Leading tertiary education provider Monarch Institute has acquired English language course market leader BROWNS, in a move that will boost international student numbers as the nation's borders reopen.
Monarch CEO Nick Chapman said the buy-out of Queensland-based BROWNS - English Language, Professional and Virtual would help rebuild Australia's international education market, predicting ELICOS (English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students) would be the first education segment to rebound.
"English language skills are a priority for international students who must meet certain requirements for study and work," Mr Chapman said.
"BROWNS has won export awards and been a market leader in ELICOS for almost 20 years, providing more than 35,000 students from 102 countries a world-class English language education.
Many of those students are from countries where demand is already incredibly high as Australia's border re-opens.
"The addition of BROWNS comes after an extensive search of the education market and at the cusp of the rebuild and redevelopment of the international sector.
"There will be challenges in the short to medium term as the sector rebuilds, but Australia remains a unique and compelling destination. BROWNS will continue to support students, listen to what they need, and promote Australia's education capabilities."
BROWNS will reopen face-to-face classes under the new ownership in June. These include General English, Cambridge and IELTS exam preparation courses, Barista and RSA, primary and high school preparation courses, BROWNS Professional and BROWNS Virtual.
After two COVID-interrupted years, those requiring English courses have started entering Australia again, heading onto further study and often paid work after the required English training. Some enter on working holiday and tourist visas, hoping to learn English while enjoying Queensland's beaches and sun.
As part of the Monarch family, BROWNS' Brisbane and Gold Coast campuses will provide the perfect springboard for the reopening and a much-needed boost to the local economy. As Queensland's leading ELICOS provider for adults and young learners, it has direct pathways to more than 115 Queensland schools and further education.
Despite the pandemic's impact on education, Melbourne-based Monarch, which is one of Australia's largest family-owned professional services training organisations, is revolutionising the way adults learn and upskill.
It has quietly grown its student population by 28 per cent in the past year, on top of year-on-year growth since its launch in 2011.
Monarch students graduate with a distinct competitive advantage because respected employers help shape the courses. Graduates are now working in leading companies like Mars, KPMG, Accenture, AMP, Linfox, Oracle, and IBM.
Mr Chapman says the move is a natural strategic fit as both brands share the same values to provide a high quality and highly regarded student experience embedded in innovative technology. BROWNS will also enable partners and students to experience Monarch's digital skills flagship business – Digital Academy.
"Monarch is a long-term investor in high quality education," Mr Chapman says. "Expanding our offering into the international education market is a key strategic pillar of the group's growth plans.
"As international borders re-open, we will re-establish the existing Gold Coast and Brisbane teaching centres and diversify the portfolio of BROWNS courses to appeal to a broader international student market."
BROWNS' former owner and Managing Director Richard Brown will continue to work with Monarch as an advisor to ensure a seamless transition. After many years of passionate hard work, he will also pursue new ventures.
"Over its 19-year history, BROWNS has provided a world-class English language education," Mr Brown said.
"Monarch is perfectly positioned to take BROWNS forward. I am excited by this opportunity, which will significantly enhance both businesses, and by the prospect of being able to re-energise and further. cement BROWNS' reputation and traditions.
"We are so pleased that BROWNS will shortly be welcoming back our cherished International students to Queensland and that we are very much open for business in the new COVID-normal world."
Monarch Director of Strategic Projects Justin Blake is now BROWNS General Manager and Principal.
Mr Blake has 20 years' experience as an executive across the English language, pathway, vocational and university sectors, developing, operating, and growing education institutions in Australia, the Middle East and Asia.
"Combining Monarch Institute's prized reputation for real-world education delivered via innovative online technologies with BROWNS' standing as a premium English Language School will enable us to thrive and return international students to our shores," he said.
