Chandigarh University Strengthens Global Footprint with Study Abroad and Research Programmes

CU Facilitates Affordable Overseas Education for 2,000+ Students

In today’s interconnected academic landscape, a growing number of students aspire to pursue higher education abroad, drawn by the promise of academic excellence and enhanced career prospects. However, such ambitions are frequently curtailed by financial limitations, inadequate guidance, and the absence of transparent pathways. In response to these challenges, Chandigarh University (CU), recently ranked as India’s top private university in the QS Asia Rankings 2025, has launched its International Study Programme, designed to provide affordable and reliable access to global education.

Through this initiative, CU has reportedly facilitated placements for over 2,000 students in leading universities across the United States, the  United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. The university claims one of the highest visa success rates for students heading to the United States, with 388 admitted to American institutions, followed by 59 to Australian universities, 48 to Canadian institutions, and 13 to top universities in the UK.

CU’s international transfer and semester exchange programmes further broaden global exposure by enabling students to participate in academic exchanges, internships, and cultural immersion experiences. These opportunities are made possible through partnerships with over 515 universities in more than 100 countries, offering students access to diverse learning environments and professional networks. As part of its global academic strategy, CU has established an international research network comprising 250 universities in 60 countries, spanning disciplines such as Engineering, Hospitality, Management, and the Sciences. These collaborations support a wide range of initiatives, including summer training, master’s and doctoral programmes, faculty exchanges, dual degrees, joint research projects, and overseas employment prospects.

The university also hosts more than 1,300 international faculty members, including 560 research collaborators. Its academic exchange and internship programmes aim to foster cultural understanding, language proficiency, and global networking, thereby nurturing students into responsible global citizens. Among CU’s flagship offerings are the International Semester Abroad and Semester Exchange Programmes, which enhance academic experience and employability. Under the exchange model in regions such as Europe, Asia, South Africa, and South America, students pay only CU’s tuition fees. For semester abroad programmes in countries including the USA, UK, and Australia, students pay a reduced fee to the host university, with no charges from CU during the exchange period.

Additionally, CU offers International Transfer Programmes (ITPs), allowing students to commence their degrees at CU and complete them at partner universities overseas. These programmes are available across disciplines such as Engineering, Medicine, Architecture, Management, Journalism, Psychology, Animation, Nutrition, and Pharmacy. CU claims that ITPs offer up to 50% savings on international tuition fees, relaxed entry requirements, and access to academic and housing scholarships.

According to the university, international degrees obtained through these programmes significantly enhance academic credentials, professional development, and global employability. Many ITPs also include post-study work visa rights for one- to three-year degrees, and some students reportedly receive stipends while studying abroad.

To further support students, CU provides on-campus IELTS training and visa preparation assistance, claiming a 100% visa approval rate. The university also facilitates access to financial aid, reporting that its students have collectively received ₹82 crore and ₹1.28 crore in scholarships. Additional tuition waivers and housing support are offered through partner institutions. A notable experience involved 310 CU students participating in an internship and cultural exchange programme at Walt Disney World in Florida, USA. This visit included professional training, industry exposure, and intercultural engagement aimed at enhancing both personal and professional growth.

In a major academic collaboration, CU signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Harvard University to launch a joint business management initiative. Under this partnership, CU students undertake a semester-long online MBA course delivered by Harvard Business School faculty, with access to Harvard’s case studies and resources. Students are graded alongside their Harvard peers and may benefit from global placement opportunities. CU’s international footprint includes partnerships with 236 universities ranked by QS and 208 institutions recognised by Times Higher Education. The university asserts that these associations ensure access to world-class education and significantly improve students’ career prospects.

At present, CU claims to offer study opportunities across six continents in over 100 countries, including Belgium, France, the UK, Spain, Germany, Italy, Finland, Poland, the USA, Canada, Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, Thailand, and others. These opportunities are said to enrich students’ academic perspectives and provide globally recognised qualifications. To ease international transitions, CU also provides in-house training for embassy interviews and visa processes. The university emphasises that its International Study Programme not only enhances academic and employment outcomes but also fosters strong international alumni networks and global research collaborations. Chandigarh University’s initiative reflects a strategic commitment to making global education accessible, credible, and transformative for aspiring students.

Editor’s Note:

As global education becomes increasingly essential for academic enrichment and professional advancement, many students continue to face obstacles such as financial limitations, lack of guidance, and unclear pathways. Chandigarh University’s International Study Programme emerges as a structured response to these challenges, offering students a transparent and affordable route to study abroad. With academic tie-ups spanning over 100 countries, in-house visa support, and significant scholarship opportunities, the university is working to bridge the gap between ambition and access, making international education more attainable for a wider demographic. This report outlines CU’s comprehensive efforts to expand global opportunities through semester exchanges, international transfer programmes, and research collaborations with highly ranked institutions. The university’s focus on employability, cultural immersion, and academic quality reflects a strategic intent to prepare students for global citizenship. 

Skoobuzz asserts that as more students engage in international internships, dual degrees, and online courses with prestigious partners such as Harvard University, CU’s initiative stands out as a model for integrating global exposure into mainstream Indian higher education.