) oO S aS Oo < is o s xe} Fy © ra c= 23 § D 5 o o os go g bay D <2 ® = > w w [e) - oO © oc c o od fy o Ee o _ > [S) E i =o o 5 £ ° 3 2 & & ® i ge5 8 g2 £fay %Q b=2 S= \ 2s i > S 5 -) g =o a (oe) i is) 7) o 22= B 5 s - ae) 5 © oO 2© od¢ &> Cc — c =io) 5Cc &3 2) = 5 ®o oO tC to} Kot to) - a foe 8 3 = Cc > 8 o 0@ 5 s o 3 lo) a a = g a EG c 3 o 8 Q Prey 2o oOc ee® —_ Cc g eg & S 2 6 Oo o 9 55 2 ReyS £ (6)Cc & Pat$ ce}ce ~~ne}=) 5 aoO[o}o eo fo) oOSo ce e wi >, ; c | = aes.3
**----- Start of picture text -----**
A note from the Chair of our Student Advisory Group
**----- End of picture text -----**
o 3 is} x £5 ©(0) g s ra} fa 2 io] a8 fe)=c= o£ [e)~ 5 o Q9oO €Q Par 2 3 g xy ® By a **a** . 2o 2r= 3Wel 3 : 2 ge fe} ics € ~ 2¢oO 1S)5 3 £ 3 ¢ 5 2 2 3 8 <5 fi)5 =2 ._¢fe} Re}2 ‘c ¢fo) fe} x e BB = oO = ° 5 55 = « 8 o ze) o © Ze is) = aS) Cc Cc D c O S) oO = i oO Oo fe) Cc o oO Qg =no® 3=os =)&8 So£se=e} :Fa x3e &£®° a 5 e Lo a@ cs o fo) o = Ore £ £ ° D ” ~ oc 29 E ” o & [s) oO oO Lo 5 wn no c= oO + ” Ge a Sc 3 is hatoO +je} ato “ss2 o oO Oo w [e) n os r c=] ~< ~ Ral =oue Q cr 5 ~ £ p=ce)£ =D8 =£& 38§ ®=Sc goS c=O® [e}[e)< 5 i = oo oo 2 iy 5 ro) Oo — oO oo oO ce} = re} o 2&2 8s cp £ fod g o + 5s < FO no} a RS N ' Bt>» eCPia
|UKCISA works with UK government
We’ve supported and advocated for|departments, agencies, devolved
members and students through the|administrations, and sector
challenging transition to eVisas and|organisations to ensure that the UK
celebrated the release of new Academic|remains attractive and welcoming to
Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS)|prospective and current international
guidance after years of work with|students. We analyse and advise on
sector partners.|policy implementation and guidance|linked to immigration. We commission|and conduct research, sit on high-level
without the insights and the intelligence|advisory groups, convene partner
we derive from our members. Through|networks, and respond to formal
our online forum, advice lines, advisory|consultations and calls for evidence.
committees, and practitioner networks,|we track emerging trends and inform|This year, this has meant advocating for
policy. We liaise with government teams|sustainable international student policies
to resolve live issues, from highlighting|in advance of the general election
errors in visa application forms to|period to the upcoming update of the
challenging inconsistent and incorrect|International Education Strategy.
application of policy guidance to students|and educational institutions. We make
c
§
is
Ke)
8|to the Migration Advisory Committee’s
strategic recommendations on proposed|review of the Graduate route, welcoming
policy and legislation, sharing the impact|its recommendation to retain the Graduate
on our wide and diverse membership|route without changes. This work has
and their students.|continued throughout the year to|highlight the value that the route brings
Our #WeAreInternational Student|to students and the UK economy.
Ambassadors play a vital role in|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
##
n (0) +ao)3 oO =ec 5 To a g Q Cc s 35 § c[S) o oO =5tS) £le)= e) o 2 @ € =} fe) xe} = 2 oO me) ala] &c > ©iS ¢ Eg = a& 5 wes ~& £ &S 5 on) = aw € g ee OF Vd » a, % eS'yOEDms PO 9aMgPareeeoS4veae)Pg2rarTAK*v4re6A g Ne , pa er) ac, > ah aVe a he D " 5 ae 2 ~ >y 4 (J a? age . o¢ RE ° ¢ — .“ ‘ eT i - Ke \.q c=aeT ay | . 3 CA 2 cow 4 8 ‘ oe; 7 \. tZ x Ro vil, os » an Sy , aN ‘ ; » an c"¢ a ] :oe \ ™ i 4 | ' Y/ - S . ag , © )3 < \z' ) iD 3 — — — > ene £ a = P| 3 foM) 7) eeREis/yg | Pe oOS 530 ce}&§ -" S 2 oe 8 os a & = s 2 mt rr B5e0 G & Fa ao £ giessna O Foe828s — 3 3fy epaG 82 =< % fo) n x : sen 2 oO 3s c 3 a 2 o 4 - \\ 3 S Se 6 t, ae 5 z ss 8
> 2 £. 5 iT S 101 z 2 3 oC cS] Q© +35 a fo Ga oC es E rare: Ox (a) 53on : oS 2 5 2 2 ra c 6 za 8 2 Q2Q 55 3 £ © Nd oa)5 me)2 °oO=] 3 é : x = to) 3%2 3 x 5o ‘Ooa g fe 5 => © a. ~ x ey 4 ce q % . QS . y 8 _ = & :oO - foe}3 & - 9oO: $ 8 8 3 g & §
>=]Cc & ne) ‘= w is)8 2° 2 2 Qo& ®3) o[°] o £re ne}: 5 r=}229 £g. gs £ 2 a © is£c=gZsne} - oe 5 Ko) ne} _"
attendees
322
**----- End of picture text -----**
**----- Start of picture text -----**
D
3 £
2 aoS =5
Ke) £oOec SO
S SOO oO i)
6 GOs od
g RON £8
= Sx 1S) and
: $33 2%
= =of £Q
S 2 2
® . 8 LS
= os 2g
g = DS
e 8a 2 o
5 Qagas Eo58
E ee gE
o& og
2 Cc fe
Ss2 FRosse 6 a=—a
= DL 28
=5 £5GO OCOo =
3 co foMKe)
lo) Ow oo
oe &. \ & a
/ © 2m) i:
TES —{ f a
} a deta yet A de as %
1 i an Le ic EEE Yan ‘,
Aa / Ae ee 7 =)
ee :
F-° en,to «
:
io)< ==|
5 3 |
3
8 cj
:8 %o
x$2 ao ; y
ie)
g 3
5
,
sessions
42
UKCISA Annual Conference 2024 The UKCISA Annual Conference is a chance to network with colleagues, develop professional skills and hear the latest policy developments. Each year it brings together UKCISA members, #WeAreInternational Student Ambassadors, practitioners and experts working in international education. UKCISA’s Annual Conference took place at the University of Kent in June 2024. We explored the key issues shaping the future of international education in the UK. The opening plenary, examined the potential policy shifts and implications for students, institutions, and the sector as a whole. Expert international education in the UK. The event featured contributions from UKCISA’s #WeAreInternational Student Ambassadors, who shared diverse perspectives and experiences of international students studying in the UK.
extremely important to my colleagues and I within the Student Records Team at the University of ‘Home’ Fees guidelines to make our fee status decisions. Having these guidelines means that we can be really clear with potential students and direct them to the guidance so they can clearly see how we have reached our decisions. It also means we can back up requests we make for additional evidence, so potential students can understand why we are asking for these documents. The members’ helpline is also a valuable resource for us when we have more complex cases and allows us to discuss the evidence we have in relation to the guidelines. In summary, UKCISA is an essential support system to ensure we are making accurate and fair fee assessments.”
