Upcoming report: sustainability of TNE partnerships in Egypt, Qatar and the UAE

Why examine sustainability of transnational education (TNE) in Egypt, Qatar and UAE? 

First: growing discourse around sustainable partnerships, and the British Council’s commitment to contribute to better insights on UK TNE.

There is increasing evidence to suggest that models of TNE need to be founded on partnerships that are deep, fair, and mutually advantageous. Healey advocates for such collaborations to contribute to a world that is socially just and sustainable.[i] According to a recent article from Universities UK International (UUKi),[ii] forming equitable partnerships involves complexity and demands time, trust, and a balanced approach that values non-financial benefits and considers the needs of various stakeholders. This view is reinforced by the Quality Assurance Agency's (QAA) interim report, which characterises high-quality partnerships as those fostering mutual respect and growth.[iii] The is aligned with British Council’s TNE strategy, which further stresses the importance of aligning TNE with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), aiming to tackle social, environmental, and economic issues through just partnerships. This strategy aligns with the United Nations’ concept of sustainable development, which seeks to fulfil the needs of the present without compromising future generations’ ability to meet their own needs, focusing on long-term well-being rather than short-term benefits.[iv]

Second: the consistently growing UK TNE market.

• Egypt leads the MENA region in TNE enrolment with 27,865 students in 2022-23, and is the 5^th largest UK TNE host country globally.

• UAE follows closely with 21,825 students, 2^nd largest TNE host country in MENA, and 7^th globally.

• Qatar comes in the 7^th in MENA with 3,345 students offering a unique TNE environment. [v]

Third:  the diversity of approaches to TNE partnerships.

While the three countries are in the same region, as mentioned earlier, their approaches to partnerships are very different, giving an opportunity to wider learning that can later be applied to other contexts.

Partnerships advancing national visions

In Egypt, Qatar, and the UAE, national higher education strategies are closely linked to achieving the goals set out in Vision 2030. These strategies focus on leveraging higher education as a tool for human development, aiming to build workforces that are adaptable and skilled enough to meet the needs of both public and private sectors. By aligning their educational frameworks with broader sustainable development goals, these countries are working towards cultivating diverse and resilient economies.

Acknowledging the value of internationalisation in advancing higher education, and meeting strategic priorities, Egypt, Qatar, and the UAE have encouraged international partnerships and established mechanisms to facilitate effective collaborations between local and foreign institutions, as well as the operation of foreign institutions in country (international branch campuses). Together, these three countries illustrate varied approaches to TNE in the MENA region, each building a distinct ecosystem aligned with national priorities, resources, and aspirations. 

Context 

Egypt 

Egypt, with a population of 111 million and a youthful median age of 24.3, is the most populous country in the Arab world. It’s home to 3.7 million university students, a figure projected to rise to 5.6 million by 2032. Egypt’s higher education system includes 95 domestic universities, 233 TVET institutes, and seven international branch campuses (IBCs) across four hubs. Egyptian students show a strong interest in TNE, with UK-affiliated programme offering tuition fees ranging from £800 to £13,500, depending on the partnership model.

The most prevalent TNE partnerships in Egypt are joint or dual degree programmes. These partnerships are favoured because they offer a more affordable education option to a broader segment of the student population. By collaborating with private and public universities, these programmes manage to lower tuition costs, making them more accessible and financially viable for a larger number of students.

Qatar

In Qatar, a smaller but high-income nation with a population of 2.7 million, higher education continues to grow through significant public and private investment. Qatar’s 32 higher education institutions (HEIs) vary between public, private, military, and institutions supported by the Qatar Foundation’s efforts to diversify educational offerings. With nearly 18,800 inbound students and a high per capita income, Qatar sees considerable demand for high-quality TNE, particularly through IBCs, and franchise agreements where UK-based tuition fees typically range from £15,480 to £19,580.

IBCs and franchise programmes in Qatar agreements follow a thorough approval process, to ensure their alignment with the country’s development goals and market needs,  ensuring their relevance and sustainability. These models thrive due to Qatar's higher per capita income, which enables a larger portion of the population to afford higher tuition fees. 

UAE

The UAE, known for its diverse expatriate population, is another key player in TNE. Of its 10 million residents, around 85% are foreign nationals, fostering a unique, multicultural education environment. The UAE hosts approximately 295,000 university students and has a substantial TNE sector, including 48 HEIs in Dubai alone, with 32 IBCs. Additional HEIs span across Sharjah, Ras al-Khaimah, Ajman, Fujairah, and Umm Al Quwain. TNE tuition fees in the UAE vary widely, from £4,890 to £42,250, reflecting the diverse programme offerings.

The UAE focuses primarily on strengthening its higher education sector through partnerships that enhance both Emirati employability and the recruitment of international students. The common TNE partnerships here involve both IBCs and franchise programmes, supported by the strong economy and the country's strategic goal to become a leading education hub in the region.

Our report’s approach to examining sustainable partnerships

Initially, we defined what 'sustainable partnership' means in this context relying on literature. We then explored existing partnerships in these three countries, selecting case studies that illustrate different aspects of sustainability. This exploration led to the development of a comprehensive framework for sustainable TNE partnerships. 

The framework focuses on mutual benefits, financial viability, the breadth and depth of partnerships, effective leadership and personnel development, and mutual trust and open communication. We also included specific indicators to help higher education institutions (HEIs) in the UK and their regional counterparts foster collaborations that are equitable and designed to flourish. 

By investigating the practical and contextual factors contributing to the success or challenges of these partnerships, the British Council seeks to provide stakeholders with actionable recommendations for creating robust, equitable collaborations that address local needs, and support mutual growth. Ultimately, this research underscores the British Council’s commitment to fostering high-quality, impactful international educational partnerships that can adapt to regional complexities and ensure lasting value for all involved.

The British Council Report is set to be released on 27 November 2024. The main findings of the research will be presented in a webinar on 11 December 2024, including a panel discussion and Q&A session with HE practitioners from the UK and MENA. Register via the following link to attend the online event: https://forms.office.com/e/RFSudiBxLb