Navitas launches new college in the UK

Education services provider Navitas has executed an agreement with the University of Portsmouth in the UK to establish International College Portsmouth.

The announcement is below:

Global education services provider Navitas Limited (ASX: NVT) is pleased to announce the establishment of the new International College Portsmouth (ICP) in the UK, following the execution of a Recognition Agreement with the University of Portsmouth.

Navitas' latest UK college will offer pre-university and pathway programs for students seeking to gain admission to the University's academic programs.

Chief Executive Officer Rod Jones said the new campus would utilise the Company's proven business and academic models and leverage the reputation for academic excellence of its partner, the University of Portsmouth.

"ICP is expected to open in September 2009 and we anticipate that like other Navitas colleges, it will deliver excellent educational outcomes for its students," Mr Jones said.

"We expect that there will be strong demand for our courses, which will translate into value for both our partner university and our shareholders."

University of Portsmouth Vice Chancellor Professor John Craven said Navitas shared the University's commitment to providing the highest possible standard of educational services and teaching.

"Navitas' new pathways will be aligned with our programmes and we believe this new structure will ultimately make both ICP and the University of Portsmouth very attractive educational options for international students," Professor Craven said.

The management of the new college will be similar to those currently operating in the UK, Canada and Australia.

As is customary for new Navitas pathway colleges, it is anticipated that it will take 18 months before ICP reaches operational break even. Costs will also be incurred in the period before the college opens in September 2009; however these are not expected to exceed GBP200,000 in the period from now until 30 June 2009.

ICP will be operated by Navitas and will develop a range of services and courses to be approved by, and transferable to, the University.