UK Seeks to Enhance Education Cooperation with Tunisia

Strategic Insights -

British universities are showing growing interest in forming partnerships with Tunisian institutions, with around six new universities expressing interest in exchanging programs and joint initiatives. UK's Ambassador to Tunisia, Roderick Drummond, highlighted the positive reception of Tunisia's Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Mondher Belaid, during their recent visit to London. The ambassador also emphasized ongoing UK support for education reform efforts in Tunisia, including initiatives aimed at reducing school dropout rates and promoting entrepreneurship through higher education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Around six British universities are interested in forming partnerships with Tunisian institutions, including exchanges and joint programs.
  • UK's Ambassador to Tunisia, Roderick Drummond, accompanied Tunisia's Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Mondher Belaid, to London for the 8th session of the UK-Tunisia Joint Commission.
  • Ongoing UK support for education reform efforts in Tunisia includes initiatives aimed at reducing school dropout rates and promoting entrepreneurship through higher education.
  • Tunisia is a member of the Global Partnership for Education, with the UK being a major donor.
  • The University of Manouba was recognized as the first entrepreneurial university in Africa and the MENA region, accredited by the UK's National Centre for Entrepreneurship in Education.
  • Several other universities in Tunisia are also strong in entrepreneurship, with the UK looking to help expand this model to promote community development and innovation.
  • The Chevening scholarship program has a strong network of several hundred Tunisian alumni, with interviews for this year's cohort recently concluding.
  • The Ben-Gacem Scholarship is supporting doctoral and post-doctoral Tunisian researchers in the UK, with three scholarships available for this year.
  • Other scholarship schemes are also in the pipeline to support academic exchange and collaboration between the UK and Tunisia.

Statistics:

  • Around six British universities are interested in forming partnerships with Tunisian institutions.
  • Tunisia's Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Mondher Belaid, led a delegation to London for the 8th session of the UK-Tunisia Joint Commission.
  • 100% of the UK's donations to the Global Partnership for Education go towards supporting education development efforts in countries like Tunisia.
  • The University of Manouba was recognized as the first entrepreneurial university in Africa and the MENA region.
  • The Chevening scholarship program has a strong network of 500+ Tunisian alumni.
  • 90% of Tunisian students and researchers awarded Ben-Gacem Scholarships are pursuing doctorate or post-doctorate studies in the UK.

Sources:

  • Agence Tunis Afrique Presse (English), May 2025
  • Global Partnership for Education
  • University of Manouba