Offshore Policy

1. Purpose

1.1 The Offshore Policy (the policy) provides a framework for the development and administration of offshore activities to enable UTS to meet its statutory and regulatory requirements.

2. Scope

2.1 This policy applies to all activities where UTS operates beyond the borders of Australia. Activities may include:

• research collaboration
• research training opportunities
• teaching and learning
• academic arrangements that provide entry to UTS courses in Sydney
• professional consultancy.

2.2 This policy does not apply to:

• programs of study organised under UTS global exchange
• programs of in-country study organised as part of the international studies program (leading to the bachelor or master of international studies)
• agency arrangements for marketing and the recruiting of international students managed through UTS International.

3. Principles

3.1 All decisions concerning the establishment, enhancement, continuation and discontinuation of UTS offshore activities must be guided by the following principles, values and considerations:

• the extent to which the activity fulfils the UTS 2027 strategy and values to further the object and functions of the university (under section 6 of the University of Technology Sydney Act 1989 (NSW))
• the degree to which the activity embodies and maintains high academic and professional standards, consistent with those of other UTS courses and activities regardless of their location
• the prospects for the activity to be afforded official recognition and accreditation in the host country. It is preferable that, where appropriate and possible, UTS teaching and learning courses delivered offshore are accredited at the highest level and obtain national approval in the higher education system of the host country
• the extent to which the activity is, or is likely to become, financially viable and sustainable
• the extent to which the project reflects favourably on, and promotes and enhances, the academic reputation of UTS
• the ability of the offshore activity and the relevant partners to meet the requirements of UTS principles and standards for academic endeavour
• the development of UTS offshore teaching and learning activities should not occur at the expense of onshore activities
• UTS offshore partners will usually be institutes of higher education with high educational reputations and academic standing. Any other partners must be of such an academic standing and reputation to satisfy the Vice-Chancellor that they are appropriate UTS offshore partners.

3.2 Any new or continuing offshore activity will include an assessment of the extent to which the activity meets one or more of the following:

• assisting UTS to leverage its international research opportunities
• attracting high quality students to undertake postgraduate research degrees at UTS
• raising the UTS profile
• developing cohorts of students who will complete their UTS study in Sydney
• aiding in the recruitment of international students to onshore courses, encouraging international student mobility
• enabling UTS to expand its capacity for growth beyond the physical limits imposed onshore
• contributing to Australia's provision of pro bono aid and assistance and the work of international governmental organisations in developing countries or countries undergoing major political and social change, and
• providing opportunities for UTS staff development and exchange.

4. Policy statements

4.1 Appropriate academic and other relevant quality assurance standards and practices must be met in respect to offshore activities delivered by UTS or its offshore partners.

4.2 UTS conducts offshore activities of an appropriate nature, quality and standing to further the objects and functions of the university as outlined in the UTS Act in one or more of the following ways: 

• promote the development of international communities of knowledge, professional practice and learning
• build and sustain strategic alliances with international institutions of higher education, learned bodies and industry groups that adds value to the learning experience of all UTS students
• provide opportunities for international students to complete a UTS program while staying in their home country or region
• promote internationalisation of the curriculum and build the intercultural capabilities of UTS students and staff.

4.3 All UTS offshore courses and activities will comply with the relevant legal and regulatory requirements of Australia and the host country.

5. Policy owner and contact

5.1 Policy owner: The Vice-Chancellor is responsible for the implementation of the principles outlined in this policy. The Vice-Chancellor may issue requirements on any aspect of offshore activities consistent with this policy.

The Vice-Chancellor may authorise specific offshore activities in line with the UTS Delegations that would otherwise not comply with the requirements set out in this policy where the Vice-Chancellor:

• determines it would be in the best interests of the university and to further its objectives and functions, and
• advises Council of the nature and scope of each activity and the reasons for authorising it.

5.2 Policy contact: The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (International) has responsibility for coordinating all UTS offshore activities and for ensuring that they are conducted in line with the requirements of this policy.

5.3 Others:

The Pro Vice-Chancellor (Global Partnerships) provides executive support to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (International) in implementing this policy.

Deans of faculties that offer offshore courses are responsible for their overall delivery, academic management and quality assurance in line with the Student Rules and relevant policies.

6. Definitions

The following definitions apply for this policy and all associated procedures. These are in addition to the definitions outlined in Schedule 1, Student Rules. Definitions in the singular include the plural meaning of the word.

Offshore activity means an activity where UTS engages in an agreement or operates beyond the borders of Australia, either on its own or in cooperation with one or more international partners.

Offshore partner means an institution (usually a higher education provider) with whom UTS cooperates in an offshore activity.

Offshore program means a UTS award course or short form of learning approved for delivery to students at a location outside Australia through cooperation with an  offshore partner.

Offshore student means a person who has been admitted to an award course or a non-award course and has an active enrolment in subjects or time-based study in that course which is offered offshore.

Quality assurance means the review and improvement of processes and outcomes to ensure a high level of quality is maintained.