The University of Queensland (The University of Queensland) has deepened its academic and research ties with India through a series of new agreements, expanded collaborations and student mobility initiatives following high-level visits to New Delhi and Chennai.
A delegation led by UQ Chancellor Peter Varghese and Vice-Chancellor Deborah Terry engaged with leading Indian universities, government bodies and industry partners to strengthen long-term cooperation in education, research and innovation.
A key highlight of the visit was the renewal of the long-running partnership between UQ and the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (Indian Institute of Technology Delhi). Both institutions agreed to extend the UQ–IITD Research Academy for another five years, with plans to further expand faculty exchange programmes, joint research projects and industry engagement.
The research academy, considered a flagship initiative in Australia–India academic cooperation, currently supports 133 doctoral researchers and has produced 23 graduates. Its collaborative work spans critical areas such as energy, sustainability, digital technologies and biomedical sciences.
Vice-Chancellor Deborah Terry noted that sustained international partnerships like this are producing impactful research outcomes while developing globally connected researchers.
UQ also signed a new academic agreement with Lady Shri Ram College for Women aimed at enhancing student exchange and international learning opportunities.
Further strengthening its India engagement, the university expanded collaborations with SRM Institute of Science and Technology and Vellore Institute of Technology, both of which have already contributed more than 200 students to UQ through existing pathway programmes. The institutions are now looking to increase student mobility and joint research in science, technology, engineering and biotechnology.
The delegation also held discussions with Indian Institute of Technology Madras, IDP Education, and Asha Community Health and Development Society to explore additional areas of cooperation.
In Chennai, UQ hosted an industry roundtable focused on research translation and workforce readiness, while an alumni reception in New Delhi brought together graduates, academic partners and stakeholders.
UQ currently maintains nearly 3,000 alumni in India and has 43 active partnerships with 30 Indian institutions, spanning research collaboration, dual-degree programmes, student exchange and industry-linked initiatives.
Chancellor Peter Varghese said universities play a central role in strengthening Australia–India relations through education, innovation and people-to-people connections.
The visit aligns with the continued expansion of education and research ties under India’s National Education Policy 2020 and the broader strategic partnership between Australia and India.