Sustaining transnational education - Egypt - Al-Ahram Weekly

Al-Ahram Weekly

18-02-2025

Reem Leila reviews the findings of a recent report on the sustainability of transnational education in Egypt, Qatar, and the UAE
Egypt leads the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region in transnational education (TNE) enrolment in UK universities with 28,000 students in 2022-23.
A report issued last week examined the sustainability of TNE in Egypt, Qatar, and the UAE. Conducted in collaboration with institutions in the three countries, the report highlighted the distinctive dynamics of TNE.
'Due to economic and currency challenges, more Egyptian students are likely to opt for studying in Egypt rather than going abroad,' the report said.
The UAE follows Egypt closely with regards to TNE enrolment in UK universities with 22,000 students and Qatar with 3,000.
Egypt is committed to developing the country's educational institutions so that it coincides with global standards, both in terms of infrastructure as well as curriculum development, to enhance the academic and research landscape in Egypt, the rest of the Middle East and Africa, Mustafa Refaat, secretary-general of the Supreme Council of Universities (SCU), told participants at the launch event.
Speaking on behalf of Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Ayman Ashour, Refaat highlighted the success and significant impact of international university branches in Egypt, saying they have played a key role in transforming the higher education system by implementing standards of research, innovation, and academic excellence.
'The transformations the world is witnessing require the development of capabilities and adaptive skills to keep pace with global market demands,' Refaat explained. The efforts of the SCU, Refaat said, enabled the provision of diverse educational opportunities, developing an internationalisation strategy, and expanding scholarship programmes.
According to the report, the UAE leads in postgraduate TNE enrolments, with a significant demand for flexible delivery options. Qatar, though with fewer students, shows the highest proportion of online-flexible enrolments, indicating a strong preference for flexible models among postgraduate TNE students across all three countries.
The report also introduced a framework for the sustainability of TNE, built on five key pillars: mutual benefits, financial feasibility, inclusivity and depth of partnerships, leadership and human resource development, and mutual trust and communication. 'This framework provides practical insights for institutions aiming to build sustainable partnerships that align with regional development priorities,' the report said.
At the event, British Ambassador to Egypt Gareth Bayley said the UK Higher Education Mission in Egypt reflects his country's commitment to strengthening educational partnerships and technological collaboration with Egypt. Bayley also expressed his support for UK-Egypt educational partnerships which, he said, contribute to creating a thriving academic environment for future generations.
Mark Howard, director of the British Council, emphasised the council's commitment to enhancing relations between British and Egyptian institutions to ensure students receive high-quality education.
* A version of this article appears in print in the 20 February, 2025 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly
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