The three year agreement, which amounts to £40,000 per year will focus on international exchange, entrepreneurial activities and the mobility of students and researchers within universities that already partner with Santander. The partnership will also enable Swansea to develop and strengthen collaborative links internationally as well as create new opportunities for staff and students.

The agreement includes four scholarships and 15 travel bursaries for staff and students to visit overseas universities which are partners of Santander, through the Santander Universities Global Division, and also an entrepreneurial support fund for up to 20 new student start-ups.

The agreement was signed by Professor Richard Davies Vice-Chancellor of Swansea University and Simon Bray, Director Santander Universities UK.

Professor Davies said, “We are delighted to work with Santander Universities and look forward to a long and fruitful partnership. We are keen to ensure that we use this generous fund not only to further develop international cooperation with institutions around the world, but also to present our students with a raft of life enhancing experiences. This valuable partnership will enable a significant number of Swansea students to enhance their employability opportunities, to develop enterprise skills and become truly global graduates.”

Simon Bray said: ““We are delighted to welcome Swansea as part of our over 1,100 partner universities worldwide. Through this agreement students and academics will benefit from a wealth of activities including scholarships and awards. Today, Swansea becomes part of an international alliance working towards excellence in education and I am certain that this agreement will allow Swansea to establish strong and lasting contacts with other universities all over the world.”

Sian Impey, Head of Internationalisation at Swansea University said, “A key element of Swansea’s internationalisation strategy is to grow international partnerships which enhance our research, teaching and student experience ambitions. As part of this, we want to provide more opportunities for our students to undertake study and work placements abroad and for staff to engage with their counterparts in countries around the world. Membership of Santander Universities will help us to achieve all of this and we are delighted to join what is already a hugely successful global network.”

Pictured: Vice Chancellor of Swansea University Professor Richard Davies signs the agreement with Simon Bray, Director of Santander Universities UK