Lancaster University opens fifth international campus with support from UK Government
Lancashire’s top university has opened its fifth international campus following diplomatic support from the UK Government and the British Council.
Collectively these five developments with Lancaster University are expected to generate millions for the UK economy.
Situated in the heart of Indonesia, Deakin University Lancaster University, has opened its doors to local students for the first time. T
he move follows extensive support from the UK Government, including British diplomats based in the country who used their local expertise and connections to support Lancaster University to secure an operating permit from the Indonesian government.
In 2022, international education brought over £32 billion of export revenue to the UK, with nearly £1 billion of that coming from international campuses.
The opening of Deakin University Lancaster University will also support the UK’s growing trading relationship with Indonesia, worth £3.7 billion at the end of Q1 2025.
Foreign Office Minister, Seema Malhotra said: “British diplomats play a vital role championing UK businesses on the global stage.
“Whether it’s forging new trade partnerships or supporting excellent institutions like Lancaster University to expand into key markets like Indonesia, our diplomatic network is helping turn opportunity into impact.
“This is an example of how diplomacy can deliver growth, create jobs, and ensure that British expertise continues to shape the future internationally.”
Discussions between Lancaster University and Deakin University in Victoria, Australia, about the feasibility of a joint campus in Indonesia first began in 2019.
Following sustained collaboration with British and Australian diplomats, the two universities submitted an official proposal to the Indonesian Minister of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology (MoECRT) in 2023.
From its inception to opening, teams at both the British Embassy Jakarta and the British Consulate Bali provided extensive support to Lancaster University, including:
- providing trade, regulatory, and political advice
- facilitating the university’s engagement with Indonesian institutions, including as part of a higher Education Mission to the country
- supporting Lancaster’s proposal to the MoECRT to help ensure a successful bid
- advising Lancaster on the choice of a location for the campus in West Java
- helping Lancaster to engage with the Bandung city and West Java regional government
The UK’s Ambassador to Indonesia, Dominic Jermey, was also able to draw on his personal connections with the Governor of West Java to lobby the regional government on Lancaster’s behalf.
He explains how his ‘sambal diplomacy’, a form of gastro diplomacy that involves making sambal with key decision makers and business leaders, is supporting his work to strengthen bilateral ties with Indonesia and create cultural links.
UK Ambassador to Indonesia, Dominic Jermey, said: “At the heart of my role is connecting with people – and one of the most effective ways I’ve found to do that is through what I call ‘sambal diplomacy’.
“In 2024, I met with the Acting Governor of West Java to explore opportunities for UK businesses in the region. Naturally, we did this over sambal, preparing Tahu Gejrot together – a traditional dish that reflects the rich culture of West Java.
“It is through these cultural links that I have been able to foster strong relationships that help me to deliver real benefits to British people and institutions, such as supporting Deakin University Lancaster University to open its new campus. Together, the UK and Indonesia are strengthening partnerships and driving prosperity for both our nations.”
Situated in Bandung, West Java, Deakin University Lancaster University is an innovative joint branch campus that was opened in partnership with Australia-based Deakin University. Students at the university are able to graduate with globally recognised degrees from each institution, all whilst staying close to home.
The University opened its doors for the first time in September, following a launch event that was attended by Ambassador Jermey as well as representatives from West Java Provincial Government and Bandung City Government.
Professor Simon Guy, Pro-Vice-Chancellor Global at Lancaster University, said: “Lancaster University takes a proudly global outlook to research and education, building powerful partnerships and prosperity for our students and communities, both here in the UK and around the world. Welcoming our first students through the doors as they begin their journey with us in Indonesia has been exceptionally rewarding.”
Lancaster University is just one of many UK institutions expanding overseas. In 2022/23, close to 606,500 students were enrolled in a UK institution based abroad.
Aside from the economic benefits, transnational education also helps to build lasting relationships and diplomatic ties with other nations. British Council research shows that students who experience UK education retain positive views of the UK for decades.
For Lancaster University, this means creating positive economic, cultural, societal and environmental change, for communities in both Bandung and in Lancaster.
The opening of Deakin University Lancaster University will also support Indonesia's ‘Sekolah Garuda’ initiative to enhance education quality and equity in support of the Golden Indonesia 2045 vision.
This month, Lancaster University also announced it has taken a step closer to opening a new branch campus in Bengaluru, India, further strengthening its international track record and global reputation for high-quality transnational education (TNE).
In the coming months, the UK Government will publish a refreshed International Education Strategy in which education export growth is expected to be a key component.