Lancaster University to open German campus

Lancaster University has announced that it is working with education provider Navitas to establish a university campus in Leipzig, Germany.

The Leipzig campus, expected to accept its first student intake this September, will offer Lancaster University degree programmes.

Lancaster University will retain responsibility over academic matters including Lancaster staff teaching the degree programmes. Navitas will be responsible for the provision of leased premises and facilities for the campus, student recruitment and support services and administrative staff.

The initial term of the agreement is for 10 years until September 2029. As part of its first phase of development, the Leipzig campus will offer four Lancaster accredited Bachelor of Science programmes taught by the university, and an accredited foundation programme operated by Navitas.

Professor Mark E Smith, Lancaster University's vice-chancellor, said: ‘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.

“Lancaster has always considered itself truly international with successful existing partnerships overseas for campus operations in Malaysia, China and Ghana. We also have students from 100 different countries studying in the UK, and research partners in 60 countries, so we look forward to welcoming our new students to our thriving international community.”

Leipzig is home to local students who want to work internationally, and experience the benefits of a university with a strong reputation. In addition, students from Eastern Europe and international students with longer-term aspirations look to Germany, and Leipzig, for opportunities that do not exist in their home countries. A centre of technological competence, innovation and global industry, Leipzig has high employability prospects, a vibrant student life and low cost of living. It also has post-study work rights with easy transition to permanent residence for international students, and presents prospects for students across several contexts.