British Council unveils new transnational education strategy focused on quality, partnerships and SDGs

Context: unprecedented growth and strategic alignment

The new strategy arrives during a period of rapid expansion for UK TNE. In 2023-24, over 650,000 students were studying for UK degrees internationally, marking a 7.8% increase over the previous year. This impressive figure reflects an almost 10% annual growth rate over the past five years.

TNE is recognised as one of the most dynamic, flexible and transformative models of international education, providing affordable access to high-quality UK education for students worldwide, supporting institutional innovation and contributing to the development priorities of partner countries.

The strategy is deeply rooted in broader policy goals, aligning with the UK’s International Education Strategy (which has been reviewed multiple times, most recently in 2025) and internationalisation initiatives across the four nations of the UK (England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales).

A new strategy aligned with renewed foreign policy and SDGs Sustainable Development Goals

Furthermore, the growth of TNE is aligned with a renewed foreign policy emphasis on soft power and strategic partnerships. It also strongly reflects a commitment to SDGs, particularly supporting access to inclusive quality education (SDG 4) and gender equality (SDG 5).

The development of the strategy was informed by emerging trends identified during consultations, such as the shift from a "North-to-South export model" to a multi-directional, reciprocal global exchange. It also acknowledges a strong desire for more holistic TNE partnerships that integrate teaching, research, employability and policy alignment.

New focus and core principles

The 2025-27 strategy builds on the achievements of the previous 2023-25 strategy, says the document. The strategy operates across three levels of impact: countries, institutions, and students/alumni.

The inclusion of students and alumni as a core strategic focus marks a pivotal shift, reinforcing their role in the future growth of UK TNE globally and ensuring their voices inform programme design and evaluation.

The strategy is underpinned by five core principles intended to position UK TNE providers as global partners of choice:

• High quality: UK TNE must uphold the highest academic standards, delivering an exceptional, locally relevant student experience equivalent to provision in the UK.
• Strategic: Provision must be designed for sustained growth and diversification, aligning with the long-term goals of diverse stakeholders.
• Partnership-led: Initiatives must be co-developed with partners, be culturally sensitive, and deliver mutual benefit and knowledge exchange.
• Student-centric: Students must be at the heart of UK TNE, with their voices and outcomes informing design and evaluation.
• Inclusive: TNE should aim to support the inclusion of underrepresented and disadvantaged groups, in alignment with SDG 4.

The four key actions: a detailed roadmap

To achieve its vision, the British Council's strategy focuses its activities on areas where it can add the most value, avoiding duplication and working synergistically with UK and international partners. The plan is structured around four interconnected key actions:

Action 1: improve data and insight on UK TNE and its impact

This action focuses on providing robust data to inform investment decisions. Activities include conducting further analysis of TNE contexts and market trends, undertaking targeted research into the TNE student experience and graduate outcomes, and developing an interactive Global Transnational Education Framework data dashboard.

This framework is designed to facilitate global TNE engagement and enhance the understanding of local contexts.

Action 2: promote UK TNE’s reputation for quality

The British Council will strengthen the perception of UK TNE quality globally through convening, brokering activities and thought leadership. Key initiatives involve convening global communities of practice among TNE providers to share success stories, promoting the sector through marketing campaigns, and building a UK-TNE-alumni network to highlight achievements and advocate for UK tertiary education.

Action 3: inform policy development and support the growth of UK TNE in partner countries

This action emphasises enabling environments for TNE growth. The British Council will work with the UK government and the UK International Education Champion to facilitate system-level international agreements, such as Memorandums of Understanding and Mutual Recognition of Qualifications, in new markets. The International Education Champion is a person appointed by the UK government to support its international education work, including engaging with governments around the world and promoting UK excellence and partnerships in all education sub-sectors.

On-the-ground support is crucial, exemplified by initiatives such as the UK-India Higher Education Collaboration Hub. The strategy also involves continuing the TNE Exploratory Grants scheme, with a focus on emerging markets. Previous work in this area significantly contributed to shaping TNE laws and policies in India, Vietnam, the Philippines and Nigeria.

Action 4: showcase the transformative power of UK TNE and its contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals

The strategy recognises TNE as a driver of human capital development, innovation and peacebuilding. This action focuses on tracking and promoting UK TNE’s contribution to the SDGs through impactful and inclusive partnerships.

There is a specific focus on Goals 4, 5, 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and 13 (Climate Action). Alumni are integral to this action, with support provided for UK TNE alumni to lead SDG-related initiatives throughout their careers as members of the global Alumni UK network.

The strategy highlights that monitoring and evaluation of impact at the country, institutional, and student levels is a key component, ensuring the approach remains responsive in a rapidly changing global landscape.