“The UKCISA membership is
**----- End of picture text -----**
**----- Start of picture text -----**
cesiS
2 8@ &P £5
2 S = 3
2 x £ e
ia) fe) Q a
® = 3 s
n= © 9 Ss
fo2 fs= ie}2 =>
7 > = z 2
£o1©LSoE
£S ° S
: ° 3 = 2
os2® F=€E =2> ke}°5
iSpzoO 3© ee)8
)& & 2
: (
Z
yf V8 es!
»* *- A f Hy, =- =
> - :
Bhosy = ee
= e we “* 1 ie
@ ee ©
«, m ig SEa >Paes ad Dy
: aie y, » t
G~ ‘at ~ Y . .
=d ¢ ‘ ;; 4 ;
52 =ox 8 ’ / i y} ——ee
xQs 2 \ : P -...(iE oaa acum
g oq a “= eae
3 § a . ‘
7 eS
ae) : - PN, - -.-24d
Cool ~ * e pe =
85.
g
3 » fe fs N\) &
of insightful plenary sessions, hands-on professional development workshops, and valuable networking opportunities. The discussions on the latest policy developments and the contributions from international students, UKCISA members, and expert speakers were extremely insightful.” just a conference; it’s a celebration We come away revived and enthused, armed with new information and ideas.” we care about. Always a highlight of the year!” lucky that my buddy and I got along well. Thanks for pairing us!” universities. The conference provided invaluable insights and connections.”
“The event was exceptionally well “The UKCISA conference is more than “Wonderful, amazing opportunities “I joined the Buddy Scheme and was “It’s great to know we are all in the same Conference delegates
and journalist, Gavin Esler, who engaged in a thought-provoking discussion on the importance of international education and its role in shaping the UK’s future. Throughout the three-day event, experienced members and sector experts delivered insightful presentations and shared best practices, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange across the sector.
Another key session, the Agent Quality Framework plenary, , brought together sector experts to discuss the evolving role of education agents, the importance of quality assurance, and strategies to enhance transparency and collaboration in international student recruitment. The conference concluded with a lively closing plenary featuring UKCISA President, Lord Bilimoria,
**----- End of picture text -----**
##
##
**----- Start of picture text -----**
5
oario)o &: ég 2
££ 5gzw p3 i:
: 5; E3
isa £: 5 =
g :
i
ao) é :
[S)no~ 8~=] g
fa) 5 8 >
re! 8 :: :
o 7) 5 :
3
xe) 9 a
© @
ie} oc [=- g
©:
%
g S :
= oO © fo)
@ $ o g
© :
4 £c in® E
: : $ =
: :
Cc ©g 2= 2
i) 3
©(0) @ =5 g
Q i = st
e E[ss]
27
users 2.7m views Top news story Version 7 of Who Pays ‘Home’ Fees for HE in England? views
1.1m 14,190
The site has been built on a more UKCISA to respond rapidly to policy changes, publish timely updates, and introduce new features with ease. This future-proofs the website as a long-term digital asset, ensuring that it will continue to serve the evolving needs of our sector for years to come. To build on UKCISA’s reputation as the leading authority on international of all the information available on our website. Refreshing content so that it is written to the highest accessibility and communications best practice will ensure that we are the number one source of information and advice for international students. We will continue to work closely with our members, listening to what matters most, and improving our online
Ireland Netherlands France China
6. 7. Germany 8. 9. 10.
UK India USA Nigeria Pakistan
and other funding
1. England: HE fee status 2. Home or overseas fees: the basics 3. Student work 5. Graduate route Top 10 countries for website visits 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Ireland and the Netherlands returned to our top ten this year, taking the place of Ghana and the United Arab Emirates.
Our website is a trusted source of information and guidance for our members, as well as international students and their families. This year, UKCISA completed the redesign and redevelopment of our website – a key milestone in modernising how we support members, students and the wider international education community. The project was driven by the need to improve access to essential guidance and resources, particularly for our diverse audience of advisers, institutions, and international students. presence and delivers an improved user experience, with clearer navigation, streamlined content structure and improved accessibility across all devices. A powerful new search function information quickly – something that members highlighted as a top priority.
**----- End of picture text -----**
##
**----- Start of picture text -----**
(6)
1
| Ld
up up
+29.8% on 2023–24 +21.3% on 2023–24
11,114 5,065
down
+6.5% up on 2023–24 -1.7% on 2023–24
6,098 8,405
**----- End of picture text -----**
x 2L= (0) £ g > w ® o 8 So ma fo)2 ae)o fo oO & G ti € 2 £% i ifan ec
~~
en
31
**----- End of picture text -----**
**----- Start of picture text -----**
- j
.
>
) “.\Y
E
g
= :
=
© @ =s
e : z
@w >
3 = —_— = 2
S s oH «es 4 ;
: . - oc
3 5 —- Sse
° CSO” y
N [i]
3 ¢
<= 40 events, to discuss the issues most relevant to international students, share our knowledge and expertise and promote UKCISA’s work.
**----- End of picture text -----**
>& ~a2® nS 21 Zz5 re} xis] o5 3EE= _E 2 ® iS ® > x 2 2 8£ & c =(3) 5 x® = >2 << c a ® a) (o) 2) Qa Zo Q 8 2 x)2 <3oO 5 Pooe ral So w Ba =~ie) =oO > > oO ols) = oO oa g P= ie) o 7) ce => sso co)ce c > Oo ® 2 Cc ome} @ S ae Ral y oes i 5 ome) x c Oy 2 ra a) fat(0)=oa gee+aDo
**----- Start of picture text -----**
33
government and sector agencies in the UK and from around the world
13
27 sessions
In 2024–25, #WeAreInternational Student Ambassadors spoke at over: 22 events
**----- End of picture text -----**
**----- Start of picture text -----**
We amplify international student voices #WeAreInternational
32
**----- End of picture text -----**
**----- Start of picture text -----**
35
**----- End of picture text -----**
**----- Start of picture text -----**
me}
i=]
©
i=)
iv]
7)
g
c
==bY GK me}25o
i? o : 5
ia ™ ©
“It is easy to feel lost in a foreign environment after moving abroad, –so I am immensely grateful to UKCISA for casting a “Only four months into UKCISA, and I have learned I am part of so much more than a charity advocating for international
spotlight on international students, especially by fostering intentional conversations on how to better the experience. Through UKCISA, I have attended events and training sessions that helped hone my transferrable skills, enabling me to represent international students in other capacities as well. A big thank you to UKCISA for always keeping the wellbeing of international students at the forefront of it all.” Edeline Lim, #WeAreInternational Student Ambassador 2024–25 students in the UK – I have joined a melting pot of exceptionally dedicated freelancers. And not only does UKCISA facilitate some of the most enriching brainstorming sessions on the international student experience, but it also ensured that this passion was shared in dynamic meetings and events. Just a few months ago I never imagined having the opportunity to contribute to roundtables with professionals from the higher education sector like in the PIE Live 2025, let alone be a panellist for an employability symposium of the British Council Understanding perspectives, learning from experiences and working towards a better academic, professional and social landscape for internationals is what UKCISA enables – and what I am increasingly committed to advancing.” Saida Alimdjanova, #WeAreInternational Student Ambassador 2025–26
**----- End of picture text -----**
‘ 6 §. 2 = 25= © n " £ g 3%ao ce] c v < =i)6>o 2 E 2o : 1;I gecg and=o ©= Ry é 5 D ‘ ¥ r =5 2 5 ss= pe . P Fi * — a ey iS c ? , te Ss = @ ae ga D = Wr Ss (3) f wa ~ 2 a= 2 y b = = As.,[«&] 2g Palc ‘ "i . } Ar< &cosae 88 S= $ ce “KAAS J oO 85e \ 2c: SK i + . SeaBOcCzO50Snzo no \ ia QT” > = *)' A TAR BERBZGG oO& } ¥ ©eCoS g TI * | SSPE 2 s F ‘ eRS OFHa5 (3) 2 s ” 5 =Na { bs & 1 o hayf hy ‘ & | f} ‘ P oO wo)bey ¥ < Ss ~ j q ‘ X £ag522S 28 \ Bus [e} pe / j 4 ceG52 a) \ —2Qoe528 pore¢ . oei 8 HY ” Sli Be ry ¥ f » ¢ ei l Ss re} 9g s igs S < (s) i). b Neg a i) c ee 5 ~ & o 9) —)G Ve ¥ ae 7i —— — 5———ad Do3 — vs en? - 4 rom = no} oe A ao 3o fo)o xo)= LsSS e~. =S <4 & 2 fs — — f=eoO 2=~ &8 By% (eo ic; S® 22 > " — . a - - Fe x S F , , 2 55 ®38 2 + 3 © g > ‘ ‘by { Xd — a = -Io) 6 s. ° eH i Ge Rn a a aiSY© 2“tCc[os[S) (6)~~£o Bad(s)[o)L© (@) foeLeos?aVE Figses ie j ’ 3 = ® a ees4Sseat . -<4> ete[eeeasP 4| > S iS 2 OY ance} gs AG ence j ® > [= eM MSreOR ba oe 5 8 5 2» | ~oO® i)7) ro)fe) ue=® \\ \ \ ‘ a 5 9 2 o \ Ae Yi igc 22 ()© re}oO \\\\\ ( x ° “ aS: RE! gat \\ / 9 \\ TD Tee1G SOREN ROWae sah stgsy oe
= —= Sel *
e F ! ad 2 2 : Tl ly GS 6G wa 52 =3 : o o@ | 6 8 Z = SS o fs a f SSS ae? oO oO a ] = g 2 We ; v% = cs so YY (* 4 ~ < aS (\ fs ME 4 oO oj KY. a . Fo Cd y g 0 No ee . fo) oO ASS 4 —— ae = x fe) SS = = SS 3 p 3. te 2 } D Cc lo) ”a? ioe) O x D> = Q 2®no nao ao € 2=)
**----- Start of picture text -----**
We develop excellence
