UK education around the world

In 2012, over 500,000 international students studied for a UK qualification, without travelling to the UK for their course.

There are now fantastic opportunities for you to gain a world-class UK qualification, wherever in the world you are based.

UK transnational education

Studying in the UK offers you valuable benefits – the chance to experience a new culture, immerse yourself in the English language and discover the UK’s countryside and cities. But travelling to the UK for your studies may not be possible for you, if you have family or work commitments.

UK transnational education (UK TNE) is a term that means studying for a UK qualification, outside the UK. There are a number of different ways to study:

• Online/distance learning courses: It is estimated that over 570,000 students each year follow a UK online/distance learning course. For online courses, you download course materials, access your assignments and submit your coursework via a web platform. For other distance learning courses, you receive your course materials by post or on a CD. Studying in this way doesn’t mean missing out on support. For most online/distance learning courses, you are allocated a tutor or tutors – you can contact them by email or phone for guidance and support.
  

• UK overseas campuses: If you’d prefer the full student experience, why not study at a UK school, college or university campus based overseas? There are many such campuses around the world. Most have a real UK atmosphere – typically, lessons are taught in English, and some teachers may be English, Welsh, Scottish or Northern Irish. There might be UK students at the campus too.
  

• UK-international partnership programmes: This is where you study at an international school, college or university that has a partnership agreement with a UK school, college or university. It is estimated that 555,000 students each year follow such a programme. In some cases, the international school, college or university teaches the course on behalf of the UK school, college or university and you gain a UK qualification. In other cases, they develop the course together and you gain a joint qualification from both parties.
  

Benefits of UK transnational education

• Many international students are keen to gain a UK qualification, but don’t want to leave behind their family or friends, or leave their job. Studying for a UK qualification in your own country means you gain a top education, without disrupting your life or your career. 
  

• As well as being good for your family life, this may be more cost-effective for you – for example, you could live with your family while studying and save money on UK travel and accommodation. You can also choose to work part-time alongside your studies.
  

• With a huge range of UK courses on offer across the globe, you can choose to study in a way that suits you.
  

Choosing a quality course

When choosing a course, check that the course provider is a reputable UK school, college or university that is recognised by the UK government and education bodies. 

For online and distance learning courses, the Open and Distance Learning Quality Council (ODLQC) sets standards for distance learning and home study courses. The ODLQC regularly monitors providers of these courses to make sure they are providing a good service. They can give you a list and details of the education providers that they have assessed.

Finding UK transnational education courses

• To find online/distance learning courses, use the Find your UK education tool at the top of this website, or visit UK school, college and university websites to see what they offer.
  
• Finding UK overseas campuses and partnership programmes can be more time-consuming. There is no single source of information at present, summarising all the options worldwide. However, with a little patience, you can find out what is on offer in your country. Contact your local British Council office to ask for information, or consult the list of UK university representatives. Alternatively, visit UK school, college and university websites to see what they offer in your country.
  

Applying for UK transnational education courses

In most cases, you need to apply directly to your chosen school, college or university. You will find application forms and guidance about how to apply on each school, college and university website.