The British Council commissioned a report that examines case studies from MENA countries, specifically Egypt, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Qatar. The report findings highlight significant potential for the growth of UK transnational education (TNE) in these countries, identifying the key factors driving its expansion and long-term sustainability.
The research developed a Sustainable TNE framework from studies in Egypt, Qatar, and the UAE. It identified five key indicators for TNE success: mutual benefits, financial viability, partnership’s breadth and depth, leadership development, and trust and open communication. These pillars serve as a toolkit supporting UK HEI and their counterparts in developing and scaling equitable and sustainable partnerships in diverse contexts.
In Egypt, case studies such as UEL-Ain Shams and UH-GAF demonstrate how TNE expands opportunities and enhances quality through dual degree and International Branch Campus (IBC) models. In Qatar, TNE initiatives are strategically aligned with government goals and industry needs, as evidenced by collaborations like QFBA-Northumbria and UCLan-Police Academy. Meanwhile, in the UAE, the focus is on fostering employability, attracting international students, and aligning programmes with labor market demands to ensure sustainable growth. For instance, the University of Birmingham Dubai maintains the same academic standards as its main campus, while Middlesex Dubai exemplifies financial viability with robust enrollment numbers and innovative programming.
Egypt – leading the MENA region in TNE enrolments
While Egypt is faced with the challenge of having the lowest per capita income of $3,513 compared to Qatar and the UAE with $87,480 and $52,976 respectively, it is actually leading the way in UK TNE enrolments in the MENA region with 27,865 in both undergraduate (88%) and postgraduate degrees in 2022-2023. In addition, an upward trend over the past five years indicates a healthy financial contribution to the higher education sector.
UEL and Ain Shams collaboration
Reflecting the growing trend is the partnership between the University of East London (UEL) and Ain Shams. Since being founded in 2018 to offer Egyptian students the opportunity to pursue bachelor's degrees in various engineering professions at UEL, UEL’s enrolment has grown from 70 to 1,220 students in 2022/23. Having started with a few programmes, the partnership now offers 11.
With UEL identifying Egypt as an important ‘TNE gateway’ to the MENA region, its collaboration with Ain Shams is considered part of a broader initiative to elevate the standards of Egyptian universities and institutes. UEL and Ain Shams have both benefited from their transformative partnerships, which go beyond mere course franchising. UEL has successfully expanded its presence within Egypt, while Ain Shams has strengthened its internationalisation efforts. These collaborations have enhanced student employability, educational quality, and research efforts.
With the partnership excelling in student enrolment and this being crucial for TNE financial viability, UEL plans to operate an international branch campus (IBC) on Ain Shams’ campus and offer additional private credit options for students
University of Hertfordshire and the Global Academic Foundation (UH-GAF)
Another example of TNE success is the hosting of the University of Hertfordshire by the Global Academic Foundation (UH-GAF). Founded in 2019, this partnership facilitated one of the first British IBCs in Egypt. With emphasis towards high-quality education and enhancing employability for graduates in both Egyptian and international markets, this pioneering British IBC in Egypt has demonstrated sustainability through diverse academic programmes, research capacity development, operational alignment, and effective resource management. And, by responding to students' needs and managing parents' expectations, the number of UH-GAF degree programmes have expanded from 13 to 18.
In addition, open communication channels that connect deans and programme leaders across institutions, fostered effective collaboration, trust, and cooperation between UH and GAF, with senior leaders from both the UK and Egypt ensuring local expertise and effective management of diverse stakeholder agendas.
The UAE – leading the way in postgraduate TNE enrolments
As a key global trading hub in the region, the UAE has also established itself as a significant center for UK TNE, hosting nine International Branch Campuses (IBCs) The notable increase in TNE enrolments in the UAE over the last five years in both undergraduate and postgraduate degrees implies greater financial stability, as well as greater capacity for research and advanced education. And, with the UAE leading the MENA region’s TNE enrolment in postgraduate degrees with 10,380 out of the country’s total TNE enrolment of 21,825 students, this shows significant potential for evolving TNE partnerships and developing research collaborations in the near future.
The University of Birmingham Dubai
With the University of Birmingham being a World Top 100 institution, the opening of its Dubai campus in 2018 has contributed to the emirate’s strategic ambition to be a location for world-class provision and talent cultivation.
While being funded by the home campus and also working towards financial self-sufficiency, this IBC operates independently with its state-of-the-art physical campus offering more than 70 courses at undergraduate and postgraduate level. Its equivalent fees and entry standards to the UK campus have ensured quality in the delivery of a diverse and balanced programme portfolio, with scope to develop more locally relevant content.
Middlesex University Dubai
Middlesex University established its campus in Dubai in 2005, making it one of the first IBCs in the emirate. With 5,600 students enrolled and with the ambition to grow to 8,000 students over next 3-4 years, it is the largest British IBC for enrolments and is an important example of long-term and sustainable success.
As a sustainable practice, its courses have been strategically aligned to meet the economic needs and growth areas of the local market. With six departments, including a Foundation programme and short Continuing Professional Development (CPD) courses serving the local professional market, additional courses in Data Science, Robotics, and Digital Media have also been introduced to meet emerging needs.
The university has also developed a strong reputation within the local education sector with its Psychology department contributing significantly towards the training of mental health professionals across the UAE.
Qatar - focusing on job market preparation opportunities
Qatar’s key strength is its high per capita income ($87,480). And, while among its challenges is its relatively small population, UK TNE in Qatar has been steadily increasing, with an impressive 73% increase in five years between 2018 and 2023. This includes a 100% increase in undergraduate students, as well as a high concentration of postgraduate enrolments at 54%, reflecting further capacity for future research and advanced education.
Northumbria University and Qatar Finance and Business Academy (QFBA)
Founded in 2016 with an aim to enhance the knowledge and skills of Qatar’s business sector, this partnership offers three undergraduate and three postgraduate degrees in Accounting and Finance.
With Northumbria driving international strategy and QFBA providing access to high-quality skills, resources, and pedagogy, the university offers job market preparation opportunities with many of its students opting to work in Qatar upon graduation.
In addition, the University’s partnership with the Qatar Development Bank, including entrepreneurship programmes, have tremendously contributed to the Qatari society in terms of gender equality and economic sustainability, as well as in strengthening the banking and finance sector with key expertise.
From its initial successful start, the Northumbria and QFBA partnership is now long-term and strategic, extending to 2028.