The first cohort of students recruited through the partner is expected to join the university in British Columbia in September 2023.

“We’re thrilled about this partnership which will truly bring UVic to the forefront for students around the world,” said Kevin Hall, UVic president and vice-chancellor.

“We’re uniquely positioned on Canada’s incredible West Coast, a location that inspires our commitment to people and our planet,” he said, adding that the institution is tackling some of the world’s biggest problems and takes “great pride” in ranking second globally for climate action.

It is the first Canadian university partnership for Kaplan, which until now has focused on UK, US, Australia and New Zealand.

However, Kaplan operates as a recruitment partner of Northeastern University in the US, for which the provider offers international students masters opportunities at its regional campus in Toronto.

Kaplan also pointed to UVic’s research reputation – it is among the top one percent of the world’s universities for scientific impact according to the 2022 Leiden University Rankings. In addition, Times Higher Education’s 2021 Global University Employability Ranking puts it at number one in the country for preparing career-ready students.

“We are delighted to be working with UVic,” Rob Regan, Kaplan’s managing director for university partnerships in Canada, said.

“The university has a real story to tell as they expand their dynamic learning opportunities and international networks to address the environment, sustainability, social issues and more.”

International students make up some 20% of the student population, with more than 4,000 enrolled from 118 countries. In addition to ranking second in North America for international research collaboration, that makes UVic “an excellent fit with Kaplan’s expertise in supporting international students while they study abroad”, Regan continued.

“The university has a real story to tell”

“We look forward to supporting UVic achieve their international expansion ambitions,” Regan added.

The UVic International Plan 2017-2022 had a range of aims including creating a culture of student mobility, enhancing the international student experience, international research partnerships and more.

“We support our students with new opportunities for bright futures through domestic and overseas exchanges and paid job placements that give students up to two years of work experience with four different employers,” Hall added.

Kaplan has partnerships with 16 UK universities – the latest being TEDI London – as well as four key partnerships at US institutions, three in Australia and Massey in New Zealand.

Correction: 10:00am GMT Feb 22: A previous version of this article inaccurately referred to this new partnership as a pathway agreement – the partnership actually only covers international student recruitment.