Submit Applications for TNE Exploratory Grants – Round 2 (UK and Thailand)

The TNE Exploratory Grants Round 2 supports collaborative projects between higher education institutions in the UK and partner institutions in Armenia, Bangladesh, and Thailand to strengthen transnational education (TNE) partnerships. The programme provides up to £25,000 per project to help institutions explore sustainable education collaborations, improve inclusion, and expand access to high-quality learning opportunities.

The grant supports 11 projects over a 17-month period beginning in January 2027. Eligible institutions can use funding to develop partnerships, understand local education contexts, improve regulatory readiness, and create stronger foundations for future TNE programmes.

About the TNE Exploratory Grants Round 2

The TNE Exploratory Grants Round 2 is part of the Going Global Partnerships initiative and aims to strengthen international cooperation in higher education.

The programme supports institutions interested in developing new or expanding existing transnational education partnerships between:

The United Kingdom and Armenia.
The United Kingdom and Bangladesh.
The United Kingdom and Thailand.

The grants are designed to help institutions explore opportunities for collaborative education models that improve quality, inclusion, and accessibility.

Purpose of the Programme

The main objective of the TNE Exploratory Grants is to help higher education institutions establish strong foundations for future international education partnerships.

The programme focuses on:

Developing sustainable transnational education partnerships.
Supporting inclusive and accessible education models.
Understanding local higher education environments.
Strengthening institutional capacity.
Improving regulatory knowledge for TNE delivery.
Encouraging long-term collaboration between institutions.

What Is Transnational Education (TNE)?

Transnational Education refers to education programmes where students receive learning opportunities connected to an institution located in another country.

TNE partnerships may include:

Joint degree programmes.
Collaborative courses.
International learning pathways.
Online and blended education models.
Academic exchange programmes.
Joint curriculum development.

The TNE Exploratory Grants help institutions investigate and prepare for these types of collaborations.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligibility depends on the partner country involved.

Partnerships with Armenia and Bangladesh

The lead applicant must be:

A UK higher education provider.
An institution with recognised degree-awarding powers.

The UK institution is responsible for submitting the application and coordinating the partnership.

Partnerships with Thailand

The lead applicant must be:

A Thai higher education institution.

Only eligible Thai institutions can initiate and submit applications for Thailand partnership projects.

Applicants should review the official Call Guidance document for complete eligibility requirements.

Funding Details

The programme provides:

Grant amount: Up to £25,000 per project.
Number of grants available: 11 projects.
Project duration: 17 months.
Project start date: January 2027.

Funding is intended to support exploratory activities that help institutions build effective TNE partnerships.

Activities Supported Through the Grant

Funding may support activities such as:

Partnership development meetings.
Research into local education systems.
Stakeholder consultations.
Planning future academic programmes.
Exploring regulatory requirements.
Developing institutional strategies.
Identifying opportunities for inclusive education models.

Projects should demonstrate how activities contribute to long-term collaboration.

Key Objectives of Supported Projects

Successful projects should help institutions:

Create sustainable international partnerships.
Improve understanding of partner-country education systems.
Identify opportunities for future TNE programmes.
Address barriers to inclusive education.
Strengthen institutional readiness.

How the Grant Works

Step 1: Establish an International Partnership

Eligible institutions should identify suitable partners in the relevant country.

Partners should discuss:

Shared objectives.
Potential education opportunities.
Institutional strengths.
Long-term collaboration goals.

Step 2: Develop a Project Proposal

Applicants must prepare a proposal explaining:

Partnership background.
Project objectives.
Planned activities.
Expected outcomes.
Budget requirements.
Sustainability plans.

Step 3: Submit the Application

Applications must be submitted through the British Council online grant platform.

Separate application forms are available for:

Armenia and Bangladesh partnerships.
Thailand partnerships.

Step 4: Implement the Project

Selected institutions will carry out approved activities over the 17-month grant period.

Projects should focus on building strong foundations for future TNE collaboration.

Application Requirements

Applicants should provide:

Institutional details.
Partnership information.
Project plan.
Budget details.
Expected outcomes.
Sustainability approach.

Proposals should clearly explain:

Why the partnership is needed.
How the project supports inclusive education.
How outcomes will continue beyond the grant period.

Important Dates

Key timeline:

Application deadline: 2 September 2026.
Submission time: 11:59 a.m. BST.
Project start period: January 2027.
Project duration: 17 months.

Applicants requiring clarification should submit questions before:

23 July 2026

Selection Priorities

Applications will be assessed based on:

Strength of institutional partnership.
Relevance to TNE development.
Potential for sustainable impact.
Contribution to inclusive education.
Understanding of local contexts.
Quality of project planning.

Strong proposals will demonstrate clear collaboration plans and realistic pathways for future development.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

Applying without an eligible lead institution.
Submitting incomplete partnership information.
Failing to explain long-term benefits.
Creating proposals without clear objectives.
Ignoring local regulatory requirements.
Providing unclear budgets.

Tips for a stronger application:

Clearly define the role of each partner.
Explain how the project improves access and inclusion.
Show understanding of the local education environment.
Include measurable outcomes.
Develop a realistic sustainability plan.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the TNE Exploratory Grants Round 2?
It is a funding programme supporting higher education institutions in developing transnational education partnerships between the UK and Armenia, Bangladesh, or Thailand.

How much funding can projects receive?
Each selected project can receive up to £25,000.

How many projects will be funded?
A total of 11 projects will receive funding in this round.

Who can apply for Armenia and Bangladesh partnerships?
A UK higher education provider with degree-awarding powers must lead the application.

Who can apply for Thailand partnerships?
A Thai higher education institution must lead the application.

When will funded projects begin?
Projects are expected to begin in January 2027 and run for 17 months.

Where should applications be submitted?
Applications must be submitted through the British Council’s online grant platform.

Conclusion

The TNE Exploratory Grants Round 2 provides higher education institutions with an opportunity to build international partnerships and explore innovative approaches to transnational education. By supporting collaboration between the UK, Armenia, Bangladesh, and Thailand, the programme helps institutions improve education quality, strengthen inclusion, and develop sustainable global learning opportunities.