UK and Australia Focus on India's Educational Growth

On July 26, during The PIE Conference in Mumbai, a keynote panel discussion titled "India as an Education Superpower" was held. Hosted by Amy Baker, CEO of The PIE, the panel explored the vast opportunities for international education in India, including building new campuses, expanding into new cities, and fostering online collaborations.

UK’s Vision for Educational Expansion in India

Rittika Chanda Parruck MBE, Director of Education at the British Council, expressed optimism about the future of UK universities in India. She hinted at promising developments for the next year, emphasizing the importance of mutual recognition of qualifications between India and the UK, a goal the British Council has pursued for the past 15 years. This initiative has significantly facilitated collaboration and mobility between the two countries.

A key turning point in India's education landscape was the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Parruck noted that this policy, especially during the implementation phase, played a pivotal role in transforming India's approach to education and international collaborations.

Australia’s Early Success with New Campuses

Australia has already made significant strides in India, particularly with the establishment of two new campuses in GIFT City, Gujarat. Vik Singh, Trade and Investment Commissioner for Austrade in South Asia, highlighted Australia's pride in being the first nation to set up a physical campus in India. He attributed this success to the dedicated efforts of the Austrade team in India, who have been instrumental in helping Australian universities establish partnerships and navigate the complexities of the Indian market.

Singh also mentioned that Australia’s efforts to engage with the Indian market are reminiscent of the competitive spirit of the Ashes cricket series, but he emphasized that there is no rivalry in the education sector. Instead, India’s vast market offers ample opportunities for all countries to contribute.

India’s Strategic Role in Global Education

Stuart Bannerman, Associate Pro-Vice-Chancellor International at LSBU Global in the UK, discussed the importance of “decolonized transnational education.” He stressed that it’s crucial for India to have the autonomy to decide how international institutions establish a presence in the country. Bannerman pointed out that the UK is eager to build capacity in India, particularly in areas such as education access, student success, enterprise, employability, and research mobility.

Bannerman also expressed interest in bringing elements of UK education to India, mentioning the potential for dual degrees, degree apprenticeships, and other innovative programs.

Online Education and Global Collaborations

Organizations like Emeritus, which has a significant presence in the US, have also made inroads into India. Sid Taparia, Vice President of Corporate Development at Emeritus, highlighted the importance of accessible and affordable education through online and international collaborations. Emeritus partners with over 90 universities worldwide, including in the US, UK, Europe, China, Latin America, and India, to provide skill development programs for working professionals.

Taparia emphasized that India is a key market for online education, especially given the country’s large higher education sector, with over 45 million enrollments annually. He also noted that Indian students are increasingly focused on the value of qualifications, particularly in terms of employability and international mobility, rather than just the cost.

Addressing India’s Educational Needs

India’s education market is set to expand significantly, with the country needing to add 80 million university places by 2030 to achieve its goal of a 50% gross enrollment ratio. Parruck from the British Council noted that Indian students are drawn to qualifications that offer better employment opportunities and international mobility, underscoring the importance of aligning educational offerings with these expectations.

Countries like Australia are looking to expand beyond initial models, such as the GIFT City campus, to explore opportunities in other Indian cities. Singh mentioned that there is growing interest from Australian delegations to establish a broader presence in India.

International Institutions and India’s Educational Growth

Bannerman emphasized the importance of making education accessible in India, advocating for models that focus on humanity-based interests rather than merely transferring resources from the developing south to the global north. He also stressed the need for flexible and affordable education delivery methods.

With new regulations on international campuses introduced last year, the British Council has been actively promoting internationalization efforts in state universities across India. Parruck mentioned a recent study by the British Council that explored ways to support state universities in Maharashtra and Karnataka in enhancing their internationalization capacity.

Conclusion

India’s rapidly growing education market presents immense opportunities for international institutions. Both the UK and Australia are making significant efforts to establish a strong presence in India, driven by policies like NEP 2020 and the strategic support of organizations like the British Council and Austrade. As India continues to expand its higher education sector, international collaborations will play a crucial role in shaping the future of education in the country.

Source: PIENEWS