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The scale of Scottish HE TNE 2021—22
Last updated on Friday 3 Jan 2025 at 3:03pm
Scottish HE TNE has steadily increased in recent years. In 2021–22, 16 Scottish higher education providers reported 45,115 students learning through TNE in 191 countries and territories worldwide – this is up from 41,390 in 2017-18. Heriot-Watt University is the leading provider of TNE in Scotland, accounting for 28.2% of all TNE students.
Please note, we have removed the more detailed graphs, where the student numbers are below 25. This year, there are two companion reports to this Scotland report, covering the United Kingdom and Wales.
Scale of TNE 2021—22 (Scotland): At a glance
Overview
Type of provision
Figure S1 shows that 38.7% of Scottish HE TNE students were studying through distance, flexible or distributed learning; 35.3% were studying through collaborative provision; 18.7% were studying while registered at an overseas partner organisation; and 7.3% studied at overseas campuses.
Level of study
Figure S2 shows that in 2021–22, as in previous years, most Scottish HE TNE students were studying for undergraduate (52.6%) or postgraduate taught (45.5%) degree programmes. Students on postgraduate research programmes made up the smallest group (1.8%).
Regions
In 2021–22, Scottish HE TNE was delivered in 191 countries and territories around the world, with 41.9% of students studying in Asia, followed by the Middle East (19.8%) and Europe (16.5%).
Figure S3 and Table S1 show the top 20 host countries and territories by student numbers in 2021–22, the percentage change from the previous year and the proportion of the global total in each. The largest variations took place in Vietnam (+39.7%), India (+39.5%) and Sri Lanka (+27.4%). There were small decreases in Oman (-3.7%) and Hong Kong (-1.8%).
Insights by region: Africa
TNE in Africa has witnessed a sharp decline to its lowest level since 2017, with TNE numbers in all top 10 countries experiencing a decrease.
As shown in Figure S4, Scottish HE TNE student numbers in Africa experienced a sharp decline between 2020–21 and 2021–22, down from 5,830 to 4,880. Numbers are currently at the lowest they have been in the past five years.
Top host countries
Table S2 shows the 10 top host countries in Africa in 2021–22. South Africa hosted the most students: 1,095 (22.4% of the total). The greatest proportional decreases took place in Zambia (-30.0%), followed by Nigeria (-28.4%), Zimbabwe (-23.8%), Mauritius (-22.1%) and Uganda (-19.1%).
Figure S5 shows the development of student numbers in the top five host countries.
Type of provision
Figure S6 shows how many students were studying through each type of TNE provision. Distance, flexible or distributed learning was the most common type of provision, represented in all 47 countries where TNE was reported.
Level of study
Figure S7a and Figure S7b show the distribution of undergraduate and postgraduate TNE study across African countries. South Africa alone accounted for 48.8% of undergraduate students in Africa, followed by Mauritius (23.8%). At postgraduate level, Egypt (16.5%), Nigeria (16.3%) and Uganda (15.4%) had the largest shares of students.
Insights by region: Asia
Asia is the top region for Scottish HE TNE students, accounting for 41.9% of all students. Whilst China is the top host country, Singapore’s growth rate was 20.1%, signifying a substantial increase. The data suggests that Asia has become a vital market for Scottish HE TNE providers and we can expect numbers in this region to increase further in the coming years.
As shown in Figure S8, student numbers in Asia have continued to grow, increasing by 8.8% between 2020–21 and 2021–22.
Top host countries and territories
Table S3 shows the 10 Asian countries and territories hosting the most students in 2021–22. China was ranked the top host country with 5,915 (31.3% of the total) and saw the greatest proportional increase (+28.4%). Singapore, Thailand and Sri Lanka also saw significant increases in Scottish HE TNE student numbers, while Myanmar and Hong Kong experienced sizeable declines.
Figure S9 shows the development of student numbers in the top five Asian host countries and territories, which together accounted for 86.4% of all TNE students in Asia in 2021–22.
Type of provision
Figure S10 shows the number of students studying through each type of TNE provision. Collaborative provision has the highest number of students (10,020) and represents over a third (35.3%) of countries. However, all 34 countries in Asia reported TNE via distance, flexible or distributed learning.
Level of study
Figure S11a and Figure S11b show the distribution between undergraduate and postgraduate TNE study across Asian countries and territories. China, Singapore, Malaysia, Sri Lanka and Hong Kong accounted for the largest number of students at undergraduate (89.9%) and postgraduate (77.7%) level.
Insights by region: Australasia
Overall, numbers are very low (under 1,000) and continue to decrease. There is scope for Scotland to build on the UK’s strong relationship, particularly with Australia and New Zealand, to collaborate and establish new TNE partnerships.
As shown in Figure S12, student numbers in Australasia have steadily declined over the past five years, with figures remaining relatively low (under 1,000).
Top host countries and territories
Table S4 shows the two countries in Australasia hosting the most students in 2021–22. Unsurprisingly, Australia was ranked first with 450 (84.9% of the total). However, both Australia (-16.7%), and New Zealand (-26.3%) saw a decrease in TNE students compared to the previous academic year. Numbers in all other host countries and territories were below 25 students.
Figure S13 shows the trends in student numbers in the top five host countries and territories, which together accounted for almost all Scottish HE TNE students in Australasia last year. Although Australia is the largest market for Scottish HE TNE in the region, numbers have been decreasing over the last five years, with a small exception in 2020—21. Between 2017—18 and 2020—21, New Zealand appeared to be on an upward trajectory. However, last year, student numbers dropped to their lowest in five years.
