Jisc has released new guidance aimed at promoting digital equity in UK transnational education (TNE). The resource provides a checklist of digital considerations to help senior university leaders plan, manage risk, and deliver equitable practice in TNE programs.
The guidance follows the UK government’s recent refresh of its international education strategy, which emphasized the importance of TNE in strengthening global engagement. The document, Delivering Digital Equity in Transnational Education, outlines strategic provisions for effective and equitable delivery across all modes of TNE, including overseas campuses, collaborative partnerships, and online programs.
Digital environments and cultural expectations vary across countries, with differences in infrastructure, connectivity, and access to technology affecting how students and staff engage with education. Jisc’s earlier TNE reports identified four key challenges:
• Connectivity and technology access
• Access to digital resources
• Cultural differences in technology use
• Variation in digital skills
The latest guidance builds on these findings, describing their impact on the experiences of more than 5,000 students and staff engaged in UK TNE.
The checklist highlights five areas for consideration:
• Strategic planning
• Digital access, licensing, and infrastructure
• Curriculum adaptation
• Student and staff digital experience
• Staff capability and cross‑cultural readiness
The guidance is intended to minimize risk, foster culturally sensitive dialogue with international partners, and enhance student and staff experiences.
The Delivering Digital Equity in Transnational Education guidance builds on Jisc’s previous research conducted with 21 higher education providers in 2025. It is intended to support UK universities in planning for diverse digital landscapes and ensuring equitable access to education across global contexts.
Click here to read the original press release.
