Australia-India visit to boost Australian higher education sector
This week I will lead a delegation of Australian higher education leaders to India to promote our institutional partnerships and boost collaboration between our two countries.
The visit builds on the Indian Minister of Education and Minister of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan’s visit to Australia last year.
During this week’s visit, Minister Pradhan and I will sign the Mechanism for the Mutual Recognition of Qualifications which locks in the rules for mutual recognition to access education in both our countries.
This will be the broadest and most favourable recognition agreement India has signed with another country and will enhance student mobility between both countries.
The Modi Government’s National Education Policy has a target to get 50 percent of young Indians into higher education and vocational education by 2035.
That’s nation changing for India, and a genuine opportunity for Australian education providers to do more to collaborate with India.
The delegation will comprise Australian Vice-Chancellors and other higher-education leaders, including:
- Prof Deborah Terry AO – The University of Queensland
- Prof Alec Cameron – RMIT University
- Prof Brian Schmidt AC – Australian National University
- Prof Mark Scott AO – The University of Sydney
- Prof John Dewar AO – La Trobe University
- Prof Patricia Davidson – University of Wollongong
- Prof Barney Glover AO – Western Sydney University
- Prof Nick Klomp – Central Queensland University
- Prof Lisa Zamberlan (Acting VC) – The University of NSW
- Prof David Lloyd – University of South Australia
- Prof Scott Bowman AO – Charles Darwin University
University of Wollongong’s Global Brand Ambassador and former Australian cricketer, Adam Gilchrist AM will also join the delegation.
The visit provides an important opportunity for Australian universities to showcase new partnerships and plans which they can deliver in India, including opportunities for joint degrees and campuses.
University of Wollongong’s initiative with Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City) is a good example of a partnership which builds skills and capacity to tackle future challenges.