The partnership, which was announced last month, will see international students enrol in the pathway programme to improve their English language ability and prepare for entry into the university.

Kirk Schulz, president of WSU, said enhancing international diversity across the campuses is “critically important”.

“This new venture will increase the exposure of students throughout the WSU state-wide system to international perspectives”

“This new venture will increase the exposure of students throughout the WSU state-wide system to international perspectives, thereby better preparing them to work in environments around the globe and collaborate with colleagues from different cultures,” he said.

INTO Washington State University will be managed by a board of directors which will consist of members from both the institution and the pathway provider.

International students enrolling on the pathway programme will begin their course on the Pullman Campus, in the southeast of the state, but can then finish their degree at any of the five Washington State University campuses.

John Sykes, co-founder and chief executive officer of INTO, said WSU has “long been reputed for its outstanding global engagement and innovation”.

“This partnership is a natural outgrowth of the university’s commitment to advance and apply knowledge that improves quality of life and economies locally, nationally and globally,” he commented.

This is INTO’s ninth US university partnership following last year’s announcements to partner with Saint Louis University and the University of Alabama Birmingham.