Institutions including Symbiosis, Universal AI University, Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU), SPJIMR, DY Patil, GITAM (Deemed to be University), JNTU, IIT Kanpur, ISB, Plaksha University, Christ University, Atlas SkillTech University, and Amity, were among those participating in the roundtables across the three cities.
“India’s higher education sector is entering a new and exciting phase of international engagement,” stated Anthony Manning, associate dean, International, Arden University, who led presentations on how Indian and international partnerships, especially with UK universities, can succeed while addressing current challenges.
“Our roundtable discussions demonstrated that UK universities that succeed will be those willing to move beyond symbolic agreements and instead co-create practical, multi-faceted initiatives with Indian partners that demonstrate mutual impact for students, institutions, and the wider knowledge economy in both nations.”
Indian university representatives shared insights on how international partnerships could flourish as declining outbound mobility from India renews focus on collaboration in research, logistics and academic delivery. Here are the key takeaways:
- Indian universities are becoming more selective about global partnerships
Participants from Indian universities across the three cities described a sharp increase in visits from international universities seeking collaborations, with institutions now hosting frequent delegations exploring joint programs, student mobility and research partnerships. As demand grows, universities said they are becoming more selective about the collaborations they pursue, with several participants suggesting Indian institutions now hold far greater leverage in partnership negotiations than they did a decade ago. - Signing MOUs is the first step – sustaining partnerships is the real work
A recurring theme was frustration with partnerships that stall after the memorandum of understanding (MOU) stage. Universities noted that agreements often lack clear timelines, defined ownership and structured follow-up activities, causing momentum to fade quickly. Participants emphasised the need for smaller, clearly defined projects between Indian and international universities that can build trust and demonstrate outcomes before expanding into larger collaborations. They added that the most successful partnerships typically evolve gradually over time, rather than emerging fully formed from a single agreement. - Faculty engagement is essential for partnerships to work
Participants emphasised that partnerships rarely succeed unless academic departments are deeply involved. Faculty members are typically the ones who sustain collaborations through joint research, teaching and curriculum development, while agreements risk remaining largely symbolic without their engagement. Many attendees suggested Indian universities should involve faculty earlier in partnership discussions to ensure stronger academic alignment and long-term commitment. - Private universities are moving faster to operationalise TNE partnerships
Across the roundtables, institutions highlighted growing interest in TNE models such as dual degrees, articulation pathways and offshore teaching partnerships, which allow universities to expand international engagement while keeping costs manageable for students and combining study in India with periods abroad. Participants also noted that private universities often appear better resourced to support TNE infrastructure, while public institutions may rely more on individual academics to drive partnerships forward. - Pathway programs remain attractive but require strong support
Models such as 3+1 and 2+2 pathways continue to be widely discussed, allowing students to begin their studies in India before completing part of their degree overseas. However, participants noted that making these programs work requires significant coordination around curriculum alignment, credit transfer and student advising, and without adequate academic and financial support many students may struggle to access these opportunities. - Agility is becoming more important than rankings
While rankings remain relevant in some contexts, participants suggested they are not always the main factor in selecting international partners, with institutions often prioritising partners that are flexible, responsive and able to navigate regulatory frameworks quickly. At the same time, policy incentives can still influence decisions, with some states – including Maharashtra – offering support for partnerships with highly ranked international institutions. - Micro-credentials and international curriculum are gaining traction
Participants also discussed the potential for shorter courses and modular learning to introduce international content within their domestic programs. Some attendees highlighted demand for “taster curriculum” — early exposure to international teaching models that could prepare students for future mobility pathways or joint degrees. Micro-credentials and embedded western curriculum were also seen as tools for building long-term academic relationships and familiarity with global education systems, rather than simply generating short-term revenue for international universities. - India has the potential to attract more inbound students
Participants said India could also become a stronger destination for international students, particularly through programs focused on entrepreneurship, technology and emerging markets. Some institutions reported success with short programs such as summer schools, while leading business schools suggested specialised modules – including ‘Doing business in India’ courses – as a way to help international exchange students better understand the country’s economic landscape. Several participants also stressed the importance of reciprocity in exchanges, with institutions increasingly seeking more balanced inbound and outbound mobility. - Employability continues to drive demand for international study
Participants across the discussions consistently linked international education to career outcomes, noting that students are often motivated by the perception that global exposure improves employment prospects. Partnerships that include internships, research opportunities or industry engagement were therefore seen as particularly attractive, with universities saying clear employability outcomes will remain central to sustaining student interest in international education. - Long-term strategy and stronger coordination are needed
Participants stressed that strong leadership is essential for successful internationalisation, with universities that invest in international offices, partnerships, and faculty collaboration more likely to form lasting ties. They also noted that national higher education bodies could better connect domestic institutions with global partners, while the growing influence of Asian universities and the return of academics trained abroad, especially from the US, may change collaboration patterns.
