Following Federal Education Minister Dan Tehan’s visit to India and Malaysia last week, two more universities also took the opportunity to further their relationships with India’s education sector.
The Western Sydney University (WSU) signed new agreements on improving post-graduate student exchanges and research ties, especially when it comes to food security.
Also signing in the agreement for research partnership were Minister Tehan and Indian Minister for Agriculture and Farmers welfare Shri Narendra Singh Tomar.
“Through these partnerships, we are broadening the international impact of Western Sydney University’s research expertise in crop pollination, soil fertility and the use of innovative protected cropping structures and systems,” University Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Barney Glover said.
“Collectively these are areas of major concern in both India and Australia, and underpin both regions’ economic and environmental resilience.”
Prior to the deal, the University established a partnership with the Indian Council of Agriculture in 2018 to facilitate knowledge exchange.
Supporting ties, promoting equity
The University of Sydney is also strengthening its relationship with Indian academics, having recently announced the recipient of its new Sydney Scholars India Equity Scholarship, introduced in February.
Generating up to $60,000 a year, the program is considered as one of the most generous postgraduate coursework scholarships an Australian university can offer.
The University awarded the scholarship to Abhishek Handa – a commerce graduate from the University of Delhi – who will be taking up a Master of Management degree next year.
The Scholarship was made possible with the University’s partnership with the Asha Society and will cover not just the tuition fee but also flights, text books, health cover and a place in the University’s residential colleges.
The scheme also follows the pre-existing Sydney Scholars (India) Scholarships.
Both programs grant a total of $560,000 worth of scholarships a year to some 20 Indian recipients.
Dr Michael Spence, University vice-chancellor and principal, said they created India-specific scholarships as a response and in support to the “vital importance” of Australia’s relationship with the South Asian country.
“We also recognise that talent is not restricted to any particular social or economic background and that for many the dream of studying internationally is just that, a dream,” Spence said.
“We hope that this scholarship will mean that financial need does not prevent a young person of outstanding talent from realising their potential."