South Asia Deep Dialogue: Widening access to quality tertiary education through transnational education

The South Asia Deep Dialogue: Widening access to quality tertiary education through transnational education will take  place from 09 to 11 December 2024 in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

The three-day, in-person event organised by British Council in South Asia, will bring together leading experts, policymakers, and education sector professionals from the UK and South Asia to discuss the potential of transnational education (TNE), particularly as a significant driver of educational transformation, knowledge economy and sustainable development goals.

The dialogue will offer a platform to:

• exchange knowledge and best practices with UK and South Asian institutions.
• strengthen cross-border collaborations that shape the future of higher education in the region.
• address critical challenges such as quality assurance, regulatory frameworks, and inclusion, while exploring the latest trends in TNE models.
• explore new opportunities for institutional partnerships and innovative education delivery models that contribute to the region's economic development and skills growth.

As TNE becomes a major force in South Asia's higher education landscape, this event aims to foster a deeper understanding and lasting partnerships that will shape the future of education across borders.

If you are a UK HEI/UK sector body and would like to attend the event, please fill in the form via the link at the bottom of the page

Event Overview

Day 1: Business Forum (Monday, 9 December)

The first day focuses on building connections between UK and South Asian higher education institutions, policymakers, and education sector bodies. It will include opportunities for networking and discussion, followed by an evening reception hosted by SLANSHEI.

Day 2: Deep Dialogue (Tuesday, 10 December)

The second day delves into the transnational education landscape with a global and South Asia focus. Key sessions will explore TNE’s contribution to economic development, skills, and inclusion, alongside presentations on regulatory frameworks and operational models.

Panel discussions will cover articulation, franchise, dual/joint degrees, and online education models. The day ends with an evening networking reception with TNE alumni.

Day 3: Deep Dialogue (Wednesday, 11 December)

The final day includes an institutional visit, as well as sessions on TNE partnership management and quality evaluation and enhancement.  There will be breakout discussions focused on TNE quality assurance and a masterclass on the equivalence and mutual recognition of qualifications.

The event will conclude with a recap of insights and next steps.

Expression of interest and participation

The event is open to UK and South Asian higher education institutions, policymakers and experts. The British Council will cover meals during the event, however, participants will bear their respective costs for accommodation and travel.

Please let us know your key areas of interest regarding best practices and potential collaboration in the thematic workshops:

• Value of TNE concerning SDGs
• Skilling and employability
• Inclusion
• Policy and regulatory frameworks
• Quality assurance
• Partnership management
• Equivalence and Mutual recognition of qualifications
• Other (please specify)

Submit your recommendations, questions, or areas you would like us to cover during the sessions.

To ensure a high level of engagement during the event, there will be limited spaces for institutions that can participate from all countries, and for the UK, we will be able to accommodate a maximum of 30 institutions. 

Please express your interest in participation and we will get back with invitation and additional details. Please note that there would be costs associated with travel, hotel and conference.

We look forward to meeting you to Colombo this December for an engaging and productive dialogue on the future of transnational education in South Asia!