GlobalNxt University

GlobalNxt University
MottoInspired By Learning
TypePrivate for-profit university
EstablishedJune, 2001
AccreditationMalaysian Qualifications Agency; Ministry of Higher Education (Malaysia)
AffiliationsInternational Association of Universities; Association of Commonwealth Universities; AACSB International; EFMD
ChancellorLord Syed Kamall
Vice-ChancellorProfessor Graham Kendall
Location
Level 10 Menara HLX, No. 3 Jalan Kia Peng, 50450 Kuala Lumpur
,
Malaysia

3°09′08″N 101°42′50″E / 3.1522°N 101.7138°E / 3.1522; 101.7138

GlobalNxt University, formerly known as Manipal GlobalNxt University and earlier as Universitas 21 Global (U21Global), is a private university with its academic headquarters in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Its programmes are regulated and accredited within Malaysia by the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) and the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA). The university is part of the UK-based GlobalNxt Education Group.

History

U21Global Logo, (2001 - 2012)

The university traces its origins to U21Global, which was established in Singapore in June 2001 as a joint venture between Universitas 21, an international network of universities, and Thomson Learning, which later became Cengage Learning.

In 2007, Cengage Learning sold its 50 per cent stake in U21Global to Mauritius-based Manipal Universal Learning International for an undisclosed sum. In 2010, the shareholding of Universitas 21 was reduced to 25 per cent, with ten member universities continuing to hold equity.

In 2012, U21Global was re-established in Malaysia as GlobalNxt University, with its academic headquarters in Kuala Lumpur. The World Higher Education Database (WHED), maintained by the International Association of Universities, records the institution as having been founded in 2001 as Universitas 21 Global (U21Global) and becoming GlobalNxt University in 2012.

In 2018, GlobalNxt University was renamed Manipal GlobalNxt University under the ownership of the Manipal group.

In February 2025, the UK-based GlobalNxt Education Group acquired 100% shares in the university from Manipal. Following the change of ownership, the institution returned to the name GlobalNxt University in May 2025. The Malaysian Qualifications Register subsequently lists the institution as GlobalNxt University, previously known as Manipal GlobalNxt University.

Governance and leadership

The university is governed through its Board of Governors and Senate, with responsibility for institutional governance and academic oversight respectively.

In June 2026, Lord Syed Kamall was appointed Chancellor of GlobalNxt University. Kamall is a member of the House of Lords and has held academic and public-service roles in the United Kingdom.

GlobalNxt University is part of the UK-based GlobalNxt education group, which acquired the university from Manipal Education for an undisclosed sum. in February 2025. The group is headed by SM Shamrat as Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.

Accreditation and recognition

GlobalNxt University is recognised by the Malaysian Ministry of Higher Education, and its academic programmes are accredited by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA).

The university is listed in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), maintained by the International Association of Universities (IAU), under institutional identifier IAU-025367.

The university also reports institutional memberships, associations or recognition involving organisations including the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU), AACSB International, EFMD, the International Council for Open and Distance Education (ICDE) and the Asian Association of Open Universities (AAOU).

See also

References

  1. 1 2 "Manipal group buys 50% in online varsity". Mint. 14 November 2007.
  2. ↑ Trounson, Andrew (27 January 2010). "Manipal to Control U21Global". The Australian.
  3. 1 2 3 "GlobalNxt University". World Higher Education Database. International Association of Universities.
  4. 1 2 3 4 Kennedy, Beth (20 March 2026). "UK-based GlobalNxt buys Malaysian uni from Manipal". The PIE News.
  5. ↑ "GlobalNxt University (Previously Known As: Manipal GlobalNxt University)". Malaysian Qualifications Register. Malaysian Qualifications Agency.
  6. ↑ "Register of Interests for Lord Kamall". UK Parliament. Parliament of the United Kingdom.
  7. ↑ "Syed Kamall". The PIE News. 26 June 2026.
  8. ↑ "Accreditations and Recognitions". GlobalNxt University.