Patiala: Punjabi University on Monday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Universal Business School in Patiala to forge an academic partnership aimed at offering international exposure, academic exchange, and internship and placement opportunities in Australia.
The agreement was signed by vice-chancellor Jagdeep Singh on behalf of Punjabi University and the chancellor of GCA Australia, representing the Universal Business School, Garry Malhotra.
“This MoU will open new international horizons for Punjabi University students,” VC Jagdeep Singh said, adding that the primary goal was to provide students with international exposure and foster academic exchange between the two institutions. He said the objective was to offer students the same facilities and opportunities available to students in developed nations, and that the MoU would pave the way for internships and placements in Australia.
He said the partnership extended beyond academics and would serve as a bridge for cultural exchange. He expressed hope that experts from Australia would engage with local students through both online and offline sessions. He directed relevant officials to draft executive plans to implement the terms of the agreement immediately.
The MoU included a six-point programme for students and faculty. Students would get the opportunity to study in Australia and understand the international business environment. The two institutions would collaborate on innovative research projects in business and management. Teachers would be able to visit partner institutions to learn and share modern teaching methodologies. New degree and diploma programmes would be introduced, allowing students to complete part of their studies in India and the remainder in Australia.
Describing the partnership as a milestone in education, Garry Malhotra said the initial phase would focus on business management, with plans to expand to other disciplines later. He said participation in the international programmes would be strictly based on academic merit. He said students would benefit from dual degree opportunities and exposure to international teaching pedagogies. The pact aimed to improve employability in multinational organisations through specialised internships and research projects.
The signing ceremony was attended by dean, academic affairs Prof Jaswinder Singh Brar, registrar Davinder Pal Singh Sidhu and former vice-chancellor B S Ghuman.
