The funding, announced today, is part of a total government fund of £2.3 million to deliver projects in priority areas to break down barriers to the UK’s higher education collaboration and establish closer trade relationships with international counterparts.
“Through our international work and networks, we see firsthand the role that the HE sector plays, both economically and reputationally, in building cultural and business connections across the world,” said QAA chief executive Vicki Stott.
Funded by the Department for Business & Trade (DBT), the initiatives include the ongoing development of UK transnational education (TNE) provision in Kazakhstan and the recognition of TNE qualifications in Uzbekistan.
As part of the interventions, the QAA will now recognise non-standard degrees from UK providers in Qatar and international qualifications in Vietnam.
Other projects include the recognition of transnational distance learning provision in India and the recognition of blended learning programs in China.
The government’s new fund is intended to unlock export opportunities worth nearly £5bn for UK companies over five years by bringing down trade barriers and ensuring the UK’s regulatory framework is aligned to deliver economic growth.
The DBT said that the collaboration with QAA would help create stimulate domestic jobs and create “fresh opportunities for UK business”.
“Economic growth is a defining mission of this government, and bringing down trade barriers in key sectors will unlock more markets and more opportunities for exporters up and down the country,” said minister of state for trade policy Douglas Alexander.
We see firsthand the role that the HE sector plays, both economically and reputationally, in building cultural and business connections across the world
Vicki Stott, QAA
QAA – an independent body – works with governments, agencies and institutions globally to benefit UK higher education and its global reputation.
In August 2024, QAA expanded its TNE scheme to support institutions to enhance the quality of their TNE provision, with a particular focus on Malaysia, India and Oman this year.
The UK’s recently elected Labour government has repeatedly emphasized its commitment to international education, sending a welcome message to international students coming to the UK.
Upon coming into office, education secretary Bridget Phillipson vowed that the graduate route would be maintained, recognising the benefits of international students for the UK’s soft power and global reach.