(Seychelles News Agency) - Welcoming its first batch of 50 international students in 2015 is a target set by the University of Seychelles (UniSey).

While the institution indicated in January that it had received interest from students from African and European countries, it is now hoping that a recently awarded ‘Registered Centre’ status by the University of London will help attract even more international students.

The achievement was announced recently after the London-based university reported on the outcome of its assessment of UniSey as one of the teaching institutions that offer study support to students enrolled on its International Programmes.

The full report is not available as UniSey has indicated to SNA that it is not authorised to circulate the UoL document.

Responding to SNA in an email, UniSey’s Marketing Coordinator Diana Benoit said the review consisted of the visit of a panel from the University of London to Seychelles in November last year.

“The panel spoke with students, lecturers, head of programmes, deans and other UniSey staff [especially the Student Registration and Admissions officers] associated with the UoL [University of London] programmes and administration,” she said.

The Registered Centre status is one of two recognition which the University of London initiated in 2009 as part of its Teaching Institution Recognition Framework.

While Registered Centres are recognised to have demonstrated high standards in respect of teaching, support to students and administrative processes there is also the ‘Affiliate Centre Status’ which is the highest level of recognition for those that have demonstrated a sustained commitment to developing excellence in respect of teaching, support to students and administrative processes.

UniSey is hoping the recognition will increase its student intake by attracting both local and international students to enroll.

According to the newly-released international students’ information brochure, courses currently range from around $6,700 to $12,000 per year. Living costs for 40 weeks are estimated at around $9,000, including accommodation, meals, transport, books and stationery. 

“This recognition not only places UniSey amongst an exclusive group of institutions worldwide, enjoying a close relationship with the University of London, but also allows it to enjoy numerous benefits ranging from permission to use a specially adapted logo of the University of London International Programmes, a specific listing on the website, advice and support from dedicated development and quality teams, and important marketing materials,” Benoit told SNA.

According to the University of London’s website, the institution has a network of 132 centres across 46 countries within the ‘Teaching Institution Recognition Framework’ of which 75 have achieved full recognition.

The University of London is one of several international partner institutions which also include L’Université de La Réunion, and L’Université de Paris 1 – Panthéon Sorbonne that award degrees for courses offered by Unisey, since it was established in 2009 as the first University of the island nation with a population of around 90,000 people.