Universities UK, GuildHE and the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education are seeking to discuss the quality and reputation of UK higher education as a high-value export.

TNE activities contribute more than £600 million to the UK economy annually

Quality and excellence of the UK’s higher education sector underlie the demand for UK transnational education, QAA’s director of Nations and International Rowena Pelik said.

“This joint consultation will help ensure that the way in which we support and enhance that reputation is developed in collaboration, delivering for higher education providers in the UK and internationally.”

David Llewellyn chair of GuildHE and vice-chancellor of Harper Adams University said, “We must constantly reflect on how we safeguard and develop this reputation and we are therefore pleased to consult the sector on the quality enhancement arrangements for transnational education”.

Four in five UK universities offer higher education programs overseas, reaching more than 690,000 students in 225 locations. TNE activities contribute more than £600 million to the UK economy annually.

“For the UK to strengthen its global position as the TNE partner of choice, we must seek to continuously enhance our offer by responding to the needs of students and partners overseas,” UUKi director Vivienne Stern added.

The consultation runs until January 3, 2020 and is available on the QAA website.