Tensions between China and Australia over various issues may benefit UK universities, as Chinese international students could potentially shift from Australia to the UK. The UK's early efforts to recruit and reassure international students have given its higher-education sector an advantage over competitors like Australia and the US. As geopolitical tensions rise, the treatment of foreign students in Australia and the UK has differed significantly, with Australia showing them the door while the UK government continues to support them. This could lead to the UK becoming a more attractive destination for Asian students.