Lancaster University in the UK has signed an agreement with Australian firm Navitas to assist the HEI to establish and run a branch campus in Leipzig, eastern Germany.
The Leipzig campus will offer Lancaster University degree programs, while Navitas will be responsible for the provision of leased premises and facilities for the campus, student recruitment and support services and administrative staff.
“This will create Lancaster’s first campus in mainland Europe”
As part of its first phase of development, the Leipzig campus will offer four accredited Bachelor of Science programs taught by the university and a Lancaster University accredited foundation program delivered by Navitas.
The parties are planning a first student intake in September 2019 for the foundation program, while the initial term of the agreement is for 10 years until September 2029.
Lancaster University’s vice-chancellor Mark E. Smith said he welcomed the relationship: “This will create Lancaster’s first campus in mainland Europe – an exciting prospect and one which I hope will bring new opportunities to ambitious students.”
Smith added that the university has always considered itself “truly international” with students from 100 different countries studying in the UK, and research partners in 60 countries.
The university also boasts an International Study Centre, which was created in partnership with Study Group in 2011 to meet increasing demand and to diversify its international student body.
Navitas Group CEO David Buckingham said the partnership is a continuation of its expansion into new European markets and opens up opportunities for domestic and international students in Germany to study at a globally renowned university.
“We are delighted to be supporting Lancaster University’s global ambitions and look forward to providing a positive and rewarding experience for students at this new campus,” he added.
In an effort to further strengthen its European partnerships, Navitas has also signed a new agreement with The University of Plymouth to continue as its strategic partner for international student recruitment pathways.
The university has worked with Navitas since 2009 and hosts the University of Plymouth International College on its campus, which helps prospective international students to make the transition into UK higher education.
“We are delighted to be extending our partnership with the University of Plymouth which enables overseas students to study in Britain’s Ocean City and pursue a degree from one of the UK’s largest universities,” added Buckingham.
“We look forward to continuing to develop this relationship, supporting the university’s international ambitions and providing global students with an exceptional learning experience.”
