MANILA, Philippines – The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the British Council have taken a significant step towards strengthening Transnational Higher Education (TNHE) in the Philippines.
Earlier this month, CHED and the British Council convened more than 70 representatives from government agencies, higher education institutions, development partners, and international institutions to refine the Philippines’ TNHE National Strategy and its implementation roadmap through to 2030.
The strategy aims to connect Filipino learners with globally benchmarked education and industry-relevant skills in areas including technology, healthcare, engineering, and business services. It supports the Philippines’ development priorities such as workforce competitiveness and growth of the digital economy.
TNHE National Strategy positions international education partnerships as a tool to strengthen Philippine higher education and talent development. Through collaboration with UK institutions, drawing on the strengths of a globally recognised higher education sector that includes three of the world’s top 10 universities, Philippine universities can provide students with access to global expertise, innovative teaching approaches and internationally recognised qualifications, while remaining responsive to local industry and community needs.
Workshop participants also identified priority actions, governance arrangements, financing approaches and monitoring mechanisms to guide implementation of the strategy over the next four years.
“The TNHE National Strategy supports CHED’s Achieve Agenda 2030, particularly our commitment to internationalization. It creates global opportunities for Filipino students and faculty, brings quality international education to the Philippines’ human capital development, keeps higher education responsive to industry and workforce needs, and vitalizes governance that protects quality while enabling innovation,” says CHED Chairperson Shirley C. Agrupis in a recorded message.
TNHE also expands pathways for Filipinos seeking international qualifications. By bringing UK education opportunities closer, it can widen access while helping develop the skills needed for a technology-driven economy.
“Transnational higher education is most impactful when it is aligned with national priorities. By connecting Philippine institutions with leading international partners and drawing on the UK’s experience in international education partnerships, TNHE brings new knowledge, expertise and opportunities into the country, helping Filipino learners build the capabilities they need to participate and succeed in a changing global economy,” shared Lotus Postrado, the Country Director of the British Council Philippines.
Demand for international education continues to grow among Filipino learners. In the 2024-25 academic year, 1,225 Filipino students enrolled in UK higher education institutions, while 655 studied through UK TNHE programs delivered in the Philippines. This reflects the appeal of a UK higher education system that is widely recognised for its focus on employability and close collaboration with industry, helping prepare graduates with the skills needed to succeed in an increasingly competitive global workforce.
The figures highlight strong interest in international learning and the growing potential for partnerships between UK and Philippine institutions.
“Education remains at the heart of the UK’s partnership with the Philippines. Through Chevening scholarships and education, science and cultural partnerships, we are helping create opportunities, strengthen skills and deliver tangible benefits for communities. This strategy marks an important step in ensuring that Filipino learners can access world-class UK qualifications while building the skills their country needs for the future,” said Sarah Hulton, British Ambassador to the Philippines.
CHED and the British Council will continue to work with partners to support the implementation and advance the role of transnational higher education in the Philippines’ long-term education and talent development agenda.
