Study Group acquired by Arete Education

Study Group, a global leader in international education and university partnerships, today announces that it has been acquired by Arete Education, a strategic joint venture in higher education between Global University Systems and Brightstar Capital Partners. Through its ownership of Arden University, Arete Education is investing in AI-focused technologies designed to enhance student outcomes, strengthen learning experiences and support institutional innovation.

This acquisition brings together highly complementary organisations with a shared commitment to expanding access to high-quality international education, leveraging technology-enabled learning and delivering strong student outcomes worldwide. Today's announcement will enable Study Group and its university partners to benefit from AI-enabled solutions and digital innovation.

Study Group will continue to operate as a partner-focused provider, with its existing university partnerships, student progression routes and commitments remaining in place. It is recognised for its strong academic delivery, long-standing university partnerships and global reach in preparing students for academic success.

This is underpinned by its focus on bringing innovation to international education, which has strengthened access pathways for students across key global markets.

Ian Crichton, Chief Executive Officer of Study Group, said:

“At a time of significant change across global education, this investment will enable Study Group to continue evolving to meet student demand, strengthen support for our university partners and governments, and further enhance the services we provide to students worldwide.

“We are committed to maintaining our trusted focus on excellent teaching and student support in global education and welcome the fact that this is important to our new owners. We also see real opportunities for future development in line with changing trends and international student engagement. We are particularly excited by the opportunity to accelerate AI-enabled innovation across international education, and the chance to provide our partners with access to technologies and capabilities that can enhance student success, operational effectiveness and learning outcomes.”

“I am confident this next chapter will allow Study Group to deepen partnerships with leading universities worldwide and continue expanding our global footprint, with Arete Education further strengthening our ability to support university partners, broaden student access and deliver scalable, high-quality education solutions globally.”

A spokesperson for Arete Education said:

“Study Group is a highly respected organisation with a strong reputation for academic excellence, deep and trusted university partnerships, and a global footprint that is continuously evolving.

“We are pleased to support Study Group and its next phase of growth. This acquisition reflects a shared commitment to investing in high-quality international education, including continued investment in AI-enabled innovation and digital capabilities, and to building a global platform that delivers opportunity and impact at scale.

“We are committed to supporting Study Group’s existing university partners and maintaining the trust, independence and quality that underpin those relationships.”

As per the terms of the transaction, Arete Education has acquired all academic operations within Study Group, and employees will be transferred across according to appropriate processes. The remaining legacy entities not being acquired will either continue independently or be placed into administration.