University of Leicester launches network to expand international education partnerships between China and the UK

The University of Leicester has launched a network aimed at forging new UK-China educational partnerships.

A Leicester delegation travelled to Shanghai for the inaugural Transnational Education Forum, which took place on Friday 12 and Saturday 13 June.

UK-China Transnational Education (TNE) refers to study programmes or educational services where the awarding institution is based in another country, but the students are located in China.

The UK has, with the support of the British Council, led the development of course and qualification exports in mainland China, with more than 260 joint degree partnerships in operation.

China's Ministry of Education has a target to expand enrolment in TNE programmes from an estimated 800,000 students currently, to eight million.

A number of Chinese universities and organisations attended the event including British Council China, Shanghai International Education Association, Chongqing Medical University, Southwest University, Shanghai International Studies University, Shanghai Second Polytechnic University, Shanghai Normal University, Aston Institute in Hong Kong SAR and Index Education. All of them have expressed interest in deepening collaboration with Leicester.  

Catherine Sinclair-Jones, Director of East China, British Council, Consul (Culture and Education), British Consulate-General Shanghai, said: “The discussions at this year’s forum have been both energising and deeply insightful, reinforcing the vital role that UK–China transnational education plays in shaping globally minded ‘citizens of change’.”

Building on the University of Leicester’s longstanding partnerships across China, there is a clear opportunity to expand mobility, academic exchange, and shared learning to equip young people with the skills and experiences they need to thrive in an interconnected world. 

At the heart of this is strengthening our collective China capability: ensuring the next generation can engage with confidence, cultural understanding, and real impact.”

Professor Sir Nishan Canagarajah, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Leicester, said: “This forum is both timely and topical. The Chinese government has put renewed emphasis on expanding TNE provision both for their own citizens and to capitalise on the growth in intra-regional mobility.  

“It is a country that also values the importance of an international education – this is self-evident by the fact China sends more students abroad than any other nation.

“The University of Leicester’s Transnational Education Forum helps to address the need of the hour. Together we can build educational and research bridges that will not only improve Sino-UK relations, but will open up a whole new world of opportunities for students.”