**----- End of picture text -----**
**“It’s been a pleasure to serve as a trustee for UKCISA over the years. Having the opportunity to contribute to the strategic direction of the charity has been both rewarding, inspiring, and challenging. Challenging is precisely how I would** describe the last year, with significant **unexpected policy changes and funding cuts. I’m immensely proud of how the trustees have worked with the brilliant team at UKCISA to problem-solve and navigate those challenges. UKCISA is in a unique position to support both its sector members and international students, keeping the student experience at the heart of every decision.**
**I have particularly enjoyed watching the development of the #WeAreInternational student ambassador programme. Having the opportunity to listen to and understand the lived experiences of our ambassadors as international students in the UK is an invaluable asset to the sector, and hearing their stories is truly inspirational; I look forward to more of that with the incoming cohort of ambassadors.**
## **UKCISA**
Woburn House 20–24 Tavistock Square London WC1H 9HQ ukcisa.org.uk @ukcisa
UKCISA is a company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales (Company Number: 4507287) and a charity registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales (Charity Number: 1095294). Its registered office is at Woburn House, 20–24 Tavistock Square, London, WC1H 9HQ. UKCISA is registered with the Immigration Advice Authority (IAA) for its provision of immigration advice (ref: N200100017).
Independent auditor's report
## **Independent auditor's report to the members of UKCISA**
## **Opinion**
We have audited the financial statements of UKCISA for the year ended 31 March 2025 which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities, the Summary Income and Expenditure Account, the Balance Sheet, the Cash Flow Statement and notes to the financial statements, including significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including FRS 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard Applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
In our opinion the financial statements:
- give a true and fair view of the state of the charitable company's affairs as at 31 March 2025 and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure, for the year then ended;
- have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; and
- have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.
## **Basis for opinion**
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor's Responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the charitable company in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC's Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.
## **Conclusions relating to going concern**
In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the trustees' use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.
Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the charitable company's ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.
Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the trustees with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.
## **Other information**
The other information comprises the information included in the annual report, other than the financial statements and our auditor's report thereon. The trustees are responsible for the other information contained within the annual report. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon.
UKCISA Annual report and accounts 2024-25
Independent auditor's report
Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the course of the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether there is a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact.
We have nothing to report in this regard.
## **Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006**
In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit:
- the information given in the trustees' annual report for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements; and
- the trustees' annual report has been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements.
## **Matters on which we are required to report by exception**
In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the company and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the trustees' annual report.
We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters where the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:
- adequate accounting records have not been kept, or returns adequate for our audit have not been received from branches not visited by us; or
- the financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or
- certain disclosures of trustees' remuneration specified by law are not made;
- we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit.
- the trustees were not entitled to prepare the financial statements in accordance with the small companies regime and take advantage of the small companies exemption in preparing the trustees' annual report and from preparing a strategic report.
## **Responsibilities of trustees**
As explained more fully in the trustees' responsibilities statement set out on page 41, the trustees (who are also the directors of the charitable company for the purposes of company law) are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the trustees determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
In preparing the financial statements, the trustees are responsible for assessing the charitable company's ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the trustees either intend to liquidate the charitable company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.
UKCISA Annual report and accounts 2024-25
Independent auditor's report
## **Auditor's Responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements**
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor's report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.
As part of an audit in accordance with ISAs (UK) we exercise professional judgement and maintain professional scepticism throughout the audit. We also:
- Identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to fraud or error, design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks, and obtain audit evidence that is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. The risk of not detecting a material misstatement resulting from fraud is higher than for one resulting from error, as fraud may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal control.
- Obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purposes of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the charitable company's internal control.
- Evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates and related disclosures made by the trustees.
- Conclude on the appropriateness of the trustees' use of the going concern basis of accounting and, based on the audit evidence obtained, whether a material uncertainty exists related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt on the charitable company's ability to continue as a going concern. If we conclude that a material uncertainty exists, we are required to draw attention in our auditor's report to the related disclosures in the financial statements or, if such disclosures are inadequate, to modify our opinion. Our conclusions are based on the audit evidence obtained up to the date of our auditor's report. However, future events or conditions may cause the charitable company to cease to continue as a going concern.
- Evaluate the overall presentation, structure and content of the financial statements, including the disclosures, and whether the financial statements represent the underlying transactions and events in a manner that achieves fair presentation.
We communicate with those charged with governance regarding, among other matters, the planned scope and timing of the audit and significant audit findings, including any significant deficiencies in internal control that we identify during our audit.
## **Explanation as to what extent the audit was considered capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud**
Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below.
UKCISA Annual report and accounts 2024-25
Independent auditor's report
The objectives of our audit in respect of fraud, are; to identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements due to fraud; to obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence regarding the assessed risks of material misstatement due to fraud, through designing and implementing appropriate responses to those assessed risks; and to respond appropriately to instances of fraud or suspected fraud identified during the audit. However, the primary responsibility for the prevention and detection of fraud rests with both management and those charged with governance of the charitable company.
Our approach was as follows:
- We obtained an understanding of the legal and regulatory requirements applicable to the charitable company and considered that the most significant are the Companies Act 2006, the Charities Act 2011, the Charity SORP, and UK financial reporting standards as issued by the Financial Reporting Council.
