The move follows the announcement in November last year that the College of Law would become the UK’s first for-profit university. To qualify for “university” status, institutions must have powers to award taught degrees and at least 1,000 full time equivalent students.

“The focus on employability will remain as the key differentiator to the more academically and theoretically focused universities”

Despite a new title more commonly used by the international community, International Director Tony Osude told The PIE News “it is still too early to predict whether BPP ‘s new status will see a rise in their international admissions.”

Every year, BPP receives 4,500 students from over 80 different countries lead by students from North America, China, India, and Nigeria.

Regardless of origin, most international students within the UK choose to study vocational courses such as business and administrative studies. BPP says the move will not change its approach to provide education responding to employer demands with courses spanning business, law, finance, tax accountancy and healthcare.

“The focus on employability will remain as the key differentiator to the more academically and theoretically focused universities,” Osude said.

In addition to opening up the sector to private providers, the UK government has said it wants to attract foreign for-profit institutions to create more competition in the market.

The University College Union (UCU) however is concerned it could lead to a for-profit US-style system.

“In the States for-profit companies have swallowed billions of dollars in public funds in return for derisory graduation rates, crushing levels of debts and degrees of dubious value,” UCU president Simon Renton said.

“We would ask the government to think hard about awarding for-profit companies university titles and consider the UK’s proud reputation for university excellence.” he added.