Type of provision
Distance, flexible or distributed learning was the only type of provision delivered in all five countries and territories where TNE students were reported in Australasia, with most of them studying in Australia.
Level of study
Figure S14 shows the distribution of postgraduate TNE study between Australia and New Zealand. Given the numbers are quite small outside of these two countries, we are unable to show the full picture of the total number of students by level of study.
Insights by region: Europe
Europe is the third largest market for Scottish HE TNE, with collaborative provision being the most common type. Greece has the largest share of Scottish HE TNE students (almost half), which is unsurprising given Greece is also the UK’s top European destination for TNE.
As shown in Figure S15, student numbers in Europe decreased slightly by 6.9% from 7,995 to 7,445 between 2020–21 and 2021–22.
Top host countries
Table S5 shows the 10 European countries hosting the most students in 2021–22. Greece continues to host the most students in Europe, (46.6% of the total), followed by Switzerland (13.2% of the total). All countries except for Greece saw a decline in Scottish HE TNE student numbers.
Figure S16 shows the development of student numbers in the top five host countries, which together accounted for 78.3% of all Scottish HE TNE students in Europe in 2021–22.
Type of provision
Figure S17 shows how many students were studying through each type of TNE provision. Distance, flexible or distributed learning was the most popular, delivered in all 49 countries where Scottish HE TNE students were reported in Europe, with Ireland being the top host country. However, collaborative provision saw the highest number of students, despite only being represented in five countries.
Level of study
Figure S18a and Figure S18b show the distribution between undergraduate and postgraduate Scottish HE TNE study across European countries. Greece hosted just over three-quarters of all undergraduate students (78.9%). At postgraduate level, Ireland accounted for the most TNE students, at 15.7%, followed by Greece (14.5%), Germany (11.3%) and Switzerland (10.5%).
Insights by region: Middle East
The Middle East is the second top host region for Scottish HE TNE students, with almost one-fifth of all students. The UAE remains the top host country. Unlike for UK HE TNE overall, Saudi Arabia is not a top host for Scottish HE TNE provision, with student numbers decreasing to their lowest levels since 2017. However, the data does indicate more of a focus on Qatar in Scotland, with numbers almost quadrupling in the last five years.
As shown in Figure S19, student numbers in the Middle East have dropped in the last couple of years and are currently at their lowest level since 2017—18.
Top host countries
Table S6 shows the 10 Middle Eastern countries hosting the most students in 2021–22. The UAE hosted the most students, with 54.6% of the total, followed by Oman (19.6%). The greatest proportional increase took place in Lebanon (+30.8%), while the largest proportional decrease took place in Jordan (-25.0%).
Figure S20 shows the development of student numbers in the top five host countries, which together accounted for 95.4% of all Scottish HE TNE students in the Middle East in 2021–22. Whilst Oman remains in the top five host countries, between 2017–18 and 2021–22, TNE student numbers continuously decline. In Qatar, Scottish HE TNE student numbers have almost quadrupled in the past five years, growing from 360 in 2017—18, to 1,250 in 2021—22.
Type of provision
Figure S21 shows how many students were studying through each type of TNE provision. Distance, flexible or distributed learning was delivered in all 14 countries; the top host was the UAE. TNE provision via an overseas campus had the largest number of students (5,335), even though only five out of 14 countries were represented.
Level of study
Figure S22a and Figure S22b show the distribution between undergraduate and postgraduate TNE study across Middle Eastern countries. At undergraduate and postgraduate level, the UAE accounted for over half of all students.
Insights by region: North America
Numbers in North America are quite low for Scottish HE TNE students, having fallen to pre-COVID levels.
As shown in Figure S23, from 2018–19, Scottish HE TNE student numbers gradually increased until 2020–21, when numbers fell by 13.9% to 4,020 in 2021–22.
Top host countries and territories
Table S7 shows the top 10 North American countries hosting the most students in 2021–22. The US was the top country, hosting 1,075 students (26.7% of the total), followed closely by Canada, with 960 students (23.9% of the total). Apart from Belize and Grenada, all countries saw a proportional decrease in student numbers.
Figure S24 shows the development of student numbers in the top five host countries and territories, which together accounted for 73.5% of all Scottish HE TNE students in North America in 2021–22. Whilst the US continues to take the top spot, all five countries have seen a decline in numbers compared to 2020—21.
Type of provision
Figure S25 shows how many students were studying through each type of TNE provision. Distance, flexible or distributed learning was reported in all 30 countries and territories, with the largest number of students in the US. A small number of students were also registered at an overseas partner organisation.
Level of study
Figure S26a and Figure S26b show the distribution between undergraduate and postgraduate TNE study across North America. At undergraduate level, St Lucia (19.8%), The Bahamas (17.0%) and Belize (16.0%) accounted for the most students. At postgraduate level, the US and Canada accounted for over half of all students.
Insights by region: South America
Much like in the UK, numbers for Scottish HE TNE students in South America remain very low (under 500).
As shown in Figure S27, student numbers in South America continue on an upward trajectory, albeit very slowly.
Top host countries
Table S8 shows the top three host countries in South America in 2021–22. Guyana hosted the most students, with 52.0% of the total, followed by Brazil (14.7%).
Figure S28 shows the development of student numbers in the top three host countries, which together accounted for 78.7% of all Scottish HE TNE students in South America in 2021–22.
Type of provision
Distance, flexible or distributed learning was delivered in all 12 countries where TNE students were reported in South America, with Guyana hosting the most students.
Level of study
Figure S29 shows the distribution of postgraduate TNE study across South American countries. Guyana accounted for the majority of postgraduate students, with 52.6%.