- We obtained an understanding of how the charitable company complies with these requirements by discussions with management.
- We assessed the risk of material misstatement of the financial statements, including the risk of material misstatement due to fraud and how it might occur, by holding discussions with management.
- We inquired of management and those charged with governance as to any known instances of non-compliance or suspected non-compliance with laws and regulations.
- Based on this understanding, we designed specific appropriate audit procedures to identify instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. This included making enquiries of management and those charged with governance and obtaining additional corroborative evidence as required.
There are inherent limitations in the audit procedures described above. We are less likely to become aware of instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations that are not closely related to events and transactions reflected in the financial statements. Also, the risk of not detecting a material misstatement due to fraud is higher than the risk of not detecting one resulting from error, as fraud may involve deliberate concealment by, for example, forgery or intentional misrepresentations, or through collusion.
## **Use of our report**
This report is made solely to the charitable company's members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the company's members those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor's report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to any party other than the charitable company and charitable company's members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.
Jonathan Aikens (Senior Statutory Auditor)
for and on behalf of Moore Kingston Smith LLP, Statutory Auditor 6th Floor, 9 Appold Street, EC2A 2AP
UKCISA Annual report and accounts 2024-25
## **Trustees Annual Report and Financial Statements**
## **Financial Report**
_Trustees’ responsibilities in relation to the financial statements_
The trustees (who are also directors of UKCISA for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the trustees’ annual report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). Company law requires trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of the affairs of the charitable company and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:
- Select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently.
- Observe the methods and principles in the Charities Statement of Recommended Practice.
- Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent.
- State whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any material
- departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements.
- Prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis, unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charitable company will continue in business.
The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charitable company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. The trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information included on the charitable company’s website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.
41
## _Statement as to disclosure to our auditor_
- In so far as the trustees are aware at the time of approving our trustees’ annual report:
- There is no relevant audit information of which the charitable company’s auditor is unaware.
- The trustees have taken all steps that they ought to have taken to make themselves aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the auditor is aware of that information.
The financial statements comply with current statutory requirements, the requirements of the Memorandum and Articles of Association and the requirements of the Statement of Recommended Practice ‘Accounting and Reporting by Charities’.
## _Financial review_
UKCISA’s total annual income to 31 March 2025 was £1,286k. This is a 22% fall on the previous financial year. Our funding from the Department for Education (£340k in 2023-24) and the Scottish Government (£20k in 2023-24) was not renewed in 202425. Income from our members through subscriptions have remained resilient, increasing by 9%. However, income from our training programme has fallen by 20% on the previous financial year, reflecting the current state of university finances.
UKCISA’s total annual expenditure this year was £1,494k, a fall of 7.5% on prior year. During the financial year, UKCISA staff costs including employers’ national insurance and pensions stood at £1,168k (2024: £1,208k). Staff are employed to carry out activities that directly contribute to the fulfilment of UKCISA’s charitable activities in the form of delivering training, providing advice, organising our conference, maintaining online learning resources, lobbying, influencing policy, communicating with our members, and engaging with international students.
Looking ahead, we are further developing our income generation strategy to reflect the loss of the DfE and Scottish Government grants. This is spearheaded by an Income Generation Group, which reports directly to the Board. We launched a new website at the start of the financial year 2025-26 and will continue to develop this to better serve our members and international students.
We will continue to support our members and international students via our advice line and our comprehensive online guidance, and look to strengthen our training programme even further. We will continue to engage regularly across government departments to advocate for the international student experience in policy
42
development and high-level strategic planning, including with the Home Office and the devolved administrations of the UK. We are collaborating closely with our expert practitioner networks Association of International Student Advisers (AISA), STRATIS and Immigration Compliance Network (ICN), and with our influential student ambassadors, to ensure that we capture timely insight to inform our conversations with government.
As at 31[st] March 2025, the reserves held were as follows:
||**2025**|**2024**|
|---|---|---|
||£|£|
|General Funds|792,667|1,015,743|
|Designated Funds|14,045|15,712|
|Restricted Funds|19,144|29,352|
|**Total Funds**|**825,863**|**1,060,807**|
General funds are the general reserves not immediately required for any specific purpose.
They are used by UKCISA in order to:
- Provide working capital
- Allow UKCISA to provide continuity of service if income levels were to fluctuate, thereby giving time to seek new sources of revenue of to reduce costs
- Allow UKCISA to provide continuity of service if it had to cope with increases in expenditure that could not be accurately forecast.
- Provide funds to cover any shortfalls in the share of the USS pension scheme liability.
- Ensure that in the worst possible circumstances, it would be possible to pay all creditors and wind up the organisation.
Designated funds are unrestricted funds that have been set aside from general funds for specific purposes. The current designated fund consists of £14,045 is for the UKCISA research fund, to support research in areas of the international student experience.
Restricted funds are funds that can only be used for purposes specified by the fund donor. In this case, the funds relate to the AISA and the ICN. Both of these groups are special interest groups and are legally part of UKCISA.
The Finance, Risk, and Audit committee review the reserves policy annually with the aim to keep general funds between a lower level of four months planned annual expenditure and an upper level of four and a half months of annual expenditure. This model of reviewing reserves provides clarity for the purposes of organisational
43
investment if reserves are above the ceiling level and corrective action if reserves are below the minimum level. This would provide a sufficient buffer to fulfil the aims above and give enough time for UKCISA to adapt its business model should unforeseen circumstances impair financial performance.
As at March 2025, general funds stood at £852k and free reserves at £624k, meeting our reserves policy of maintaining between 4–4.5 months annual expenditure. However, given the loss of the DfE and Scottish Government grant income, reserves are being utilised to fund deficits. The Income Generation Group and Finance, Audit and Risk Committee will be reviewing reserves to ensure sufficient funds are available to best serve the needs of the charity.
## _Risk management_
The trustees have a risk management strategy which comprises:
- Regular review of the key risks and uncertainties that the charity faces.
- The establishment of policies, systems, and procedures to mitigate those risks identified in the review.
- The implementation of procedures designed to minimise or manage any potential impact on the charity should those risks materialise.
This work has identified that the ability to maintain core funding streams and cope with foreseeable cost increases are the major financial risks for the charity. Key elements in the management of these financial risks are:
- Maintenance of UKCISA’s membership base to ensure that subscriptions, training and conference income is secure and continues to provide good value for money.
- The establishment of an Income Generation Group comprised of both trustees and staff to explore alternative income streams, which reports directly to the Board.
- An effective annual budgeting process that takes account of actual and potential fluctuations in both revenue streams and cost elements to ensure that charges are adequate an in line with longer term strategy.
- Close monitoring of financial performance by the Senior Management Team on a regular basis.
## _Management and administration:_
Banker: Bank of Scotland, 33 Old Broad Street, London, BX2 1LB
Auditor: Moore Kingston Smith LLP, Chartered Accountants, 6[th] Floor, 9 Appold Street, EC2A 2AP
Solicitors: Bates Wells, 10 Queen Street Place, London, EC4R 1BE
44
## **Objectives, Activities, Governance & Structure**
## **Constitution**
UKCISA is a company limited by guarantee and is also registered as a charity operating under the working name of the ‘UK Council for International Student Affairs’. The company’s former name, until a change in the Articles in 2007, was UKCOSA: The Council for International Education. UKCOSA was first established as an unincorporated body in 1968 and as a company limited by guarantee on 1 April 2003.
## **Objects and activities**
Consistent with its constitutional objects of advancing education and learning with particular reference to international students, UKCISA aims to:
- Increase support for international education and raise awareness of its values and benefits.
- Encourage best practice, professional development and the highest quality of institutional support for international students throughout the education sector.
