- StudyIn acquires SUN Education, creating a stronger global student recruitment network.
- Australia and Indonesia, tapping into high-potential student populations.
- Over 300,000 applications processed annually, with plans to invest in technology and people.
StudyIn, a global higher education specialist formerly known as SI-UK, has completed its acquisition of SUN Education, a leading student recruitment agency in South-East Asia. The deal marks a major step for both organisations, creating a stronger multi-destination player in the international student recruitment sector.
Founded in 2010, SUN Education has grown to 27 locations and 230 employees. Every year, the company helps around 2,000 students gain admission to universities, mainly in Australia. The agency has become a key player in South-East Asia, led by its founders Fredy Subrata, Kevin Tan, and Harianto Ani, who will continue to lead the organisation following the acquisition.
The companies described the transaction as a 'milestone for the sector', noting its potential to drive growth and create more opportunities for students and universities worldwide.
Rob Grimshaw, CEO of StudyIn, said the acquisition reinforces the company’s commitment to connecting students with the best universities globally. “This transaction underscores StudyIn’s commitment to connecting students with the best universities worldwide”, he commented.
Fredy Subrata, Co-founder of SUN Education, called the deal an 'incredible opportunity'. He highlighted that the combined global platform and multi-destination network would allow the organisations to create more opportunities for students and deliver stronger outcomes for universities around the world.
The acquisition strengthens StudyIn’s presence in Australia, where SUN Education has strong partnerships with universities. It also expands StudyIn’s engagement in Indonesia, SUN Education’s home market. With a population of 280 million, Indonesia is seen as an important source market with significant potential for international student recruitment.
Grimshaw told The PIE that the two organisations share similar values and a common approach to the student recruitment business. “We are in step with each other in terms of our perspective of the world,” he said. “Doing the right thing by our partners and students is the road to success”.
Currently operating in 45 markets, StudyIn is positioning itself for further global expansion. Grimshaw noted opportunities in regions where the company has a smaller footprint, including South America and Africa. “We see lots of space to expand in markets where we are less developed,” he said.
He emphasized that StudyIn’s approach maintaining high standards, having strong processes, and being a reliable partner for both universities and students has helped attract more students and built trust in the sector. “Our success is the sector’s success”, Grimshaw said. “To grow further, we plan to add more destinations for universities while expanding in source markets”.
Despite challenges in international education for Australian institutions, including caps on international enrolments and shifting interest levels, Grimshaw expressed optimism about the country’s future prospects. “The government seems to be signaling gentle growth, and that’s reflected in SUN Education’s numbers”, he said. “Their business has grown this year, and they are expecting good results as they finish the financial year. Australia remains one of the most straightforward markets”.
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Together, StudyIn and SUN Education handle more than 300,000 student applications each year. By joining forces, the companies aim to invest further in people and technology to enhance the student experience. The partnership promises to create a more connected, global network for students seeking higher education opportunities around the world.
