The Erasmus+ CHAIn project has developed the Policy Guidelines on the Implementation of Internationalisation of Cambodia's HE System, providing a practical framework to strengthen educational quality, graduate employability, and international cooperation. The guidelines support Cambodian higher education institutions in translating national internationalisation priorities into concrete actions and sustainable institutional practices.

Prepared under Work Package 5—Strategic Development, led by the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport (MoEYS), the guidelines align with key national frameworks, including the Higher Education Roadmap 2030, the Education Strategic Plan 2024–2028, and the Pentagonal Strategy Phase I. Drawing on stakeholder consultations and needs analysis, the document addresses challenges such as fragmented international activities, limited mobility opportunities, insufficient institutional coordination, and gaps in lecturer capacity and internal quality assurance.

The guidelines outline four strategic areas:

• Curriculum modernisation: Advancing outcome-based education, digital learning, and programmes aligned with industry needs. This includes reviewing curricula to strengthen graduates’ competencies and prepare them for an increasingly interconnected labour market.
• Partnerships and mobility: Strengthening International Relations Offices, expanding student and staff exchanges, and supporting credit transfer and international academic cooperation. The guidelines also encourage English-medium instruction and stronger engagement with regional and international networks.
• Lecturer capacity development: Enhancing teaching practices, research skills, digital competencies, and industry engagement through professional development. These efforts aim to equip lecturers with the knowledge and tools needed to deliver relevant, high-quality education.
• Internal quality assurance: Establishing institutional quality assurance structures, promoting regular self-assessment and internal audits, and supporting national and regional accreditation. The emphasis is on embedding quality assurance into institutional management and continuous improvement.

To support implementation, the guidelines propose a phased roadmap, beginning with institutional foundations, baseline assessments, staff training, and pilot activities. Subsequent phases focus on expanding successful initiatives, deepening research collaboration, and integrating internationalisation into long-term institutional strategies.

The document also outlines governance responsibilities at national and institutional levels, supported by performance indicators, monitoring and evaluation, stakeholder feedback, and corrective actions. These mechanisms are intended to help institutions track progress, respond to challenges, and sustain improvements over time.

Available in English and Khmer, this deliverable offers a shared reference for policymakers, university leaders, academic staff, International Relations Offices, and development partners. It contributes to CHAIn’s broader efforts to build a more inclusive, sustainable, and internationally connected higher education system in Cambodia.

The full guidelines can be accessed in the Resources section of our website: Acess the Policy Guidelines here.