- Promote opportunities for – and identify and work to reduce obstacles and barriers to greater student mobility.
## It achieves its aims by:
- Monitoring and influencing government and education sector policy through close contact with senior officials, policy makers, members of national parliaments and assemblies, partner organisations and sector bodies throughout the UK.
- Producing regular publications that keep members and students up to date on current legislation, regulations and resources.
- Delivering high quality advice for both UKCISA members and students members of the public.
- Delivering training to UKCISA members and others working with international students to assist with immediate areas of difficulty and to enhance professional expertise for new and experienced practitioners.
- Supporting, sustaining and expanding a network of members committed to the ideals of international education and the highest standards of international student support.
- Initiating and encouraging research which helps to identify key issues and
- areas for future investigation and development.
- Working indirectly and in partnership with others to encourage greater mobility from, as well as to, the UK.
- Ensuring, through support from trustees, its specialist staff and effectively managed resources, that it delivers highly valued services for UKCISA members and other stakeholders.
45
## **Governance**
President: Lord Bilimoria of Chelsea, CBE, DL
## _Board of Trustees_
The ten elected and three co-opted members of the Board of Trustees (plus the Chair and Honorary Treasurer) are the charity’s directors and members of the Company and are responsible for managing UKCISA’s a airs. The co-opted members are chosen for their particular skills and experience. All newly appointed trustees receive a comprehensive induction and are given access to appropriate training relevant to their Board position. The Board met four times during the year.
Following a comprehensive governance review, our committee structure was revised and the UKCISA Board is now supported by six committees.
## _Finance, Audit and Risk_
This committee meets three times a year. The purpose of the committee is to support the trustees to efficiently discharge their responsibilities in exercising financial control and managing the charity’s nances. The remit of the committee includes oversight of financial strategy, accounting matters, budgetary control, risk management and external financial reporting. The committee recommend the annual budget, report, and accounts to the Board for approval.
## _Membership_
This committee meets 1–2 times a year. The purpose of the committee is to oversee UKCISA’s membership structure and advise the Board on matters related to its membership categories.
## _Nominations_
This committee meets 1–2 times a year. The purpose of the committee is to assist the Board in fulfilling its obligations in respect of succession planning and selecting candidates for the Board, honorary officers and senior executive positions.
## _People and Organisational Development_
This committee meets 1–2 times a year. The purpose of the committee is to advise the Board on organisational people-related matters and to support UKCISA’s senior management team to implement appropriate policies as part of a wider HR strategy.
## _Strategic Advisory (including UKCISA’s practitioner networks)_
This committee meets three times a year. The purpose of the committee is to support trustees by informing UKCISA’s strategic priorities, providing a forum for cross-sector engagement, and overseeing key aspects of the international student experience. This
46
includes guiding the #WeAreInternational brand and #WeAreInternational Student Charter and advising UKCISA’s work in advocacy and influencing policy.
## _Student Advisory_
This committee meets four times per year. The purpose of the committee is to provide UKCISA with the student voice and advise the Board on major strategic decisions, projects and policies.
UKCISA maintains Trustees Indemnity Insurance. During the course of the year, and up to the date of approval of this report, the trustees and key management personnel were:
## _Board Members_
Professor Koen Lamberts University of Sheffield (Chair) Ross Porter London Business School (Vice Chair) Peter Barnes Studyportals (Honorary Treasurer) Mervyn Adams City of Glasgow College Lynsey Bendon University of Sunderland Resigned June 2025 Office of the Independent Charlotte Corrish Appointed June 2025 Adjudicator (OIA) Hannah Brian Resigned Aug 2024 Emma Gwynett-Davies Swansea University Elizabeth Wright Resigned June 2025 (née Huckle) Manchester Metropolitan Maria Loray University Heather McNeill University of St. Andrews Appointed June 2025 Alex Proudfoot Resigned July 2024 Sally Saca Oxford Brookes University Laura Rose-Troup Newcastle College Cathryn Turner Imperial College Union Hamish Walker University of Edinburgh Jonny Exon University of York Appointed Nov 2024 Chris Chang University of Portsmouth Appointed Nov 2024
47
## _Student Ambassador Trustees_
Pedram Bani Asadi University of Law Appointed Feb 2025 Aditiyavarman Mehta Resigned Feb 2025 _Company Secretary_ Head of Finance & Abida Khan Resigned June 2024 Resources Head of Finance & Shreena Dholakia Appointed June 2024 Resources _Key Management Personnel_ Anne Marie Graham Chief Executive Officer Head of Finance & Abida Khan Resigned June 2024 Resources Head of Finance & Shreena Dholakia Appointed June 2024 Resources Heather Knight Head of Advice & Training Head of Engagement & Yinbo Yu Partnerships
## **Public Benefit**
The trustees confirm that they have complied with Charity Commission guidance on public benefit, including ‘Public Benefit: running a charity (PB2)’. In particular:
- The advice and training services have enabled university and college staff to advise international students on immigration-related rules and procedures, including those which are and are not, as yet changing.
- The advice line for students and the general public has provided a free and impartial service, open to all who need relevant guidance – especially at a time of considerable concern about UK Immigration policy.
- UKCISA’s website, with its comprehensive information items, provides open access advice and guidance on all aspects of living and studying in the UK.
- The work in support of good practice in international student welfare is informed by its international student ambassador programme and contributes to an
48
improved quality of experience for international students studying in UK further and higher education.
- UKCISA’s practical and specialist knowledge has enables representations to government which have benefitted all international students wishing to study or studying in the UK.
The financial statements that follow have been prepared in accordance with the provisions of part 15 of the Companies Act 2016 relating to small companies.
Signed on behalf of the Board of Trustees:
**Professor Koen Lamberts Peter Barnes**
## **Chair**
**Honorary Treasurer**
49
����������������������������������������������������������
## **UKCISA**
## **Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 31 March 2025**
|Note
**Income and expenditure account**
**Income**
Donations & legacies
Grant-in-Aid
Charitable activities
International student services
3
Investment income
4
**Total income**
**Expenditure**
Charitable activities
International student services
5
**Total expenditure**
Actuarial gains on defined
21
benefit pension scheme
Transfers between funds
17
**Net movement in funds**
**Funds at 1 April 2024**
**Funds at 31 March 2025**
Department for Education
**Net (expenditure) / income before**
**transfers and pension provision**|**Unrestricted Funds**
**General**
**Designated**
**Funds**
**Funds**
**£**
**£**
-
-
1,268,476
-
5,645
-
1,274,121
-
1,497,198
1,667
1,497,198
1,667
(223,076)
(1,667)
-
-
-
-
(223,076)
(1,667)
1,015,743
15,712
792,667
14,045|**Restricted**
**Funds**
**£**
-
12,110
-
12,110
22,311
22,311
(10,201)
-
-
(10,201)
29,352
19,151|**Total**
**2025**
**£**
**-**
**1,280,586**
**5,645**
**1,286,231**
**1,521,175**
**1,521,175**
**(234,944)**
**-**
**-**
**(234,944)**
**1,060,807**
**825,863**|**Total**
**2024**
**£**
**340,000**
**1,303,565**
**162**|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||**1,643,727**|
|||||**1,616,947**|
|||||**1,616,947**|
|||||**26,780**
**606,897**
**-**|
|||||**633,677**
**427,130**|
|||||**1,060,807**|
All gains and losses arising in the year are included in the Statement of Financial Activities and relate to continuing activities.
