University of Wolverhampton's Mauritius campus scrapped

Bosses have claimed that the decision has been taken to focus on the university's UK campuses and transnational partnerships, rather than operating branches abroad.

It was decided in June this year that no more students would be enrolled at the Curepipe campus while the university's strategy was reviewed. A closure date has not been confirmed but of the 140 students enrolled, 90 per cent will have finished their degree's by the end of this academic year.

A statement from the university said: "The University of Wolverhampton has made the decision not to recruit any further students to its Mauritius Branch Campus.

"The campus opened in March 2012 and was run in partnership with the Ramnath Jeetah Trust, offering undergraduate and postgraduate courses in Law, Sports and Education with students graduating with a University of Wolverhampton degree.

"Following a review of its branch campus strategy, the University has taken the decision to focus on its UK campuses and transnational education partnerships, rather than operate branch campuses.

"This is a decision that has not been made lightly. The university has informed the Mauritian Tertiary Education Commission and the British High Commission of its decision and the plans to support existing students during this transition phase until the campus closes and students complete their degrees.

"The decision to end teaching will follow UK (QAA) and Mauritian (TEC) quality assurance procedures and continuing students will be provided with options that will not disadvantage them financially or academically.

"Ensuring academic standards, as well as the welfare of students and their learning experiences, are the key priorities and the focus is on ensuring students achieve the best possible outcomes.

"The university is committed to continuing to teach existing students this academic year from the premises in Curepipe so that students can complete any remaining assessments and examinations for the academic year.

"In January 2016, university staff will meet with each student to ensure they can complete their studies.

"We have made every effort to make the campus a success and we are grateful to the Ramnath Jeetah Trust and the Mauritian Government for their support during our time working on the island."

It was hoped that the Mauritius campus, 6,000 miles away from Wolverhampton, would become the university's African hub

.