Online B-school to tap Africa, South America

Universitas 21 Global, the online graduate business school which offers a globally-recognised MBA programme, is planning to expand into new markets in Africa and South America.

It will introduce multiple discipline degrees, including master's degrees in information systems management, economics, marketing and finance over the next few years.

Universitas 21 Global has completed its first anniversary and is looking to boost numbers and attract students from all over the world with regional offices in Hong Kong, Malaysia, Dubai, India and China. It is signing partnership agreements with established organisations in Ireland, Canada, India, Sri Lanka and China to further increase its global presence.

In the last year, the regional offices in New Delhi and Bangalore received responses from both the consumer and the corporate market.

Over 400 students from more than 25 countries, including across Asia Pacific, Australia, Europe, Africa and the US have enrolled in the business school's courses. At present, it has over 1,400 applications that are being processed.

Several organisations, including Frontline Technologies, Satyam Computer Services, StarHub, Hewlett-Packard Company, Keppel Corporation, Singapore National Trade Union Congress (NTUC) and Korn/Ferry International have also sponsored their employees for Universitas 21 Global's courses.

It also received International Headquarters Award from the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) in August 2003 and Dubai conferred on it the Online Academic Institute status in March 2004.

Mukesh Aghi, CEO, Universitas 21 Global said, "We will continue to further establish our position with courses that are priced affordable and available to prospective students all over the world. Our immediate focus is on ensuring the content and quality of our courses."

Universitas 21 Global was established in 2001 is a joint venture between Universitas 21, an international network of 16 distinguished universities and Thomson Learning, a learning solutions provider for individuals and business worldwide.

Wired degrees

Universitas 21 Global to introduce multiple discipline degrees, including master's degrees in information systems management, economics, marketing and finance over the next few years.

It is signing agreements with established organisations in Ireland, Canada, India, Sri Lanka and China to further increase its global presence.