Deakin and Lancaster Launch First UK-Australia Campus in Indonesia

Deakin University and Lancaster University have officially launched their joint international campus, Deakin Lancaster Indonesia University (DLI), in Bandung, West Java. 

This marks a pivotal milestone in transnational education (TNE) as it is the first time institutions from the UK and Australia have collaborated to establish a physical campus in Indonesia.

A New Model for Global Education

The DLI campus was first announced in January 2024 and officially opened on February 26. 

Located just an hour from Jakarta by high-speed rail, the campus will begin offering courses in September, with an initial focus on business and information technology. Students will have the opportunity to earn dual undergraduate degrees from both Deakin and Lancaster without having to relocate abroad.

DLI’s inaugural rector, Greg Barton, described the collaboration as a testament to the excellent and accessible nature of international education. 

“Our new Bandung campus unites the best of British and Australian academic traditions, expertise, and practice.” 

This partnership is particularly significant because it merges two different education systems, rather than a single university setting up a branch campus. By combining their strengths, Deakin and Lancaster aim to offer students a globally recognised education while remaining in Indonesia.

The Expansion of UK Universities Abroad

The launch of DLI is part of a broader trend of UK universities expanding their presence overseas. The UK has been a global leader in transnational education, with institutions establishing branch campuses, dual-degree programmes, and strategic partnerships across Asia and the Middle East.

In Malaysia, for instance, the University of Nottingham and the University of Reading have successfully operated campuses for years. Meanwhile, institutions like the University of Malaya have partnered with foreign universities such as the University of Wales.

Navitas, a key partner in the DLI initiative, sees this expansion as the future of international education. Malcolm Baigent, Navitas’s CEO for university partnerships in Australasia, called the project a ‘landmark’ that opens up new possibilities for transnational education in Southeast Asia.

Strengthening Educational Ties in Southeast Asia

DLI has also gained strong backing from both the UK and Australian governments, highlighting its importance in strengthening educational and diplomatic ties with Indonesia.

The British ambassador to Indonesia, Dominic Jermey, noted that this initiative reflects the UK's commitment to global education and collaboration. Similarly, Australian Charge d’Affaires to Indonesia, Gita Kamath, emphasised that education remains a vital link between Australia and Indonesia.

With demand for international degrees continuing to grow in Southeast Asia, the launch of DLI represents a step forward in making world-class education more accessible. By offering a high-quality dual-degree programme within Indonesia, Deakin and Lancaster are setting a new precedent for transnational education in the region.

This campus isn’t just about expanding university brands—it’s about reshaping how students access international education. If successful, the DLI model could inspire more cross-border collaborations between universities worldwide.