Sri Lanka's higher education system faces significant limitations, with only about 23% of qualified students securing places in state universities, leaving many to seek alternative education pathways. The private sector, consisting of 27 approved non-state institutions, enrols 50,000–60,000 students annually, yet the overall tertiary enrolment rate remains just 21%. This gap has driven increased demand for Transnational Education (TNE), with Sri Lanka hosting the second-largest number of UK TNE students globally—53,915 in 2022/23.
Despite the rapid growth of TNE, there remains a critical gap in the regulatory framework. The absence of formalised regulations for TNE institutions, quality assurance processes, and partnership management has led to inconsistencies in oversight. Proposed regulations from 2018/19 are still pending, leaving the sector to operate with limited QA structures.
In response to these challenges, this initiative aims to address the need for standardised QA processes through a capacity building programme on QA. Starting with awareness building, the programme will equip stakeholders with the knowledge and skills to implement consistent QA frameworks, ultimately enhancing the quality, compliance, and reputation of Sri Lanka’s TNE sector.
The British Council seeks to implement a Training of Trainers (ToT) programme aimed at strengthening the Quality Assurance (QA) processes within Sri Lanka’s Transnational Education (TNE) sector. The programme will begin with a focus on building awareness of QA processes and their significance, ensuring that participants have a foundational understanding before moving on to more advanced capacity-building activities. By equipping trainers with the knowledge and skills necessary to apply standardised QA processes, the initiative will promote compliance with regulatory standards and enhance educational outcomes. The initiative also emphasises gathering insights from participants to ensure practical relevance. The aim of this initiative is to contribute to fostering a sustainable culture of quality within the TNE sector, elevating the credibility and reputation of Sri Lankan institutions.
For further information please refer https://in-tendhost.co.uk/britishcouncil/aspx/ProjectManage/3696
Your submission should be forwarded to by 25 November 2024.