The University of Queensland (UQ) has strengthened its engagement with India through a series of new agreements, expanded research collaborations and student mobility initiatives during a high-level visit to New Delhi and Chennai.
The delegation, led by UQ Chancellor Peter Varghese and Vice-Chancellor Deborah Terry, met with representatives from Indian universities, government agencies and industry organisations as part of the university’s strategy to deepen academic and research partnerships with one of its most important international partners.
A major focus of the visit was the long-standing collaboration between UQ and the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi. The two institutions agreed to renew the UQ-IITD Research Academy partnership for another five years while exploring opportunities to expand faculty exchanges, industry engagement and joint research projects.
The academy, regarded as a flagship Australia-India research partnership, currently supports 133 doctoral researchers and has produced 23 graduates. Collaborative research spans areas including energy, sustainability, digital technologies and biomedical sciences.
Professor Terry said the partnership demonstrated how sustained international collaboration could deliver meaningful research outcomes while developing globally connected researchers.
During the visit, UQ also signed a new agreement with Lady Shri Ram College for Women aimed at strengthening academic exchanges and international learning opportunities for students.
The university further expanded partnerships with SRM Institute of Science and Technology and Vellore Institute of Technology. More than 200 students from the two institutions have already progressed to UQ through existing pathway programs, with both sides now seeking to increase student mobility and collaborative research in science, technology, engineering and biotechnology.
The delegation also held discussions with the Indian Institute of Technology Madras, IDP Education and Asha Community Health and Development Society to identify further opportunities for cooperation.
In Chennai, UQ hosted an industry roundtable focused on strengthening research translation and preparing future-ready graduates, while an alumni reception in New Delhi brought together graduates, academic partners and stakeholders.
UQ currently has nearly 3,000 alumni across India and maintains 43 active agreements with 30 Indian institutions covering research collaboration, student exchanges, dual-degree programs and industry-linked initiatives.
Chancellor Peter Varghese said universities play a crucial role in strengthening Australia-India relations through education, innovation and people-to-people connections.
“India is a key partner for Australia, and universities are central to this relationship, building capability, driving discovery, and fostering enduring people-to-people connections,” he said.
The visit comes as educational and research links between Australia and India continue to grow under the framework of India’s National Education Policy 2020 and the broader strategic partnership between the two countries.
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