Ecctis has secured funding to enhance UK education recognition in Malaysia and the United Arab Emirates.

The internationally respected authority in education, training and skills development, successfully bid for a grant from the Ricardo Fund, helping to tackle complex regulatory issues and shape global standards.

The grant is part of the Department for Business and Trade’s ‘New Trade Strategy’, released earlier this year, which aims to give British businesses greater access to global markets more quickly.

The funding will be used to continue Ecctis’ work in Malaysia to further improve understanding and recognition of Transnational Education (TNE), supporting UK higher education institutions who are in the Malaysian market or are considering joining it.

In addition, the funding will also be used for a new project, designed to explore and further bolster the recognition of UK professional qualifications in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Professional qualifications – such as accountancy and other chartered professions – are vital to supporting knowledge-based economies. For UK professionals, mutual recognition is essential for mobility and market access, while for host countries, it ensures access to world-class expertise. Navigating differing regulatory systems, however, often present complex challenges.

Catherine Winter, CEO of Ecctis, said: “We are pleased to support efforts by the UK government, higher education sector and professional bodies to help continue to shape global education standards.

“Transnational education and professional qualifications are central to unlocking mobility and are important to foster cultural exchange, personal growth and economic contributions globally.

“This funding will help us deepen our work in this part of the world, enhancing relationships and understanding between institutions in the UK, Malaysia and the UAE. Ultimately, this will benefit the student and worker experience, and their future prospects.”

Trade Minister Chris Bryant said: “Our Trade Strategy is boosting our education exports and ensuring British professional qualifications are recognised worldwide.

“The funding for Ecctis, delivered under our new Ricardo Fund, will help remove barriers as part of our Plan for Change and expand our world-leading higher education institutions to Malaysia and the UAE.”