New Zealand Prime Minister John Key has announced an important new partnership between the University of Otago and a highly regarded Indian educational institute during his visit to the Asian nation today.
The relationship between the Dunedin based university and the BSE Institute in Mumbai, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Bombay Stock Exchange, will focus on teaching business-based postgraduate programmes.
Officials from the tertiary education providers have signed a memorandum of understanding to formalise the agreement.
University of Otago’s Director International Simon Chu said the collaboration would encourage better access for students between the nations and create a stronger research relationship.
“Initially, the collaboration will focus on postgraduate programmes at Otago’s School of Business, including several taught Masters programmes and the MBA,” Mr Chu said.
The first students to participate in the programme may arrive at Otago at the beginning of next year, he said.
Otago, out of all the universities in New Zealand, had the highest percentage of Indian PhD students.
University of Otago vice-chancellor Prof Harlene Hayne said the relationship would be important and mutually beneficial.
"There will be exchange and recruitment opportunities, as well as benefits from the relationships that develop between staff, students and, over time, alumni.
"These relationships may also lead to research collaborations and funding opportunities, and can only add to the very fine reputations of both institutions,” she said.
Dr Ambarish Datta, chief executive of the BSE Institute Ltd, said students from New Zealand would be given the opportunity to visit India and study its economy and culture.
