IDP Education Opens UK Doors for International Students

MELBOURNE, Australia, March 4, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- IDP Education, the world's leading provider of student placement services, has announced its entry into the United Kingdom higher education market and will place international students into British universities in the 2012 academic year. The move marks an extension of the company's multi-destination marketing strategy that already sees it offer placement into institutions in Australia and the United States.

IDP Chief Executive Anthony Pollock said: "IDP's long-standing experience and understanding of international education allows us to confidently expand our operations into the UK market."

UK universities are currently experiencing significant changes, such as more rigorous visa regulations and domestic fee increases. However, IDP is confident that the demand for quality education from international students will maintain the UK's position as a highly sought after destination. In this challenging operational environment for UK institutions, IDP offers a cost-effective and efficient way to promote and market courses to a wide selection of well-qualified and motivated students.

With a focus on finding the best fit for students, IDP has built a trusted reputation with families across a global network in over 25 countries, in South East Asia, The Middle East, North Asia and South Asia. Institutions can also diversify their international student base through IDP by reaching new emerging markets and developing markets.

IDP has established a UK-based Client Relationship Management team, experienced in UK international education. The team is working to bring UK universities into the company's portfolio and promoting the benefits of a global presence plus local understanding of individual markets through one company.

"We focus on matching students with the right institution and the right program to meet their career aspirations," said Mr. Pollock. "Through our in-depth counselling process, we can place student into universities in the United Kingdom, who are committed to reaching their full potential and are more likely to complete their courses and graduate."

Significant work is underway across IDP'S global network in preparation for the first group of students enrolling for Semester 1, 2012. This includes enhancement of student counsellors' depth of knowledge of universities in the United Kingdom and destination attributes backed up by a comprehensive knowledge-base.

2011 marks IDP's 42nd year in the international education sector, having placed over 300,000 students since 1986 into education institutions. "IDP has built a reputation with both institutions and students over 40 years," said Mr Pollock. "Institutions trust us because students are rigorously screened to ensure they are appropriately qualified and prepared for their international education experience.. Students and their families trust us because we make sure they are better placed into a course which fits their career and life goals."

To receive immediate updates on IDP's entry into the UK follow our Twitter feed at @IDPEducationUK.

For more information on IDP and its services go to www.idp.com

ABOUT IDP EDUCATION

IDP Education, the world's largest international student placement service, was established in 1969. It is jointly-owned by 38 Australian universities and SEEK Limited, the leading online employment and training company. In addition to the student placement division, IDP is a major sponsor of research into international education and pioneered forecasting of international student trends and growth.

IDP has developed a strong reputation across South East Asia, The Middle East, North Asia and South Asia. Working from 80 offices in more than 25 countries, IDP assists students navigate the entire process of application to placement.

IDP also is part-owner of IELTS – the world's leading English language proficiency test - with the British Council and University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations. IELTS is recognised by more than 6,000 institutions around the world and more than 1.5 million tests are sat each year. IDP conducts IELTS tests at 100 test centres in 35 countries.

SOURCE IDP Australia