## **UKCISA**
## **Balance Sheet at 31 March 2025**
||Note|**2025**|**2025**|**2024**|**2024**|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|||**£**|**£**|£|£|
|**Fixed assets**||||||
|Intangible fixed assets|11||193,547||88,043|
|Tangible fixed assets|12||430||1,308|
||||193,977||89,351|
|**Current assets**||||||
|Debtors and prepayments|13|143,034||330,161||
|Cash at bank and in hand|14|1,390,197||1,481,212||
|||1,533,232||1,811,373||
|**Creditors: amounts falling due**||||||
|**within one year**|15|(901,347)||(839,917)||
|**Net current assets**|||631,885||971,456|
|**Creditors: amounts falling due**|15|||||
|**after more than one year**||||||
|Provision of Pension Liability|||**-**||**-**|
|**Total assets**|||**825,863**||**1,060,807**|
|**Represented by:**||||||
|**Unrestricted funds**||||||
|General funds|||792,667||1,015,743|
|Designated funds|17||14,045||15,712|
|Restricted funds|18||19,151||29,352|
|**Total funds**|||**825,863**||**1,060,807**|
These financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees on 9th September 2025 and signed on their behalf by:
Koen Lamberts ….......................................................................................................... Chair §81C8C129E6D476... Peter Barnes Peter Barnes ................................................................................................................. Honorary Treasurer | DocuSigned by: 1753D541136F43B... 09/09/ 2025
Company number: 4507287 Charity number: 1095294
����������������������������������������������������������
## **UKCISA**
## **Cash flow statement for the year ended 31 March 2025**
|**Cash provided by/(used in) operating activities**
**Cash flows from investing activities**
Purchase of fixed assets
Interest income
Intangible asset additions
**Cash provided by investing activities**
**(Decrease) / Increase in cash and cash equivalents in the year**
**Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year**
**Total cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year**|**2025**
**£**
**8,846**
-
5,645
(105,504)
**(99,859)**
(91,013)
1,481,212
**1,390,197**|**2024**
**£**|
|---|---|---|
|||**326,975**|
|||(1,290)
162
(88,043)|
|||**(89,171)**|
|||237,804
1,243,408|
|||**1,481,212**|
## **Reconciliation of net movement in funds to net cash flow from operating activities**
|Net movement in funds
Add back depreciation charge
(Decrease)/Increase in creditors
**Net cash provided by / (used in) operating activities**
Deduct interest income shown in investing activities
Decrease/(Increase) in debtors
(Decrease)/Increase in Pension Provision|**2025**
**£**
(234,944)
878
(5,645)
187,127
61,430
-
**8,846**|**2024**
£
633,676
2,120
(162)
229,904
68,333
(606,897)|
|---|---|---|
|||**326,975**|
����������������������������������������������������������
## **UKCISA Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025**
## **1 Constitution**
UKCISA is incorporated as a company limited by guarantee, registered in England & Wales (no. 4507287), and a charity registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales (no. 1095294). UKCISA operates under the working name of "UK Council for International Student Affairs". The liability of each member of the company is limited to £1 in the event that the company is wound up.
## **2 Accounting policies**
The principal accounting policies adopted, judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty in the preparation of the financial statements are as follows:
## **Basis of preparation**
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (Charities SORP (FRS 102)), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006. UKCISA meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. These accounts are prepared in Sterling which is the functional currency of the charity and are rounded to the nearest pound.
## **Going concern**
The Trustees have assessed whether the use of going concern is appropriate and have considered possible events or conditions that may impair UKCISA’s ability to continue to operate as a going concern. The Trustees have made this assessment for a period of one year from the date of approval in the financial statements. In making this assessment, the Trustees have reviewed the diversity of UKCISA's income streams and the financial viability of UKCISA. Whilst our membership income remains steady as well as income from our training, our government grant from the DfE was withdrawn. The Trustees believe this loss of income can be recovered through growth and alternative income streams, putting in place an income generation group specifically tasked to return the organisation to a more stable footing. UKCISA maintains a healthy reserves balance and receives membership subscriptions in advance of the subscription period. It is for these reasons that the Trustees continue to adopt the going concern principle when preparing these financial statements.
## **Fixed Assets**
Apart from purchases of individual items costing less than £1,000 and computer software, which are written off in full in the year of purchase, all fixed assets are depreciated / amortised over their anticipated useful lives on a straight line basis as follows:
computers and other office equipment 3 years furniture 5 years leasehold improvements over the unexpired period of the lease intangibles : website 5 years
## **Grants receivable**
Grants receivable are accounted for on an accruals basis and where received for specific purposes are treated as restricted funds. Grant income is recognised when the following conditions are met:
- Entitlement: UKCISA has control over the rights or access to the economic benefits of the grants
- Probable: is more likely than not that the grant will be received
- Measurement: The amount of the income can be reliably measured
## **Membership, affiliation and subscriptions**
Fees in respect of membership, affiliation and subscriptions are accounted for on an accruals basis.
## **Interest receivable**
Interest on funds held on deposit is included when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the charity; this is normally upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the Bank.
## **Financial instruments**
The company has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments. Financial instruments are recognised in the company's balance sheet when the company becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument. Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.
With the exceptions of prepayments and deferred income all other debtor and creditor balances are considered to be basic financial instruments under FRS 102. See notes 13 and 15 for the debtor and creditor notes.
����������������������������������������������������������
**UKCISA Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025**
**(continued)**
## **Judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty**
In the application of the company’s accounting policies, the directors are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.
The most significant estimates and assumptions which affect the carrying amount of assets and liabilities in the accounts relate to:
Useful Economic Lives - The annual depreciation charge for tangible and intangible assets is sensitive to change in the estimated useful economic lives and residual value of assets. These are reassessed annually and amended where necessary to reflect current circumstances.
Treatment of USS as a multi-employer scheme - FRS 102 makes the distinction between a group plan and a multi-employer scheme. A group plan consists of a collection of entities under common control typically with a sponsoring employer. A multi-employer scheme is a scheme for entities not under common control and represents (typically) an industry-wide scheme such as Universities Superannuation Scheme. The accounting for a multi-employer scheme where the employer has entered into an agreement with the scheme that determines how the employer will fund a deficit results in the recognition of a liability for the contributions payable that arise from the agreement (to the extent that they relate to the deficit) and the resulting expense in the SOFA in accordance with section 28 of FRS 102. The directors are satisfied that Universities Superannuation Scheme meets the definition of a multi-employer scheme and has therefore recognised the discounted fair value of the contractual contributions under the recovery plan in existence at the date of approving these financial statements.
## **Pension benefits**
The institution participates in Universities Superannuation Scheme. The assets of the scheme are held in a separate trustee-administered fund. Because of the mutual nature of the scheme, the assets are not attributed to individual institutions and a scheme-wide contribution rate is set. The institution is therefore exposed to actuarial risks associated with other institutions’ employees and is unable to identify its share of the underlying assets and liabilities of the scheme on a consistent and reasonable basis. As required by Section 28 of FRS 102 “Employee benefits”, the institution therefore accounts for the scheme as if it were a defined contribution scheme. As a result, the amount charged to the profit and loss account represents the contributions payable to the scheme.
## **Leased assets**
Rentals payable under operating leases are written off in the year to which they relate.
## **Grants payable**
Grants payable are accounted for when there is a commitment to make the payment.
## **Expenditure**
Expenditure is allocated directly to the relevant activity wherever possible. Support costs comprise the costs of central management and administration. Costs common to a number of activities are apportioned in relation to the cost of staff time spent on that activity. Governance costs relate to compliance with charity and company regulations and the strategic direction of the organisation.
## **VAT**
The proportion of input VAT that is not recoverable is written off in the year in which it is incurred (note 20).
