1. How do I know whether the institutions/agents offering TNE programmes are reliable and accredited?
2. Is the course fee for TNE programmes normally higher or lower than the one offered in the UK?
3. Is the qualification obtained via TNE the same as that obtained by taking the course in the UK? Is the title different? Will it be equally recognised by the UK authorities?
4. Is the appearance of the certificate / diploma obtained via TNE the same as that obtained when taking courses in the UK? Is there anything special marked on the TNE course certificate / diploma?
5. Are TNE alumni regarded as the same as regular alumni by UK and local institutions?
6. Will someone from the British Council’s education services meet prospective students who show an interest in knowing more about available TNE programmes in Hong Kong?
7. TNE is not new to Hong Kong or other countries, is it? What is its history? How many students in Hong Kong have obtained UK qualifications via TNE?
8. Are any TNE courses included in the list of Continuing Education Fund reimbursable courses?
All non-local courses that deliver part of the course face-to-face in Hong Kong and lead to an overseas award must be listed on the Non-local Courses Registry. This can be viewed at
www.edb.gov.hk/index.aspx?langno=1&nodeid=1485&inmode=2
Many UK distance learning courses also register in Hong Kong, even though they are not required to do so. You may check if the course and/or UK institution is recognised in the UK by checking the following sites:
www.dcsf.gov.uk/providersregister and www.dcsf.gov.uk/recognisedukdegrees
The costs of studying a UK course in Hong Kong will be significantly lower. The programme fees themselves will not be significantly different, though there are many factors that determine whether the fees of the non-local course differ from those offered in the UK. Additional costs to the programme could include official registration fees with the Education Bureau, logistics, provision of lecturers from outside Hong Kong and services provided by the local operators, such as library, laboratory or IT facilities. However, most of these costs are absorbed by the partnership and outweighed by factors that reduce the fees.
Before enrolment the student must check that the details of the certificate match that of the course or qualification taken. UK non-local qualifications gained in Hong Kong hold the same status, post-nominal letters and recognition as the UK equivalent.
Typically, the certificate will match that of one received in the UK, stating the UK institute as the awarding body. For joint awards, all institutes of the partnership will be stated as the awarding bodies. The accompanying transcript may note the location where the course was taken, perhaps citing Hong Kong or a local campus as the location. Likewise, the transcript may state the mode of learning (such as distance learning).
As an overseas graduate of a UK institution you will have the opportunity to become a member of the UK alumni association, the local chapter of the alumni association and also the alumni association of the local operator.
Yes, we are able to offer initial guidance and provide information on UK non-local courses to prospective students and employers.
The UK has been offering education overseas for more than 100 years. One of the most longstanding provisions has come from the University of London External Systems, which has specialised in TNE for over 150 years. We know that there are more than 21,000 students studying UK higher education courses in Hong Kong. There are also over 20,000 graduates in Hong Kong annually from other post-secondary courses for City & Guilds and Edexcel qualifications.
Yes, many UK courses are eligible for the Continuing Education Fund. For an updated list, visit:
www.sfaa.gov.hk/cef/course.htm
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