China's Ministry of Education has recently approved several new Transnational Education (TNE) initiatives at the undergraduate level and above, including one joint university with legal entity status. Notably, three out of the seven newly approved partnerships involve UK universities.

Newly approved UK-China TNE cooperation

· a joint institute between Chongqing Medical University and the University of Leicester (Chongqing)

· a joint programme in pharmacy between Huazhong University of Science and Technology and the University of Birmingham (Hubei Province)

· a joint programme in maritime law between Dalian Maritime University and Swansea University (Liaoning Province)

Other newly approved Sino-Foreign TNE cooperation

· a joint university with legal entity status: City University of Hong Kong (Dongguan).

· a joint institute between Huazhong Agricultural University and Lincoln University, New Zealand (Hubei Province).

· a joint institute between Qingdao University and Drake University, USA (Shandong Province).

· a joint programme in smart architecture and construction between Harbin Institute of Technology and Politecnico di Torino, Italy (Heilongjiang Province).

Impact on UK Universities

The approval of these new TNE projects signifies an ongoing emphasis on international collaboration in higher education within China, highlighting the country's commitment to internationalising its education sector. The approval of the joint programmes and institutions within Northeast, Southwest, and Central China reflects a broader strategy to elevate educational standards across China. Additionally, the involvement of UK universities in three of the seven newly approved partnerships highlights the strong educational ties between China and the UK.

Sources: Ministry of Education