Deadline: 06-Jul-2026
The British Council’s TNE Exploratory Grants 2026 under the Going Global Partnerships programme supports transnational education (TNE) collaborations between UK universities and institutions across 15 participating countries. The programme funds projects that improve inclusive access to quality higher education, strengthen international partnerships, and support sustainable TNE models aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Selected projects can receive up to £25,000 in funding and are expected to begin in January 2027. The grants focus on long-term institutional collaboration, local education system impact, and the development of effective regulatory and operational environments for transnational education partnerships.
Overview of the TNE Exploratory Grants 2026
The TNE Exploratory Grants are part of the British Council’s Going Global Partnerships programme designed to strengthen:
- International higher education collaboration
- Transnational education (TNE) partnerships
- Inclusive education systems
- Sustainable academic cooperation
- Global access to higher education
The programme supports projects exploring:
- Innovative TNE models
- Local education needs
- Institutional partnerships
- Accessibility and inclusion in higher education
- Sustainable international education systems
Funding Details
Key funding information includes:
- Maximum grant amount: £25,000 per project
- Expected number of funded projects: 31
- Project start period: January 2027
Funding supports exploratory initiatives aimed at building or strengthening TNE partnerships.
Participating Countries
UK institutions may partner with organisations in:
- Algeria
- Azerbaijan
- Brazil
- Egypt
- Georgia
- Ghana
- Indonesia
- Iraq
- Jordan
- Mexico
- Morocco
- Nigeria
- Saudi Arabia
- South Africa
- Türkiye
Some countries may have additional eligibility conditions outlined in the official guidance.
Who Is Eligible?
Eligible applicants include:
- UK higher education providers
- Universities with degree awarding powers
Applicants must partner with institutions in one of the participating countries.
The programme is suitable for institutions seeking to:
- Establish new TNE partnerships
- Strengthen existing collaborations
- Develop sustainable international education models
Programme Objectives
The grants aim to:
- Promote inclusive access to quality higher education
- Support sustainable transnational education partnerships
- Improve understanding of local education contexts
- Strengthen regulatory and operational frameworks
- Encourage long-term institutional change
- Support education systems aligned with the SDGs
Projects should contribute to:
- Accessibility
- Inclusion
- International collaboration
- Sustainable educational development
Focus Areas
Supported initiatives may include:
- TNE partnership development
- Joint education models
- Inclusive education strategies
- Higher education access initiatives
- Policy and regulatory research
- Institutional collaboration frameworks
- Sustainable operational models
Projects should demonstrate:
- Local relevance
- Long-term sustainability
- Institutional impact
- Collaborative value
Why This Programme Matters
Transnational education helps expand access to international learning opportunities while strengthening global academic collaboration.
The programme supports:
- Internationalisation of higher education
- Inclusive learning environments
- Cross-border knowledge exchange
- Institutional capacity building
- Sustainable education partnerships
It also encourages institutions to develop education models that respond to:
- Local workforce needs
- Educational inequalities
- Access barriers
- Global development goals
How to Apply
Step 1: Identify an Eligible Partner
UK institutions must collaborate with an eligible institution in one of the participating countries.
Step 2: Develop a TNE Project Idea
Projects should focus on:
- Inclusive education
- Sustainable TNE models
- Institutional collaboration
- Local education needs
Step 3: Prepare the Proposal
Applications should explain:
- Partnership objectives
- Expected impact
- Sustainability plans
- Inclusion strategies
- Operational approach
Step 4: Submit the Application
Applicants must complete the official application process and meet all eligibility and documentation requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the TNE Exploratory Grants?
The grants support transnational education partnerships between UK universities and institutions in participating countries.
How much funding is available?
Each project may receive up to:
- £25,000
Who can apply?
Eligible applicants are UK higher education providers with degree awarding powers.
Which countries are eligible for partnerships?
Eligible partner countries include:
- Brazil
- Egypt
- Ghana
- Indonesia
- Iraq
- Nigeria
- South Africa
- Türkiye
- And other participating countries
When will projects begin?
Funded projects are expected to start from:
- January 2027
What types of projects are supported?
The programme supports projects related to:
- TNE development
- Inclusive higher education
- Sustainable partnerships
- Regulatory and operational frameworks
Conclusion
The British Council TNE Exploratory Grants 2026 provide UK universities with an opportunity to build sustainable transnational education partnerships across multiple countries. By supporting inclusive and innovative higher education models, the programme helps institutions strengthen international collaboration, improve access to quality education, and contribute to long-term educational development aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals.
For more information, visit British Council.