Times Higher Education to wind down BMI by end of 2026
Times Higher Education will wind down its international student recruitment and marketing arm, BMI, by the end of 2026. The closure, announced without a specific date, impacts prospective students, universities and education counsellors who rely on BMI’s fairs, workshops, scholarship summits and networking events. Stakeholders must adjust plans as the company ceases operations.
In this story
At a glance
- What changes
- THE will close its BMI student recruitment and marketing company
- Timing
- Closure scheduled for the end of 2026
- Who is affected
- Prospective international students and education institutions using BMI services
The details
- Announced by
- Times Higher Education (THE)
- Takes effect
- by the end of 2026
- Previous rule
- BMI operated international student recruitment fairs, counsellor workshops, scholarship summits and networking events.
- New rule
- BMI will be wound down, ending all events and services by the end of 2026.
Strategic decision by Times Higher Education
The announcement, described by senior stakeholders as “very difficult news”, explains that THE is choosing to concentrate on its core data and subscription business. The move follows mounting global pressure on the international student recruitment sector and mirrors recent closures of other education providers.
- Focus shifts to data and subscription services
- Decision aligns with broader industry consolidation
BMI services that will cease
BMI, acquired by THE in 2022, currently delivers a range of international student recruitment activities. These include large‑scale fairs that connect students with universities, workshops for student counsellors, scholarship summits and professional networking events.
- International student recruitment fairs
- Student counsellor workshops
- Scholarship summits
- Professional networking events
Timeline and transition
THE plans to wind down BMI by the end of 2026, though an exact shutdown date has not been disclosed. No formal transition or hand‑over plan has been announced, and the company will cease operations once the timeline is reached.
- Exact closure date not provided
- No transition period outlined
What this means for travellers
Trip planning
- If travel has been booked for a BMI recruitment fair, check with the organizer for cancellation or alternative arrangements
- New reservations for BMI events after the announcement should be reconsidered, as the events will not occur beyond 2026
- Travel plans linked to BMI scholarship summits need review for possible postponement or refund
Cost and documents
- The wind‑down does not introduce any new visa fees or documentation requirements
- Existing travel insurance and payment arrangements remain unchanged
What you need to do
- Monitor communications from BMI or your university for updates on event status
- Request refunds for tickets or registrations received before the end of 2026
- Adjust itineraries that depend on BMI events scheduled after 2026
Who this affects
-
Prospective international students
They rely on BMI fairs to meet universities and explore study options
What to do Should watch for event cancellations and seek alternative recruitment channels
-
University recruitment teams
They use BMI events to showcase programmes to overseas students
What to do Need to identify other recruitment platforms before BMI closes
-
Education counsellors
BMI provides workshops that support counsellors' professional development
What to do Should look for alternative training providers
-
Scholarship providers
BMI organises scholarship summits where awards are promoted
What to do Must arrange different venues or digital platforms for scholarship promotion
-
Travel agents serving BMI event attendees
They book travel for participants attending BMI fairs and summits
What to do Should adjust bookings in line with event cancellations
Frequently asked questions
When will BMI be closed by Times Higher Education?
BMI will be wound down by the end of 2026, though THE has not disclosed a specific shutdown date. The closure is set to occur sometime before the calendar year ends, giving stakeholders a window to adjust plans.
What services does BMI currently provide that will end?
BMI runs international student recruitment fairs, student counsellor workshops, scholarship summits and professional networking events. All of these activities will cease once the company is fully wound down by the end of 2026.
How does the closure affect students who have already registered for BMI events?
Registrants should contact the event organizer for cancellation policies and possible refunds, as the events will not take place after the wind‑down. Existing bookings may need to be altered or cancelled in line with the announced timeline.
Are there any new visa or travel fee requirements because of the BMI shutdown?
The announcement does not introduce any new visa requirements, fees or paperwork. Travelers should continue to follow the standard visa and immigration rules that applied before the BMI closure.
Why did Times Higher Education decide to wind down BMI?
THE cited mounting global pressure on the international student recruitment sector and a strategic desire to focus on its core data and subscription business as the primary reasons for shutting down BMI.
