The three-day event brought together government officials, policymakers, and university practitioners to assess the growing role of transnational education (TNE) in national higher education strategies across the region. Discussions focused on how cross-border education partnerships are being used to expand access, address labour market needs, and strengthen research collaboration.
Held at the Fairmont Nile City, the dialogue was organized under the British Council’s Going Global Partnerships programme and aligned with its Transnational Education Strategy 2025–27. The programme also included a visit to Coventry University’s Cairo branch campus at The Knowledge Hub Universities.
British ambassador to Egypt Mark Bryson- Richardson delivers his speech
As MENA countries expand their higher education systems, transnational education has increasingly been adopted as a policy tool to provide international-degree programmes locally. According to recent analysis by Universities UK International, Egypt, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia are now among the top ten global host countries for UK transnational education.
Speaking at the event, Egypt’s Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Ayman Ashour, said deeper cooperation with the British Council could support academic and research collaboration, faculty development, international accreditation, and curriculum modernization, as well as improve graduate employability.
Ashour also pointed to efforts to expand English language testing and examination services, describing them as part of broader attempts to enhance quality and international recognition in Egypt’s higher education sector.
He said the next phase of transnational education should move beyond traditional delivery models to include partnerships with developing countries and trilateral arrangements, shifting from programme adaptation toward joint design. This, he said, would require closer cooperation on regulation, quality assurance, and digital education.
Sessions over the three days examined the scale of transnational education globally and the rapid growth in UK TNE enrolments. The programme included workshops led by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education and Universities UK International, focusing on quality assurance frameworks and different TNE delivery models.
Mark Howard, Director of the British Council in Egypt, said Egypt’s rise from fifth to fourth place globally as a host country for UK transnational education reflected both national policy priorities and the strength of existing partnerships.
“More than 32,000 students are currently enrolled in UK transnational education programmes in Egypt,” British Ambassador Mark Bryson-Richardson said, noting that UK universities account for more than half of all TNE provision in the country through branch campuses and other arrangements.
Participants reviewed a range of models, including international branch campuses, joint and dual degrees, franchised provision, and digitally delivered programmes. Discussions also addressed student experience, employability outcomes, and partnerships with industry.
The visit to Coventry University’s Cairo campus provided participants with a case study of how an international branch campus operates within Egypt’s higher education system, including engagement with current students and alumni.
Cross-cutting themes included access to international education, quality assurance, accreditation, and issues related to equality, diversity, and inclusion.
Mohamed Shawky, Chief Executive Officer of El Sewedy Education, pointed out that transnational education plays a key role in connecting cultures and expanding opportunity.
“Education knows no boundaries; it is a bridge that connects cultures, ideas, and opportunities,” Shawky said. “At The Knowledge Hub Universities, we bring world-class international learning experiences to our students, empowering them to lead with confidence and shape a better future.”
The dialogue concluded with discussions on leadership in transnational education, the role of education hubs, and opportunities to expand research collaboration and internationalization across the MENA region.
The event aimed to strengthen regional networks and support the development of new higher education partnerships between institutions in the Middle East, North Africa, and the United Kingdom.
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