The university announces its own pathway provider for students from overseas

PVC I Sebastian Raneskold told staff yesterday that it will provide diploma courses “across the breadth of Flinders University’s study areas” plus foundation, ELICOS and pre-masters programmes, “allowing students to have a seamless transition to first – or second-year studies of their chosen degree.”

The college will be based at the university’s Bedford Park home, but will teach across all campuses and facilities.

However while it will be governed by Flinders, due to its, “unique function and purpose,”  the provider will be separate from “the usual operations and structure of the university.”

Mr Raneskold says registration and approval processes for the new courses are underway and the university expects to launch in July, with students enrolling from January next.

One thing they will need before then is a name. Yesterday’s announcement referred to “the entity.”

This is an ambitious move by the university. Flinders U had 3700 international students prior pandemic and appears intent on growing that – the new direct rail connection between Bedford Park and central Adelaide will increase the university’s appeal to students who like the bright-ish lights of city life.

It is also excellently timed. With new SA premier Peter Malinauskas interested in a merger of higher education providers a university that is growing and innovating will be in a good-position to make its case.