IELTS for transnational education: Study globally, learn locally
Taking IELTS lets you study at international universities without going abroad. Discover IELTS for transnational education, your first step toward earning an international degree without leaving home.
What is Transnational Education (TNE)?
Transnational education (TNE) is when you study for a qualification from a university in another country, without needing to move there. It can be delivered in different ways, including:
A university from one country has a campus in another.
A local institution delivers a course from a university in another country.
Two universities work together to deliver a course and award a qualification.
You study remotely with a university in another country.
Examples of transnational education
Programmes like these allow you to gain qualifications from prestigious institutions without moving abroad:
Examples include the University of Nottingham Ningbo, China (opens in a new tab), and Monash University Malaysia (opens in a new tab).
Heriot-Watt University, Dubai (opens in a new tab), and Middlesex University, Dubai (opens in a new tab), offer globally recognised qualifications locally.
Earn prestigious international degrees from institutions like the University of London (opens in a new tab) and Central European University (CEU) without leaving Europe.
Institutions like the University of Essex Online (opens in a new tab) and the University of London’s International Programmes (opens in a new tab) offer online and blended learning options.
Why choose a transnational education programme?
TNEs can offer a more flexible, affordable route to getting the qualification you need for your dream career.
- Earn an internationally recognised qualification from a prestigious institution without leaving your home country or region
- Access world-class education at a fraction of the cost by saving on travel, visas, tuition and living expenses compared to studying abroad
- Improve your employment prospects by gaining the qualifications international employers want
- Balance studies with work or family commitments through part-time, online or blended learning options
- Improve your English skills by studying in the language
- Build your global professional and academic network from home
- Potential options to transfer credits or complete part of your studies abroad
Discover global opportunities with IELTS and Transnational Education
A high IELTS band score proves to universities that you have the necessary English skills to succeed on your chosen course (subject to individual entry requirements). IELTS is widely respected and recognised globally, including by universities like Nottingham Ningbo in China and Middlesex University Dubai, among many others.
IELTS prepares you for success, no matter where you study
Millions of students take IELTS Academic every year. As well as supporting your application, IELTS helps to assess the skills you’ll need to understand course material, participate in class and prepare assignments.
Get a detailed overview of the test, who it’s for and how to prepare.
Learn about the IELTS Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking sections.
Get exclusive access to free practice tests and preparation resources.
Start your study journey: follow these steps for admissions success
IELTS scores for transnational education programmes
IELTS score requirements can vary depending on the programme and intake, so always check the latest entry requirements with your chosen institution. Here are some examples:
Bard College’s Berlin campus offers students the opportunity to earn a liberal arts degree in Germany. Typical IELTS requirements are an overall band score of 7.0.
Heriot-Watt University Dubai requires an overall minimum IELTS score of 6.0, with at least 5.5 in each test section, depending on programme and level of study. To enrol on its pre-sessional English programmes, you’ll need IELTS 4.5.
Nanchang University offers dual degrees in collaboration with Queen Mary University of London. To apply, you’ll need an IELTS score of 5.0 or above, depending on the programme and level of study.
The University of Essex online offers flexible undergraduate degrees or short courses with an IELTS minimum requirement of 6.0. Post-graduate courses require 6.5.
Frequently asked questions about IELTS for transnational education
You should take IELTS Academic as it assesses the language skills needed for an academic environment and is the most commonly accepted version of IELTS for branch campuses abroad and other forms of TNE. However, always check the university admissions requirements before you book your test.
Whether you can transfer will depend on the policy of your chosen institution. You may need to meet certain criteria regarding your academic performance or visa regulations, among others. Always check with the institution you are considering applying to.
Yes. Degrees awarded through accredited branch campuses or official partnerships are typically awarded by the home institution and recognised accordingly.
IELTS score requirements vary by institution and study level, but typically range from 5.0 to 7.0 overall. However, some programmes may require higher scores. Always check IELTS for local campuses of universities abroad requirements directly with your chosen institution.
Many global universities have overseas campuses, such as the University of Nottingham Ningbo China, Monash University Malaysia and Middlesex University Dubai. These offer students the opportunity to gain international qualifications without leaving home.
Many TNE programmes require proof of English proficiency. IELTS Academic is widely accepted as evidence that students can study and communicate effectively in an English-speaking education environment.
Transnational education (TNE) allows students to earn a qualification from a university in one country while studying in another country. This includes branch campuses, joint or dual degrees, franchise partnerships and online or blended programmes.