XLRI Strengthens Global Education Ties Through Business School Collaborations Across Europe

New XLRI Collaboration Opens Study Abroad Opportunities with Top European Universities

Xavier School of Management (XLRI Delhi) is a premier business school with a tradition of nurturing responsible leadership through values-driven education and academic excellence. The institute is accredited by AACSB and AMBA. XLRI Delhi offers full-time and executive programmes in business management, entrepreneurship and innovation, positioning itself among leading institutions for international business programmes and global leadership courses. Its growing international collaborations reflect a strategic commitment to expanding access to study abroad opportunities and joint degrees with European universities.

Lately, XLRI has apparently finalised a new Indo-French-Danish academic partnership with various renowned European Universities, which is a huge development in the scenario of global education. According to a press release by the institute, a Memorandum of Understanding has been signed in New Delhi with the University of Paris-1 Panthéon-Sorbonne, the University of Bordeaux, the UNESCO Chair at Paris Nanterre, the Danish Consortium for Academic Craftsmanship (DCAC), and the International Institute of Education (IIE) Consortium of Universities. This initiative has been framed as a strategic move to further study abroad opportunities and facilitate stronger business school partnerships. The collaboration was said to provide a variety of academic activities, such as shared degrees, executive education, collaborative research projects, and mutual exchanges of students and faculty. Fr. Nelson A D'Silva, SJ, Acting Director of XLRI Delhi-NCR Campus, has termed the agreement as a milestone, implying that it is not just a formal arrangement; it is a bridge connecting Indian students with world-class international universities and life-altering learning experiences. He also intimated that the model can guide the future global education alliances.

The partnership will provide career-focused programmes in the fields of healthcare management, family business, consulting, digital business, and entrepreneurship. Furthermore, DCAC will also conduct practical workshops as well as professional training courses according to the requirements of Indian students. The students who complete these programmes successfully will receive the 'Diplôme national' degrees from Sorbonne and Bordeaux,degrees that are accepted in Europe, OECD, as well as Commonwealth nations. These degrees also satisfy eligibility requirements for global work visas, such as the EU Blue Card, the UK Skilled Worker Visa, and Canada's Express Entry route.

Senior officials from the collaborating institutions have indicated robust support for the partnership. Dr Eric Lamarque, Dean at IAE Paris Sorbonne Business School, remarked that the initiative would enhance Indo-French academic relations and facilitate cultural exchange. This, Dr Alberto Arubulu, Director of MBA Programmes at Bordeaux, underscored that management education needed to cross borders, and that this alliance brings Indian students direct access to amongst the most competitive opportunities offered by MBA universities in Europe. Prof. Michael Christensen of IBC International Business College (DCAC) pointed out that the emphasis would still be on hands-on skill-based learning tailored specifically for Indian professionals.

The initial batch of programmes will begin in 2025-26, followed by other courses. The ultimate goal is to increase the availability of global leadership programmes for Indian students and provide them with the means to succeed in global business forums. By providing double degrees in business and management as a joint initiative with European universities, XLRI Delhi is at the cutting edge of international business programs and cross-border educational innovation.

Editor’s Note

XLRI Delhi’s new Indo-French-Danish alliance signals a thoughtful and timely expansion of India’s global academic footprint. The partnership is not only ambitious in scope but also practical in design, offering Indian students direct access to European universities through joint degrees, executive education, and hands-on training. What stands out is the clear emphasis on career-focused learning,from healthcare management to digital business,paired with internationally recognised qualifications that support global mobility. The inclusion of the 'Diplôme national' degrees within visa routes like the EU Blue Card and UK Skilled Worker Visa demonstrates a strategic appreciation of post-study destinations. In addition, the participation of institutions like Sorbonne, Bordeaux, and DCAC adds gravitas and richness to the initiative, ensuring that students derive both academic rigour and professional applicability.
Fr. Nelson A D'Silva's terminology of the agreement as a "bridge" is appropriate; it bridges Indian students not only to global universities but to a wider vision of global education that is inclusive, skill-driven, and future-oriented. Phased implementation of the programme from 2025–26 indicates thoughtfulness and long-term dedication. 

Skoobuzz believes that this is an exciting model for business school partnerships that put students first and internationalisation forward.

FAQs

1. Which European universities are partnering with XLRI for joint degrees? 
XLRI Delhi has entered into formal academic collaboration with several distinguished European institutions. These include the University of Paris-1 Panthéon-Sorbonne, the University of Bordeaux, the UNESCO Chair at Paris Nanterre, and the Danish Consortium for Academic Craftsmanship (DCAC). The partnership also involves the International Institute of Education (IIE) Consortium of Universities. Each of these institutions brings sectoral expertise and international recognition, forming a robust foundation for joint degree programmes in business and management.

2. What are the benefits of pursuing a joint degree with XLRI and European universities? 
Pursuing a joint degree through XLRI and its European partners offers students dual academic credentials that are recognised across Europe, OECD, and Commonwealth countries. These qualifications meet eligibility criteria for global work visas, including the EU Blue Card, UK Skilled Worker Visa, and Canada’s Express Entry. Beyond formal recognition, students gain access to diverse pedagogical approaches, cross-cultural learning environments, and practical training modules. The structure is designed to enhance employability, global mobility, and leadership readiness in international business contexts.

3. How do XLRI’s joint degrees enhance global business education?
XLRI’s joint degrees contribute meaningfully to global business education by integrating academic rigour with real-world relevance. The programmes are built around executive education, collaborative research, and skill-based training, ensuring that students are equipped to navigate complex international markets. By partnering with top European universities, XLRI enables Indian students to engage directly with global business frameworks, regulatory environments, and entrepreneurial ecosystems. This approach fosters a more holistic understanding of leadership, innovation, and strategic management across borders.

4. What MBA programs are offered through XLRI’s collaboration with European universities?
The collaboration offers career-focused MBA programmes in healthcare management, family business, consulting, digital business, and entrepreneurship. These programmes are designed to meet the evolving needs of global industries and are complemented by hands-on workshops and professional training sessions delivered by DCAC. The curriculum reflects a balance between academic depth and practical application, tailored specifically for Indian professionals seeking international exposure and sectoral advancement.

5. How can Indian students apply for XLRI-European joint degrees?
Indian students interested in these joint degrees are expected to apply through XLRI’s standard admissions process for its MBA and executive programmes. Once enrolled, eligible candidates may opt into the joint degree pathway, subject to academic performance and programme-specific criteria. XLRI will guide course selection, international placement, and visa procedures. Students are encouraged to consult with programme coordinators for detailed timelines and application requirements related to the European partner institutions.