UK and Australia Expand Higher Education Footprint in Southeast Asia
A growing collaboration between UK and Australian universities is targeting increased engagement with Southeast Asia, driven by rising demand for specialist skills and a desire for internationally recognised qualifications. This push is highlighted by the recent partnership between Deakin University (Australia) and Lancaster university (UK), establishing a joint campus offering programs in the region.
Leighton Ernsberger of the British Council views this collaboration as a positive advancement, distinguishing it from the “aggregator” model prevalent in Singapore, where multiple international universities host programs thru private providers. He emphasizes the deakin-Lancaster partnership as a unique instance of two universities sharing a “shared stake delivering together.” Ernsberger suggests this model could be replicated in future ventures.
The expansion isn’t limited to university-to-university partnerships. Rob Lawrence, principal at Prospect Research university & marketing, predicts a future trend of multinational corporations collaborating with universities to deliver Transnational Education (TNE) in Southeast Asia. He identifies the region as a “strategic stepping zone into Asia” and notes a particularly strong demand for professionals skilled in areas like cyber security and Artificial Intelligence. This demand, Lawrence argues, is an “inevitable outcome” of corporations needing access to qualified individuals with applied knowledge.
Southeast Asia’s appeal stems from a growing expectation for on-campus learning, differing from trends in Western nations. Furthermore, Lawrence anticipates increased demand for blended learning options as more mature-age students seek to reskill and remain competitive in evolving job markets. He believes rising family wealth and corporate demand for specialized skills will further fuel the region’s appetite for standout educational opportunities.
The british Council is actively supporting this expansion with it’s 2025-2027 TNE strategy, aiming to position the UK as a preferred partner for global education through lasting and mutually beneficial collaborations.Ernsberger stresses the importance of financial viability in any TNE provision, acknowledging the “soft power advantage” of strong international relationships but emphasizing the need for self-sustainability. He reiterates that successful TNE initiatives are, fundamentally, “self-sustaining.”
