The landscape of higher education is rapidly evolving, with a significant increase in the number of students obtaining UK degrees without ever stepping foot in Britain. According to a report by the Higher Education Policy Institute (Hepi), almost 600,000 students earned UK degrees offshore in the past year, marking a 33% rise over the last three years.
This trend encompasses various modes of study, including distance learning and enrollment at British universities’ overseas branch campuses. With approximately one in six UK higher education students pursuing their degrees abroad, the demand for transnational education is on the rise.
The surge in offshore enrollment is attributed to the establishment of international campuses by UK universities, with about 30 institutions offering degrees through their foreign branches. Examples include the University of Westminster in Uzbekistan, the University of Salford in Bahrain, and De Montfort University in Dubai and Kazakhstan. Additionally, partnerships with foreign institutions have enabled UK universities to validate degrees based on local curricula while upholding British standards.
The appeal of transnational education lies in its accessibility for overseas students and its contribution to the UK economy. Despite being a more affordable option than studying in the UK, offshore degrees generated an estimated £2.4 billion in economic value in 2021. Moreover, they serve as a vehicle for promoting British influence abroad.
However, concerns have been raised about the quality of offshore degrees, as there is limited data available on the outcomes of transnational students. Hepi has called on the Office for Students (OfS) to enhance transparency by publishing information on the subjects studied, graduation rates, and career trajectories of offshore students.
China, Sri Lanka, and Malaysia emerged as the top countries for transnational education, collectively representing over 30% of offshore students enrolled at British universities. In contrast, EU countries accounted for only 16% of the total offshore student population.
Nick Hillman, director of Hepi, emphasized the importance of ensuring that offshore qualifications maintain the same quality standards as those delivered in the UK. He underscored the need for robust feedback mechanisms and reliable regulation to uphold the credibility of transnational education.
Josh Fleming, director of strategy and delivery at the OfS, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the reputation of English higher education for excellence. He affirmed the OfS’s commitment to enhancing data collection on transnational education and collaborating with the sector to implement effective regulatory measures that prioritize student welfare and institutional accountability.
As the global demand for UK degrees continues to grow, the evolution of transnational education presents both opportunities and challenges for the higher education sector. By fostering collaboration, transparency, and quality assurance, UK universities can meet the needs of a diverse student body while upholding their reputation for academic excellence.