New partnership with Shoolini University provides Indian students more pathways to global education

Indian students will be able to study both at home and in Australia under a landmark agreement between the University of Melbourne and one of India’s top institutions, Shoolini University.

Beginning with undergraduate studies in science, the new dual degree agreement gives Indian students additional pathways to access an international education experience with the confidence of a world-class curriculum.

Shoolini University, in Himachel Pradesh, northern India, is India’s first-ranked private university, and the country’s second-ranked university overall, according to the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings. The University of Melbourne is ranked first in Australia and 34 worldwide.

Under the Bachelor of Science Advanced (Honours) dual degree program, which will soon begin accepting admissions, students will spend two years at Shoolini University and then two years at the University of Melbourne.

In years 3 and 4, students will be able to choose from a huge range of multidisciplinary majors, with globally significant themes such as Agriculture, Sustainability and Environment, Biosciences, and Computer Sciences being considered.

Eligible students may choose to stay a further year to complete a Masters of Science at the University of Melbourne.  When completing their studies in Australia, students will have the option to apply for post-study work rights if they meet the Australian government criteria.

The program’s curriculum has been developed in line with the world-class standards of the University of Melbourne. Shoolini University academics will also visit Melbourne for practical training and for greater knowledge exchange between both universities.

The breakthrough partnership was finalised when a delegation from Shoolini University, led by Vice-Chancellor, Professor Atul Khosla and comprising Trustee and Director Admissions Avnee Khosla, Dean, Research Dr Saurabh Kulshrestha, and Associate Director Dr Rosey Dhanta, last week met University of Melbourne senior executives, including Deputy Vice-Chancellor Global, Culture and Engagement, Professor Michael Wesley.

Professor Khosla said the partnership would benefit both universities and students.

“We have some of the best undergraduate students in India and this partnership will increase their opportunities to study internationally, while our partnership with the University of Melbourne demonstrates that Shoolini University is a university of world standards,” Professor Khosla said.

Professor Wesley said the agreement would give high-achieving Indian students opportunities to receive a truly global education and build their international professional network.

“This is our fourth dual-degree partnership with an Indian University and our first with a private university. We are delighted to work with Shoolini University to provide students with an international education that will prepare them for today’s globally connected world,” Professor Wesley said.

“We are committed to long-term partnerships with premium Indian universities to build capacity and shape international education together, and connecting Indian students to the University of Melbourne’s network of half a million global alumni.”