To succeed in TNE, quality is key

Growth and success in transnational education (TNE) is central to the UK Government's International Education Strategy, published in January. The success and long-term sustainability of UK TNE is dependent upon its reputation, and that reputation fundamentally relies on the maintenance and – in response to diverse and fast-developing conditions and expectations – the continual enhancement of its quality.

This was a core message from an online Membership event hosted by QAA on 18 March to explore and discuss key approaches to the assurance and delivery of high-quality TNE at scale in relation to the implications of the International Education Strategy.

The discussion was led by a panel of experts in the field, chaired by Shannon Stowers, Director of International Policy & Engagement at QAA, where she leads the agency’s strategic collaboration with governments and agencies around the world.

"TNE is perhaps the hottest topic in the sector right now," Shannon said. "It's a really good time to be talking about TNE – and particularly about TNE and quality. What we need to dig into now is how this quality can be assured and maintained particularly in a time of rapid expansion."

Along with about 150 participants from across the sector, the event's speakers also included Peter Clack (Global Director at the University of Exeter, where he leads on the development of transnational opportunities), Oscar Tapp Scotting (Deputy Director at the Department for Education, where his role includes international benchmarking surveys and the International Education Strategy) and Eduardo Ramos (Head of Higher Education Systems at the British Council, where he leads the strategy and implementation of the Going Global Partnerships programme).

Speakers observed that the International Education Strategy was focused on enhancing the UK's international standing and soft power, ensuring sustainable international recruitment, securing the UK's global position as an educational partner of choice, and growing educational exports – and that the reason that UK TNE has such a strong base to build on is its reputation for excellence and quality. As such, it represents "an example of what the UK is and can be on the global stage".

There are clear advantages, it was said, to the diversity of models being developed by providers of UK TNE, and the range of territories where provision is being developed – but the breadth of that provision necessarily leads to difficulties in establishing systems which will support quality across all modes of provision and across all markets.

The panel highlighted in this context the value of mutual recognition agreements, the alignment of governance and quality frameworks, the development of TNE guidelines by authorities overseas, and the engagement of the UK Government in working with the sector to facilitate the growth and sustainability of TNE.

It was emphasised that this sustainability depends on the quality and enhancement efforts of all UK providers: "Protecting the UK's reputation across all provision in all countries is really important."

There was strong agreement that providers need to commit to sustainable partnerships underpinned by robust diligence and realistic planning and expectations: "There has to be an understanding that it's not a cash cow. It's about long-term relationships."

"It needs to be seen as partnership, as collaboration," it was stressed. It is essential that we "maintain that high level of trust in UK education".

As an increasing proportion of institutional resource is focused on the development of large-scale TNE, participants stressed the importance of opportunities for peer support and for providers to learn from each other, to explore challenges encountered and to share effective practices developed.

"The support and advice from QAA is massively valuable," one participant remarked. "And I'm not just saying that because you've invited me to this event!"

Last month, QAA launched a refreshed iteration of the UK TNE Quality Scheme, which will come into operation in August 2026. Developed through extensive consultation with stakeholders across the higher education sector, the new version of the scheme has been commissioned by Universities UK, GuildHE and Independent HE, and is supported by University Alliance and MillionPlus. The Department for Education England also officially supports the scheme, and the Department for the Economy Northern Ireland and Medr are endorsing the scheme.