A joint statement put out by both companies said: “Study Group and the University of Maine System have mutually agreed to wind down their partnership and agreements ending July 31, 2016.”

“Study Group and the University of Maine System have mutually agreed to wind down their partnership and agreements ending July 31, 2016”

“To date, the partnership has focused primarily on recruiting and preparing international students to matriculate into the University of Maine’s undergraduate and postgraduate programs,” it continued.

Study Group began its partnership with UMS in 2013 to develop an International Study Center both at the Orono campus of the University of Maine and at the University of Southern Maine.

According to Glenn Cummings, president of the University of Southern Maine, the university will now be more directly involved in student recruitment and ensuring targets are met.

The University of Southern Maine, a member of UMS, has also announced that it will open an international high school later this year to cater for students with a high level of English.

Approved at the end of last month by the University of Maine System board of trustees, the International Early College programme will see students come to the University of Southern Maine to finish their final two years of high school.

The school plans to enrol 50 students to begin with, with the initial intake expected to join in the autumn.

However, it could be delayed until January next year, as a result of visa approval processes.

The joint statement concluded: “UMS and Study Group are mutually committed to ensuring that the students enrolled in the International Study Center receive their full support as they progress toward their degree programs.”

“During this period some of the UMS institutions may take direct placements referrals from Study Group on a case-by-case basis.”