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IIT Kharagpur and the University of Auckland signed an MoU to foster academic exchange and research collaboration, faculty exchange and visiting/adjunct appointments, and student mobility. The institutes will typically explore opportunities for research in Healthcare Technologies, New Materials, Cyber Security and Artificial Intelligence.
“This is the first strategic partnership of the University of Auckland with a higher educational institution in India. The SPARC program of India is of specific interest to us. There are several research areas which are of mutual interest for both institutions and we would be deciding on the detailed areas of work leading to exchange of faculty and students,” said Prof. Jenny Dixon, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Strategic Engagement at the University of Auckland.
The MoU also involves the scope of outreach centers at IIT Kharagpur and Auckland representing various prestigious higher educational institutions of both countries.
“We are the nodal institution for New Zealand for the Ministry of Human Resources Development. We can coordinate with other institutions in the country through a joint research center specifically, a New Zealand Center at IIT Kharagpur and an India Center at Auckland” remarked Prof. P P Chakrabarti, Director, IIT Kharagpur. A similar Center is functional in China for eight universities from New Zealand focusing on teaching programs, research collaborations, students and faculty exchange. The proposal would be discussed with the governments of both countries.
The two institutes will further explore possibilities of a Dual Masters and Doctoral programs and a collaborative B.Tech. – M.Tech. Program.
“At IIT Kharagpur, we have been striving hard to ensure global exposures to gain in-depth knowledge in core disciplines, as well as expertise across disciplines, in collaboration with leaders in various areas of academia. The thrust areas in consideration for this collaboration are also in concurrence with our country to make giant leaps in healthcare, economy and quality of life,” remarked Prof. Baidurya Bhattacharya, Dean, International Relations, IIT Kharagpur.
At present Indian students form the third largest student community in New Zealand’s academia with enrolments mostly in science, engineering and business. The country has advanced policy settings for international students particularly in terms of post-studies employment drive. They can apply for a 3-year work visa after completing their degree.
