A university is set to shut down part of its international arm after 25 years.

The University of Kent will wind down the operations of its Brussels School of International Studies (BSIS) amid rising costs.

The educational facility, which has campuses in Canterbury and Medway, announced the decision to students and alumni in a letter yesterday evening.

Head of development, Tim Barrow-House, wrote: "It is with a heavy heart that we share with you the news that the university is to wind down the current operations of its Brussels School of International Studies (BSIS).

"Staff and students at the centre have been informed this week and will of course be supported during this time.

"[The university] has taken this difficult decision following an extensive review of the costs associated with running the centre and within the context of the wider financial challenges facing universities."

The Brussels arm of the university – which also has a campus in Paris – was established in 1998, providing an international campus for masters students and PHD candidates in politics and law.

"We know that the city was an extension of your classroom," Mr Barrow-House added in the letter. "We hope you will share your stories and memories with us as we celebrate the school and the students and staff who are part of its shared history.

"This year’s graduands will be as loud and proud as ever when they attend their graduation in Canterbury Cathedral in November.

"We are sorry it is not better news and of course if you have any questions please don't hesitate to get in touch."

The University of Kent said in a statement: "After a series of extensive reviews and internal discussions, we have taken the difficult and regretful decision to wind down our postgraduate Brussels School of International Studies from next year.

"Our presence in Brussels has been an important part of our history, with more than two decades of successful study and many notable alumni. However, in recent years we have been running it at an increasing cost and further recruitment and wider pressures mean this is sadly no longer sustainable for the university.

"We understand this news has been unsettling for staff and students at the Centre, as well as for our alumni from what has been a remarkable 25 years..."

"Our intention is for this year’s cohort to be our final Brussels graduates, with no new cohorts next academic year. Teaching will continue as normal until Summer 2024, with all current applicants being contacted personally to explore alternative study options at Kent.

"We understand this news has been unsettling for staff and students at the Centre, as well as for our alumni from what has been a remarkable 25 years, and we are fully committed to doing all we can to support and accommodate them. Following recent visits from academic Executive Group leads, the Vice-Chancellor and other senior colleagues will be travelling to Brussels to discuss the plans and answer questions directly from students and staff shortly after the Easter break, including details and options for ongoing study and support.

"Our international identity also remains central to who we are as a University, with our regional ties within Europe remaining strong through both our 3i network with the universities of Ghent, Leuven and Lille, and our ongoing presence in Paris. We are also exploring other ways of broadening our scope across Europe and the world as set out in our Global Engagement Strategy."