During International Week 2026, Parul University became the first private university in India to establish a New Zealand Centre of Excellence. The initiative, named INSPIRE NZ, was launched in the presence of Matthew Ayers, Deputy High Commissioner of New Zealand to India, alongside senior leaders and academics from six of New Zealand’s eight universities.
The partnership involves seven New Zealand universities:
- University of Otago
- Auckland University of Technology (home institution of Dr. John Tookey, IVPP visiting faculty)
- Massey University
- Victoria University of Wellington (Te Herenga Waka)
- Lincoln University
- University of Waikato (QS World Rank 235, visited by Nathan Cooper for engagement discussions)
- University of Canterbury
In the MoU they signed, they agreed onto conducting joint research and academic collabs, using shared infrastructure and exchange programmes. Be it a professor or student, they will have a massive exposure to get world-class exposure, right at Parul University. Two more agreements were announced at the same event, Victoria University of Wellington and Parul University in Design Innovation & Computer Science.
The President’s Acknowledgement
Dr. Devanshu Patel, President of Parul University, stated that the Centre reflects the university’s long-term commitment to building meaningful, structured, and outcome-focused global partnerships.
Dr. Preeti Nair, Director of CIRR, described INSPIRE NZ as the result of sustained academic alignment, providing a cohesive platform that integrates student mobility, faculty engagement, and research dialogue.
Djhoanna Lambert, Associate Director of Global Engagement at Victoria University of Wellington, praised the partnership’s energy and described it as a dynamic platform connecting academics, researchers, and students across mobility, entrepreneurship, innovation, and research. World-wide media has covered the news, head here to read the articles –
FAQ
What is INSPIRE NZ at Parul University?
India's first New Zealand Centre of Excellence at a private university. Launched February 2026 in the presence of the NZ Deputy High Commissioner and 6 of 8 NZ universities. Joint research, student mobility, faculty exchange, Design Innovation and Computer Science articulations.
Which NZ universities are partnered with Parul?
University of Otago, Auckland University of Technology, Massey University, Victoria University of Wellington, Lincoln University, University of Waikato (QS 235), and University of Canterbury.
