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As Australia’s most international university, Monash has deepened its presence in Cambodia with the establishment of a new partnership between Monash College and BELTEI International University, to ensure more students can access its world-class, excellent and global education and research.
Monash College will partner with BELTEI International University in Cambodia to deliver the Monash University Foundation Year (MUFY) program from October 2025 and, upon successful completion, students with required academic entry scores have direct access to undergraduate studies at any Monash University campus including, Australia, Malaysia and Indonesia.
Monash University Vice-President (Marketing, Admissions and Communications) and Monash College Chief Executive Officer Fabian Marrone today announced the new partnership with BELTEI International University at a formal signing ceremony in Phnom Penh.
His Excellency Derek Yip, Australian Ambassador to the Kingdom of Cambodia, Her Excellency Kim Sethany, Permanent Secretary of State, Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport, His Excellency Dr Ly Chheng, Founder and Chairman of BELTEI Group, His Excellency Ly Navuth, Deputy Director-General of BELTEI Group and President of BELTEI International University, and representatives from Monash University, Monash College and BELTEI International University attended the ceremony.
Mr Fabian Marrone said this significant partnership represents a growing interest of Cambodian learners to study at Monash University, with a 43 per cent increase in the demand to study in Australia over the past four years. It underscores a shared commitment and focus by Monash, and Australian and Cambodian Governments for education to drive growth, positive social change and impact in Cambodia, and enhance the cultural and academic contribution of Cambodians in Australia.
“This partnership demonstrates a powerful proof point of Monash’s enduring position as the university of choice in the ASEAN region,” Mr Marrone said.
“Monash is proud to establish a dedicated pathway to Cambodia and the Southeast Asia region. I hope that many students in Cambodia will go on to complete their Monash education at one of our campuses across the globe, looking fondly on Australia – and the education they have received – for many years after they graduate.”
With a global alumni community of more than 500,000 graduates, Monash has a strong alumni base in Cambodia and the Southeast Asia region, with notable senior alumni including His Excellency Dr Say Sam Al, Deputy Prime Minister of Cambodia.
The Monash College-BELTEI partnership will broaden the access to and appeal of a world-class Monash education – and opens the doors for students in Cambodia to undertake their formative studies with a direct pathway to a global top 40 university, as ranked by the 2026 QS World University Rankings.
Monash has a renowned reputation in Cambodia, reflective of the deep relationship and longstanding diplomatic ties between Australia and Cambodia, which reflects the significant growth of 107 per cent of student commencements from Cambodia across Monash University campuses and Monash College in the past five years.
Monash University Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education) and Senior Vice-President and Monash College Board Director Professor Allie Clemans said the partnership supports deeper engagement in the region, along with the Vice-Chancellor’s $2.5m ASEAN Awards program providing financial support to high-achieving undergraduates from the region to study at Monash. The University has confirmed an extension of the program through an additional $1m in funding in 2026 to support pathway students from Southeast Asia to study at Monash College in Australia.
“Monash is proud of its strong relationships with the communities it serves and, through this partnership, we will support the Cambodian Government’s priorities to drive development across technology, health and education. Through our International Campus Network, we develop global citizens by offering a truly distinctive, multi-location learning experience,” Professor Clemans said.
His Excellency Ly Navuth, Deputy Director-General of BELTEI Group and President of BELTEI International University, said “BELTEI International University is honoured to become the first institution in Cambodia to provide a pathway to Monash University. We are proud to deliver the Monash University Foundation Year (MUFY) program.”
The Monash University Foundation Year (MUFY) is an internationally recognised pre-university program with a proven record of success in preparing international students to study at Monash University. Students are able to use the pathway to develop their English proficiency, study skills to the standard expected of a Monash student, and explore subjects aligned to a future course.
Monash University works closely with partners in ASEAN countries including Cambodia, Singapore, Cambodia, Thailand, Myanmar, Laos, Vietnam, Philippines, Brunei Darussalam; and has campuses in Indonesia, and Malaysia.
About us:
About BELTEI International University
BELTEI Group is a large private education provider in Cambodia with a strong presence across K to 12 and higher education. The Group operates a wide network of schools and a growing university, known for scale, deep community reach, and a strong focus on English language education. BELTEI International University (BELTEI IU) is the higher education arm of the Group. The University offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs across business, management, technology, education, engineering and international relations. BELTEI IU is accredited by Cambodia’s Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport, they are recognised for its industry-aligned curriculum, human capital development focus and strategic ambition to expand international partnerships.
Contact details:
Mike Lagastes
Monash University
0402 49 554
[email protected]
[email protected]
