Deakin given go ahead for its new Indonesian campus in Bandung

Deakin University has the official go ahead for a new campus in Bandung, Indonesia, in partnership with Lancaster University and Navitas.

Deakin University vice-chancellor Iain Martin.

Deakin University has the go ahead to set up new campus in Indonesia in collaboration with the UK’s Lancaster University and education company Navitas.

It is the fourth Australian university to have, or to plan, a campus presence in Indonesia. Western Sydney University will open a campus in Surabaya this year, and Monash University and CQUniversity are already offering classes from Indonesian campuses.

The campus, to be in the city of Bandung on Indonesia’s most populous island of Java, is planned to take its first students in September this year, offering them a choice of five dual degree undergraduate programs in business and information technology.

“By offering programs in these areas we aim to equip graduates with the skills required to meet industry demands and contribute to Indonesia’s economic growth,” said Deakin vice-chancellor Iain Martin.

Students will take modules from the undergraduate programs at both Deakin and Lancaster universities and will be able to earn two degree qualifications in four years of study.

Navitas will take the lead on operating the campus and support teaching and learning, marketing and recruitment, student services and student experience. Navitas already has partnerships with both Deakin and Lancaster universities.

Deakin University said in a statement that the joint campus would support the educational and research aspirations of the Indonesian government and deliver social, cultural and economic benefits for Indonesia.

“Indonesia is expected to make great strides as a global economy in the next few decades, and as a neighbour of Australia there is enormous potential for mutually beneficial collaboration,” said Professor Martin.

“Once in operation, Deakin will use the joint campus as a base from which we will continue to build our links with local institutions and industry while connecting our students, staff and communities to Indonesia.”

In the long term both universities plan to develop research on the campus which is focused on Indonesia in collaboration with other Indonesian institutions.

Andy Schofield, vice-chancellor of Lancaster University, said Lancaster was the first UK university to receive approval to open an international branch campus in Indonesia.