The Going Global Partnerships program introduces the TNE Exploratory Grants 2025, designed to foster transnational education (TNE) partnerships. This initiative supports collaborations between UK institutions and those in Algeria, Bangladesh, Brazil, Egypt, Ghana, Indonesia, Nepal, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, Tunisia, Turkey, and Viet Nam.

About the Grants

The TNE Exploratory Grants aim to drive long-term institutional change by promoting inclusive access to high-quality education through TNE. These grants also seek to improve understanding of local contexts, facilitating regulatory and operational environments that support TNE partnerships. The initiative supports TNE projects that promote positive changes in local education systems, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

An expected total of 34 projects will be funded, each receiving up to £25,000. Projects should address one or more of the overarching objectives related to inclusive education and sustainable development.

Projects can span any discipline or be cross-disciplinary, responding to the needs of both the UK and partner countries. Successful proposals must meet the criteria outlined in the Guidance Notes.

Project Focus Areas

These grants support partnerships that aim to develop new TNE joint projects or build upon existing collaborations. They encourage the co-creation of curricula relevant to the countries’ needs and the delivery of pilot joint teaching initiatives. These efforts should contribute to enhancing the quality of degrees and professional qualifications at both partner institutions.

Projects may focus on developing various forms of TNE, including dual, double, and joint degrees, tailored to the partner country involved. Another key area is working towards the recognition of UK degrees, including online and blended learning programs, through policy dialogues and quality assurance enhancements.

The grants also aim to diversify UK TNE provision by addressing barriers to academic and research qualifications. Furthermore, projects can develop courses that enhance employability skills and widen access to tertiary education for disadvantaged communities, aligning with the SDGs.

Eligibility Criteria

Lead institutions must be higher education institutions in both the UK and eligible countries with degree-awarding powers. Specific eligibility criteria may apply for certain participating countries, so applicants should consult the Guidance Notes for complete details.

• Lead institutions must have degree awarding powers.

• Specific criteria may apply based on the participating country.

The online application must be started and submitted by the lead UK institution, except for partnerships with Thailand, where the lead Thai institution should submit. Applications started by non-UK institutions (excluding Thailand) will be automatically ineligible.

Key Details and Dates

The grant amount is up to £25,000 per project, with a project length of 17 months, starting in January 2026. A total of 34 projects are expected to be funded. Three of these grants are exclusively available to institutions in Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales.

Queries related to the call must be submitted by 21 July to goingglobalpartnerships-TNE@britishcouncil.org. The submission deadline for applications is 8 September 2025.

Applications must be submitted via the online grant platform. Ensure registration on the platform to access and submit the application.

How to Apply

Begin by downloading the application documentation to understand the requirements and prepare your proposal. The application must be submitted through the online grant platform, which requires registration.

The online application can only be started and submitted by the lead UK institution (unless the partnership is with Thailand). Once initiated, the form can be shared with partner institutions for contributions.

For any questions or clarifications, contact goingglobalpartnerships-TNE@britishcouncil.org. Ensure all queries are submitted before the specified deadline.