The memorandums of understanding (MoUs) with five Indian counterparts cover a wide range of topics, including joint degrees, student-exchange programs and research collaboration.

The partnerships will also look at professional development and exchange opportunities for academic staff.

The universities and institutions for signing an agreement with the Australian college are the Jaypee Institute of Information Technology, based in Noida and New Delhi;  Nitte University and Yenepoya University, based in Mangalore; the Saintgits Group of Institutions, based in Kottayam; and Sandip University in Nashik.

Professor Renée Leon, vice-chancellor at the Australian institution, commended the partnerships as “pillars of the strategy” aimed at increasing the college’s global standing, diversifying its international student cohorts and delivering a top-class international student experience.

“Charles Sturt University is committed to growing international student numbers at our regional campuses [in New South Wales] and providing more opportunities for our Australian students to study overseas.

“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.” Leon noted.

“These partnerships will broaden collaboration networks for our researchers”

Mike Ferguson, Charles Sturt’s pro vice-chancellor for international affairs, visited India in March as a member of the official delegation accompanying Australian Education Minister Jason Clare.

Clare initialed an agreement for the mutual recognition of qualifications between the two countries, thus allowing Australian HEIs to gain a stronger foothold in the Indian subcontinent.

Jenny Kent, associate professor and acting deputy dean in the Faculty of Business, Justice and Behavioural sciences, and Trent Pohlmann, Charles Sturt’s head of international partnership development, were the other CSU members of the Australian delegation.

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

“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.” he concluded.