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¸Ô±¾ÊÓÆµ partnership recognised as example of global collaboration in independent review

Published on 15 June 2026


An international partnership led by ¸Ô±¾ÊÓÆµ Leicester (¸Ô±¾ÊÓÆµ) has been recognised as a model of global collaboration in a major independent review.

A report by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) highlights ¸Ô±¾ÊÓÆµ's partnership with Asia Pacific University of Technology and Innovation (APU) as a "well-developed and equitable" collaboration delivering high-quality education and positive outcomes for students.

The recognition comes at a time of continued growth in ¸Ô±¾ÊÓÆµ's transnational education (TNE) provision, providing opportunities for students around the world to gain a UK university qualification while studying in their home country.

Simon Bradbury, Pro Vice-Chancellor International at ¸Ô±¾ÊÓÆµ, said: “This recognition highlights the vital importance of universities working together across borders to widen access to high-quality education. The fact ¸Ô±¾ÊÓÆµ has seen the second-biggest growth in transnational education students in the UK shows both the strength of our partnerships and the global reputation of UK higher education.

“What makes this partnership particularly special is its genuinely collaborative nature. We are learning from each other, innovating together and building something that benefits both institutions and, most importantly, our students.”

The ¸Ô±¾ÊÓÆµ-APU partnership, which began in 2017, has grown into the university's largest transnational education partnership, now supporting nearly 8,000 students across more than 80 programmes.

Covering subjects from artificial intelligence and engineering to psychology, business and the creative industries, the partnership is helping expand access to a UK degree. Students can earn a ¸Ô±¾ÊÓÆµ qualification in Malaysia while benefiting from the same academic standards and quality assurance arrangements.

Students also gain an international experience through opportunities to study in Leicester, participate in summer schools and collaborate with peers across ¸Ô±¾ÊÓÆµ's global network.

Group of Asia Pacific University (APU) students visiting ¸Ô±¾ÊÓÆµ Leicester
Group of Asia Pacific University (APU) students visiting ¸Ô±¾ÊÓÆµ Leicester

One student told QAA reviewers that these experiences helped them feel part of "one unit" despite being based in different countries.

The QAA praised the "multifaceted" nature of the partnership, noting that its activities extend beyond teaching and learning.

Alongside dual-degree delivery, ¸Ô±¾ÊÓÆµ and APU collaborate on research bids, co-author policy papers linked to the United Nations, and present at international conferences. This work builds on ¸Ô±¾ÊÓÆµ's status as the UK's only global hub for UN Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.

Students benefit from industry-led projects, internships and access to leading technologies, supported by extensive links with employers. An annual careers fair offers thousands of job opportunities, with demand from companies exceeding capacity.

Innovation and entrepreneurship are embedded throughout the curriculum, helping students develop the skills and global outlook needed to succeed in an increasingly interconnected economy.

¸Ô±¾ÊÓÆµ recently recorded the second-largest increase in transnational education students among UK universities. Today, more than 13,000 students study for ¸Ô±¾ÊÓÆµ qualifications outside the UK through partnerships and campuses worldwide, reflecting the university's growing international reach and commitment to high-quality global education.