Dundee University has launched a new initiative to attract hundreds of international students to the city.
In the wake of Brexit, concerns were voiced about the future ability of universities to perform on a global stage and attract foreign students — but already 50 are expected to arrive in Dundee in 2017 as part of a new scheme.
The university previously signed an agreement to establish International College Dundee, an alternative entry route into degree courses that is expected to attract hundreds of new international students to Scotland.
Dundee University is delivering the scheme in partnership with Oxford International Education Group (OIEG), a private provider said to have an “excellent overseas reputation”.
Professor Dyce Davidson, Academic Director at International College Dundee, said: “This is an exciting venture which has the potential to significantly increase our numbers of international students, bringing many benefits to the university and the city.
“Like many of our fellow universities in the UK, it is imperative that we operate on the global stage.
“In response to this, we have an ever increasing focus on raising the university’s international profile and bringing more students to Dundee.
“International College Dundee (ICD) will be a major factor in us achieving these goals. It also meets our aim of widening access to the university.
“By providing opportunities to students who otherwise would not be able to access higher education, ICD will facilitate the experience of studying at a world top 200 institution and the Scottish University of the Year.”
It is anticipated that around 50 students will form the first cohort at ICD, arriving in autumn 2017, with increasing numbers in the years following.
The college will be sited on the University’s city campus in Dundee.
David Brown, Founder and Group Chief Executive of Oxford International, said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with the University of Dundee.
“Our early engagement in establishing International College Dundee has demonstrated that the leadership of the university is enlightened, progressive and ambitious with a comprehensive plan to deliver high levels of student satisfaction and academic quality.
“It is a powerful partnership that will bring international students tremendous opportunities to study at a high quality Scottish University.”
Undergraduate students at ICD will study for their first year within the International College and then move on to level two of their degree programme, completing in a normal four-year period.
