ASU London Offers UK Degrees with Hands-On Industry Focus

Arizona State University is expanding its global footprint with a new campus in London that offers UK degrees. The initiative is part of the university's broader strategy to grow its international student enrolment, which it sees as key for reaching a total enrolment goal of 300,000 students.

Matt Lopez, an enrolment leader at ASU, described the current climate for international recruitment in the United States as challenging. This makes the growth of overseas students a larger focus than in the past. The London project represents a key part of that international growth strategy.

ASU London's Innovative Model

The ASU London campus is designed to be different from a typical American university branch. Students enrolled there will earn a UK degree, not a US one. The pedagogical approach is also a departure from tradition.

There are no conventional classrooms. Instead, the program is entirely hands-on from the first day for students in engineering and business. Their learning space is a maker space where they physically engage with materials and projects. The students’ classroom is a maker space where they’re literally touching and feeling and breaking and trying to put back together whatever it is they’re working on, Lopez explained.

The curriculum is integrated with problem-solving and direct work with industry partners from the outset. Lopez believes this model could potentially disrupt traditional engineering and business education.

Broader Goals and Sector Challenges

Beyond the London campus, ASU has ambitious enrolment targets. Lopez confirmed the university's aspiration to grow to 300,000 students total, which necessitates expanding its international cohort. He views international enrolment as significant for the institution's future.

Reflecting on the wider sector, Lopez pointed to a major global issue. He stated that about 100 million people worldwide lack access to higher education. He connects educational access directly to the strength of democracy, which he believes is currently weak. Providing more opportunity, he argues, is a critical role for universities.

UK Sponsorship Register Updated

Separately, the UK government's official register of institutions licensed to sponsor international students has been updated. The list is maintained by UK Visas and Immigration for the Student and Child Student visa routes.

The register was most recently updated on 5 October 2026. The update is part of a regular series of revisions to the list, which allows institutions to bring in migrant students. The page was first published on 13 November 2013.

Prospective international students must ensure their chosen institution holds a valid sponsor licence on this register to be eligible for a UK student visa. The frequent updates indicate ongoing changes to the list of approved educational providers in the UK.