## **Fund accounting**
Unrestricted funds are those which are not subject to restrictions and any surpluses arising may be applied in furtherance of any of the organisation’s objectives. Designated funds form part of unrestricted funds and represent amounts set aside by the trustees for particular purposes. These funds may be returned to the general unrestricted funds at the trustees’ discretion.
Restricted funds are funds which are to be used with specific restrictions imposed by the donor or which have been raised by the charity for a particulary purpose. The costs of raising and administering such funds are charged against the specifc fund. The aim and use of each fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.
## **Cash at bank and in hand**
Cash at bank and in hand includes cash and short term highly liquid investments, accessible within less than 100 days.
## **Debtors**
Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.
## **Creditors and provisions**
Creditors and provisions are recognised where the charity has a present obligation resulying from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors and provisions are normally recognised at their settlement amount after fallowing for any trade discounts due.
����������������������������������������������������������
## **UKCISA**
## **Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025 (continued)**
## **3 Income from charitable activities**
|**International student servic**
Training and conferences
AISA / ICN income
Grants receivable
Scottish Government
Membership subscriptions|**General**
**Funds**
**£**
**es**
940,774
327,702
-
-
1,268,476|**Designated**
**Funds**
**£**
-
-
-
-
-|**Restricted**
**funds**
**£**
-
-
12,110
-
12,110|**Total**
Total
**2025**
2024
**£**
£
**940,774**
862,700
**327,702**
409,465
**12,110**
11,400
**-**
20,000|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||**1,280,586**
**1,303,565**|
## **4 Investment income**
All of the company’s investment income of £5,645 (2024: £162) arises from money held in interest bearing deposit accounts.
## **5 Expenditure on charitable activities**
|**Expenditure on charitable activities**||
|---|---|
|**International student services**
Direct charitable costs
Support costs (note 7)
Governance costs (note 7)|**Total**
Total
**2025**
2024
**£**
£
**1,277,331**
1,345,116
**208,553**
219,620
**35,291**
52,211|
||**1,521,175**
1,616,947|
## **6 Grants made during the year**
Research grants of £1,667 were made to other institutions during the year (2024: £4,000).
## **7 Analysis of Support & Governance costs**
|Staff costs
Office and administration|**Support**
**costs**
**£**
142,921
65,632
**208,553**|**Governance**
**costs**
**£**
24,185
11,106
**35,291**|**Total**
Total
**2025**
2024
**£**
£
**167,106**
174,983
**76,738**
96,848|
|---|---|---|---|
||||**243,843**
271,831|
|||||
Governance Costs of £35,291 (2024: £52,211) comprise the audit fee £13,745 (2024: £12,750), implemenation of the NCVO governance review £nil (2024: £900) and a proportion of general overheads attributed to governance activities.
## **8 Staff costs**
|Salaries
Social Security costs
Pensions costs
Other staff costs, including temporary staff, consultants, recruitment
and training
Number of employees who received remuneration between:
£80,000 - £89,999
£60,000 - £69,999|**2025**
2024
**£**
£
**836,643**
839,710
**91,726**
91,755
**114,089**
160,134|
|---|---|
||**1,042,458**
1,091,599
**125,925**
116,720|
||**1,168,383**
1,208,319|
||**2025**
**2024**
**0**
**1**
**1**
**1**|
Pension contributions for the above employees amounted to £12,365 (2024: £29,408)
The company's Memorandum of Association explicitly authorises payments to Trustees for work carried out for the company other than in fulfilling the functions of a Trustee. Such payments may include, but are not limited to: writing publications and facilitating training courses. This year there were no such payments made to any Trustees (2024, none). No other remuneration was paid to any Trustee (2024, none). Out of pocket expenses claimed by and refunded to 3 trustees amounting to £647 (2023, £1,397).
There were no other related party transactions (2024 : Nil).
The key management personnel of the charity comprise the trustees, the Chief Executive, Head of Advice & Training, Head & interim Head of Finance & Resources and Head of Engagement and Partnerships. The total employee benefits of the key management personnel of the Charity were £346,553 (2024: £380.261).
Included in staff costs above is £13,829 relating to redundancy payments (2024: £nil)
����������������������������������������������������������
## **UKCISA**
## **Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025 (continued)**
## **9 Staff Numbers**
The average monthly head count was 20.3 staff (2024 : 22.6 staff), which us equivalent to 19 FTE (2024: 19.9 FTE)
## **10 Net income for the year**
|**Net income for the year**|||
|---|---|---|
||**2025**|2024|
|Net income is stated after charging:|**£**|£|
|Audit fee - current year|**13,745**|11,500|
|Grant Audit fee - current year|**-**|1,400|
|Depreciation and impairment|**878**|2,120|
|Operating lease - property|**15,399**|18,226|
|Operating lease - equipment|**-**|4,489|
## **11 Intangible fixed assets**
All fixed assets are held for use in connection with charitable activities.
|**Cost**
Total at 1 April 2024
Additions
Total at 31 March 2025
**Amortisation**
Total at 1 April 2024
and 31 March 2025
**Net Book Value**
at 31 March 2025
at 31 March 2024|**Website**
**development**
**£**
88,043
105,504
**193,547**
**193,547**
**193,547**
**88,043**|**Total**
**£**
88,043
105,504|
|---|---|---|
|||**193,547**|
||||
|||**193,547**|
||||
|||**193,547**|
|||**88,043**|
## **12 Tangible fixed assets**
All fixed assets are held for use in connection with charitable activities.
|**Cost**
Total at 1 April 2024
Additions
Total at 31 March 2025
**Depreciation**
Total at 1 April 2024
Depreciation
Total at 31 March 2025
**Net book value**
at 31 March 2024
at 31 March 2025|**Furniture**
**and office**
**equipment**
**£**
35,166
**35,166**
33,858
878
**34,736**
**1,308**
**430**|**Leasehold**
**improvements**
**£**
2,400
-
**2,400**
2,400
-
**2,400**
**-**
**-**|**Total**
**£**
37,566
-|
|---|---|---|---|
||||**37,566**|
||||36,258
878|
||||**37,136**|
|||||
||||**1,308**|
|||||
||||**430**|
����������������������������������������������������������
## **UKCISA Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025 (continued)**
|**13 Debtors and prepayments**
Trade debtors
Other debtors
Accrued income
VAT debtor
Prepayments|**2025**
2024
**£**
£
**37,145**
65,197
**1,816**
1,683
**3,598**
97,361
**45,290**
54,082
**55,183**
111,838|
|---|---|
||**143,034**
330,161|
Included within other debtors is an amount of £nil that is due after 1 year (2024: £nil)
|**14 Cash at bank and in hand**
Cash at bank
Cash on deposit < 95 days
Cash in hand
**15 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year**
Taxation and Social Security
Other creditors
Deferred income
Accruals and provisions
Trade Creditors|**2025**
2024
**£**
£
**986,449**
1,380,712
**403,733**
100,000
**15**
500|
|---|---|
||**1,390,197**
1,481,212|
||**2025**
2024
**£**
£
**31,851**
27,027
**1,915**
2,341
**789,114**
709,691
**41,399**
55,644
**37,068**
45,214|
||**901,347**
839,917|
Deferred income relates to amounts received during 2024/25 for services to be carried out in 2025/26. The income deferred in 2023/24 has been fully reversed into 2024/25.
