Quality assurance challenges of transnational higher education in Hong Kong

The scale of operation and the increasing participation rate in transnational education programs in Hong Kong warranted the need to maintain program qualities and scrutinize the quality assurance status. However, literature about this issue is scarce. This paper, therefore, examines and analyzes the current quality assurance status based on the current regulatory framework and registration assessment process for transnational education in Hong Kong. Data for analyses include available government documents and websites of Education Bureau, Non-Local Course Registry, University Grants Committee, Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Academic and Vocational Qualifications, Education Commission, Legislative Council, and overseas government and quality assurance agencies. Despite having a seemingly comprehensive legal regulatory framework imposed upon the operation of transnational education in Hong Kong, the scrutiny of implementation of policies and practices of registration assessment and annual returns, as well as the eligibility of transnational education programs to participate in continuing education fund schemes, have revealed loopholes that lead to concerns about quality assurance and consumer protection. Both local and wider implications from the Hong Kong case are discussed. Copyright © 2011 Pacific Circle Consortium.