Australia-India partnership brings benefits to higher education and research

The Australia-India partnership is unlocking new opportunities in higher education, and boosting academic collaboration and innovation.

The Australia-India relationship is stronger than ever when it comes to advancing higher education partnerships that increase access to global education opportunities, enhance academic exchange, advance research and innovation, and strengthen cultural understanding across the Pacific.

The ever-evolving diplomatic relations between India and Australia afford abundant opportunities for both nations.

In recent years, the work done on both sides has yielded high results, including new trade agreements and the establishment of the Centre for Australia-India Relations. This is complemented by a high tempo of senior ministerial visits and continued efforts in the Quad to support a stable Indo-Pacific.

Education is one of those stabilising forces and has long been a golden thread between our two great countries that can empower whole communities and deliver social prosperity and cohesion.

India and Australia have well-established educational ties - through a diverse range of formal agreements, transnational education, research collaborations and global mobility initiatives. With international education being Australia's third major export and India's new policy vision to modernise its education system and double its tertiary enrolments to 50 percent by 2035, means we can both look to strategically strengthen our bilateral partnership over time.

Professor Jessica Gallagher, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (External Engagement) at the University of Adelaide, plays a pivotal role in strengthening international education partnerships, aligning perfectly with the expanding India-Australia collaboration.

As she leads Market and Partner Engagement for the new Adelaide University opening in 2026, her efforts mirror the broader goal of fostering global education opportunities, advancing research, and driving innovation between Australia and India.

5 BENEFITS OF INDIA-AUSTRALIA COLLABORATIONS FOR HIGHER EDUCATION

Mutual recognition of qualifications: Breaking barriers earlier this year, India signed the most comprehensive educational agreement of its type with another country, and to mutually recognise qualifications with Australia. This historic move will ease transitions for students and professionals, promote cross-border career advancement, enable further education opportunities, and support greater two-way student mobility and ways of learning.

AUSTRALIAN UNIVERSITIES EXPANDING INTO THE INDIA MARKET

India's population, youth demographics and growing middle class are driving a significant demand for qualifications and skills to meet national priorities. Australia is already a major educational destination for Indian students, with more than 120,000 studying across the nation last year alone.
Australian universities are prioritising degrees of the future, bringing emerging disciplines to the fore and attracting a myriad of global learners.

This includes information technology and AI and computer science, healthcare, advanced manufacturing, data science and digital business. The Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (AI-ECTA) is also paving the way for greater student mobility and experience.

ENHANCED DEFENCE RESEARCH AND INNOVATION

Australia and India share a deep and abiding interest in the security and stability of the Indo-Pacific. The Memorandum of Understanding establishing a new Advanced Defence Technologies Training Academy in South Australia will unlock capabilities for deep collaboration, digital training, education and research critical to the defence industry while aligning other sectors such as space and cyber.

JOINT RESEARCH INITIATIVES ADDRESSING REGIONAL ISSUES

Our region is facing complex and intergenerational challenges. Australia's research priorities are wholly compatible with our neighbours, with a strong focus on green energy transition, societal health, along with food security and environmental sustainability. In fact, we have seen real relational power and delivery of outcomes through the Australia-India Strategic Research Fund with A$100 million in grant activities and 368 collaborative research projects across e-waste, artificial intelligence and medicine to tackle superbugs.

Universities are collaborating on joint research training initiatives that provide our future leaders with invaluable knowledge and networks across the two research and innovation ecosystems.

ENHANCED COLLABORATION IN EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES

Australia and India are global leaders in emerging technologies, such as AI, cybersecurity, and renewable energies. Collaborative programs and research initiatives across our borders such as the New Colombo Plan are helping to drive mobility, develop cutting-edge solutions and provide students with hands-on learning experiences in high-demand fields.

Gone are the days when the India-Australian relationship could only be described by our connection to the Commonwealth and cricket. Our partnerships are delivering vibrant and groundbreaking insights and innovations. Together, we do great things.