QAA launches the UK TNE Quality Scheme, what it means for student feedback in transnational education

Updated Sep 07, 2026

On 26 February 2026, QAA announced the UK TNE Quality Scheme, a refreshed version of its transnational-education enhancement work. The announcement said the scheme would come into operation in August 2026. It followed QE-TNE, launched in 2021 and involving more than 70 UK providers. QAA announcement.

What the announcement offered

QAA described partnership insights, resources and guidance, and training for staff managing international partnerships. The stated aim was to help participants enhance their TNE provision and student experience while navigating different country contexts.

The refreshed scheme was commissioned by Universities UK, GuildHE and Independent HE, with support from University Alliance and MillionPlus. QAA also named support from the Department for Education in England and endorsement from the Department for the Economy in Northern Ireland and Medr.

The quoted QAA spokesperson was Shannon Stowers, Director of International Policy and Engagement. The announcement did not establish a new universal survey requirement or an identical compliance obligation for every UK provider. Scheme description and attribution.

A practical review of partner feedback

Our suggestion for a participating institution is to map how students at each partner can raise an issue and influence a response. Note the survey period, language, delivery setting and available support routes before comparing feedback.

If one partner collects comments frequently and another uses an annual survey, differences may reflect the collection process as well as experience. Keep that limitation visible. Protect confidentiality where cohorts are small, and involve local staff and students in interpreting the themes.

For each agreed action, identify who has authority to implement it and how students will hear about progress. A later change in comments may inform a review; it does not, by itself, show that the action caused improvement.

The comment governance checklist offers a starting point for those local decisions. This is our suggested approach to evidence handling, not an additional set of requirements announced by QAA.

Correction, 7 September 2026: corrected Shannon Stowers’s role and removed language that implied a universal new compliance requirement or demonstrated rapid improvements. The August date is reported as the timetable in QAA’s February announcement.