Navitas to set up college in Christchurch
Navitas says it has struck a deal with New Zealand's University of Canterbury to set up a college for international students at its Christchurch campus.
Navitas was selected through a public tender process as the preferred partner to establish the UC International College (UCIC).
The agreement is for five years, with a further five-year extension option.
It is anticipated the college could be operational by the second half of 2013, offering a number of programs including commerce and engineering.
Students who successfully completed UCIC programs would be eligible to continue their studies in undergraduate and postgraduate courses at the University of Canterbury.
The University of Canterbury is New Zealand's second oldest university and is ranked one of the top 250 universities in the world.
Navitas chief executive Rod Jones said the company looked forward to working with the university to open UCIC and increase the number of high quality options available for students who seek to study at university overseas.
University of Canterbury Vice-Chancellor Dr Rod Carr said the agreement showed the university's support for the recovery of Christchurch and the Canterbury region following the devastating earthquakes of 2010-11.
The New Zealand government has a goal of doubling the number of international students in the country by 2022.
Navitas shares were up one cent to $4.77 at 10.05am.
