A comparative analysis on Sino-foreign cooperative universities and Hong Kong branch campuses in mainland China:policies, accreditation systems, and international competitiveness

Due to the increasing trend of Hong Kong universities establishing branch campuses in Guangdong Province, China, the landscape of higher education in the region has undergone major transformations. Five Hong Kong universities have announced plans to establish branch campuses in Guangdong Province over the past five years. In terms of international resources, instruction quality, and targeted students, however, these Hong Kong branch campuses pose significant competition to the existing Sino-foreign cooperative universities. The aim of this research is to conduct an analysis and comparison of Sino-foreign cooperative universities and Hong Kong branch campuses in mainland China. The study will primarily focus on key dimensions such as government support, accreditation systems, and international competitiveness.
The objective of this research is to analyze the dissimilarities in governmental support, contrast the accreditation mechanisms employed by these institutions, evaluate their international competitiveness, and investigate the influence of these variables on their sustainable development. This study will involve a documentary analysis of relevant regulations and practices conducted by the government and universities. The documentary analysis will provide a comprehensive understanding of the policy context and regulatory frameworks. This study seeks to provide offer a holistic understanding of the unique features, challenges, and opportunities encountered by Sino-foreign cooperative universities and Hong Kong branch campuses through a comprehensive review and analysis. The anticipated outcomes of this study will furnish a more comprehensive understanding of the transnational higher education terrain in mainland China and inform strategies for enhancing the quality and competitiveness of these institutions.