What is UK higher education transnational education?

Transnational education (TNE) is education delivered in a country other than the country in which the awarding institution is based, eg students based in country Y studying for a degree from a university in country Z. UK HE TNE refers to UK degree programmes delivered outside of the UK.

UK HE TNE is delivered through online/distance learning (either with or without local support), through local delivery partnerships (eg franchised delivery, joint and dual degrees, twinning arrangements, validation and quality arrangements) or through a UK institution’s physical presence in another country (eg branch campus, study centre or through flying faculty).

UK HE TNE is delivered across almost all academic areas at all levels of study (undergraduate, postgraduate taught and postgraduate research), often with the option to study part time or full time.

Types of UK HE TNE delivery

UK HE TNE comes in all shapes and sizes. This reflects the range, needs and interests of partner countries, prospective students and UK universities. UK HE TNE is tailored to its settings and students. It offers students who might not otherwise be able to access the UK’s degrees excellent education through different modes of teaching and learning.

UK HE TNE around the world

UK universities are growing their TNE partnerships around the world, and increasingly governments and overseas universities seek UK partners. Working together offers benefits to universities, staff and students in both the host country and in the UK. It also increases universities' global outlook and capabilities.

UK HE TNE subjects

UK universities offer degrees overseas in many subjects and at all levels. These have become more diverse over time, and cater both to employment markets and skills priorities both in the UK and overseas.

UK HE TNE students by level of study

UK HE TNE students can study at undergraduate, postgraduate taught and postgraduate research levels across almost all academic fields of study.

You can find examples of different types of TNE provision in our 2018 report 'Global Location, Local Innovation'.

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UUKi publications

The scale of UK higher education transnational education 2020–21

This report, now in its sixth edition, provides a snapshot analysis of where, at what level, and through what type of provision TNE students studied during the 2020−21 academic year.