International Centre

Transnational courses allow students to undertake study in a UWA program, in another country, taught by UWA staff or their representatives.

Such programs have risks associated with them - educational, financial, and cultural - and as such, need:

• careful planning at both strategic and developmental stages
• a high level of concern for quality assurance and good negotiation skills
• creativity
• the energy and will to carry through.

It is important for staff considering developing and establishing such a program to discuss the project early in the process with the Director of the International Centre so that the knowledge and previous experiences of others can be tapped.

Issues which will need to be resolved before a fully developed proposal is ready for University consideration include:

• strategic objectives
• marketability
• partners
• risk management
• business case
• program development
• promotion.

Establishment and review process

Step 1 - Discuss the plan

Faculties/schools should discuss their plan with the Director, International Centre and with Financial Services.

Step 2 - Consider the course/program

The faculty/school should give consideration to the rationale, objectives and business case for the course/program. Please refer to Transnational Education Programs - Quality Assurance Guidelines:

Step 3 - Complete required forms

The faculty/school should request the establishment of a TRIM file and complete the following forms:

The faculty/school places all the relevant documentation in the TRIM file.

Step 4 - Faculty recommendation

The next step is for the faculty/faculty board to consider the new course/program proposal and to make a recommendation to Academic Council subject to pre-Academic Council approvals.

Step 5 - Pre-Academic Council approvals

Following approval by the faculty/faculty board, all documentation is submitted by the faculty to the Director, International Centre who will manage approval from:

1. Chair, Academic Board on recommendation of Director, International Centre and in consultation as appropriate with the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Education)
2. Human Resources
3. Financial Services
4. If the proposal does not conform with existing policy in respect of English Language Competence and other prerequisites, the Admissions Committee for recommendation to Council
5. Planning and Budget Committee (Planning and Budget Committee approval may occur following Council approval).

Step 6 - Academic Council approval

The International Centre monitors approval from the Academic Council. Note that Academic Council approval may be subject to Planning and Budget Committee approval.

Step 6a - Planning and Budget Committee approval if not already obtained.

Step 7 - Senate approval/noting

The University Secretary advises the Academic Secretary when Senate approves/notes the course, as appropriate. New courses must be submitted to Senate for approval.

Step 8 - Final approval

The Academic Secretary provides written confirmation to the International Centre and faculty when the course has been approved or noted by Senate.

Step 9 - Agreement signed

The parties to the agreement sign and return the original to Legal Services.

Step 10 - Financial review

After 12 months and every 12 months thereafter, the faculty completes an income and expenditure statement for submission to Financial Services. 

Step 11 - Academic and financial review

After the first three years of operation, the faculty/school completes a review proforma and transnational course formal review budget.

Step 12 - Submit academic and financial review to International Centre

The International Centre considers review response and forwards comments on file to the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Education) and Chair, Academic Board.

Step 13 - Chair, Academic Board advises regarding issues raised

The Chair, Academic Board advises the faculty/school concerned of any issues raised and invites the faculty/school to comment and provide a plan to remedy the situation.

Step 14 - Review, comments and response to the Academic Council

Review report, comments on the report and the faculty's response are forwarded to the Academic Council.

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