Adelaide's new uni partnership

Education

The University of Adelaide has joined forces with international private education provider Kaplan, Inc. to investigate the establishment of a Kaplan University campus in Adelaide.

Kaplan and the University of Adelaide have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The partnership will see both universities working together to expand access to high-quality career-oriented educational programs.

Subject to government approval and approval of the Higher Learning Commission in the United States (Kaplan University's accreditor), Kaplan will introduce innovative e-learning technologies to deliver degree programs across Australia, with students able to study at Kaplan's Adelaide-based campus or anywhere in Australia online.

The Premier of South Australia, the Hon. Mike Rann, described the agreement between Kaplan and the University of Adelaide as a "perfect fit" with the State Government's 'University City' project.

"We want Adelaide to be known as an international centre for university education," he said.

"Bringing together a world-class Australian university in the University of Adelaide with one of the world's biggest, most innovative education providers, Kaplan, will provide local and international students with a wider range of study options to fit their different needs."

The first intake of students is expected to commence in 2011. Initially, financial services and business programs will be offered, ranging from Bachelors to Masters degree level, with future expansion into other fields such as allied health.

Once Kaplan University becomes fully operational, the aim is to admit 5000 domestic and international students on campus in Adelaide with many more enrolled online.

Professor James McWha said: "The primary mission of our partnership with Kaplan will be to expand access to higher education in Australia. Under-represented groups, including working adults, students from low socio-economic backgrounds and students in regional and remote areas, will be the big winners from this agreement. With a focus on students from non-traditional pathways, we'll be helping to meet both State and Federal Governments' goals of increasing access to a quality education."

Mr Andy Rosen, Chairman and CEO of Kaplan, added: "This partnership with the University of Adelaide is another step in serving students across the globe with educational programs that can help them improve their lives. With our mission to build individual futures, we're committed to delivering world-class education to generate positive student outcomes."

Mr Mark Coggins, CEO of Kaplan Asia Pacific said: "This partnership representing Kaplan University's first international campus offers a range of exciting opportunities for both Kaplan and the University of Adelaide. Kaplan's strength in virtual classroom technologies will enable us to educate students not only within the state but across Australia and the globe. The sharing of educational resources and expertise with the University of Adelaide will be of great benefit to students and staff from our respective universities."

The MOU builds on a long-standing relationship between Kaplan and the University of Adelaide through Bradford College. Kaplan's Bradford College offers pathway programs to international students with the majority of these students going on to study at the University of Adelaide. Kaplan has a variety of additional operations in Australia including: Kaplan Business School, Kaplan Professional, Kaplan Aspect and Murdoch Institute of Technology.

Kaplan is a subsidiary of The Washington Post Company.

Story by David Ellis and Gail Appleby