The Relationship between Sustainable Internationalization Strategies and Qualification Alignments to National Qualification Framework

Abstract

The Majority of Higher Education Institutes attracted international collaboration and affiliations as part of internationalization strategy. Upon hosting an academic programme, both universities must assure that the programmes are equivalent in standards, with mutual agreement upon the methodology of delivery. The purpose of this study is to share successful practices of universities that sustained hosting cross boarder academic programmes hosted by local universities with international award from the UK and USA at postgraduate level. The paper will share the method and the adapted framework to enable a long-term relationship between both HEIs, compliance with regulatory requirements, as well as addressing graduate attributes in line with both HEI's missions. This paper will also demonstrate challenges and advantages of alignment to local qualification framework to maintain the equivalency of standards that leads to a sustainable internationalization strategy. As a major conclusion, this paper will demonstrate strategic decisions that could be adapted by leaders of Higher Education Institutions, while considering International collaboration or activating an International agreement. We can analyse this by considering local regulatory requirements and alignment with National Qualification Framework as well as linking the policies and procedures to United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The findings of this paper provide insights for leaders of Higher Education Institutions and regulators to align their frameworks and policies to support Internationalization.