• Section 1 - Purpose
• Section 2 - Application
• Section 3 - Roles and Responsibilities
• Section 4 - Strategy for Transnational Education
• Section 5 - Accreditation and Approval of Transnational Education
• Section 6 - Management of Transnational Programs
• Section 7 - Implementation and Academic Quality Assurance of Transnational Courses and Programs
• Quality Assurance of Transnational Award Courses
• Quality Assurance of Transnational Programs
• Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Requirements in the Host Country
• PhD Courses
• Section 8 - Definitions
• Section 9 - Delegations

Section 1 - Purpose

(1) The transnational education policy codifies the University’s principles for transnational education (TNE) and defines governance arrangements to ensure quality, transparency and accountability of decision-making.

Section 2 - Application

(2) This Policy applies to all QUT transnational education activities, as defined by this Policy.

Section 3 - Roles and Responsibilities

Section 4 - Strategy for Transnational Education

(3) Faculties include any proposals or plans for transnational education in their annual planning consistent with the QUT Internationalisation Framework.

(4) Transnational education courses and programs satisfy the following key criteria:

1. provide an exceptional strategic advantage for QUT, consistent with QUT brand and priorities, including multiple benefits over a defined period of time;
2. provide a high quality, transformative and distinct QUT learning experience;
3. build upon and respond to market needs, including multiple markets, where possible; and
4. provide a return on investment for the University and measurable outcomes for organisations and individuals.

(5) QUT will not invest in, or establish or lease campus assets outside Australia, or enter into franchising arrangements.

Section 5 - Accreditation and Approval of Transnational Education

(6) All transnational education (TNE) award courses and non-award study are subject to QUT Curriculum Design, Approval and Accreditation Policy, Course Quality Assurance Policy and Evaluation of Courses, Units, Teaching and Student Experience Policy.

Section 6 - Management of Transnational Programs

(7) Public transnational award courses and programs are managed by the sponsoring faculty/faculties. Executive Deans are responsible for the oversight of financial and risk arrangements including the development of business and risk management plans, price setting, annual monitoring of expenditure against income, and undertaking annual reviews of financial viability and risk and reporting to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Academic).

(8) The Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Academic) monitors the viability and risk profile of each transnational education (TNE) program as part of annual planning and review for Executive Deans and, where there is significant adverse variation from the original proposal.

Section 7 - Implementation and Academic Quality Assurance of Transnational Courses and Programs

(9) All transnational education courses and programs are subject to quality assurance processes.

Quality Assurance of Transnational Award Courses

(10) QUT's transnational award courses meet the Higher Education Standards Framework, the Australian Qualifications Framework, professional registration (where applicable), and QUT policies.  All transnational award courses are subject to QUT course quality assurance processes (Course Quality Assurance Policy) and, within this Policy framework, are considered higher-risk.  In addition, separate quality assurance for transnational award courses involves an independent audit process. 

(11) A customised comprehensive evaluation strategy may be required for certain contexts. These are developed in collaboration with the Learning and Teaching Unit and will be approved as part of the accreditation/reaccreditation process or by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Academic).

Quality Assurance of Transnational Programs

(12) Transnational programs will have a documented quality assurance system that assures the academic integrity of the program as a whole, all sub components (such as units and modules) and the quality of the teaching and learning. The quality assurance approach, processes and tools may draw upon those available for award courses where appropriate. The approach is documented, approved and monitored by the relevant faculty executive and academic governance structures.

Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Requirements in the Host Country

(13) All transnational education (TNE) courses and programs are subject to the regulatory frameworks of the host country and these should be specified in relevant accreditation/approval documentation.

PhD Courses

(14) QUT does not offer transnational PhD courses.

(15) Refer to the joint PhD guidelines in the Digital Workplace (QUT staff access only) or on the QUT website relating to PhDs and research degrees.

Section 8 - Definitions

Section 9 - Delegations

(16) Refer to Register of Authorities and Delegations (VC135, VC195, VC198, VC200) (QUT staff access only).