The programme began with a delegate briefing and introduction dinner at Lal Qila, Darling Harbour, Sydney, where the seven Indian delegates met the Austrade team and established working relationships before the formal institutional visits began the following morning.
Sydney: University of Sydney, ACU, Western Sydney University
Day 1 began with a meeting at the University of Sydney with Kirsten Andrews, Vice-President (External Engagement). The delegation organized an official levelled up visit to the Australian Catholic University (ACU), where they were welcomed by an eminent leadership team including Provost Professor Julie Cogin and Pro Vice-Chancellor Global Mr. Richard Dobek. The session featured specialized insights from Mrs. Kelly Humphrey (PVC Indigenous), Professor Elspeth Froude (Head of Allied Health), and Dr. Pandula Gamage (Deputy Head of the Business School). Discussions focused on the combination of AI and digital transformation, strategies for enhancing graduate employability, and identifying key areas where ACU can align with Indian institutions under the framework of NEP 2020.
Become a part of the Parul University international and experience the global meet workshops.
The Centre for Australia-India Relations (CAIR) hosted a networking lunch attended by CAIR Chair Swati Dave, CEO Ryan Neelam, and Board Member Catriona Jackson. The afternoon session at Western Sydney University was hosted by Provost Deborah Sweeney, Distinguished Professor Brian Falzon (Executive Dean, Engineering/Computing/Science), Professor Graciela Metternicht (Dean, School of Science), Professor Hind Benbya (Dean, School of Business), Dr Liz Smith (Director TNE), Dr Nisha Rakhesh (Director Global Initiatives), and Ms Inu Rana (Senior Manager, Global Entrepreneurship, Launch Pad). Dr Geetika Madan Patel met a Parul University student currently enrolled in the 2+2 partnership programme between Parul and WSU in Agriculture. The evening roundtable at IGLU Sydney was themed Forging Australia-India TNE Partnerships.
Canberra: UA Summit, Department of Education, Parliament House
Day 2 featured Dr Geetika Madan Patel‘s panel session at the Universities Australia Solutions Summit. The delegates who went there then met the Department of Education Australia (Ms Fiona Morris, A/g Assistant Secretary, Ms Liz Campbell Dorning, Director, South Asia Team) and TEQSA (Jen Bahen, Executive Director) where they discussed education policy reforms, quality assurance, and innovation. A meeting with the Deputy Indian High Commissioner at the High Commission of India, Yarralumla, followed.Next was a networking dinner with Australian Vice-Chancellors, hosted at the Hyatt Hotel, Canberra.
On day three of the summit was followed by a lunch with the ACT Government (Study Canberra, Sarah Staruszkiewicz, Senior Director International Markets). A session at the Canberra Innovation Network (CBRIN) focused on Scaling India-Australia Innovation Partnerships, including a CBRIN HQ tour, presentations by SRM University and Poornima University, and an open roundtable. The Summit Dinner at the Great Hall, Parliament House, featured a keynote by The Hon. Jason Clare MP, Minister for Education.
Gold Coast: Griffith University, Health Precinct, Bond University
Day 4 featured a campus tour of Griffith University hosted by Professor Rosalind Archer (Dean Academic, Griffith Sciences), Professor Michelle Hood (Dean Learning and Teaching, Griffith Health), Associate Professor Sohil Khan (Griffith Health), and Dr Caroline Riot (Director, Games Engagement and Partnerships). The Sports engagement focus and the Gold Coast Health and Knowledge Precinct (led by Craig Rowsell) directly align with Parul University’s stated interest in Sports Science and Infrastructure. The CEO of Experience Gold Coast, John Warn, hosted a welcome dinner at HOTA (Home of the Arts).
Day 5 began at Bond University, Australia’s first private university, hosted by Vice Chancellor Professor Tim Brailsford. The session covered data analytics, actuarial science, and AI degrees. Vice President Cheryl Jolliffe discussed partnership models. A campus tour with a current Bond student followed.
Brisbane: University of Queensland, QS India Showcase
The delegation concluded at the University of Queensland (UQ) , St Lucia campus. The QS India Showcase was themed From Degree to Deployment: Turning India-Australia Partnerships into Workforce Outcomes. The objectives included aligning education with workforce demand, strengthening industry-integrated learning, enabling high-impact institutional partnerships, and positioning India as a global talent partner. The delegation met with UQ’s Chancellor or Vice Chancellor at the Senate Room, Brian Wilson Chancellery.
Find more at Australia-India ECTA (Universities Australia)
All 16+ Institutions Engaged
- Universities: University of Sydney, Australian Catholic University, Western Sydney University, Griffith University, Bond University, University of Queensland, Charles Sturt University (bilateral)
- Government and policy: Department of Education Australia, TEQSA, Study Canberra (ACT Government), High Commission of India
- Innovation and industry: Canberra Innovation Network (CBRIN), IGLU, Gold Coast Health and Knowledge Precinct, Experience Gold Coast
- National platforms: Universities Australia Solutions Summit, QS India Showcase
- Bilateral relations: Centre for Australia-India Relations (CAIR)
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FAQ
How many Australian institutions did Parul University engage with?
16+ institutions across Sydney, Canberra, Gold Coast, and Brisbane. Including the University of Sydney, ACU, WSU, Griffith, Bond, UQ, CSU (bilateral), Department of Education, TEQSA, CBRIN, CAIR, Study Canberra, IGLU, Gold Coast Health Precinct, and the High Commission of India. Led by Austrade's Mukund Narayanamurti and Vik Singh.
Which were the Indian institutions that attended the summit?
Indian institutions that attended the summit were Parul University, SRM University, Poornima University, Jain Group University, Vignan Group University, Bennett University, and KIIT.
Who is Jason Clare?
Jason Clare is an Australian politician serving as the minister of education since 1st June 2022. He was also part of the Australian Solution Summit.
