New international college at University of Cumbria’s Lancaster campus

The University of Cumbria is to open a new International College from September 2025 in partnership with Malvern International, to give international students essential academic and English language skills, cultural experiences and the support they need to thrive in their academic studies, daily life and career development.

AIM listed Malvern announced the ten-year partnership to the stock market this morning (6 February 2025) which it described as offering “a range of international student recruitment, education and support services.”

The college will be based at the university’s Lancaster Campus, and will deliver pathway and pre-master’s programmes, supporting international students to progress onto a variety of undergraduate and postgraduate courses at the University.

Malvern will also provide international student recruitment and conversion, admissions, student fee collection and course delivery including teaching, orientation and student support. A large portion of the course fees will be collected ahead of the course delivery each academic year. 

Malvern expects to be able to reach “in excess of 250 students annually” within five years.

Malvern told investors that the partnership will be cash flow positive from the first year and is expected to contribute to group profits from the next financial year ending in 2026.

The partnership is the second to join Malvern’s portfolio of university partnerships this year, joining the University of Wolverhampton centre, as well as the University of East London centre.

Claire Aindow, Pro Vice Chancellor Growth and Development at the University of Cumbria, said: “International students add significantly to the vibrancy of our university, bringing greater diversity and talent and enhancing the experience of all our students and staff. The University of Cumbria already has global reach and impact, contributing to our thriving university, graduates and region. Together with our applied research focus, our graduates are part of communities and practice in over 100 countries across the world. The International College provision will build on this success and support all of our students to build global awareness and international networks for impact to graduation and beyond.”

Richard Mace, CEO at Malvern International, said: “This milestone highlights our growing reputation for delivering exceptional services that bring value to both universities and students. We’re excited to collaborate with the University of Cumbria in support of its ambitious ‘Towards 2030’ strategy. Together, we aim to create transformative opportunities for students while strengthening the University’s global presence and influence.”