Charles Sturt University has signed Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with five universities and higher education Institutions in India.

The MOUs provide for dual and joint degrees, student exchange programs, research collaboration, and professional development and overseas exchange opportunities for academic staff.

The MOUs were signed with:

• Jaypee Institute of Information Technology in Noida and New Delhi
• Nitte University in Mangalore
• Yenepoya University in Mangalore
• Saintgits Group of Institutions in Kottayam
• Sandip University in Nashik

Charles Sturt Vice-Chancellor Professor Renée Leon said these partnerships align with the University’s strategy to enhance the University’s global reputation, grow and diversify international student cohorts, and deliver a sector-leading international student experience.

“Charles Sturt University is committed to growing international student numbers at our regional campuses and providing more opportunities for our Australian students to study overseas,” Professor Leon said.

“These partnerships will achieve those objectives while also broadening collaboration networks for our researchers and creating opportunities for our academic staff to develop their careers and connections.”

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese visited India in March and, alongside Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, emphasised the need for close collaboration between the higher education sectors of the two countries and ongoing efforts to establish collaboration in education programmes.

In the same month Education Minister Jason Clare also visited India and signed an agreement for the mutual recognition of qualifications between both countries.

Charles Sturt’s Pro Vice-Chancellor International, Mr Mike Ferguson was part of the University’s delegation and said these bilateral agreements permitted Australian higher education institutions to establish a stronger presence in the subcontinent.

“While Charles Sturt has had long-standing relationships in India and it is one of our key recruitment markets, several recent announcements by both the Australian and Indian governments have intensified the opportunities available,” Mr Ferguson said.

“Charles Sturt University looks forward to taking our new partnerships to the next stage and delivering some meaningful, mutually beneficial outcomes for our students, staff and communities.”

The Charles Sturt delegation was Mr Ferguson; Acting Deputy Dean in the Faculty of Business, Justice and Behavioural Sciences, Associate Professor Jenny Kent; and Head of International Partnership Development, Mr Trent Pohlmann.

In March this year another Charles Sturt delegation visited partner institutions in Hong Kong to cement the University’s renewal of course delivery and academic collaboration agreements there.