Transnational education (TNE): Keep Calm and Carry On

UK universities continue to expand their global reach

In the past month, the Greek Ministry of Education granted licences to the first four foreign universities to operate branch campuses in Greece - including the University of Keele, the University of York and the Open University - and further licences to UK institutions are anticipated.

Meanwhile in India, the University of Southampton's new Delhi campus welcomed its first students at the start of this academic year, with several other UK universities set to expand into the country in the coming months, or having announced their intent to do so.

Figures from HESA published earlier this year revealed a notable increase in the number of students who studied at UK universities wholly overseas, with numbers climbing to 621,065 students in 2023/24 from 576,705 the previous academic year. This increase contrasts with a decline in international students coming to the UK to study over the same period.

Why TNE matters more than ever

TNE remains a strategic priority for most UK universities and, perhaps partly in response to challenges at home, many institutions may be increasingly looking to the horizon to generate and diversify their revenue and help build more resilient institutions.

For institutions that are exploring new partnerships, or considering expanding their footprint overseas, evaluating the potential risks of a new venture against its potential benefits can be challenging. Importantly:

• Having a clear strategy, robust due diligence process and thorough understanding of the overseas environment (regulatory and political) are essential.
• Institutions will need to identify, manage and monitor risks at the outset and throughout the life of any partnership or venture.
• Contractual arrangements must be robust and comprehensive and must facilitate the creation of lasting and fruitful partnerships.

A competitive edge in global HE

In an increasingly competitive global environment for HE, institutions that maximise the benefits and minimise the risks in their overseas activities will be best placed to succeed.  

As the sector awaits further details of the first 'multi-university group', TNE continues to grow and the UK continues to punch above its weight in the global contest for international students.

How VWV can help

Our team of experts can support your institution with its TNE activities, including academic partnerships and overseas branch campuses. Please do get in touch with Thomas Pollitt on 07770 656 360 or Morag Roddick on 07393 765 860 if you would like any further information or support.

We will also hosting a webinar on international partnerships on 24 February 2026. 

For more information or advice, please contact Thomas Pollitt or Morag Roddick in our Corporate Commercial and Charities team.