UK-Portugal Transnational Education

Between 2018 and 2023, Portugal ranked among the top ten EU countries sending students to the UK. However, the number of inbound Portuguese students decreased by nearly 30% in 2022/23, while the number of Portuguese students enrolled in UK TNE programmes has steadily increased, reaching 620 students in 2022/23.<br/>Although the UK and Portugal have a long history of cooperation in science and higher education, TNE collaborations have only emerged in recent years, likely spurred by the COVID-19 pandemic and the repercussions of Brexit. Master’s students make up the largest group of TNE students, followed by undergraduates. Social sciences, humanities, and the arts are the most popular subjects in current UK-Portugal TNE programmes. Most TNE students are enrolled in distance learning or dual award programmes (with a physical mobility period).<br/>These partnership models, governed by complex regulatory frameworks, encompass various structures and significantly influence the future scope and nature of UK-Portugal TNE collaborations. Additionally, the presence of international students and providers in Portugal adds further complexity to bilateral UK-Portugal TNE partnerships. In this context, the British Council plays a pivotal role in facilitating dialogue, providing intelligence and consultancy, fostering partnerships between the two countries.<br/><br/>Finally, this report analyses the opportunities and challenges inherent in the Portugal-UK higher education relationship, focusing on TNE in the current context using a SWOT framework (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats). The practical implications of the SWOT analysis can be significant for the decision-making process at the institutional level.<br/>