University of Melbourne Leads Innovative Education Collaborations with Indian Institutions

India’s NEP 2020 Spurs Global Academic Partnerships with Australia

India stands at a pivotal moment, with its greatest strength being its vast youth population—one in every five individuals under the age of 25 globally resides in the country. This demographic dividend presents immense potential for driving national progress; however, it also brings considerable challenges. Among the most pressing is India’s ambitious target to enrol 50% of its youth in higher education by 2035. Achieving this goal necessitates innovative approaches that move beyond traditional classroom models, particularly as existing infrastructure may not grow quickly enough to meet rising demand. Furthermore, emerging industries such as renewable energy and artificial intelligence require training aligned with global standards.

To address these challenges, Transnational Education (TNE) partnerships between Indian and Australian universities have been identified as a strategic solution. These collaborations offer scalable, high-quality, and relevant programs—many of which leverage online learning and innovative delivery models. Educational cooperation between the two countries has grown significantly, with over 120,000 Indian students currently studying in Australia, reflecting a 380% increase over the last two decades. Additionally, 430 transnational academic partnerships have been formalised between Indian and Australian institutions.

Importantly, these developments align closely with the objectives of India’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasises flexibility, global engagement, and the integration of digital learning. The NEP seeks to modernise the Indian education system through multidisciplinary degrees, credit portability, and international collaboration. This framework has created a strategic opportunity for TNE models. Recognising this, the University of Melbourne has prioritised collaborative approaches that align with India’s educational goals.

Since 2016, the University of Melbourne has offered a co-designed Bachelor of Science (Blended) program in collaboration with Indian institutions such as the University of Madras and Savitribai Phule Pune University. The first two years of the program are delivered in India by local faculty, focusing on foundational science subjects, while the third year includes specialised majors like Environmental Science, Physics, or Mathematics. This model ensures a strong local academic foundation and opens pathways for advanced studies at Melbourne.

Building on this success, the University of Melbourne launched a Bachelor of Science Advanced (Honours) Dual Degree in March 2023 with Shoolini University in Himachal Pradesh. Students complete two years in India before transitioning to Melbourne for advanced coursework and research, with access to over 30 majors. This model significantly lowers costs compared to a full overseas degree while maintaining international standards. Moreover, discussions are underway with additional Indian universities to expand this model further. While expanding access is critical, it was emphasized that maintaining quality is equally important. Indian and Australian universities are encouraged to invest in accreditation processes, faculty development, and infrastructure tailored to local contexts. A notable example is the University of Melbourne’s 2023 partnership with IIT Kharagpur, where teams trained communities in West Bengal on low-cost water treatment system design. This initiative not only addressed rural needs but also enhanced academic engagement and skill development.

Further impactful collaborations include partnerships with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), where Australian researchers trained Indian farmers on livestock management during extreme heat waves. Some of these practices were adopted as national guidelines. Additionally, the University of Melbourne’s Smart Villages program, in partnership with the Assam government, has been designing affordable, climate-resilient housing prototypes for rural areas since 2016. These initiatives are supported by recent policy reforms in India, such as streamlined approval processes for international academic partnerships, signalling a strong commitment to advancing TNE. Australia has reinforced these efforts through research funding and student mobility programs. However, experts stressed that the long-term success of these collaborations depends on building sustainable partnerships rather than merely establishing foreign campuses.

Looking ahead, digital tools are expected to play a transformative role in the future of TNE. Innovations such as micro-credentials for professionals, virtual labs for STEM students, and AI-driven mentorship platforms offer promising avenues to extend educational access to underserved regions. India’s National Digital Education Architecture (NDEAR) plays a key role in this effort, delivering high-quality educational content to rural schools and supporting NEP’s inclusivity goals.

To sustain this momentum, educators and policymakers are advised to simplify regulatory frameworks, invest in digital infrastructure, and prioritise equitable access. By leveraging Australia’s expertise in transnational education and aligning with India’s vision for youth empowerment, both countries are well-positioned to collaboratively prepare students for success in an increasingly globalised world. Through strategic partnerships, digital innovation, and a shared commitment to quality and inclusion, India and Australia are building a robust transnational education ecosystem that can transform the future of higher learning.

Editor’s Note:

This in-depth report highlights a transformative chapter in the evolving partnership between India and Australia in the field of higher education. As India works toward its ambitious goal of enrolling 50% of its youth in higher education by 2035, the challenges of scale, quality, and accessibility loom large. However, the emergence of Transnational Education (TNE) models—especially those grounded in digital innovation and collaborative program design—offers a promising path forward. By showcasing real-world examples like the University of Melbourne’s co-developed degree programs, rural development initiatives, and cross-border research efforts, this piece illustrates how meaningful, long-term academic partnerships can align with national education goals such as India’s NEP 2020. 

Skoobuzz underscores that the future of global education lies not merely in exporting degrees but in building systems rooted in mutual respect, equity, and sustainable growth—empowering students on both sides to thrive in an interconnected world.