Through the agreement, OIEG will “establish an innovative new operational model and platform for growth” for the university with campuses in Fremantle and Broome in Western Australia, as well as in Sydney in New South Wales.

The partners say the alliance is part of a bid to ‘build back better’ after the pandemic in Australasia, while OIEG sees the move as key to becoming a significant educational services provider for the region.

Notre Dame’s deputy vice chancellor International and Partnerships, Michelle Campbell, pointed to OIEG’s “outstanding reputation” in Europe and North America for assisting students achieve their educational goals.

“We understand that a world-class international education is a life-changing experience, which empowers our students to achieve their goals and become global citizens who work for the common good in our world,” she said.

“We look forward to achieving remarkable things in partnership with Oxford International.”

The bespoke services OIEG will bring to its first partnership in Australia include recruitment, compliance, conversion, admissions, student support and enrolment.

“By further expanding our partnership portfolio, an even greater number of students will have the chance to study abroad at the academic institutions that best suit their needs and where they can make a contribution to the learning experience for all students and for the wider community,” Lil Bremermann-Richard, OIEG CEO, noted.

“Australia has always been a desirable destination, and we are thrilled to announce Notre Dame as our first partner in Australasia.”

It comes the same day as Navitas revealed a new partnership in France, making its entry into the European country. In the last six months, OIEG has revealed partnerships with the University of Kent and Edinburgh Napier University in the UK.

Competitors have also launched new plans in Cardiff and Hertfordshire as well as in the US.

Bremermann-Richard has previously warned that UK government rhetoric and policy could be detrimental for the country.

“By further expanding our partnership portfolio, an even greater number of students will have the chance to study abroad”

As part of its 2022-2026 strategic plan, Notre Dame has pledged to make international or local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural and education immersion experiences available to students across all programs and ensure each faculty has at least two joint international degree programs.

Additionally, 12.5% of its student population will be international by 2026, it stated.

“Australia is a wonderful place to study and is a highly sought after destination,” John Wood, head of Business Development, Australasia at OIEG, added.

“Through this partnership, we are not only able to expand our student offering into Oceania but support an excellent institution as it seeks to expand its offering and diversify its student body.

“Through our integrated programs at Notre Dame and the excellence of educational provision, international students will be welcomed, supported, prepared and successful in their study in Australia.”