Introduction

Building on the success of the UK-China-BRI Countries[1] Education Partnership Initiative (hereinafter referred to as “the Initiative”) in the past two years,  the British Council will continue to fund multi-lateral higher education links in 2020 between the UK, China and BRI countries, with priority focus on Vietnam and Indonesia. The thematic priority is improving the quality of student experience through digital learning.

Seed-funding of around £65,000 will be provided to institutions from the UK to partner with China and Vietnam and/or Indonesia for projects that would strengthen online teaching and learning, improve student experiences, and boost education internationalisation.  

The initiative is intended to boost higher education exchanges and create opportunities for individuals (students, academics, researchers), while delivering real benefit to the education sector of the countries involved.

Funding is provided and administered by the British Council and funding decisions are made by a Project Board consisting of representatives from the British Council China, Ministry of Education, individual sector representatives and community leaders in the UK and China.  Projects in receipt of funding will be expected to start in April 2021 and can run for a maximum of five years (until March 2026).

Ministry of Education from China, Vietnam and Indonesia will support local partner institutions to join the partnerships, but may not provide funding.

Priority Area

The British Council proposes to focus on improving the quality of student experience through digital learning.

Who can apply from the UK?

The UK-China-BRI Countries Education Partnership Initiative is open to all UK organisations and institutions involved in international education, including:

• education authorities, research organisations, and awarding bodies
• universities, colleges, and schools

Please refer to the attached Call Guidelines for a more detailed introduction of the initiative, including the assessment criteria and operational requirements.