|**Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year**
Brought forward Pension Provision
Movement
Carried forward Pension Provision|**2025**
2024
**£**
£
**-**
606,897
**-**
(606,897)|
|---|---|
||**-**
-|
## **16 Financial commitments**
**a)** At the reporting end date the charity had the following future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases which fall due as follows:
|Within 1 year
2 to 5 years|**Land and Buildings**
**£**
15,399
8,983
**24,382**
**202**|**Other**
**£**
-
-
**-**
**5**|**202**
**Land and**
**Buildings**
**£**
15,399
24,382
**39,781**|**4**
**Other**
**£**
-
-|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||**-**|
**b)** No capital expenditure had been authorised and contracted but not made at 31 March 2025 (2024, nil).
����������������������������������������������������������
## **UKCISA**
## **Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025**
**(continued)**
## **17 Designated funds**
|UKCISA Research
IT Enhancements
Fixed assets
Relocation
Webite Development
AISA/ICN Funding
UKCISA Research
IT Enhancements|**Total at**
**1 April**
**2024**
**£**
15,712
-
15,712
**Total at**
**1 April**
**2023**
**£**
1,531
1,110
80,000
8,000
15,712
2,163
108,516|**Expenditure**
**£**
(1,667)
-
(1,667)
**Expenditure**
**£**
-
-
-
-
-
-
-|**transfers**
**from / (to)**
**general funds**
**£**
-
-
-
**transfers**
**from / (to)**
**general funds**
**£**
(1,531)
(1,110)
(80,000)
(8,000)
-
(2,163)
(92,804)|**transfers**
**Total at**
**between**
**31 March**
**funds**
**2025**
**£**
**£**
-
14,045
-
-|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||-
**14,045**|
|||||**transfers**
**Total at**
**between**
**31 March**
**funds**
**2024**
**£**
**£**
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
15,712
-
-|
|||||-
15,712|
The Fixed Asset Fund was intended to cover the ongoing depreciation charges on fixed assets. It had been ageed for the remaining balance be released to general funds in the prior year.
The Relocation Fund was intended to cover the costs of relocating the head office during 2018/19. The relocation was completed but some funds had been retained in this fund to cover any dilapidations to the premises. The remainder of the fund has been used to cover the costs of relocation from Noble House to Woburn House. It had been agreed to release the remaining balance to general funds in the prior year.
The Website Development fund had been designated, £40,000 2021/22 and an additional £40,000 2022/23, to develop the UKCISA website, these funds have been designated for 2 years, the project is expected to be completed in 2024/25. This fund has been fully utilised with £193,547 of the website developments costs being capitalised.
The AISA/ICN funding has been designated to support both of the specialised practioner groups AISA/ICN to develop self sustaining business models, funds have been designated for 3 years. With no specific grant being issues to AISA/ICN these funds have been released to general funds in the prior year.
UKCISA research fund has been designated to support research in areas of the international student experience, this will be in partnership or for commissioning its own research, funds have been designated for 2 years.
IT Enhancements fund had been designated to support UKCISA with future IT enhancements and infrastructure requirements, funds have been utilsed in 2022/23 to replace lap-top stock across the staff team. It was agreed to release the remaining balance of £2,163 to general funds with on-going IT costs to be drawn from general funds, in line with approved budgets.
|**18 Restricted funds**
Department for Education
AISA Restricted Balances
ICN Restricted Balances|**Total at**
**1 April**
**2024**
**£**
-
8,088
21,264
29,352|**Income**
**£**
-
5,115
6,995
12,110|**Expenditure**
**£**
-
(5,855)
(16,455)
(22,311)|**transfers**
**Total at**
**from / (to)**
**31 March**
**general funds**
**2025**
**£**
**£**
-
**-**
-
**7,348**
-
**11,804**|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||-
**19,151**|
Restricted funds represent:
Department for Education : grant to support our HE England Student Support activities and Sector Convening work. AISA: Association of Student Advisors a specialised practioner group managed as a restricted fund. ICN: Immigration Compliance Network is a specialised practitioner group managed as a restricted fund.
����������������������������������������������������������
## **UKCISA**
**Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025**
**(continued)**
## **19 Analysis of net assets between funds**
|As at 31 March 2025
Intangible fixed assets
Tangible fixed assets
Net current assets
As at 31 March 2024
Intangible fixed assets
Tangible fixed assets
Net current assets|**Unrestrict**
**Designated**
**funds**
£
14,045
14,045
**Unrestrict**
**Designated**
**funds**
£
15,712
15,712|**ed funds**
**General**
**funds**
£
193,547
430
598,690
792,667
**ed funds**
**General**
**funds**
£
88,043
1,308
926,392
1,015,743|**Restricted**
**funds**
£
-
19,151
19,151
**Restricted**
**funds**
£
-
29,352
29,352|**Total**
**£**
**193,547**
**430**
**631,887**|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||**825,863**|
|||||**Total**
**£**
**88,043**
**1,308**
**971,456**|
|||||**1,060,807**|
## **20 Irrecoverable VAT**
VAT paid during the year which could not be recovered totalled £33,629 (2024, £28,619).
## **21 Pension costs**
The total cost released to the profit and loss account is nil (prior year: £607k).
A deficit recovery plan was put in place as part of the 2020 valuation, which required payment of 6.2% of salaries over the period 1 April 2022 until 31 March 2024, at which point the rate would increase to 6.3%. As set out above, no deficit recovery plan was required under the 2023 valuation because the scheme was in surpluson a technical provisions basis. The institution is no longer required to make deficit recovery contributions from 1 January 2024 and accordingly released the outstanding provision to the profit and loss account in the prior year (£607k).
The latest available complete actuarial valuation of the Retirement Income Builder is as at 31 March 2023 (the valuation date), which was carried out using the projected unit method.
Since the institution cannot identify its share of USS Retirement Income Builder (defined benefit) assets and liabilities, the following disclosures reflect those relevant for those assets and liabilities as a whole.
The 2023 valuation was the seventh valuation for the scheme under the scheme-specific funding regime introduced by the Pensions Act 2004, which requires schemes to have sufficient and appropriate assets to cover their technical provisions (the statutory funding objective). At the valuation date, the value of the assets of the scheme was £73.1 billion and the value of the scheme's technical provisions was £65.7 billion indicating a surplus of £7.4 billion and a funding ration of 111%.
The key financial assumptions used in the 2023 valuation are described below. More detail is set out in the Statement of Funding Principles (uss.co.uk/about-us/valuation-and-funding/statement-of-funding-principles).
|Price inflation -
Consumer Prices Index
(CPI)|3.0% p.a (based on a long-term average expected level of CPI,
broadly consistent with long-term market expectations)|
|---|---|
|RPI/CPI gap|1.0% p.a to 2030, reducing to 0.1% p.a from 2030|
|Discount rate|Fixed interest gilt yield curve plus:
Pre-retirement: 2.5% p.a,
Post-retirement: 0.9% p.a.|
|Pension increases
(subject to a floor of 0%)|Benefits with no cap:
CPI assumption plus 3bps
Benefits subject to a “soft cap” of 5% (providing inflationary
increases up to 5%, and half of any excess inflation over 5% up to a
maximum of 10%):
CPI assumption minus 3bps|
The main demographic assumptions used relate to the mortality assumptions. These assumptions are based on analysis of the scheme’s experience carried out as part of the 2023 actuarial valuation. The mortality assumptions used in these figures are as follows:
||**2023 valuation**|
|---|---|
|Mortalitybase table|101% of S2PMA “light” for males and 95% of S3PFA for females|
|Future improvements to mortality|CMI 2021 with a smoothing parameter of 7.5, an initial addition of
0.4% p.a., 10% w2020 and w2021 parameters, and a long-term
improvement rate of 1.8% pa for
males and 1.6% pa for females|
The current life expectancies on retirement at age 65 are:
||**2024**|**2023**|
|---|---|---|
|Males currentlyaged 65(years)|23.7|24.0|
|Females currentlyaged 65(years)|25.6|25.6|
|Males currentlyaged 45(years)|25.4|26.0|
|Females currentlyaged 45(years)|27.2|27.4|