(Sharecast News) - Malvern International has been appointed by UEL as the preferred supplier of student recruitment services in mainland China, it announced on Monday, establishing a strategic collaborative partnership for the next five years.

The AIM-traded firm said the main aim of the partnership would be to "rapidly increase" the volume of Chinese students enrolling into pre-sessional English, pathway, undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes at UEL's three London campuses.

It said the services it would supply include providing access to an "established and extensive" education agent network across China.

The company would also undertake student recruitment and conversion activities on behalf of UEL in mainland China, and develop a "comprehensive" marketing plan for the Chinese audience.

Malvern would also work with UEL to provide access to academic institutions in mainland China, to progress the development of transnational higher education opportunities and articulation agreements.

The company said it expected to recruit its first students in the fourth quarter of this year, and then more significant student numbers from the final quarter of 2023 and beyond.

"We are delighted to extend our relationship with UEL through the award of preferred supplier of student recruitment services in China," said chief executive officer Richard Mace.

"We are confident we can build UEL's brand presence and achieve their goals in the world's biggest student recruitment market through this collaboration."

At 1334 BST, shares in Malvern International were up 0.91% at 0.11p.

Reporting by Josh White at Sharecast.com.