Melbourne University Alumni in India Drive Collaboration Across Education and Industry

Recently, the city of Melbourne, in collaboration with the University of Melbourne, conducted an alumni meet of Melbourne University in New Delhi. The gathering was held at MGC–D (Melbourne Global Centre Delhi alumni gathering), coinciding with the Lord Mayor of Melbourne’s visit to Delhi for the alumni meet, marking Nicholas Reece’s first official visit to India. Twenty graduates from four Melbourne universities attended the event, reflecting the role University of Melbourne alumni from India play across industries, research, and innovation in India and Australia.

Professor Muthupandian Ashokkumar, Director of MGC–D, stated that Indian alumni were central to relations between India and the University. Their contributions in so many sectors illustrate the strength of the UniMelb Indian alumni network and underscore its importance through global alumni engagement in Melbourne.

Lord Mayor Nicholas Reece, himself a University of Melbourne alumnus, spoke to international students and alumni. He stated that now the biggest cohort in Melbourne is Indian students, and their presence further strengthens international alumni relations between India and Australia. International education, he stated, is a "human bridge" sustaining ties between India and Australia in higher education and long-term collaboration.

One of the alumni, Ms Harshita Gupta, who pursued a Master's in Management (Marketing), shared her experience of studying in Melbourne. She stated that the University gave robust support for her personal and professional growth. She mentioned that cultural diversity, campus activities, and creative platforms helped in her confidence-building. She also organised workshops on Eid and Diwali, both of which made her feel appreciated as a member of the Indian graduates community at the University of Melbourne.

The Alumni community of the University in India is now more than 1800, spread across Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Chennai. This UniMelb network in the Indian capital and beyond is considered critical for higher education diplomacy between both countries, in promoting collaboration in education, research, and industry. The University of Melbourne Global Centre in Delhi conducts alumni events for Indian alumni and acts as a hub for lifelong alumni activity. Established in 2024, the centre will foster alumni networking between Melbourne and Delhi, hence strengthening Australia-India alumni relations Melbourne-Delhi.

Editor’s Note

The perception that the increasing importance of alumni in international education ties is well reflected in the recent Melbourne University Indian alumni event held in Delhi. Getting graduates from four Melbourne universities together highlighted how these alumni provide contributions to industry, research and innovation in both countries- India and Australia. The presence of the Lord Mayor of Melbourne, Nicholas Reece really spoke volumes for the alumni diplomacy and the role that international education plays as a bridge between nations. The Melbourne Global Centre in Delhi would obviously mark an increasingly significant step toward strengthening alumni engagement. Since the centre opened its doors in 2024, it has been housed as an alumni networking, research partnerships, and lifelong learning hub. With an alumni population of more than 1,800 in India now, ranging across Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Chennai, the centre is an assurance to graduates to remain connected to the University and to one another. This network is seen as important for advancing collaboration in education, research and industry, thereby further enhancing the University’s global standing. Such alumni meets also bring to the fore the human and cultural face of international education. Alumni spoke about cultural diversity, creative opportunities, and community engagement during their time in Melbourne. These stories show that the alumni network is not only a professional platform but also an association that celebrates culture, creativity, and common values.

As per Skoobuzz, by cultivating its alumni body in India, the University of Melbourne is waging long-term relationships that strengthen Australia-India higher education diplomacy and ensure that graduates keep meaningfully shaping global collaboration.

FAQs

1. Why is the Melbourne Lord Mayor visiting Indian alumni in Delhi?

The Lord Mayor of Melbourne, Nicholas Reece, visited Delhi to meet Indian alumni of the University of Melbourne. His trip marked his first official visit to India and was part of efforts to strengthen ties between Melbourne and its global alumni community.

2. What was the purpose of UniMelb’s alumni event in Delhi?

The alumni event at the Melbourne Global Centre in Delhi was organised to celebrate the achievements of Indian graduates, promote alumni networking, and highlight the role of international education in building stronger Australia–India relations.

3. How many Indian alumni does the University of Melbourne have?

The University of Melbourne has more than 1,800 alumni in India. They are based in major cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Chennai, contributing to education, research and industry collaborations.

4. Where is the Melbourne Global Centre located in India?

The Melbourne Global Centre is located in New Delhi, India. It was established in 2024 to serve as a hub for alumni engagement, research partnerships and lifelong learning.

5. How does the University of Melbourne engage with alumni in India?

The University engages with alumni in India through events, networking opportunities, cultural activities and professional collaborations. The Melbourne Global Centre in Delhi provides a dedicated space for alumni to connect, share experiences and strengthen Australia–India higher education ties.